New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME) Radio has announced Dallas Gurney has been appointed into a new role at Group level focussed on growing commercial branded content, white labelled content solutions, PR and communications services for clients.

Jane Hastings, Chief Executive of NZME says branded content and custom content production is a key growth area in media globally.

"Given its importance Dallas is the perfect person for this role with his wealth and award winning experience in content creation. Whether that is creating content for a client's assets and/or creating custom content across our assets, Dallas with the strength of our teams will provide commercial solutions that deliver the results clients are after."

Gurney has been at the helm of Newstalk ZB and Radio Sport for over five years spearheading the continued ratings dominance as well as a rejuvenation of Radio Sport.

A winner of more than a dozen domestic and international radio awards, Gurney received the Radio Programmer of the Year for three straight years 2012-2014 and is highly respected by staff, talent and the wider industry.

Gurney says it has been an absolute privilege to work with the best talent and team radio.

"When you take on ZB you are part of history and creating the future every day. I'm incredibly excited about this new role, leading a division that is all about growing clients businesses through great content. It's creative, it's all about relationships and it's everything I've wanted my next step to be."

Gurney begins his new role in mid-August.

NZME Radio has secured Steve Kyte from early August as General Manager Newstalk ZB to replace Dallas.

Kyte is a Walkley Award winning journalist and media executive with more than 20 years expertise in radio, television, online production and management internationally. Well known and respected throughout the industry, Kyte has helped launch and transform some of the world's leading radio brands, including BBC Radio 5 Live, London's LBC and ABC Radio in Australia. He is currently a Director of Bite Media, a London based multi-platform production company and Steve Kyte Media, which offered consultancy services to media organisations around the world.

Kyte says he's excited about his move to New Zealand to join NZME Radio.

"I'm looking forward to working with NZME and the teams at Newstalk ZB and Radio Sport, two of the best talk radio brands in the business. It's a real privilege to take on this exciting role and I'm certain that together we can continue to grow both brands and leverage the strength of NZME by putting great journalism, creativity and innovation at the heart of what we do."

Dean Buchanan, NZME Radio Managing Director says it is two great appointments.

"We're thrilled to have someone of Dallas's quality in this new role; it's an exciting next step for his career. Securing a talent of Steve's calibre to lead Newstalk ZB and Radio Sport to new levels is a real coup for NZME. We're better positioned than ever to be number one in news, sport and entertainment."