23 Aug 2021

Duncan Garner cites 'brutal hours' for leaving TV3

11:52 am on 23 August 2021

TV3's AM Show host Duncan Garner is leaving the TV channel, effective immediately.

TV3's Duncan Garner reads Sky's statement announcing free-to-air coverage of the Americas Cup.

Duncan Garner has left TV3 after nearly 20 years of working there. Photo: screenshot

Garner said he had decided to leave the show after five years because of "the brutal hours".

Garner has worked at TV3 for almost 20 years, most of the time as a political reporter and editor.

He says he has a few important family and personal things that need his attention.

During this time he has been the network's political editor, co-presenter of Story, co-host of 3rd Degree, host of The Nation, host of Radio Live Drive for five years, and fronted the channel's election night programming.

"I am so proud of what we have achieved in all the teams I've been a part of and in this tough, hostile business you're deluded if you think you do it alone," Garner said in a statement released this morning.

"This place has been home for 20 years and it's bloody hard to say goodbye but I have to. I have a few important family and personal things that need my attention and now is the right time to go."

Ryan Bridge will host the programme this week, but a permanent replacement for Garner hasn't yet been named.