Veteran NZ sports broadcaster Martin Devlin has quit his weekend radio show on NZME's Newstalk ZB network.
Devlin had hosted Newstalk ZB's long-running weekend sports radio show since 2018, following in the footsteps of Tony Veitch and Murray Deaker.
But in June, Devlin was stood down, after an altercation with a co-worker, and a month later, the 57-year-old suffered a near-fatal mental health event, but is said to be "recovering well".
Devlin has been off air since and had begun legal action against NZME to get his job back on an interim basis, but NZME has confirmed his resignation.
"Radio Sport launched in 1998, with Martin as its breakfast host, and he immediately shook up the way sport had traditionally been broadcast in New Zealand," says NZME executive Wendy Palmer.
“Sports fans lapped it up and Marty's show was a ratings hit. Industry colleagues also recognised Martin's talents, rewarding him with nine Sports Broadcaster of the Year awards.
"We sincerely wish Martin the very best for his recovery and thank him for his enormous contribution to broadcasting, so far."
Devlin, who also served a long stint at Mediaworks' Radio Live as a morning and weekend host, says stepping away from broadcasting is "incredibly hard".
"It's been one of the hardest decisions I've ever made," he says. "Radio has been my life for 32 years, it's the only career I've ever had and wanted, and it's been an incredible privilege.
"I just don't want the pressure and scrutiny that comes with hosting a nationwide radio show at the moment. I will definitely be back in some shape or form, but for now, I want to eliminate the stressors and rediscover the joy I have for working."
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