Radio host to finish up after 27 years

NZ radio and TV host Murray Deaker has announced he is leaving both Newstalk ZB and his Sky TV show, Deaker on Sport.

He pioneered sports talk back on Newstalk ZB, he says: "I am grateful to Newstalk ZB for the opportunity it gave me to allow my passion for sport and people to become my profession. I have had a ball. Timing is everything in sport and life. I want to get out while I'm still at the top of my game. There are fresh challenges that I am keen to have a crack at."

Deaker won the Best Sports Presenter at the Radio Awards 7 times and in 2009 received the award Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for Services to Broadcasting. His radio shows consistently rated number one during his career.

TRN's Dallas Gurney, GM Talk Programming, says:

“Murray is an iconic sports broadcaster in New Zealand and his name and voice are synonymous with sport in this country. Whether celebrating our wins or lamenting our losses, Murray has been a constant presence on New Zealand’s sporting landscape."

Deaker will finish at the end of the year.