Herald editor-in-chief Tim Murphy steps down

The New Zealand Herald's editor-in-chief for the last decade, Tim Murphy, has stepped down from the role in favour of the Herald's current editor, Shayne Currie, who will move into an expanded editorial role.

Murphy leaves the country's largest newspaper after a 30-year career and at a time of unprecedented media industry change.

Murphy took on the editorship of the Herald in 2001 at the age of 37, making him at the time the youngest editor ever appointed to the venerable publication, affectionately known to Aucklanders as "Granny Herald."

He was appointed editor-in-chief three years ago and oversaw the Herald's change from broadsheet to a tabloid format.

"Tim's knowledge of journalism and the critical role that news creators play in shaping the communities in which we live has been outstanding," said Jane Hastings, chief executive of NZME, publisher of the Herald. "He will step down with our very best wishes and leave the company on June 30."

"I've had a long and thoroughly rewarding time leading our journalism," said Murphy in a statement. "In an era of real industry upheaval, we have bold plans to keep the Herald at the forefront of news, sport and entertainment and I believe now is the right time for another voice to lead editorial in all the good things that NZME is planning."

The news comes as TV3 confirms it is reviewing the performance and future of its decade-old Campbell Live nightly current affairs show.