Having unsuccessfully applied to continue as Chief Censor after Parliament passed the Films, Videos, and Publications Act 1993, Wrightson became television programme manager, and soon deputy chief executive, of New Zealand On Air in 1994.
After being unable to continue as head censor due to changes in legislation, Wrightson transitioned into a new position as television program director and eventually rose to become deputy chief executive at New Zealand On Air in 1994.