KEY POINTS:
Newstalk ZB has announced Paul Holmes will quit the breakfast show he has presented for 20 years at the end of 2008.
He will then hand over the breakfast reins to his deputy, Mike Hosking, but will stay with the station focusing on a new show scheduled to air on Saturday mornings from 9.00am to noon until 2011.
This forum debate has now closed. Here is a selection of your views on the topic.
John Armstrong
Mr Holmes has been a bold pioneer in NZ broadcasting. He has had the guts to develop new formats and to go out on a limb when the standard kiwi format has been one of mumbling mediocrity. Mr Holmes has style, humour, and intelligence and has never lost his feeling for the working class ordinary bloke, while at the same time has cleverly been able to disarm and penetrate world leaders and personalities .A man of supreme irony and fabulous dry wit in his commentary, and one we will miss when he departs the airwaves. What a guy!
Mark
The tall poppy syndrome lives on in New Zealand. Paul Holmes is at the top of his game, if as most people on this page dislike like his style then why is his show the top rating radio show in New Zealand. Yes Mike Hosking will do a great job, but today is about Paul Holmes. Good on ya, you have done a great job, we have enjoyed your show, when you have had your humorous days they start us all in a good mood.
Noel Schelling
Gosh, what a lot of anti folk around. I have been listening to Pauls show for the last 20 years and have found it very entertaining. He is an individual in his own right. I particularly enjoy listening to his morning talk at 6.20am with Bernadine and Tony - they all have a great time. Thank you Paul for all the entertaining you have provided us with over the years, at least we have 21 months left to listen to you. Please keep up the great work. I must send you some more of our cookies to sample. Cheers.
Grey
Can not quite believe the venom of your knockers Paul. They certainly seem well informed of your supposed faults even after tuning out years ago. You rock - love your wit, style and intelligence.
Nola Lowe
Mike better measure up to Paul as Paul will leave huge huge shoes to fill, Thank you Paul for your intelligent topics, your so wise & fun to listen to. My husband & I will miss you on the early show but we still have you for a while yet. Would Mike please learn to slow down when he talks, he talks in a "fast gabble" if he doesnt slow down we wont be listening to him. Good luck Paul, we will miss you very much.
John
Hi, used to listen to him in the mornings until 2004, and enjoyed the well informed banter. The National programme became more interesting, but I will go back to Hosking who is well suited to radio as soon when Paul moves on, and the advertisements get down to acceptable levels, and quality. Paul has been great, but overexposed and a little tiresome . Time for changing of the guard is long over due. His role in the background sounds a great idea, his experience will be appreciated, but let the undervalued spark of Mike Hosking have its day. Home time Holmes.
Catherine Hughes
I thank God for the passing of time and that this awful man will no longer waste our time on the radio in the mornings. Mike Hosking will be a great replacement. And I look forward to hearing him. About 5 years ago Leighton Smith asked his audience what they thought of Mr Holmes and this is what I said at the time and still stand by it. "Paul Holmes is the architect of the biggest snow job in the history of broadcasting in New Zealand." Thank you for this opportunity to voice my opinion one more time.
Earl
On business in Europe and US over last few weeks and that just sheets home how good Paul is .Will be sorely missed.
Trish Coyle
I never liked Paul Holmes on television or radio. However, he had his following and maintained a broadcasting career - its a bit like the Fox Idol competition, those you cannot stand seem to hold on or even win! For me, its great news, however, I can now return to my homeland without gritting my teeth when watching television. Hmm. maybe not.. perhaps there will be another talentless, egotistical little man to take his place. Mike Hosking. OMG! This man is even more boring than Paul Holmes and equally as self absorbed!! New Zealands broadcasting service needs to find some intelligent and interesting broadcasters. Look at the grand old gentlemen of American broadcasting who are still going strong even as they enter their tenth decade!! Seriously, I wish Paul Holmes no ill will. May he enjoy his retirement.
Alan Monard
Good riddance to Paul Holmes. In my opinion he is a has-been who mumbles and stumbles through his programme and doesnt seem to make sense any more. It is not a tall poppy thing and I appreciate good interviewers but this guy is well past his use by date. Ive met him in real life and I found him to be arrogant and foulmouthed.
Paul Playner
They should pass the show over to the 2 Robbies on the Breeze!!
Skip
I find it interesting to note after reading through the comments,that those who are most vocal in their dislike of Paul,are also those who are adamant that they never listen to Paul. Comments based on this admitted lack of knowledge on the topic are best left for the garbage bin much like I imagine the opinions of the commentators.
Diane McDonald
He is past it, about time he moved on to retirement. I will never forget his first Holmes show when he was rude to Dennis Conner. He did this to start off with a big impact, however it made him as bad as Conners behaviour. Yes sick of seeing his pathetic face on TV.
