Russell Powell is celebrating 30 years in the media this year with the decision to bring that experience full time to the mission of Sydney Anglicans.
Anglican Media Sydney today announced the appointment of the high profile ABC journalist as the next Archbishop's Media Advisor.
Archbishop Peter Jensen is particularly pleased Mr Powell will be putting his significant skills at the service of the diocese.
"I am delighted about this appointment," Archbishop Jensen has told sydneyanglicans.net.
"Mr Powell has extensive experience in the media, combined with his strong Christian commitment and gospel focus. I look forward to his continuing the vital role which Deaconess Margaret Rodgers has been exercising so capably and helpfully."
Deaconess Rodgers, who has handled media relations since 1994, developing the diocese' influence in the media at local, national and international levels, will retire at the end of the year.
Mr Powell is well suited to the task - as well as his on-air radio work, he has taught at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School and been involved in internet projects at the ABC. He hosted the televised launch of the ABC'S Asia Pacific service at Parliament House in Canberra and while in commercial radio, was News Editor at 2UE and later News director at 2GB and the Macquarie Network.
This year he attended journalism conferences in Turkey and Germany, where he spoke with international journalists and officials about the issues of faith and the media.
"I'm very positive about taking on the job," he says.
"I have a passion for the media and a passion for journalism, but an even greater passion for Jesus and making the gospel known through the media."
Mr Powell, an Anglican church member at Centennial Park, founded the Christians in the Media ministry with the Rev Dominic Steele, and currently chairs CIM's board.
He is also Chairman of Men's Katoomba Convention, an inter-denominational ministry of Katoomba Christian Convention.
"Some journalists think Australians aren't interested in spiritual things " my job is to show that couldn't be further from the truth."
Mr Powell is expected to take up his new position in mid January 2008.
