Russell Powell, the Archbishop of Sydney's media adviser, has been appointed as CEO of Anglican Media Sydney.

The Diocese's Standing Committee confirmed the appointment last night, after current CEO Allan Dowthwaite announced earlier this month he was moving to the Centre for Public Christianity.

Although taking on the added responsibilities of CEO from mid-May, Mr Powell will be continuing as the Archbishop's Media Adviser.

The cost savings from combining these senior roles gives Anglican Media, publishers of Sydneyanglicans.net, the opportunity to rethink overall staffing structure.

Amongst the areas that may be reviewed are sales and new media.

Mr Powell says he is excited by the opportunities for Anglican Media.

“These are challenging times but there are new opportunities as well," he says. "There are great things happening in our churches. Our work is about making those stories known via Southern Cross, on the website and, when we can, in the secular media."

Russell Powell has more than 30 years experience across broadcast media, with a long career as one of Australian radio’s most prominent journalists and presenters.

He has previously run the newsrooms at Sydney commercial radio stations 2UE and 2GB, and was one of the pioneers of the ABC’s NewsRadio network.

As well as his on-air work, he has taught at the Australian Film, TV and Radio School.

He is a long-time member of St Matthias', Centennial Park.