Time to slow down, says popular radio host

104.1 Territory FM radio host Daryl Manzie this week will step down from the Morning show that he has presented as a volunteer for the past 15 years.

Daryl, who conservatively estimates having conducted 30,000 interviews, said it was time to slow down.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being part of radio, part of the community, and talking to all sorts of people … but in 10 years from now I’ll be 80,” he said.

“My wife of 48 years, Maureen, and I love to travel and there’s a lot of the world and a lot of Australia we’d like to see in the time we have left.”

His final Morning show will air between 9am-12pm this Friday, 9 December.

Daryl said he would remain engaged with the popular community radio station.

“I’ll continue to serve on the community advisory board, and fill in temporarily if needed, and I’m exploring the idea of presenting a weekly one-hour show, possibly on a Sunday morning.”

After arriving in the Territory in 1968, Daryl served as a police officer for 15 years before entering politics with the Country Liberal Party, during which time he held many ministries and was Attorney-General.

“After retiring from politics on my own terms in 2001, I felt the need to give a little back to society. I was invited to have a go at radio and found that I really enjoyed it,” he said.

“I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of dealing with people and trying to understand why they are the way they are. There’s always another side to the story.”

Daryl said he had interviewed national and local political leaders, authors, artists, business leaders and many others who try to make the world a better place. 

“Among the most memorable guests were Julia Gillard and Russell Crowe,” he said.

“I’ve also loved chatting with celebrities, innovators and researchers. Sometimes I think ‘wow, what a positive impact they’ll have in the future’.”

Daryl said he would maintain his involvement with his community interests and activities.

“I just want to slow down. I will stay engaged with the Chamber of Commerce, Variety NT, the Motor Vehicle Enthusiasts Club, East Point Museum, the Darwin Symphony Orchestra, the CDU Foundation and others,” he said.