Dallow would 'love' to replace Bailey

Simon Dallow

Phoenix-like newsreader Simon Dallow has revealed he would "love" to replace Judy Bailey on One News.

Dallow, who fell out of favour after news boss Bill Ralston was appointed two years ago, has returned from ratings no-man's-land with a leading chance at the One News anchor role.

Speaking exclusively to the Herald on Sunday, Dallow said the Saturday morning news and interview show Agenda had allowed him to develop interviewing skills he would like to use further.

He said he felt a strong sense of responsibility anchoring the 6pm slot as a conduit between the hard work of newsroom colleagues and the audience.

"If the programme is successful, it's not about you. News should never be about the stars. News is the star.

"The argument over personalities versus channels has been won. Paul Holmes showed that. Even the big, big names aren't bigger than the channel."

He said the job carried "huge responsibility" and he also pledged himself to the ideal of public service broadcasting.

"I would love the job because it's hugely energising and invigorating to be there as stories are developing throughout the day."

He would also love the chance to "re-invent" the bulletin, and include interviews and analysis.

TVNZ chief executive Ian Fraser acknowledged Dallow's time on Agenda and other shows had given him new experience, particularly in conducting extended interviews.

"I see Simon as a high contender. He's certainly staked a significant claim."

In a sign of a return to a two-anchor format, Fraser said Bernadine Oliver-Kerby and Wendy Petrie were highly talented, although he also said he was a fan of Kate Hawkesby.

"What you get from her is terrific presentation of the news with high energy, a lot of intelligence and authority at a time of the day when you could be forgiven for letting the batteries run down."

Fraser said Ralston had also used the midday news earlier this year to test journalists who showed promise, including Bryan Seymour and Rawdon Christie.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY