Changes to Presentation of ONE News 6pm Bulletin

Changes to Presentation of ONE News 6pm Bulletin

TVNZ confirmed today that Richard Long will not be returning next year to read the ONE News 6pm bulletin and will officially finish with the Company when his contract expires at the end of the year.

Richard Long's broadcasting career spans 35 years and for the past 16 years he has presented the ONE News 6pm weeknight bulletin with Judy Bailey.

TVNZ's Head of News & Current Affairs, Bill Ralston, said Richard Long had been a key member of the ONE News team and would be missed both inside and outside the newsroom.

"Richard is one of television's newsreading icons and will always be remembered as someone who could be relied upon to get on with the job and do it damn well."

Bill Ralston also confirmed today that the ONE News 6pm bulletin would be adopting the single head news presenter format in the new year with Judy Bailey fronting the weeknight bulletins.

"The single head newsreader style is in line with other major broadcasters around the world including the BBC, ITN and the major US networks. Moving forward, we will be focusing more on the news with less emphasis on the personalities."

The ONE News 6pm bulletin is currently under review with all changes expected to be finalised later this year for launch in 2004.

Richard Long is on sick leave following a major knee operation and is unavailable for comment as he is convalescing. He intends returning to work in mid November to work out the remainder of his contract.

ENDS

© Scoop Media