NMZE. has confirmed it has signed broadcaster Marcus Lush – but it will be a full year before he makes an appearance as a night-time talk host on Newstalk ZB. He’ll depart from his RadioLIVE breakfast show mid-2015, and take up his new role six months later. Also on the move are ZB’s Kerre Woodham and Danny Watson.
RadioLIVE has yet to comment – or announce Lush’s replacement.
NZME. general manager (talk) Dallas Gurney reckons Lush is LIVE’s most successful performer. “Marcus is a brilliant broadcaster,” he said. “He is also a favourite with New Zealanders on screen and he writes well. NZME. offers him the opportunity to showcase all of his talents. Marcus is a natural fit to work with us as we continue to grow our #1 rating nationwide night show on Newstalk ZB.
“He’s bloody top talent, one of the best and he deserves to be working with the best.”
Lush says the year ahead is looking exciting. “While I’ve enjoyed my time on breakfast, night-time talk on Newstalk ZB is my natural home. NZME. is an exciting new media company to work for and Newstalk ZB is the pinnacle of talk radio. They are professionals and I can’t wait to get started.”
Gurney confirmed incumbent host Kerre McIvor will be moving to afternoons as part of a yet to be announced new show. McIvor says she couldn’t have handed her show over to just anyone.
“I have absolute faith in Marcus to look after my people… he’s the right person for the job.”
The future of ZB’s current night-time host Kerre McIvor is unclear. “Kerre is one of our stars and is ready for a new challenge,” Gurney said.
ZB afternoon host Danny Watson will not be renewing his contract at the end of next year. He’s decided to concentrate on his bee business and honey school. “He’s been talking about this for a bit so while we are sad to see Danny depart after 15 years with us, the timing works to create something different and exciting in afternoons for 2016 while Marcus’ involvement at nights will bring a brand new audience to night-time talk radio.”
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