Murray Deaker leaves sports broadcasting

Murray Deaker leaves sports broadcasting

30 October 2013 – Radio and television host Murray Deaker has announced he is leaving both Newstalk ZB and his Sky TV programme, Deaker on Sport.

"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," says Deaker.

Murray Deaker won the Best Sports Presenter at the Radio Awards seven times and was a finalist on 10 other occasions.  In 2009 he received the award Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for Services to Broadcasting.  His radio programmes have consistently rated number one.

Deaker pioneered sports talk back on Newstalk ZB.  He has thrived on the debates, the unpredictability, the humour and the emotion.  His open, direct, forthright style made his programmes lively, provocative and informative.
Deaker 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.”

The Radio Network’s Dallas Gurney, General Manager Talk Programming says after 27 years as a host it is the end of an era.

“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,” says Gurney.

Gurney says Deaker will finish at the end of the year.  His successor would be announced in due course.

ENDS

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