Allan
Seldom listened to him, so wont miss him. Radio NZ National has better broadcasters, and no ads!
JD
Paul Holmes use-by date was way back about 1998.
Idiot
Think about this, is he stupid or what. He launches a current affair show on Prime TV. And a tree on One Tree Hill he makes into an issue as though we got no other matters concerning our nation.
Phillip
What he did for arrogant self-important drivel cannot be over-estimated. Hosking has that same irritating motor-mouth vapid style. They obviously do it for someone but they never turned me on for I prefer them both turned off.
Mark Hamilton
In any other country priding itself on journalistic integrity, Holmes would have been sacked within hours of referring to someone as a "cheeky darkie". Shame on TVNZ for not having the decency to have shown the poisonous little man the door then...
Kay
A lot of people have taken out the time to email "your views" to say how much they dont like Paul Holmes. They obviously have anger that they need to vent towards people that cant fight back as such. (Would they say this kind of stuff to your face?) Congratulations Paul on being a "Personality" they we Kiwis will never forget. You are part of our institution like, jandals, Weetbix, buzzy bees and marmite. Whether people can say anything nice about you or bad they cannot achieve what you have achieved over the years of being an unforgettable character. New Zealand, being the home of the tall poppy syndrome will always try to bring down those who are successful. I have never met you and I always wanted too...maybe one day. My Mother met you many years ago and said how kind and thoughtful you were towards her...something that your critics dont have...take note! Best wishes for your life without these people who, probably cant say anything nice about anyone. Well done on your fine career Paul! Go well.
Mel Stewart
Paul was a great broadcaster; but I feel he needs to spend more time with his pretty young wife, before she decides to quit him.
Chris de Bazin
Paul is still and will continue to be relevant. I am pleased he will have the opportunity to continue to be so. That Mike will replace him is welcomed. He is an inspired choice - intelligent, perceptive and able to deliver a personal view that disregards the opinions of the masses yet still 'ring true'. I enjoy them both. In the past Paul has been victimised by his peers and been deserved of some of it but, given his breadth of career, indiscretions are surprisingly few. By the way, isnt Kerre a delight and, well done Brent Harman for dreaming it all up in the first place.
Barry
Stopped listening to ZB long ago other than Larry Williams, the only one worth listening to. The problem with Pauls show - too many ads, painful panels and boring personal stories from Paul. I think Mike Hosking will be a big improvement.
Seamus
Greatest news I have heard in a very long time. Other pompous old white men at ZB should follow suit (Leighton, Larry, Bruce etc). Mike Hosking has the personality of a old sponge. Give the show to Wendyl! or Noelle McCarthy, by far the best thing going for ZB.
Murray
I surf stations but when I get to Newstalk ZB most often than not they are playing ads. Paul when he does get a word in edgeways is speaking the Labour Party spiel to the hilt! Its time we got a balance to our news. Are you up to it Mike?
David
It is seldom that I take much notice of media goings on, but the demise of Holmes is one chapter in NZs broadcasting history I am genuinely delighted about. This man took prime time TV & radio broadcasting to a whole new level of crass, self opinionated arrogance that defied belief. He will not be missed.
Noel Packer
A shame but understand. a very intelligent, funny man, he will be missed. Have enjoyed Mike on Saturday mornings, and he will be good also.
Dene
Always a pleasure to listen to both Paul and his morning team. Whether you agree, or agree to disagree with his views and opinions on subjects that matter on the day. He is the very best at his trade. We must remember,Paul is a Radio Broadcast Entertainer first and foremost. Hosting (like it or not) New Zealands leading breakfast talkback program.
Drugh
Love him or loathe him, there is no question Paul Holmes is this countrys leading broadcaster. No-one has come near him for understanding his audience, cutting to the heart of the story and bringing issues to public attention. Whether or not he has a use-by date, let alone has reached it, let's stop knocking a man who has contributed a great deal to what we know about ourselves.,, and applaud his decision to change down a gear and look after himself and his family.
Heather Gilbert
I have listened to Paul since he started 20 years ago and I thought who is this bumbling idiot!, but then he did a cash call and it was the funniest thing I have ever heard, and I knew then that I was going to enjoy this man. I cannot believe all these people complaining about him, why do they listen if they don't like him and how come the ratings are so high if so many people are unhappy. I am going to miss him a lot, but very pleased with his replacement. I also enjoy listening to Mike when he replaces Paul in the morning. Good luck to both of them.
Barbara
My family will miss Paul, when he leaves his early morning show. We just love his dry wit and never hesitates to put himself down in a very funny way. Mike is going to be a great replacement. All the very best to a great broadcaster!
