KEY POINTS:
Paul Holmes' gradual abdication from the NewstalkZB breakfast slot was not his idea - but the veteran broadcaster maintains he's pleased with the plan.
Holmes yesterday announced he will continue the top-rating show he's hosted for the past 20 years until December next year, after which he will provide topical comment and host Saturday mornings for the station.
Mike Hosking was named as the next breakfast host.
Holmes told the Weekend Herald he did not initiate the discussion with his bosses at The Radio Network, partly owned by APN, the publisher of the Herald.
"When it was put to me, I could see the rationale of it," said Holmes. "And I'm happy."
Hosking, 42, who used to work on Radio New Zealand's Morning Report, was widely considered the heir apparent, despite having a lower profile since leaving TVNZ about three years ago.
"By the time this happens, it will be just about five years of just living a quiet and peaceful life before I join the real world and the real workforce," said Hosking.
When told he was said to have an abrasive interviewing style, Hosking said he had mellowed.
"I'm a big general knowledge fan, I love pop culture, what's going on in the world. I wouldn't say I'm abrasive ... maybe in the old days."
The station boss, Bill Francis, praised Hosking's "wit, intellect and sense of fun".
