Reporter

At the end of March, MediaWorks announced it was slashing its Today FM network which came as destabilizing news for the wider MediaWorks company.

High profile hosts Tova O’Brian and Duncan Garner both spoke out publicly about the cut live-to-air after receiving the news the station would be axed.  Garner’s words: “It looks like it’s the end of us” wasn’t to last long.

Now, as the host of a new rova podcast, Garner has every reason to smile. A press released published by MediaWorks on 5 May revealed the media heavyweight has found his way back into the MediaWorks stable, but this time on its podcast roster - a move which may already have been in train before the company shut it’s Today FM station down. 

On the podcast cover, Garner is presented casually, ditching the clean cut suit for a plain black T-shirt and unshaven face. The relaxed and approachable look fits in with the ‘community’ feel of the podcast and its aim to target everyday people.

Duncan Garner Editor in Chief aims launches Monday 8 May and the content will be recorded daily ‘as live’.

Garner will take the reins as his own boss for the first time in what Rova describe as an “impressive 29 year career as a journalist”.

The podcast will feature in-depth interviews and regular features such as the ‘Slam Dunc’ and ‘Wanker of the Week’ - the new digital offering promises the host at his “raw, funny, and unapologetic best”.

Garner says the name of the podcast stuck.

“[It’s] not just about newsmakers, it's about what's going on in our lives and in our communities. I want people to get involved. It’s a place to share, listen, laugh and engage. Nothing is off the table, brutal honesty is what I want, bring it,” he says.

MediaWorks Interim CEO Wendy Palmer is thrilled to have Garner in charge of hunting out and telling great stories.

Despite the axed broadcaster being off air for just over a month, Palmer recognises that audiences have missed his presence.

“We’ve worked closely with him,” she says of the podcast that aims to meet new audiences, with thirty percent of Kiwis now engaging with podcast content.

Duncan Garner Editor-in-Chief launches Monday 8 May and will be available on the rova app, and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.