The Diary: Delighted Henry ducks pay query

Paul Henry says his pay-packet is important because of the "diabolical" hours he'll have to work.

Super brekkie show host hoping new venture will be third time lucky ... but staff on axed shows aren’t feeling so happy.

Details are scarce on the cross-platform syndicated media show Paul Henry will host next year, largely because those decisions are yet to be made, but the host told The Diary he's ecstatic to be "pioneering a new genre in breakfast electronic media" - just don't ask how much he's earning.

"Lots more money, that's all I'll say," he laughed. Rumours of a million-dollar salary are floating.

Three shows (Firstline, Breakfast with Marcus Lush and The Paul Henry Show) will be dissolved to form the one super programme, and there are not too many presenters with skills in radio and television who can front it and take on the competition. Henry can name his price.

The money, he says, outweighs the sacrifice.

"The money is important because breakfast steals your life. The hours are diabolical. I want to do this job really well, but it's a lifestyle job and you sacrifice your life to do it.

"Studies show you do shorten your life working unnatural hours for a considerable length of time."

Henry favours being at the forefront of endeavours. Taking risks is part of his make-up.

"I'm only doing this breakfast show because it's a fantastic opportunity. It's a genuinely different concept and a very bold move by the company.

"It's not about being reactive, like putting up crazy, stupid graphics onscreen like Seven -f******- Sharp. This is about being proactive. Reading the media landscape and seeing the changes and being quick to adapt and be ahead of the scene."

The man who was dumped from two breakfast television shows on either side of the Tasman, and who vowed he'd "never do breakfast again", is eating his words.

"I'm not doing this to prove anything. Settling scores doesn't matter to me at all. It's about meeting a new challenge and creating something truly now.

"Who would have thought at my age - I'm 50-bloody-4 - I'd be starting again and taking on something new? But I'm so excited."

News about the new show format broke on Monday because the project is so big, and so many people involved had to be told. Bosses worried it would be leaked.

But The Diary has learned the news did not go down well. Staff felt they were blindsided, and complained it was badly managed with little thought given to feelings.

They were told their shows would be dumped, but were not given any clarity as to their future.

Marcus Lush, who had two days advance warning, brought his partner Vanessa and son Tracker into the RadioLive studio on Monday for moral support. It is the end of an era for him.

The RadioLive studio is moving to TV3 and a new studio is being built. Word is that Hilary Barry, who reads the breakfast news, is keen to stay and is likely to be incorporated into the new morning show.

Bosses are staying tight-lipped and are taking time to put a team together, including selecting the right executive producer. They are throwing out the rulebook. The tradition of a co-host is likely to be replaced with an ensemble cast.

5 Things Cunliffe can look forward to now

Phew, the former Labour leader must be thinking. He's out of the ring; beyond the bitching and backstabbing. The backbenches look cosy. So, what can David Cunliffe do now?

1 Go to Vinnies. Doesn't have to pretend to eat at the local fish and chip shop.

2 Attack his detractors in his own anonymous posts without using Kazza.

3 Make David Shearer voodoo dolls.

4 Give out Andrew Little badges.

5 Sulk at the beach in designer threads without paps preying.