KEY POINTS:
Martin Devlin has quit Radio Live after months of speculation about his employment, saying his dislike of presenting hard news was to blame - not poor ratings.
Devlin had been host of the talk-radio station's breakfast slot since it started two years ago.
Conjecture Devlin was facing the axe grew when he was off air for more than two months over the summer until February 21.
His bosses had earlier said he was expected back at the end of January.
A staff member had told the Herald farewell drinks for Devlin were held in December.
It was understood Devlin had a three-year contract with the station after being lured from rival The Radio Network's Radio Sport and had been seeking to be paid out.
He was not available for comment yesterday.
However, a CanWest MediaWorks statement issued last night said Devlin had decided to leave the job, effective immediately.
In it, the Game of 2 Halves TV-show regular cited his dislike of hard news.
"I've learned a huge amount and am really grateful for the opportunity to have spent time doing 'hard news' but I have to say that I really don't enjoy it.
"News is serious, is taken seriously and I think most people believe it should be presented seriously and I'm just not that guy."
He planned to take time off, having spent 16 years rising at 4am for morning radio.
CanWest said "it would like to make it clear that previous comments attributed to it in the New Zealand Herald suggesting that Martin Devlin had poor ratings were inaccurate and untrue and not at all relevant to the reason for his resignation".
Chief executive Brent Impey would not comment further on the show's ratings.
He also would not be drawn on whether a settlement had been reached. "The statement covers all of the employment issues."
He said radio host James Coleman would cover the breakfast slot until a replacement was appointed.
