Duncan Garner has told his radio listeners that "a lot of people are doing it quite hard" after he and staff were told today by Mediaworks bosses that the current affairs show Story has been axed.

But Garner says the loss of his show doesn't compare to the death of his father or when he was separated from his children when his relationship with fellow broadcaster Mihi Forbes ended.

"There is lots of meetings here today. People's livelihoods are at stake. A lot of people are doing it quite hard," Garner said on Radio Live Drive this afternoon.

SUPPLIED Duncan Garner: He might be taking over from Paul Henry.

But Garner was philosophical about his own fate, saying: "I'm sure it will be a-okay."

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TOM HOLLOWS Duncan Garner and Heather du Plessis-Allan fronting Story.

He reflected on the "hardest time" of his life - his 30s - when he lost his Dad, a relationship, and his children moved away.

"Jobs come and go, and they change and they evolve … and if you think television is a gig for life you're a madman. I really appreciate your support today."

The show's cancellation was not mentioned by Garner or du Plessis-Allan when it went to air at 7pm on Tuesday.



Earlier in the day, staff were called into individual meetings at MediaWorks headquarters at Flower St in Auckland on Tuesday afternoon to be told the show was being cancelled.

ROSS GIBLIN/STUFF Heather du Plessis-Allan.

It is understood that the final edition of the show will be aired on December 16.

It's believed that Seven Days producer Jon Bridges is being considered to helm a new current affairs show closely modelled on the Australian show The Project.

It's thought MediaWorks have had discussions with the Australian network Channel Ten about licensing the format for The Project, an award-winning Australian weeknight show fronted by comedians Waleed Ali, Carrie Bickmore and Peter Helliar.

Chris Skelton/Fairfax NZ Duncan Garner leaves the MediaWorks studio following Tuesday night's episode of Story.

Guy Williams, currently holidaying in India, is being touted as the show's likely frontman.

Bridges did not deny his role when contacted, saying: "I don't have a comment on that. I don't think the network's ready to talk about anything that is going on.

"As far as I know all that stuff is all being talked about when they do the new season's launch in a couple of days."

TWITTER Story presenter Duncan Garner and his daughter who once got stuck inside a lift at TV3.

It is understood most of the staff on Story will be offered new roles.

Story entered the 7PM slot on August 10 2015, replacing its predecessor Campbell Live, which held the spot for a decade.

MediaWorks announced the show on June 24 that year, with then-chief of news Mark Jennings saying it would be driven by a pair of formidable journalists.

FAIRFAX NZ Heather du Plessis-Allan eats a steak and cheese sandwich from Shirls Takeaways in Ngaruawahia.

At the time, host Duncan Garner said that Story would focus on "issues that are relevant and important to New Zealanders".

"And when those in power in Wellington, or in your own community, make bad decisions, mislead you or are hypocrites, I promise – you can rely on us to keep them honest – simple. I have known Heather for a long time and she is a very talented reporter and broadcaster... worryingly, we have similar sense of humour!," Garner said in the announcement.

Former MediaWorks chief executive Mark Weldon said, at the time, that it represented a "major investment" in the "future of current affairs" by the country.

MYTCHALL BRANSGROVE/FAIRFAX NZ Duncan Garner and Heather Du Plessis Allan on the ground in Timaru.



In April, MediaWorks announced they would extent the Story format to include Friday nights, called The Friday Story, hosted alternately by the main hosts, with a rotating cast of supporting host and panelists to discuss the week's news.



Prior to hosting Story, Garner hosted the now-defunct 3D with Samantha Hayes along with a RadioLIVE drive show. du Plessis-Allan had worked as a reporter for One News and Seven Sharp, as well as writing a column for Herald on Sunday.

MediaWorks have not returned calls for comment.

It's understood they will be making a full announcement of all their planned changes - including the exit of Paul Henry from the morning show to be replaced by Garner - at a season launch event at Auckland's Northern Club on Thursday afternoon.

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