Hilary Barry Has Resigned From TV3

One of TV3's biggest and most popular stars, newsreader Hilary Barry, has quit the network.

Her departure is the second high-profile casualty at TV3 in the past year after John Campbell left in May when his show Campbell Live was dumped.

The Weekend Herald can reveal Ms Barry, who has been with the company since 1993, resigned on Thursday. There is speculation she is headed to rival broadcaster TVNZ.

In a statement, Ms Barry said: "I have had a wonderful and varied career at MediaWorks and am very grateful for the opportunity to have worked with some incredibly talented people over the years who have been both mentors and friends.

"I am thrilled to have been a part of the launch and success of Newshub and Paul Henry. I know I'm leaving both performing well and in great shape.

"For now though, I am very much looking forward to recharging my batteries and spending more time with my family.

I want to thank MediaWorks, my colleagues and the viewers and listeners. I know that the team will continue to deliver a world class news service across digital, TV and radio."

The shock move is the latest drama to rock TV3's news and current affairs department in the last 18 months. It is understood Barry's departure has caused turmoil at the broadcaster, which has merged its television and radio newsrooms.

Ms Barry is a lynchpin at both ends of the day for the company. She co-stars on the Paul Henry breakfast TV and radio programme and is an anchor on the 6pm news.

She is immensely popular among MediaWorks staff and the public, and her colleagues are said to be devastated she is leaving.

Paul Henry, when asked for comment last night, appeared to be momentarily speechless.

After a palpable pause he eventually said: "Er ... I don't have any comment to make. Thank you and good evening."

Mr Weldon confirmed Barry's departure last night.

"After a distinguished career with MediaWorks spanning 23 years, Newshub at 6pm and Paul Henry Presenter Hilary Barry has decided to leave the company.

"On behalf of MediaWorks, I want to thank and pay tribute to Hilary. She is a brilliant broadcaster, highly respected journalist and much-loved personality, who will be missed by myself, colleagues and audiences."

Mr Weldon said Barry started with TV3 as a news reporter in Christchurch in 1993 and had become one of New Zealand's favourite personalities on television and radio.

"This was a personal decision made by Hilary. We are disappointed to lose her but also acknowledge that, after 23 years, it's very reasonable she might wish to make a change.

"So, we respect her decision, thank her for her enormous contribution, and wish her the very best."

It is understood Barry has been dissatisfied with the network's direction for some time.

One source told the Weekend Herald that if Barry did join arch-enemy TVNZ, where she is believed to be in talks, it would be a "double whammy" for rival TV3. It is not known what role she could take up at TVNZ, but one source said Barry only had to serve a month's notice at TV3.

Barry presented 3 News on weekends for six years, before fronting the flagship weeknight news programme.

She recently celebrated her 11th TV3 news anniversary alongside NewsHub co-presenter Mike McRoberts.

On Facebook, Mike McRoberts wrote it had been an honour working with her over the past 11 years.

Read the full story at nzherald.co.nz