Monday, July 25, 2011 Press Release For Immediate Release
New host for TOWER Sector Report
Country99TV is pleased to announce that television current affairs veteran David Beatson will be joining the channel as
new host of the weekly news and current affairs programme TOWER Sector Report, which screens on Mondays at 8.30pm.
TOWER Sector Report is Country99TV’s flagship weekly prime time rural current affairs show – covering every sector of
New Zealand’s vital agricultural economy, it communicates directly with farmers.
With a broadcasting career spanning more than 45 years, David is best-known for authoritative presenting and insightful
interviewing on television news and current affairs classics like Compass, Gallery, Eyewitness News, and Foreign
Correspondent, and his five year term as editor of the New Zealand Listener.
Current host award-winning journalist John Stewart, who has been in the TV news business for 41 years, is leaving the
channel to focus on other projects.
“John has been the ultimate professional and has bought a wealth of experience and integrity to the programme. We wish
him every success in his new venture,” comments Genevieve Westcott, Executive Producer, News and Current Affairs.
John will present his final TOWER Sector Report tonight, Monday 25th July at 8.30pm with a special interview with the
new man heading up Federated Farmers, President Bruce Wills.
David Beatson will join the team on 1st August, 2011.
David’s other public roles include working as chief press secretary to Prime Minister Jim Bolger, as deputy chief
executive of the New Zealand Tourism Board, public affairs manager for Air New Zealand, and a six-year stint as chairman
of NZ On Air.
For the last two years, David Beatson has been appearing regularly as the host of a weekly interview programme – The
Beatson Interview – on Triangle and Stratos Television. He is also a weekly contributor to the Internet current affairs
blog Pundit.
“We are thrilled that David is joining the team and look forward to him bringing his knowledge and experience to the
show,” adds Genevieve.
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