yesterday after a recent spate of departures from its news and sports department.

The most significant shift is the appointment of Ms Darlene Ming as ZBM news director who takes over from former director Mr. Jim McKey.

Mr. McKey, who has been serving as the station's senior news editor for the past several months, is presently covering the political and financial beats.

He reports to Ms Ming.

Ms Ming, meanwhile, assumes her current post after a lengthy stay in the United States.

Having previously worked at ZBM as a junior reporter, assistant news director, executive producer and anchorwoman, she was most recently employed by the Department of Tourism in Chicago.

Ms Ming will also serve as anchor of ZBM's evening newscast.

Among the familiar faces that will disappear either permanently or temporarily from the station's TV and radio programmes are news reporter Mrs. Lisa Calhoun, who was said to have left "on good terms'' to pursue other interests, and sportscaster Mr. Darren "Butch'' Burchell, who is pursuing business interests in Kenya.

In December, long-time news anchor and assignment editor Mrs. Ceola Wilson-Bell also left ZBM.

Her departure from the station was reported to have been less than harmonious.

Meanwhile, such ZBM regulars as programme director Ms Jannell Ford, senior journalist Mr. Michael DeLeon and news reporters Ms Evelyn James-Barnett and Mr. Tory Creighton will continue in their present positions, the company said.

"Youth Talk'' host Mr. Dwayne Caines has also been recruited as a rookie sports reporter.