Radio NZ revamp: Mercep will move to afternoons

Simon Mercep. Photo / David White

Radio New Zealand has confirmed changes to its Morning Report programme.

Simon Mercep will follow his co-host and step down from the show, when Geoff Robinson leaves in April.

Mercep moves to a revamped afternoon show and current host Jim Mora joins Mary Wilson on evening show Checkpoint.

Auckland-based Guyon Espiner replaces Robinson on Morning Report and is expected to be joined by Wellington journalist Susie Ferguson.

Radio New Zealand is also working on a revamp of the Radio New Zealand news gathering processes, according to a well-placed source.

See: 12 Questions with Geoff Robinson
Guyon Espiner to replace Geoff Robinson on Morning Report

Spokesman John Barr said that changes to Morning Report and other shows would be announced when reviews had been completed.

Morning Report with Robinson and Simon Mercep had rated well over the past three years - according to ratings compiled for Radio New Zealand by market research firm Nielsen.

But the combination of Robinson and Mercep, who both have a "softly, softly" style, has drawn criticism.

RNZ moves

* Geoff Robinson retiring from Morning Report, to be replaced by Guyon Espiner.

* Simon Mercep moving to Afternoons show. Current host Jim Mora joins Checkpoint with Mary Wilson.

* Susie Ferguson tipped to join Espiner on Morning Report.