The Board of Iceland’s National Broadcasting Service has decided to hire Magnús Geir Þórðarson, artistic director of Reykjavík City Theatre, as the new national broadcasting director, reports RÚV.
In all, 39 people applied for the position following the resignation of Páll Magnússon in December. After pre-emptively firing 60 RÚV employees in light of possible budget cuts, causing protests and public outrage, Magnússon cited lack of public trust as reason for his resignation.
“It was great to see how many influential and talented individuals applied for the position of national broadcasting director.” said Ingvi Hrafn Óskarsson, chairman of the board of Iceland’s National Broadcasting Service.”But the board felt that Magnús Geir best met, despite many qualified applicants, the requirements set forth. I have high hopes for the new director of national broadcasting, whom I think will successfully lead RÚV in the coming years.”
When the application deadline for the position ran out on January 6th this year, Magnús Geir Þórðarson was not among its applicants, reports Vísir. In fact, the application deadline was extended to the 12th of January and it was in that time that Þórðarson’s application was received. He had previously stated that he would not be applying for the position.
“The reason I decided to apply for this job was that I wanted to take on this demanding and exciting project with new challenges. I have gotten to know RÚV’s work ethic through my three years on the board and have over the past weeks been given encouragement to pursue the job.” said Þórðarson in an announcement to his employees at the Reykjavík City Theatre.
See Also
State Broadcaster Fires 60 Employees
Four Hundred Strong Protest Layoffs At RÚV
National Broadcasting Director Resigns