Dallas Gurney is the new director of News and Talk. Lloyd Burr will join Magic Talk at the end of September.
MediaWorks has today announced the appointment of Dallas Gurney as its director of News and Talk.
Gurney is a former editor-in-chief and general manager of Newstalk ZB and Radio Sport and was a key member of NZME’s Radio executive team. Most recently he was the managing director of communications agencies Drum and Rocket and crisis communications consultancy Serious. He has won many industry awards, including 12 New Zealand Radio Awards.
MediaWorks chief executive Cam Wallace said it was an exciting time for MediaWorks to appoint Gurney to the role as it looked to strengthen its news and talk offering.
“Dallas has extensive experience in developing content strategy and a deep understanding of audiences, as well as a fantastic track record of leading teams and broadcasters to deliver best in market on-air and digital content. We look forward to having Dallas join the team as we work to bolster news and talk at MediaWorks.”
Gurney said: “Radio has always been a huge passion and part of my life. There’s now a whole new generation looking for great original and local audio content, so I feel very excited and privileged to be joining the MediaWorks team when so much opportunity lies ahead.”
MediaWorks is looking forward to welcoming Dallas Gurney to the team on 20 September.
Magic Talk
MediaWorks has also appointed Lloyd Burr to MediaWorks as its new drive show host from the end of September.
Burr has recently returned to New Zealand following an almost three-and-a-half-year stint in London as Newshub’s Europe Correspondent. Prior to that he was a Newshub political reporter in Wellington, and a political reporter for Radio Live before that.
Burr said: “I’m so stoked to be back on home soil with a new challenge. Radio has always been my first love, and I’m chomping at the bit to get back into it.
“Being abroad … has reminded me that New Zealand is the best country in the world, with the best people too. I can’t wait to hear their stories and share mine. It’s going to be magic.”
Meanwhile, Magic Talk Mornings host Peter Williams has decided to retire. At the age of 67, and after nearly half a century in the media industry, he wants to enjoy a life with fewer commitments.
Wallace said: “Peter has signalled for some time that he’s wanted to finish up and thinks now is the right time. I’d like to acknowledge his significant contribution to Magic.”
Leah Panapa will move into hosting 9am-midday on Magic Talk. These changes take immediate effect.
This is supplied content and not commissioned or paid for by NBR.
