Hilary Barry joins Paul Henry show

MediaWorks has announced Hilary Barry will retain her position as RadioLIVE's breakfast newsreader as part of the yet-to-be-dated Paul Henry breakfast show.

The award-winning presenter will continue to anchor the 3News evening bulletin with Mike McRoberts 6-7pm weekdays.

3News director's assistant Perlina Lau will also join the show's line-up as the social media presenter.

MediaWorks says a fourth presenter is planned for the show but it would not name the person.

MediaWorks group head of news Mark Jennings says Ms Barry's personality and wry sense of humour makes her the perfect foil for Paul.

“While Hilary is a very familiar face, Perlina Lau will be new to many people. Perlina has worked behind the scenes at 3News but she is very talented in front of the camera too.  Her understanding of social media will bring a new dimension to the morning programme and I think our viewers and listeners will really enjoy being able to interact with her. She will be their voice!”

The show's title has been announced simply as "Paul Henry."

From the release:

Paul Henry gave Hilary her first job out of journalism school, hiring her in 1992 as sole charge journalist and local news reader for his radio station, Today FM.  Since that time, Hilary and Paul have become two of the most popular and accomplished radio and television journalists in the country.

Hilary’s many career plaudits include being judged Best News or Current Affairs Presenter at the 2011 Aotearoa Film and Television Awards for 3News, and taking home the Best Newsreader award at the 2012 and 2014 Radio Awards for RadioLIVE. She won Best News Presenter in TV Guide's Best on The Box award in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Perlina Lau has been part of the 3News team as a Director’s Assistant for the last two years. Perlina was a producer, co-creator and one of the stars of popular web series Flat3. She directed the social media engagement with the show on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, cultivating an impressive local and international following.

The Paul Henry show will broadcast weekdays 6am-9am on RadioLIVE and TV3.  The premiere date will be announced in due course.