FAREWELL: Todd Zaner is leaving Beach FM soon.
After more than 13 years at Beach FM, Todd Zaner's last day at the radio station is on Friday June 3.
Todd has lost his job after a restructure at the Lindale-based radio station.
"I'm not bitter," the 53-year-old said.
"I'm a little sad it's ending this way but I understand the situation.
"I appreciate the support from our loyal listeners and clients.
"You have to keep positive."
Todd's main role at the radio station has been as breakfast host from 6am to 9am.
"I've loved it.
"It's a passion.
"I enjoy music, entertaining, am a bit nosey and like to know what's happening in the community, and I'm quite locally focussed."
Todd, originally from Los Angeles, grew up in the Wellington region and took an interest in radio from an early age.
"One of my friends' father also worked in Broadcasting House and often we would be allowed to go and play in the studios.
"I always had an inkling to work in radio.
"I liked participating in quizzes and ringing up to win prizes."
He undertook voice training with Hewitt Humphrey about the same time he did volunteer work at Access Radio and Radio Active.
His first paid work was part-time work at Radio Windy in the mid-1980s before taking on a full-time job in Tauranga at Radio BOP for about a year as afternoon/early evening host.
He transferred to Masterton for more than five years where he was promoted to breakfast host/programme director at Radio Wairarapa.
"I worked with a heck lot of fine broadcasters including Hilary Barry and a few others who went on to bigger and brighter things."
Todd, whose broadcasting idol is Lindsay Yeo, then took up an offer at 2XX in Paraparaumu where he worked for more than five years before joining Beach FM as programme director.
He's upbeat about the future and is already on the lookout for his next job preferably in the media industry.
