Hard News by Russell Brown

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Hard News: Morning in Auckland

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  • FletcherB,

    I don't want him back - how many sixth chances do others get? He's an embarassment and a waste of oxygen.

    While I'd be happy for him to be gone... I think he's in a bit of a special situation.... if they try to fire him over this, I think he could try (successfully?) to argue that previous PR and lack of sanctions from TVNZ had encouraged him, and it was not that far different from previous transgressions to be clearly grounds for instant dismissal.... like other's have said, he's still an employee and still entitled to fair process.

    On the other hand, if he's already received warnings and sanctions (in private, counter to TVNZ publicity).... then yeah... he's good to go.

    West Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 893 posts Report Reply

  • Sacha,

    I don't care if tvnz have to pay out 'special' Henry for their slack mismanagement - and I expect to see at least one manager follow him - I want him off our screens for good. No more chances. Gone.

    Ak • Since May 2008 • 19745 posts Report Reply

  • Sacha,

    Feeling annoyed. Close Up ran a poll tonight asking viewers whether the NZ government "should have apologised" to the Indian government (because we're all experts in international diplomacy, right).

    Exemplified the smug, self-serving organisational culture that must change.

    Ak • Since May 2008 • 19745 posts Report Reply

  • Cecelia,

    Close Up ran a poll

    I saw that. Only 18% voted Yes. Was that because of the question or because they are Henry supporters??? We'll never know.

    Hibiscus Coast • Since Apr 2008 • 559 posts Report Reply

  • simon g,

    TV3's The Nation are having a "Diversity Debate", in which Sean Plunket is joined by three other white men.

    But still, they're managing to make some good points. When did Former Evil Nat Philip Burdon become so good? No weasel words, very clear rejection of racism. I want to vote for him.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 1333 posts Report Reply

  • Petra,

    I wouldn't put too much stock in online polls or txt polls, as they are easily skewed. I tested this with both Close Up and the Campbell polls by seeing if I could vote twice. I could. So it's my guess that the energised redneck crowd are skewing the data by voting repeatedly.

    Rotorua • Since Mar 2007 • 317 posts Report Reply

  • Jackie Clark,

    Simon, that wasn't Wendy Petrie on Breakfast, I don't think. That's Pippa Wetzell who co-hosts with Henry. You're getting your blondes mixed up!

    Mt Eden, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 3136 posts Report Reply

  • 3410,

    Was Wendy Petrie, that time.

    Auckland • Since Jan 2007 • 2618 posts Report Reply

  • Jackie Clark,

    No-one likes a smart arse, V :)

    Mt Eden, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 3136 posts Report Reply

  • 3410,

    Just keepin' it correct. :)

    Auckland • Since Jan 2007 • 2618 posts Report Reply

  • Petra,

    Could someone please explain to me why we have a Broadcasting Minister? What is his job, exactly? Because as far as I can see, both the man and the office are as useless as tits on a bull.

    Rotorua • Since Mar 2007 • 317 posts Report Reply

  • Craig Ranapia,

    Could someone please explain to me why we have a Broadcasting Minister? What is his job, exactly?

    You mean apart from being a share-holding minister in the television and radio networks owned by the state, issuing non-commercial radio licenses, funding programming through NZ on Air (disclosure: including Public Address Radio, which I contribute to), and more things I'm too fragging tired to think of right now? Bugger all.

    North Shore, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 12370 posts Report Reply

  • Petra,

    Thanks for the reply, Craig.

    I guess my Google Fu isn't really up to scratch, because it took me too long to find too little about that particular portfolio and what it's mandate is. It seems to me that the portfolio is a fairly redundant one, and should merge with the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.


    As for Paul Henry, it's looking more and more possible that he will be sacked. I won't lay money on any bets just yet though... I'll just keep my fingers crossed that some modicum of moral courage will be found at TVNZ.


    Of course, this all may be a catalyst for TVNZ finally being sold - maybe to the likes of Murdoch - and Paul will be back with his brand of smug nasty a la Fox News and be deemed a persecuted hero by the redneck crowd (a group that appears to be much larger and much uglier than I had previously thought).

    Rotorua • Since Mar 2007 • 317 posts Report Reply

  • Craig Ranapia,

    I guess my Google Fu isn't really up to scratch, because it took me too long to find too little about that particular portfolio and what it's mandate is. It seems to me that the portfolio is a fairly redundant one, and should merge with the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

    I'd probably agree with you there -- broadcasting does seem like one of those nonce ministries, but I'm sure there's a counter-argument for keeping them separate, at least at the Cabinet level.

    As for Paul Henry, it's looking more and more possible that he will be sacked. I won't lay money on any bets just yet though...

    And there's a pretty damn obvious reason why the Broadcasting Minister should STFU on the subject. The one thing the Broadcasting Minister should NOT be doing is even being perceived as engaging in political interference in the editorial or operations affairs of a state broadcaster's news and current affairs. While Broadcasting Minister, Steve Maharey got rapped over the knuckles for a spectacularly foolish threat to complain directly to the RNZ board over a Morning Report item he took exception to.

