New Chief Executive For TV Broadcasters' Council

Media Release
For Immediate Release

3 July 2008

New Chief Executive For TV Broadcasters' Council

Rick Friesen, currently Chief Operating Officer of TVWorks, has been appointed CEO of the Television Broadcasters’ Council (TBC).

He replaces Justine Wilkinson who is stepping down from the role at the end of August, due to family commitments with her pre-school children.

Mr Friesen takes up the position on 1 September 2008.

Chairman designate of the Television Broadcasters’ Council, Rodney Parker, said he is delighted to have secured the services of Mr Friesen for the TBC.

“Rick Friesen has enormous experience in the television and media industries in New Zealand and overseas. This understanding will be important as the New Zealand industry begins to enter the converged world of telecommunications and broadcasting and has to deal with many of the issues raised in the Government’s current regulations review.”

Mr Parker paid tribute to the outgoing Chief Executive, Justine Wilkinson.

“Justine’s extensive experience, particularly in Wellington, has proven invaluable to the TBC. While we fully respect her reasons for stepping back from the role, we have appreciated her passion, energy and commitment for the industry and the Council,” he said.

Rick Friesen said he is looking forward to the new challenges the TBC role would provide.

“The TBC has successfully represented the common interests of its members for many years, so I look forward to the many challenges that face the industry, and providing a strong voice for television broadcasters. I want to thank TVNZ, TVWorks and MTS for putting their trust in me to continue to develop the TBC,” said Mr Friesen.

Rodney Parker (CFO at TVNZ) becomes Chair of the TBC on 1 September 2008, replacing Brent Impey who steps down from that role, but remains on the Board of the TBC.

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