"Radio New Zealand's commitment to professional journalism that questions, illuminates, celebrates and holds to account, is an immensely valuable resource in the life of this country," he told Radio New Zealand today.
"My job is to hold to those core values, to continue that commitment to the highest quality journalism, but also to expand our reach beyond the confines of radio and into a world I could only have dreamed of when I began as a journalist."
Checkpoint host Mary Wilson has also been promoted to a senior news management role, while her co-host Jim Mora will focus on presenting The Panel.
"I've been talking about it with Paul Thompson for a while, even before John came into the mix," Mora told RNZ.
"We have new kinds of interactive ideas, listener-driven, that we want to develop."
Radio New Zealand chief executive Paul Thompson said Campbell was an "outstanding broadcaster" would bring new audiences to the station.
Campbell first worked as a journalist with RNZ in 1989.
Supporters have been quick to celebrate the news on social media, posting congratulations to the national broadcaster.
