Top TVNZ Programmer Quits

TVNZ programming chief Jane Wilson will leave TVNZ on Thursday, a week after resigning.

“Jane Wilson has informed us today that she has made a decision to leave TVNZ to advance her career and expand her experience beyond the TVNZ business after eight successful years predominantly in programming,” chief executive Rick Ellis told senior staff and clients in a memo.

Wilson has been embroiled in an employment row with TVNZ since late last year but the HD broadcaster’s official line is she’s decided to return to the international markets (she joined TVNZ in January 2004, after working in digital TV in the UK).

However, a key insider says Wilson, who became general manager programming in 2006, after commissioning and TV2 programming stints, has no immediate plans.

TVNZ, meanwhile, will leave the running of TV One and TV2 to Wilson’s deputies, John Wright and John Kelly respectively.

It’s expected a replacement for Wilson will be sought but no decision has been made.

Said Ellis in yesterday’s statement to staff and clients: “Jane can be very proud of her achievements, leaving TV One and TV2 excellently placed to maintain their current outstanding ratings and share performance.

“TV2 has enjoyed 118 weeks of consecutive leadership in the 18-39 demographic, while TV One has seen significant growth year on year, up over 24% in the first quarter of 2011.”