September 17, 2014
MTV shake-up to meet challenges
Meeting the challenge of new technology, finding outside sources of funding and highlighting te reo Maori are being given as the aims of an overhaul of Maori Television’s structure.
New chief executive Paora Maxwell is denying that there is any retribution involved in the downgrading of the positions occupied by executives Julian Wilcox and Carol Hirshfeld, who were contenders for the top job.
He says the plan approved by the board and presented to staff yesterday is a response to an environment where broadcasters need to present content on multiple channels and technologies, from conventional television to mobile phones.
A greater focus on te reo Maori me ona tikanga will be reflected in the new structure.
"The other thing you will see is we have had fixed funding now for a number of years and I would like to bring new focus to aligning ourselves to other non-traditional funders of broadcasting, looking for commercial money as well so we can grow our programming and grow our platforms appropriately to the audience," Mr Maxwell says.
He hopes to complete consultation with staff and complete the restructure by the end of the month.
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