11 Feb 2014

Changes at Radio New Zealand

5:35 pm on 11 February 2014

Radio New Zealand management have confirmed that several changes are underway at the station.

Paul Thompson.

Paul Thompson. Photo: RNZ

One involves moving Morning Report presenter Simon Mercep to front a new afternoon programme. No decision has been made on who will replace him.

In addition, a new drive time format is being developed which will build on the strengths of Checkpoint and The Panel, which currently airs on Jim Mora's Afternoons show.

Morning Report is also being strengthened.

The changes have been subject to media speculation in the past few days.

Radio New Zealand's chief executive Paul Thompson said on Tuesday they are part of a series of changes intended to keep the station's current radio programming strong, while reaching out in new ways to new audiences.

Further details will be made available as final decisions are made.