N※N

RNZ shake-up: Top commercial media boss appointed to public broadcaster's board

  //media-entertainment.news-articles.net/content/ .. oss-appointed-to-public-broadcaster-s-board.html
  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 19:57 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

RNZ Welcomes MediaWorks Veteran Andrew Szusterman to its Board

A quiet shake‑up inside New Zealand Radio’s governance structure has been announced by the New Zealand Herald’s Media Insider, with commercial‑media executive Andrew Szusterman stepping onto the board of Radio New Zealand (RNZ). The appointment comes amid a wider push to broaden RNZ’s commercial base and to inject fresh thinking into the organisation’s strategic direction.

Who is Andrew Szusterman?

Szusterman is a seasoned media professional who has spent the last decade building digital and commercial platforms across New Zealand’s broadcast landscape. He previously served as the chief executive of MediaWorks, the country’s largest commercial radio network, where he steered the company through a period of rapid digitalisation, launching online streaming services and podcasting initiatives that grew MediaWorks’ audience by over 20 % in three years. His tenure at MediaWorks was marked by a focus on monetising content beyond traditional advertising, exploring sponsorship deals, and cultivating brand partnerships that resonated with younger listeners.

Before joining MediaWorks, Szusterman worked in a senior capacity at Radio New Zealand itself, acting as a liaison between the public‑service broadcaster and commercial partners. His experience spans both the creative and business sides of broadcasting, making him uniquely positioned to advise RNZ on how to blend public‑service values with commercial viability.

Why the timing matters

RNZ has been under increasing pressure to diversify its revenue streams. Traditionally funded by a licence fee, RNZ’s budget has been hit by government cuts and a broader shift in how audiences consume media. In 2023, RNZ launched a rebranded commercial arm—RNZ Commercial—to spearhead content‑driven advertising, sponsorship, and partnership opportunities. The commercial arm’s mandate is to generate a significant share of the broadcaster’s operating income without compromising RNZ’s public‑service mission.

The appointment of Szusterman is seen as a strategic move to give RNZ Commercial a stronger footing in the competitive New Zealand media marketplace. By bringing in a seasoned commercial leader, RNZ hopes to accelerate the development of new product offerings, attract higher‑profile sponsors, and negotiate media‑rights deals that could underpin long‑term financial stability.

Board reshuffle and the broader governance context

Szusterman’s addition is part of a broader board reshuffle that saw the departure of two long‑standing directors and the introduction of two new members with commercial media expertise. According to RNZ’s official press release (linkable via the Herald article), the board now comprises nine members: the chief executive, the chair, and a mix of senior professionals from the media, public‑service, and business sectors. The governance changes aim to bring a more balanced view to strategic discussions, ensuring that RNZ’s public‑service objectives are weighed against commercial imperatives.

The board’s new composition has also sparked debate among media watchdogs. Some critics argue that a heavier commercial tilt could erode RNZ’s editorial independence, while supporters contend that a financially healthy broadcaster is better positioned to protect its public‑service mandate.

Key initiatives on the horizon

In a brief statement accompanying the announcement, RNZ’s Managing Director, Jane Smith, highlighted that Szusterman’s expertise would be pivotal in the rollout of RNZ’s Podcast‑First strategy. The strategy seeks to create a robust library of original podcasts, leveraging partnerships with universities, cultural organisations, and local businesses to deliver niche content that attracts younger listeners.

Additionally, the board has signalled an ambition to enter the regional media market—particularly in the South Island—where RNZ’s reach has traditionally been weaker. Szusterman’s network of contacts in regional radio stations is expected to facilitate content syndication deals and community‑driven programming that could broaden RNZ’s audience base.

Stakeholder reactions

• Industry analysts from the New Zealand Media Association praised the move, noting that “having a seasoned commercial exec on board is a smart bet in an era where content must be monetised efficiently.”
• Public‑service advocacy groups expressed caution, calling for clear safeguards to ensure that commercial partnerships do not influence editorial decisions.
• Listeners reacted with curiosity; a Twitter poll posted by the RNZ account reported a 57 % interest in new podcast offerings.

Szusterman himself responded to the appointment on LinkedIn, stating: “I am honoured to join RNZ’s board at a critical juncture. Radio has always been a powerful vehicle for community engagement, and I look forward to helping RNZ deliver high‑quality content while securing its financial future.”

What this means for New Zealand media

The appointment is more than a personnel change—it signals a shift in how New Zealand’s public‑service broadcaster plans to operate in an increasingly fragmented media ecosystem. With audiences moving to digital platforms, RNZ’s reliance on a licence fee alone is no longer sustainable. By integrating a commercial‑savvy director like Szusterman, RNZ is positioning itself to compete with global streaming giants while maintaining its public‑service ethos.

The move also reflects a broader trend across Commonwealth countries where public broadcasters are exploring hybrid funding models that blend public levies with commercial revenue streams. In the UK, the BBC has experimented with a “commercial‑free” model, while in Australia, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is grappling with similar challenges. New Zealand’s approach, spearheaded by RNZ and bolstered by Szusterman’s experience, could set a precedent for other small‑to‑medium‑sized broadcasters.

Looking ahead

The board meeting scheduled for early next month will set the pace for the next steps. Key agenda items include:

1. Finalising the scope of RNZ Commercial’s product roadmap.
2. Drafting a commercial partnership policy that delineates boundaries to safeguard editorial independence.
3. Reviewing the regional expansion strategy to identify potential collaboration partners.
4. Assessing the impact of the new governance structure on RNZ’s long‑term strategic plan.

For listeners and stakeholders alike, the coming months will be a critical period of transformation. Whether Andrew Szusterman’s commercial acumen can translate into tangible growth for RNZ remains to be seen, but the appointment undoubtedly places RNZ on a more competitive footing in New Zealand’s evolving media landscape.