MTV boss shuns TVNZ job

Expat Kiwi Brent Hansen has been asked to apply for the position of TVNZ chief executive - but he isn't interested.

Hiring the retiring head of MTV Europe would have been a major coup for the state broadcaster, given his vast experience successfully building the music channel into a multi-billion-dollar business.

Mr Hansen told the Herald on Sunday from London: "The search company sent through the specs for the job and I haven't responded."

He said he would not respond as he did not want to trade the MTV Europe role for another corporate job.

Mr Hansen made his name in New Zealand as producer of 1980s music show Radio With Pictures, joining the fledgling MTV Europe in 1987 as a news producer. Known for his love of music, he was appointed president of MTV Europe in 1997. MTV Europe has 24 regional music channels and has recently developed a slew of digital channels specialising in different musical genres.

Mr Hansen broke his silence on his resignation, saying he quit as part of a plan he came up with 12 years ago. He had turned 50 and wanted to leave "at the top of the game".

He believed the business was changing and acceptance of his style of management would fade in the years ahead.

He said he still had "a good feeling" for TVNZ and had enjoyed the fresh feel of its news in recent visits. However, he was "never a fan" of Pop Idol-style shows.

"Television these days is much more about the viewer getting access to be on television. I don't think [Pop Idol] has done much for music."

Mr Hansen said he had clung to his Kiwi-ness in his 20 years abroad and made efforts to advise any New Zealand artists who contacted him.

He told those who want to make it big to "attack a market".

"You can't expect to sit in New Zealand and make it happen. And don't just come over here and play to a bunch of homesick Kiwis."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY