Ryan takes up Nine to Noon slot

Kathryn Ryan

Radio New Zealand political editor Kathryn Ryan has beaten out a string of broadcasting's best-known voices to replace Linda Clark in the coveted role of Nine to Noon host on National Radio.

Ryan, 38, is due to start next month.

Competition for the job was tough - others believed to have applied for the position included Morning Report co-host Sean Plunket and TVNZ's occasional British correspondent Gordon Harcourt.

Ryan said she was delighted to take on one of radio's "prime roles".

"This is an absolutely brilliant opportunity for any broadcaster.

"It's just such a diverse, interesting and challenging job that it tests all the skills as a broadcaster.

"For that reason I applied for it, and I'm delighted to get it."

Ryan has worked in Radio New Zealand's parliamentary press gallery for six years, including three years as political editor.

In Radio New Zealand's last listener survey in May to June last year, Nine to Noon had about 240,000 listeners.