The news comes after veteran journalist Hilary Barry announced she was leaving the organisation after 23 years, sending shockwaves through the Kiwi public. Today, the MediaWorks Board announced that Weldon handed in his notice on Tuesday night, the same day the company held a launch event for the upcoming reality show The Real Housewives of Auckland.
“When I joined MediaWorks in August 2014, I had a mandate to lead a significant change programme to bring the business back from receivership into a position where it could once again be a strong competitor in the market, with a sound and sustainable future. It was a big brief, laden with inherent challenges, but I took it in good faith and have dedicated myself fully to the goal since,” he said in a statement.
“I have had the full support of my Board for the strategy that we have executed at every point.”
While MediaWorks had made “significant progress”, Weldon continued, he said the “personal cost” of the role had become “too high”.
“I feel confident that I will be leaving behind a much stronger business than existed when I arrived, and hope the next chapter for MediaWorks will further strengthen the business and ensure New Zealanders continue to enjoy what it has to offer.”
Several of TV3’s most familiar faces have left or announced their departure during Weldon’s time as CEO, including Hilary Barry, John Campbell, Hamish McKay, Paula Penfold (the wife of Hilary’s co-presenter Mike McRoberts) and the 3D investigative journalism team.
MediaWorks Chairman Rod McGeoch said: “The Board is very grateful for Mark’s success in driving change through the entire organisation and under his leadership MediaWorks has truly become an integrated company. Mark has agreed to assist the Board on strategic projects and we would like to thank him for his efforts and successes.”