Bev Thurlow
Will miss you so much Paul. Have listened to you for all those years. Always a gentleman! Take care.Now I will tune in on Saturdays. May your success continue to grow. Best regards.
Mark
Paul is great and his wit and intelligence is welcoming. But they need to sort out Danny Watson though he is boring and provides a dull show. All the best Paul.
Sandra
Will miss Paul on weekday mornings, good to hear he is still going to be on, on Saturday mornings.
Ian Morine
What is it about TV1 Holmes / Close Up presenters? When they start off they give us warm friendly vibs, then after a short honeymoon period they take it on themselves to try and change the political landscape (in particular) by becoming extremely bias and one sided on many issues, almost to the point in some cases of taking over where Fair Go left off ! I do not see that as being their job, which is give us a fair and accurate view of proceedings in NZ and the rest of the world and not some one sided, personal view of the world around us.I have seen this time and time again. I don't switch on to television (in the 7-7.30pm time slot) to listen to some poor, overinflated ego rambling on about something I am totally uninterested in like, Mrs Joe Bloggs down the road who got ripped off by someone, just so that these presenters egos can be stroked - give us the news , not their personal views of the news. I am disappointed to see that Mark Sainsbury seems to be going down the same road.
John
Holmes should have gone long ago. He became boring and sadly Hosking is cast with the same ego and machine gun staccato. Seems most talk back hosts go this way, some sooner than others.
Pervez
Paul Holmes is the reason why I stopped listening to Newstalk ZB. He is pompous and ignorant, although when you first hear him, you tend to think that this guy is well articulated and intelligent. In reality he dumbs down the people listening to his show - he presents his own right-wing opinions as facts and doesn' seriously entertain and kind of opposing view. His "cheeky darky" incident should have been enough to fire him. Perhaps when he leaves the station he will get a "I Love USA!" t-shirt as a going away gift.
Lance A
Cant they speed things up and get Mike on the show a whole lot faster?? Something tells me that Paul has always been keen on TV and I wont be surprised if he has got a deal going with TVNZ now that his "buddy" Bill is gone!!
Manawa
He has done his time. Not my style I am afraid. OK for some I suppose. Knows everything about nothing. That is how these people are, a bit like magicians got you by the short and curlys..People get so entranced in his performance...there are so much better people out there.Good riddance I say.
Grant
I find it odd how many people are writing in saying that do not like Paul. This has been said over and over again. Just turn the radio off. We do not care if you do not like him. Other people do. You are not forced to sit there and listen, there is heaps of other radio stations you can tune into.
Clive Thompson
To keep people interested you need change and ZB has been stagnant for years. Same old same old. The best ray of sunshine is Kerre.
Ajjones
He is the main reason I left as a listener. Self opinionated , rambling , incoherent, arrogant and with the misguided view that it is him we want to listen to , not the interviewee? .PS He never asks the incisive question to Helen , who clearly does the deal on her terms.
Graeme Petrie
No I certainly wont miss him. He is a bumbling little has-been who cant even seem to string a sentence together any longer. There has to be many people around better than him! Dont know how his ego will like not being on the airwaves daily though.
Robbie
I almost got exited here until I saw it was end of 2008. Personally I like listening to talkback radio, but switch to More FM when Paul is on. He should move on and give Mike Hosking the Mic asap. There are a few awesome guys at NewsTalk ZB, unfortunately Paul just does not do it for me.
George Smith
Paul Holmes past his use by date before he had even finished at TV1. Did he actually quit or was he asked to stand down? The latter is probably the best bet.
Christine
I will be very sorry to see Paul resign the breakfast show but I feel you have picked the right guy to replace him in Mike.
Jeanette
I will miss Paul in the mornings. Love his humour, especially when he is having one of his funny mornings. Think Mike can fill the shoes, but talks too fast! Will have to slow down, especially for the older people listening. Cheers Paul, did you know you were going?
Barry Goodey
Paul has been part of our morning for so long and the humour and fun he has with his team is a great start to our day. Sorry to see him move on and Mike is a good replacement but Paul will always be remembered as good news reader, good insight into the days events, great support staff and co presenters and a great listen. All the best.
Luke
Thank God, we no longer have to watch him and now we will no longer have to listen to him! Unfortunately they are replacing one egomaniac with another. Good riddance to an offensive self-important dinosaur! Cheeky darkie.
Richard
Maybe now we will get some decent news and information in the morning instead of a puffed up ego going on about his little doggies and crashing planes.
