Newshub head of news Mark Jennings is “moving on” from MediaWorks after 25 years heading the 3News team. He will be replaced by NineMSN editor Hal Crawford – an Aussie whose 21 years in journalism is almost entirely in online news services (apart from three years at West Australian Newspapers at the start of his career in the ’90s).
There’s been no statement from MediaWorks, but the story has been widely reported on both sides of the Tasman overnight – with most of the information coming from an internal staff memo (which says the changes were .
There is no immediate suggestion that Jennings was pushed – but the memo gave no reasons for his departure, and no information about his future plans. The memo also said Jennings’ departure was “amicable”.
“Mark Jennings has made a major, and lasting, contribution to MediaWorks, New Zealand journalism, and wider New Zealand society,” said MediaWorks ceo Mark Weldon in the email. “His legacy in journalism will continue to reverberate through the Newshub in its future.” said MediaWorks chief executive Mark Weldon in the email.
Hal Crawford will take up the role of chief news officer, when he starts in a few months.
Meanwhile, Richard Sutherland is acting chief news officer – but when Crawford takes over Sutherland will become head of flagship brands and head of content.
“With respect to our flagship brands, Story, Paul Henry, and Newshub Live at 6pm, Mark Jennings will work closely with Richard Sutherland and the EPs in the near term to ensure the continual development of our product and audience offerings,” Weldon said.
“I believe that the timing of his departure, coming as it does after the successful launch of Newshub, and at the beginning of a new, digital-led phase, has been managed by Mark to be timing that works best for the company and for Mark personally.
“He is leaving on an up, and with significant momentum in our news organisation.”
The 3rdeye recruitment team of agency specialists continues to expand with the appointment of Fiona Tulloch, who teams up with Sarah Ritchie in recruiting for client services, social, digital, PR and experiential roles.
“We are now a team of nine, recruiting across all sectors in the advertising, design, media and digital world,” says 3rdeye director Andy Sive.
“We’re busier now than we’ve ever been, and there’s been a notable increase specifically in the number of client services roles we’re being asked to recruit for.
“The growth in digital has seen the traditional role of account manager shift, with agencies now looking for all-star candidates who can perform across all channels. Luckily at 3rdeye we have a strong candidate base and can equip agencies with the people they need.”
Fiona Tulloch brings over 10 years’ experience in the publishing, digital and creative sectors, and international experience.
3rdeye specialises in recruiting for the full spectrum of agencies, including: advertising, design, media, digital, experiential, PR and social.
Share this Post
