Former MediaWorks chief executive gives advice to Texas-based firm running campaign to take over broadcaster

Brent Impey, former chief executive of MediaWorks NZ Ltd, is joining the board of Pumpkin Patch Ltd as an independent director.

"We are thrilled to have someone of Brent's calibre join our board. He brings significant experience in both the listed and private company environment," said chairman Greg Muir.

A source at MediaWorks, owner of TV3 and C4, says TVNZ needs its electronic programming guides for TiVo to work. But right now, it’s in no mood to provide them, putting the state broadcaster’s $9.8 million investment in peril.

Yesterday, TVNZ announced it had spent $A8 million to buy a one-third share in Hybrid TV, the vehicle set up by The Seven Media Group to manage its exclusive Australasian rights to TiVo.

MediaWorks has bought Auckland-based dance music radio station George FM, and leased the Auckland frequency 96.8FM on which it broadcasts.

The Australian private equity-owned media company is already the parent of a string of radio stations through its RadioWorks brand (including The Edge, The Rock and Solid Gold FM) as well as TV stations TV3 and C4.