Carolyn
I have only in the last couple of years listened to Paul in the mornings (and then only because I brought a car with a radio which cannot get my normal station.) I have thoroughly enjoyed Pauls unique style. I missed him when he left TV1's Closeup so it was good catching up with him on the radio. I really enjoy his sense of humour.
Frederick Church
About 4 years too late, he was brilliant but the past few years have been tedious. I will never again listen to NewstalkZB breakfast if Mike Hosking is going to take over, the guy is an incompetent arrogant fool who has turned me off weekend morning radio. Good luck with the ratings fall!
David Patterson
Paul Holmes has long overstayed his welcome. He is a snob and constantly makes smart unwarranted comments. I cannot stand how his co-hosts in the morning constantly pander to his over-inflated ego. Mike is great, he has a fresh and positive outlook. It is just a shame that we have to wait until the end of next year until this change takes place!
Lindsay
Way past his use by date!! Should have gone years ago!!! His "unbiased" skills? At interviews etc are on a par with his skills? At flying an aircraft!
Aaron
Get rid of the old coot. Too many has been hacks on radio and TV nowadays. Put him out to pasture.
Stan
I have been listening to Paul ever since I came to this country in the early 90's. He is definitely a part of my morning rituals right from the time the radio alarm goes on, to the morning shower and then breakfast, the bus to work (and lately in the car). Paul has brought me years of good entertaining fun, somber reflections and most importantly keeping me informed of Auckland and New Zealand news. No matter how others may make fun of you Paul, they will never be able to match your wits, your sense of humour, your understanding of world and local politics and your drive for excellence. I might not always agree with your viewoints but you are never a dull broadcaster to me.
Ewen Castle
I am not sorry to learn he is going. I avoid all broadcasts and publications involving Paul Holmes.
Bernadette
I will definitely miss his morning show. It has been a stabilising factor in my life and I miss his voice and opinions and funny sense of humour when I am overseas. No other station has this vital ingredient as ZB does.
Dale Short
Will miss Paul. It will not be the same getting up at 6 in the morning and listening to his show before going to work. Will tune in to Saturday morning. All the best.
Dee
I will definitely miss him. He is a great talent.
Cameron Brewer (Newmarket)
Good on you Paul for bowing out on top. You took TVNZs 7pm slot to the top and you've held ZB at the top for many years. The radio market will be a lesser place but the good news is we'll still wake up to you on Saturday.
Jan
You are simply the best! I am glad we have 20 months to get used to the idea! Yes I shall miss the quirkiness, the giggles, the middle NZ people stories that make us think of others, the latest goss and the news and issues, the serious debates and ruckmakers, the foreign correspondents that keep us tuned to the world issues... and the insights to your personal likes/dislikes, your personality including the ego/pratt stuff too! Thank you Paul, I will savour the next months like a fine wine that will evaporate if not drunk in time.
Lee
WAAAAY PAST his use-by date.
Tony Gadfly
About bleeding time. Follow him, Leighton, Danny and Larry.
Lou Harrison-Smith
Paul who, quitting what?
Matty Smith
As someone forced to listen to Holmes frequently ,I would say his time was already up 20 years ago. Dull right-wing apologists like him should not be given the huge proportion of airtime that they are. Shows like Holmes serve only as echo chambers for a growing "dumbed down" demographic of Kiwis.
Shirley Mackay
I have listened to Paul whilst driving to work for 20 years. I have recently been listening to Mike on Saturdays, so whilst I shall miss Paul during the week day mornings I shall look forward to his input on Saturdays. I congratulate ZB and Paul on this Pauls 20th Anniversary. Well-done Paul.
Miriam
Not a big fan of Paul Holmes I must admit, and I avoid listening to him in the morning. I am really sorry too hear that he will be on the radio Saturday mornings as I do usually listen to NewstalkZB then.
Ian Williamson
It is about time he pulled the plug - he is well past his use by date!
Vicki Hunter
All the best Paul. Will miss your wit and charm, plus cheeky smile. Met you once when we launched your book.
Steve Croawell
When I started listening to the show 3yrs ago all my(male) friends said what a boring station/ Well. I thought it was great. As soon as I get into the car I change my wifes station ( The Rock ) to my station , which is Pauls show .I really find it really interesting when Paul goes around the world using reporters from those countries , the friendly banter which is involved is great , even when discussing the shares and money matters , it is just a great and very interesting programme and I will miss him.
Ben Picard
After having avoided Paul Holmes for years on TV and radio, whenever he was on, we would change channel or stations, we are looking forward to a breath of fresh air. Hopefully his replacement will be an improvement!
Ben Picard
Oh dear, we did not read the article properly and we see we will have to continue avoiding the station as his replacement, Mike Hosking, is in the same mould, so good luck!
>> Go here to read views on more of today's top topics
