Andrew Shaw Joins Prime

Andrew Shaw Joins Prime

Prime Television today announced the appointment of Andrew Shaw as Programme Manager of the Network. Barry Cowling who has been programming Prime from the Nine Network in Australia will assume an Executive Programming liaison role to Prime.

In announcing Mr Shaw's appointment, Prime's CEO Chris Taylor said "I personally want to thank Barry Cowling for his efforts, which have resulted in Prime's well documented growth over the past two years. Barry will be playing a vital role in the ongoing growth of the Network. The time is right for Prime to be programmed from its headquarters in Auckland, and I could not be more delighted that someone of Andrew's skill and experience has chosen to join Prime."

Andrew is currently Chief Operating Officer at South Pacific Pictures, NZ's largest television production company.

Prior to joining South Pacific he was Head of Production for TVOne and TV2, as well as working as Head of Programme Acquisitions for TVNZ. Earlier in Andrew's career he produced some of TVNZ's biggest special events. Most recently at South Pacific Pictures, Andrew was the Executive Producer of Shortland Street, NZ Idol, and last week's 24-hour music event National Anthem. Andrew also acts as President of SPADA and is a judge of the International Emmy Awards.

On accepting his position Andrew Shaw said, "I've really enjoyed my time at South Pacific Pictures. The spirit of creativity among the staff and the commitment to NZ story telling is something I will remember and cherish.

I am thrilled to be accepting the invitation to become the Programming Manager of Prime. This is the next step in what has been an exciting and ever changing career for me.

I have always looked for the next adventure and the opportunity to be part of the dynamic team at Prime, is a fantastic one. Prime is a television channel with a mission to grow, and I am really looking forward to putting everything I have learnt over the last 29 years into this channel. I love the business of television and it is a real pleasure to be joining a team who share the same passion. I look forward to the new challenge"

South Pacific Managing Director John Barnett said "We are sorry to see Andrew go. He's had a key role in the direction of the company and has led us into some new endeavours. This is an exciting opportunity for him and we wish him all the best".

Andrew will take up his position at Prime in November this year following the end of his contract with South Pacific Pictures.

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