The Diary has learned John Campbell - who rejected the offer to front TV3's revamped 7pm show and left MediaWorks - has held recent talks with Radio New Zealand bosses about a move to the state broadcaster, where longtime friend Carol Hirschfeld serves as head of content.
RNZ is a good fit for Campbell - but which position the former TV presenter could hold at the station is unclear.
RNZ chief executive Paul Thompson did not return The Diary's calls and messages.
Asked if Campbell was joining RNZ, the radio station's communications manager John Barr would only say, "no comment".
Meanwhile, a source has quashed speculation Campbell was considering moving to NZME.'s flagship radio station NewstalkZB.
A well-placed source at NewstalkZB said there had been no discussions.
"John is not someone we'd regard as a good fit for the NewstalkZB brand. It would certainly be unusual bedmates," the insider said.
Asked if Campbell was jumping ship, Dallas Gurney, general manager Talk NZME. Radio, would only say: "I don't discuss staffing and talent issues".
Campbell left MediaWorks in a blaze of publicity, and has remained schtum on his next move.
NZME. is the publisher of the Herald.