Media Releases

Lisa Owen to Present Checkpoint on RNZ

Released at 4:50 pm on 13 August 2018

Investigative journalist Lisa Owen is joining RNZ as a drive-time news and current affairs presenter, fronting the agenda-setting, multimedia Checkpoint programme.

Ms Owen is one of New Zealand’s best investigative reporters.

An incisive interviewer and multi-platform presenter, she began her career in radio before moving to TVNZ where she hosted Agenda and spent time as One News Europe Correspondent. More recently she has presented the TV current affairs show Newshub Nation and co-hosted the late afternoon Drive programme on RadioLIVE.

Announcing the appointment, RNZ CEO Paul Thompson emphasised the importance of providing high-quality, engaging journalism and current affairs to a wide range of New Zealanders.

“We are delighted Lisa is joining RNZ to present Checkpoint. She is an outstanding journalist and broadcaster and her appointment reflects RNZ’s commitment to high quality, robust journalism. Checkpoint will continue to flourish as an agenda-setting drive-time multimedia news and current affairs programme with Lisa as presenter.”

Checkpoint Executive Editor, Pip Keane, also welcomed Ms Owen’s appointment,

“I have long admired Lisa’s passion for journalism and drive to tell a story. The Checkpoint team is committed to breaking stories that really matter to New Zealanders and Lisa is not one to hold back. Her interviewing skills both in the studio and in the field will be a huge asset to the team and RNZ as a whole. We’re excited to welcome her on board. “

Ms Owen replaces John Campbell who leaves RNZ in mid-September to join TVNZ. Checkpoint is RNZ’s Auckland-based multimedia news and current affairs programme available live and on-demand.