Just before the announcement of restructuring at TVNZ, one of the staff expected to be in the firing line has quit.

Head of news Bill Ralston's departure has been predicted by the media for weeks but has been constantly denied by both the broadcaster and Mr Ralston.

But TVNZ CEO Rick Ellis accepted Mr Ralston¹s resignation today, saying Mr Ralston led News and Current Affairs during a challenging three-year period and "he leaves with our best wishes".

Head of television Jeff Latch will take over executive responsibility for the news department while day to day operations will now be in the hands of Mr Ralston¹s former deputy Steve Rowe.

Although news is at the core of TVOne's brand, its flagship One News has been mired in poor ratings, causing a decline in advertising revenues.

The restructure of TVNZ's management is expected to be announced today.