John Campbell leaves Campbell Live

John Campbell will leave Campbell Live. A current affairs show will continue four days a week under a new name with two presenters

The news of Campbell's departure comes after a meeting of MediaWorks executives this afternoon.

John Campbell has rejected the chance to co-host a revamped version of his TV show and quit Mediaworks, the company says.

According to the 3News website, Group Head of News Mark Jennings said Campbell was asked to co-host the show, which will have two presenters, but has decided to leave the company.

"John has decided he wants to take a break from the job and we respect his decision," Jennings said.

The announcement ended a six-week review of this show.

Mediaworks chief executive Mark Weldon and Jennings told staff today, 3News reported.

The review assessed a series of options, and an "evolution of current affairs at 7pm emerged as the best option for improving commercial performance of the prime time 7pm slot on TV3".

"As much as anything, this was a review of the viability of current affairs at 7pm,"

Jennings told 3News. "We went in without any preconceived idea of the outcome, but with a clear goal to turnaround the ratings decline.

"The review has clearly shown us what's most relevant to our audience at 7pm is current affairs, but not Campbell Live as we know it.

"We will be bringing the best of Campbell Live over to the new show, but will be looking at a wider mix of stories."

- NZ Herald