Paul Thompson

Paul Thompson has spent more than 30 years in the broadcast and media industry. Appointed as Chief Executive and Editor-in-chief of New Zealand’s largest and longest running public service broadcaster, RNZ, in September 2013, he is now in his eleventh year in the role, making him the longest serving chief executive of a major New Zealand media company.

Prior to joining RNZ, Paul was Editor-in-Chief of Fairfax Media (New Zealand) from 2007 to 2013 with responsibility for all of Fairfax journalism in New Zealand. He is an experienced journalist with an extensive background in print media and publishing, including as editor of The Press in Christchurch and numerous, reporter, sub-editor and newsroom executive roles in New Zealand and UK publications.

Paul is serving his fourth term as President of the Public Media Alliance, the largest global association of public service broadcasters, where he continues to advocate for high-quality, independent multimedia journalism and programming.

Closer to home, Paul’s focus as Chief Executive of RNZ is on delivering on a series of strategic objectives designed to provide outstanding public media that matters for the people of Aotearoa.