Elizabeth Ries and John Hanson/photo by Sara Glassman

Turns out Dec. 21 really is the end of the days -- at least when it comes to two broadcasters and their relationships with the Twin Cities market. John Hanson, co-host of KSTP's "Twin Cities Live," and Ian Punnett, co-host of 107.1 FM's "Ian and Margery" show, have chosen next Friday to be their last on the air.

Hanson, who has co-hosted the afternoon TV talk show since it debuted in 2008, is leaving to become program director at KCSP, a Fox-affiliated sports radio station in Kansas City. Hanson held a similar post in Las Vegas before taking the "Live" gig.

"For me it was a case of looking at what I can do for the next 30 years and this allows me to get back on track in the radio management world," Hanson said. "It wasn't easy at all. My head hurt thinking about it so much. It tells you what a great opportunity I'm getting for me to leave a job like this."

Punnett's reasons for leaving are tied to tinnitus, a ringing in his ears that has gotten progressively worse in recent years. Punnett had cut back his hours this past August, but Tuesday he said it was finally time to hang it up.

"It was really hard to think about leaving," Punnett said. "It took me two years to get to a place where I could finally say, 'OK, I've got to let go of this.'"

Punnett said the tinnitus has made it difficult to sleep and even concentrate during moments on the morning show. He has no immediate plans, but said he's considering attending graduate school.

Punnett's wife, Margery Punnett, will continue with 107.1 FM in some capacity. No immediate replacements for Hanson or Punnett have been determined.