    North Shore, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 12370 posts Report Reply

  • SteveH,

    It seems to me that the portfolio is a fairly redundant one, and should merge with the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

    Decisions on things like frequency allocations and managing the digital TV switchover seems to require specialist knowledge and seem well outside culture and heritage concerns to me. The US has a massive government agency with a annual budget of a third of a billion dollars, I don't think it's unreasonable for us to have a government ministry.

    Since Sep 2009 • 444 posts Report Reply

  • Sacha,

    Doesn't the Ministry of Economic Development handle spectrum management, etc?

    Ak • Since May 2008 • 19745 posts Report Reply

  • Sacha,

    Seems we may have missed Lhaws angling for attention as Paul Henry hogged the racist limelight.

    Radio host Michael Laws has come under fire for calling Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand a "large, fat man" who has "never left" the buffet table.

    His bosses at RadioLive have also been slammed - for saying they are comfortable with the remarks.

    My, there's a lot of comfort and relaxation in broadcasting circles..

    Ak • Since May 2008 • 19745 posts Report Reply

  • Sacha,

    Russell, I see you tweeted that one a few hours ago #catchupmode

    Ak • Since May 2008 • 19745 posts Report Reply

  • 3410,

    Seems we may have missed Lhaws angling for attention

    Not me, mate.
    It's just that this thread is already straining under the weight of absurdity.

    Auckland • Since Jan 2007 • 2618 posts Report Reply

  • webweaver,

    Interesting that the tides of public opinion seem to be slowly turning - much like the oil-tanker-changing-direction at glacial speed exhibited by TVNZ and others...

    Opinion poll on NZ Herald website today has this result (in contrast to the ones on Campbell Live and other places last week that have already been discussed in various threads):

    Should TVNZ axe Paul Henry as Breakfast host?

    1. Yes, his comments about Anand Satyanand were unacceptable (54%)
    2. No, his suspension is a fair penalty (46%)

    Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 332 posts Report Reply

  • 3410,

    Should TVNZ axe Paul Henry as Breakfast host?

    1. Yes, his comments about Anand Satyanand were unacceptable (54%)
    2. No, his suspension is a fair penalty (46%)

    48% / 52% now. :)

    Auckland • Since Jan 2007 • 2618 posts Report Reply

  • webweaver,

    interesting - it's not changing when I refresh it. Maybe I have to clear my cache or something. Which side has which percentage?

    Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 332 posts Report Reply

  • Sacha,

    straining under the weight of absurdity

    My first instinct was it must be satire, yes

    Ak • Since May 2008 • 19745 posts Report Reply

  • 3410,

    Which side has which percentage?

    48% / 52%;
    yes / no.

    My first instinct was it must be satire, yes

    It's the hot new genre, Reality Satire.

    Auckland • Since Jan 2007 • 2618 posts Report Reply

  • dyan campbell,

    As for Paul Henry, it's looking more and more possible that he will be sacked.

    That's a sure bet - Paul Henry is history. I do feel a considerable amount of pity - as I did for Tony Veitch - but ultimately his dismissal - as Tony Veitch's was - will be a really good thing for NZ society. It changes the whole landscape of what is acceptable and what you can really get away with. And it will make a lot of bigoted oafs in the media mind their manners and show a little respect.

    Canada sure is racist but Canadians do not dare to indulge in race baiting for sport or "humour". If anyone tried they would find themselves dismissed from their job, ostracised (and possibly punched in the nose) by their peers, and ultimately arrested and charged with inciting hatred.

    I will not be surprised of Andi Brotherston and Rick Ellis have lost their jobs by the end of this.

    It's been really heartening to see how many NZers are really outraged over these incidents - there has been quite a strong reaction - but I really don't think NZers are capable of understanding how these issues are viewed in other parts of the world.

    This ain't over by a long shot.

    Paul Henry's assertion that a NZer has to look and sound a certain way to be a "real" NZer is actually getting a lot more attention in Canada than his puerile giggling about a name.

    The incident was reported as Canadian media identifies the real scandal as the fact that NZ's Prime Minister let an extremely racist and objectionable comment that excluded part of the NZ's population on the basis of race go completely unchallenged. Several people in Canada (most white!) have contacted me to ask "is this for real??"

    Hey Ben Gracewood, yr famous in my hometown!

    Racist jibe

    Mr Key appeared uncomfortable with the questioning and moved on to joking about whether Mr Henry wanted the job himself. The presenter caused controversy last year by calling the Scottish singer Susan Boyle "a retard".

    His latest remarks were condemned widely. Ben Gracewood, a technology commentator, said he was quitting the Breakfast show in protest.

    India warns of fallout over race slurs

    The clip has been reported in India, Britain, Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic and other countries and brought a diplomatic protest from the Indian Government, which said it was "racist" and "bigoted".

    auckland • Since Dec 2006 • 595 posts Report Reply

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