An announcement is expected today that Television New Zealand head of news and current affairs Anthony Flannery has stepped down from the job.
TVNZ sources said Flannnery would be leaving after the election to take a senior role with the troubled Ten Network in Australia.
An Australian who was managing editor of the the Nine Network's breakfast show, his appointment and tabloid background raised eyebrows.
It followed a rambunctious period when Bill Ralston had the top job. His departure had been rumoured for a a long time.
Flannery's suporters say he has grown into the job and been popular with management. Critics say he has overseen a major deterioration in the role and influence of the news divison at state TV under current chief executive Rick Ellis.
Flannery's tenure has coincided with a revival for some of its current affairs such as Close Up, but also the increased role of marketing influence culminating in the Paul Henry fiasco.
- John Drinnan, The New Zealand Herald
