Leighton Smith to stick with NZME as podcaster and columnist

Leighton Smith has heeded the call of his listeners and will be sticking around. Photo/File.

Leighton Smith may be handing over the reins of his Newstalk ZB morning show at the end of this year, but he won't be leaving NZME.

He is to start a weekly podcast in 2019 and will be writing a weekly column for the NZ Herald.

The award-winning broadcaster - as previously announced - will step away from the Morning show microphone at the end of 2018.

Smith's last day on air will be December 14, and Kerre McIvor will take over the Morning show from January 2019.

"Following 44 years behind the microphone in both Australia and New Zealand — including 34 years at Newstalk ZB — it was always my intention to walk out the door and not look back. However, 'even the best-laid plans', as the saying goes. So, in response to many, many requests from listeners, my closest friends and especially my wife, I gradually succumbed.

"Over the last few months, and through a couple of good lunches, agreement has been reached and I'm very happy about it. It is a very interesting and exciting world at the moment and maintaining a working connection with it has become very appealing."

His long-time producer and wife Carolyn Leaney will be working with him on the podcast.

Leighton Smith and his wife Carolyn Leaney will be working on the podcast together. Photo/File.

She will also work with Newstalk ZB hosts and producers in a mentoring and consultancy capacity to upskill new and emerging talent.

NZME head of talk Jason Winstanley said: "Leighton Smith is an incredible broadcaster and really sets the bar. He has a fiercely loyal audience that he has grown over his many years as a talkback host, and with good reason; his sharp wit and analysis of current events always sparks debate and keeps people's attention."

"We are pleased Leighton and Carolyn aren't leaving us. Both are fantastic talent in their own right."

Details of the podcast will be released shortly.