Ronnigen returns as TV2 Norway chief exits

Trygve Rønningen is returning to Norwegian commercial broadcaster TV2 to replace Trond Kvernstrøm as channel director.

Rønningen began his career at the Modern Times Group-owned network, but left 16 years ago. He has since held programme director roles at media Norwegian media firm P4 and Scandinavian prodco Mastiff, and was last year appointed as MTG’s Norwegian chief.

Rønningen returns to lead TV2’s scheduling slate as Kvernstrøm exits, and after plans to cut the budget by 350 million kroner (US$42.2 million) by 2020 emerged.

Kvernstrøm has been programme and channel director since 2014, but will now pursue challenges elsewhere. A programme director is being sought to fill that side of Kvernstrøm’s role.

“I am glad that Trygve, one of the pioneers of TV2, is returning to the channel,” said TV2 CEO Olav Sandnes. “I have great expectations for his return.

“Trond signalled before the summer that he wanted new challenges outside TV2 within the next year. Trond has made a great effort for TV2 and I would not be surprised if co-operation continues in another form.”

Rønningen said: “I cannot wait to embark on tasks at TV2 together with former and new colleagues. Everyone knows our industry faces great challenges. In this job I get the opportunity to get even closer to the TV product and the design of the TV channels.”