By PATRICK GOWER
TV3 news presenter John Campbell has been named in the coveted role as host of Top o' the Morning.
Campbell told the Herald that he was "absolutely stoked" to have been offered the position, which he will begin on May 6.
"I used to ritually listen to Brian Edwards, so taking over from him is a great honour."
Top o' the Morning is New Zealand's top-rating radio show, with an audience of around 340,000.
Campbell has previously said he presented a "radical" programme proposal. He was unable to comment on the programme's name and format, except to say he would broaden its horizons.
"It won't be finalised until I meet with RNZ in Wellington, because I don't know which of my suggestions they liked," he said. "But it's fair to say it will be issues-driven rather than personality-driven."
Campbell had the blessing of his TV3 managers and would continue to present the news.
Edwards was paid more than $120,000 a year for the one-morning-a-week role, but paid a researcher. None of the parties would comment on Campbell's pay, but it is understood to be about half of what Edwards received.
Edwards was controversially dumped late last year after falling out with Radio New Zealand chief executive Sharon Crosbie.
He was one of the first to congratulate Campbell. "I'm very fond of John and have been a fan of his for a long time. And he's made it clear he's been a considerable fan of mine ... we've had a mutual admiration going for some time.
"As far as I can be delighted for anyone taking over my job, I can say I'm more delighted with John than I would be for anyone else."
Campbell began his journalistic career with Radio New Zealand as a reporter in 1989. He once filled in for Edwards on Top o' the Morning and is hosting Kim Hill's 9-to-noon slot this week.
Campbell gets top radio job
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