The CEO role is responsible for both the management of the community radio station and its operations and leading, developing and implementing the strategic direction and plan for its future success for the University of Newcastle and its community.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCEDeborah Wright MediaManaging Director / Media & Broadcast ConsultantProviding strategic expertise within the media, advertising and broadcasting industries.Current and ongoing project experience includes consulting to a large telecommunications organisation to provide a strategic business review of their services, specifically focussing on broadcast engagement.

A Senior Media Executive with over 30 years experience and outstanding success in regional media in Australia and at a senior level with Nine Entertainment Co as Director of Regional Strategy. Regional FTA broadcasting CEO experience of 10 years and proficient in strategic planning, business development, P&L management , sales and marketing, content management, integration and project management across traditional and digital platforms. Extensive and diverse Board experience in:- FTA… Show more A Senior Media Executive with over 30 years experience and outstanding success in regional media in Australia and at a senior level with Nine Entertainment Co as Director of Regional Strategy. Regional FTA broadcasting CEO experience of 10 years and proficient in strategic planning, business development, P&L management , sales and marketing, content management, integration and project management across traditional and digital platforms. Extensive and diverse Board experience in:- FTA broadcasting operations and infrastructure, audience measurement research and national media sales, and over 11 years of Board experience with a regional airport and University Council. Specialties include Leadership, Strategy and Planning, Business Growth and Management, Development & Operations, People, Culture and Change Management. Show less

Working with the CEO and Managing Director to develop and integrate a regional strategy across the broader NEC business including overall media and content strategy. A primary focus to analyse the commercial implications of NEC’s regional affiliation strategy specifically in relation to operations, news and current affairs, local and national sales, marketing, promotions, research, programs and publicity and digital.Achievements * Successfully developed a regional broadcasting strategy… Show more Working with the CEO and Managing Director to develop and integrate a regional strategy across the broader NEC business including overall media and content strategy. A primary focus to analyse the commercial implications of NEC’s regional affiliation strategy specifically in relation to operations, news and current affairs, local and national sales, marketing, promotions, research, programs and publicity and digital.Achievements * Successfully developed a regional broadcasting strategy in conjunction with the NEC Senior Management Team, which led to the landmark signing of a new regional television affiliation agreement with favourable terms for Nine Entertainment Co for a five-year period. * Lead role on NEC’s Steering Committee for the changeover project to a new regional affiliate partner with the primary area of responsibility of operations, national sales and marketing integration. * Successfully led the initial integration of NBN Television sales and systems with its new regional affiliate partner. * Developed a local content (news) strategy framework and operational plan with the Steering Committee sub group. Show less

Broadcasting Industry Chair: Regional TAM Industry (5 years) Chair: WIN NBN Sales (5 years) Board Director: WIN NBN Sales (11 years) Board member: Regional TAM (2 years) Committee Member: Regional TAM Technical Committee (11 years)  Board Director: Regional Broadcast Australia (9 years) Board Director: Regional Broadcast Australia Holdings (5 years) Committee Member: Regional Television Marketing (7 years)

NBN is Australia's leading regional broadcaster, telecasting to 2.2 million viewers within Australia's 4th largest television market. Responsibility for the operations and financial performance of the NBN Group of Companies comprising NBN Enterprises Pty Limited, NBN Television Pty Limited and one80 Digital Post Pty Limited.Achievements * Led and managed the analogue transmission switch off and digital switchover projects. * Developed and implemented a comprehensive cost… Show more NBN is Australia's leading regional broadcaster, telecasting to 2.2 million viewers within Australia's 4th largest television market. Responsibility for the operations and financial performance of the NBN Group of Companies comprising NBN Enterprises Pty Limited, NBN Television Pty Limited and one80 Digital Post Pty Limited.Achievements * Led and managed the analogue transmission switch off and digital switchover projects. * Developed and implemented a comprehensive cost initiative 5-year business plan. * Designed a Fit for Purpose organisation structure and implemented the alignment of the People and Culture strategy with the new vision, purpose and objectives of the business post sale to PBLM. * Record achievement of all financial KPI’s over the 9-year term as CEO. * Led and managed the local content requirements (NBN News) and community initiatives. * Negotiated all major sponsorship / partnership agreements. * Responsible for all regulatory requirements and compliance obligations. * Developed and managed all major capital projects with Nine / Senior Executive. * Developed and implemented a whole of business WH&S, Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity program. * Optimised organisational performance through strategic and operational initiatives, policies, procedures and integration with the Nine Network. * Managed and negotiated all key commercial contracts. * Implemented a succession planning and mentoring program. * Reshaped and managed all HR contracts  * Led and managed change leadership initiatives across the business. * Developed and implanted a Wellbeing, Health and Safety program across the business. * Maintained a positive organisational culture through long periods of cost containment and lack of media reform. * Informed, advised and supported the Nine Network on local content matters and regional strategies throughout the media reform review process. Show less