Is this Paul Henry's next move? Host eyes US

Paul Henry has bought a property in Palm Springs, California, and wants to move to America, according to those close to him.

It is understood he has no interest in working full time in New Zealand broadcasting anymore but will continue to work on select television projects.

Sources say Henry has been unhappy for a long time and regularly complains about the early morning starts.

But attempts to coax the broadcaster to stay on have failed, according to sources, who say Henry will leave at the end of the year.

It's understood Duncan Garner will take over Henry's morning hosting duties, as MediaWorks looks to revamp its 7pm line-up once again.

Sources have told the Herald work has already begun on a new-look daily show, which is expected to replace Story. It's understood the network is speaking to several people as possible hosts and has leased a new studio, large enough to accommodate a live studio audience.

MediaWorks would not comment on the moves, saying they are "all speculation".

It's not the first time Henry has eyed a move to America. In 2010, following his departure from TVNZ, the former Breakfast host spent several months in Los Angeles, where he became the star and subject of a bizarre film project titled The Desk.

The mockumentary, which premiered at the Florida Film Festival last year, featured Henry and former New York Times journalist Andrew Goldman as they tried to set up a new talk show, hosted by Henry.