Campbell, others in the frame as Mercep moves on from RNZ
And so begins the predictions of possible replacements.
Radio New Zealand has confirmed presenter Simon Mercep is leaving the public broadcaster.
He will sign off for the last time this Friday, having hosted the Afternoons programme since last year.
Prior to Afternoons, which is broadcast 1-4pm weekdays, Mr Mercep was co-host on Morning Report for three years and the first to permanently present the show from Auckland.
His shift to the later show was part of a shake-up of presenters that saw him and retiring Morning Report co-host Geoff Robinson – who had presided over the programme for 35 years – being replaced by Guyon Espiner and Susie Ferguson.
Although Mr Mercep got his start in journalism as a trainee reporter at RNZ, his broadcast career has included stints with One News, Holmes and Fair Go.
The departure of Mr Mercep, who RNZ chief executive Paul Thompson has described as a highly-valued and well-liked broadcaster, has inevitably prompted speculation about who might replace him in the slot.
Various media commentators have picked John Campbell as a natural fit for the public broadcaster but the pundits at NBR Towers believe he would be wasted in the gentle, chat-driven Afternoons slot – unless RNZ management is seeking a sharp shift in tone.
Other possibilities floated include Jesse Mulligan and Noelle McCarthy, both of whom have filled in for Mr Mercep on the afternoon show.
One of NBR’s self-appointed experts is adamant the best replacement is Jim Mora, who was himself replaced by Mr Mercep as Afternoons host in April 2014.
Mr Mora was moved into a co-host role on Checkpoint (5-7pm) but his avuncular interview style is widely regarded as a mismatch with the take-no-prisoners approach of “Scary” Mary Wilson. It’s also understood the programme has taken a ratings hit in RNZ’s latest rolling survey.
Besides, Mr Mora is still arguably hosting a quarter of Afternoons in any case, having retained hosting duties for The Panel. Previously an Afternoons segment, it runs from 4-5pm.
Nick Grant
Wed, 08 Jul 2015
Wed, 08 Jul 2015
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Campbell, others in the frame as Mercep moves on from RNZ
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