Amanda Gillies, Mark Richardson leaving The AM Show at end of 2021

  • 22/09/2021

Newshub has announced it will be launching a new look for its morning news and current affairs programme The AM Show from January, 2022.

Recently appointed host of the show Ryan Bridge will be continuing in his role joined by a new hosting team in 2022 with long time presenters Amanda Gillies and Mark Richardson moving to other opportunities within Newshub and Three. 

Gillies, a seasoned award-winning journalist with over 20 years experience, has been appointed to a Newshub National Correspondent role, covering and breaking stories of national significance.

Richardson will continue as host of Three's most popular DIY show The Block NZ as well as regularly appearing as a fourth host on The Project

"Amanda and Mark have been an important part of the success of The AM Show over the last five years and will remain an important part of Newshub and Three going forward," says Newshub's Director of News Sarah Bristow.

"With the current hosting line-up continuing for the remainder of the year, we will celebrate their outstanding contribution in December.

"Looking ahead to 2022, we have an exciting opportunity to reinvigorate the format of The AM Show. Our focus remains unchanged - to deliver a best-in-class product that sets the news agenda of the day - and evolving the existing format of the show is a natural progression. We look forward to sharing more with you in the coming months."

Gillies says the last five years have been a privilege.

"It's the best job in the world but with the worst hours," she says.

"I have never taken the studio seat for granted, and I have been lucky enough to work with the dream team, on and off screen. There have been plenty of laughs, tears and unforgettable moments."

Mark Richardson says: "This has been a dream job for me in so many ways - I have experienced news and current affairs broadcasting from the best seat in the house, even getting to play a few shots myself every now and again. It has allowed me to develop and grow my personal depth in the industry, all while having a heck of a lot of fun."

"I want to thank everyone involved with the show who have all played a part in achieving something that is nothing short of excellence," says Richardson.

"I would especially like to mention my two main co-hosts, Duncan Garner and Amanda Gillies. Five years together in this format of broadcasting is exceptional. You are champions, and I will go into bat with you guys against anyone, anywhere."

The AM Show broadcasts weekdays on Three and streams live on ThreeNow from 6am - 9am covering the latest news and current affairs and engaging Kiwis in a national conversation about issues affecting them.