TV3 not surprised about Judy

Little surprise at TV3 at Judy Bailey's imminent departure from primetime newsreading job at TVNZ

5 October 2005
Little surprise at TV3 at Judy Bailey's departure from its opposition TVNZ.

She will stand down as the anchor of One News at the end of this year after 18 years in the job.

The move comes after TVNZ decided not to renew her contract.

TV3's owners, TV Works, says her departure is not unexpected.

Chief operating officer Rick Friesen, says there have been a lot of hints, including the removal of Judy Bailey's face from outdoor advertising, which led him to believe it might be happening.

He says TVNZ had to reinvent themselves to hold off strong competition from TV3.

Rick Friesen says Judy Bailey is a great newsreader but she is not somebody TV3 would be looking to employ.

There is no word yet on who will step into the anchor's role.

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