Is this MediaWorks New Zealand’s new CEO?

Three months after Mark Weldon pulled the pin as Mediaworks CEO, there could be a familiar name appointed as the new boss of New Zealand’s largest TV and radio network.

Former Austereo CEO, Michael Anderson is tipped to be appointed MediaWorks new CEO in the coming days.

Anderson was CEO of Austereo for eight years and worked with the group in senior roles for 13 years prior. Michael is currently oOh! Media chairman in Sydney and also holds non-executive positions on the Fairfax Media and Oztam boards.

The news comes off the back of Mediaworks having a ripper Survey #2 just last week. Mediaworks owns free to air television (TV3 and Channel Four) and a national radio network consisting of a number brands including The Edge, More FM, The Rock and The Breeze.

Mediaworks in New Zealand has had a challenging few years, after falling into receivership and being acquired by the Hedge Fund Oaktree, and then a very public breakup with Chief Executive Officer Mark Weldon in May this year. In June there was rumbles that the company was set to be put on the market again, after a failed sale process two years ago.

Oaktree are also behind Nine Entertainment Co in Australia. Nine and Southern Cross Austereo have also been in discussions on a merger pending a change in media onwership laws. 

A MediaWorks spokesperson advised Radio Today that: "The CEO search process is ongoing and we are not at liberty to comment on candidates at this stage."

Source: Radio Today