Hard News by Russell Brown

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Hard News: Dropping the Bomber

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  • Russell Brown, in reply to Lilith __,

    My impression of Clark’s time as PM is like Paul WIlliams’ – she seemed very ready to talk to journalists most of the time. In fact seemed to seek them out. I’ve heard that on some occasions if journos didn’t ring her she rang them.

    She did that quite a lot, and was never shy about working a room to get her message across to individuals. That message was of course, sometimes naught but naked spin ...

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • hamishm,

    Be fair people! He has been on Letterman

    Since Nov 2006 • 357 posts Report Reply

  • 3410, in reply to Lilith __,

    Actually, his blog post that Sue linked to is worth reading.

    True. I missed it because I incorrectly assumed it was the previous post, which I'd already read.

    Anyhow, good to see. Here's my advice, FWIW:

    1. Stop shouting
    2. Ditch the ghastly fake laughter
    3. Take more care over spelling - especially people's names
    4. Take more care over fact-checking
    5. Don't defame anyone. ;)

    Yeah, I'm pissed off at the guy for often making a mockery of left-wing positions. Very pleased to read the bit you quoted, and I wish him success.

    Auckland • Since Jan 2007 • 2618 posts Report Reply

  • Paul Williams, in reply to DCBCauchi,

    How about Clark’s response to Hager’s GM book?

    Craig might've meant that; she did front that interview, she just thought it was about something else (if I've recalled this correctly). She might also have avoided Campbell for a time after that too, whether that was justified or not...

    Sydney • Since Nov 2006 • 2273 posts Report Reply

  • Paul Williams, in reply to Lilith __,

    This experience and the surprising show of support has made me appreciate the role that I have as a commentator in a media dominated by bland baby boomer pundits and hard right wing opinion masquerading as middle of the road NZ.

    Yeah, it sounds like he's learned from the experience although he still seems to see things in binary terms with only himself on the correct side... that's a bit, um, immature.

    Sydney • Since Nov 2006 • 2273 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown, in reply to DCBCauchi,

    I don’t think that’s correct Craig, I can’t recall Clark dodging interviews on any significant issue but it was a while ago (perhaps you mean speeding tickets or paintings rather than substantive matters).

    How about Clark’s response to Hager’s GM book?

    The interesting thing there is that Clark convinced herself she was both correct, and the injured party – which is something she tended to do in a fix.

    And she did have a little thread to hang on to there, in the form of Russell Poulter, who did advise the government that contamination was unlikely based on the test results. On the other hand, the source of the book’s scientific analysis to the contrary remains a mystery. It’s the key weakness of a book that otherwise exposes some shabby behaviour.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • Kumara Republic, in reply to Sacha,

    So what do I think happened? Something far more insidious than obvious interference, I think this was a case of self censorship by Radio NZ management.

    Not surprising when there's a fiscal sword of Damocles hanging over RNZ.

    The southernmost capital … • Since Nov 2006 • 5446 posts Report Reply

  • Thomas Johnson, in reply to Sacha,

    Same. Last date when Key was interviewed live on RNZ Morning Report would do.

    He was interviewed following the recent SAS death - 29 September?

    Here's the link.

    Here's another from 23 September on Pike River

    You can apologise to Craig now.

    Wellington • Since Oct 2007 • 98 posts Report Reply

  • JLM, in reply to Thomas Johnson,

    Same. Last date when Key was interviewed live on RNZ Morning Report would do.

    He was interviewed following the recent SAS death.

    I've noticed he pops up on MR for "events", mostly Bad News - Earthquake, Pike River, soldier deaths, RWC (?). Things that he's sure he can say soothing things about without the danger of being asked hard questions

    Judy Martin's southern sl… • Since Apr 2007 • 241 posts Report Reply

  • merc,

    (On why Helen Clark is often mentioned in conjunction with Mr Key). It’s strange that no one mentions Mr Cullen, when it came to dropping bombs on either English or Mr Key, he was a targeted nightmare for both. Drew the infamous Key eye-roll in a very significant economic debate, as I recall.
    Numbered billboards, now come on they are so easy to counter…Bueller, Bueller?

    Since Dec 2006 • 2471 posts Report Reply

  • Sacha, in reply to Thomas Johnson,

    Thank you.

    Ak • Since May 2008 • 19745 posts Report Reply

  • NBH, in reply to Craig Ranapia,

    gree Paul, and the idea that the previous government used to engage in behaviours like refusing to front for the media, extensive use of urgency etc. is a pretty pernicious one that needs to be stamped out.
    Actually, NBH, if you and Paul want to call me a liar please go to. I'll happy accept the word of anyone connected with Morning Report during her tenure as PM that Clark never turned down an interview request on "substantive" matters, or referred it on to a relevant minister/spokesperson. But I doubt they will, because it just ain't true - nor do I think it's ipso facto some horrible assault on democracy. That's one wolf both the loony left and the rabid right cry far too often.

    Craig, it's probably too late now since you've left the thread, but just to be clear, like Paul I'm not claiming that you're lying and my apologies if I created the impression that I did - we clearly disagree on this issue, but I don't think you're in any way purposely trying to mislead anyone.

    My issue here is that I've met a lot of people who hold politicians to a very low standard in the cynical belief that "they're all basically bastards and you can't expect any better of them", and I think that's incredibly corrosive to the idea of well-functioning democracy. Therefore, I think that when people - honestly and without malice - believe that 'Activity X' is common when it traditionally hasn't been (and I actually think the overuse of urgency is a worse example than not appearing on Morning Report), it's vitally important to point out that fact. We have to expect good behaviour from out politicans, and speak out when we don't get it.

    Wellington • Since Oct 2008 • 97 posts Report Reply

  • Paul Williams, in reply to NBH,

    Craig, it's probably too late now since you've left the thread, but just to be clear, like Paul I'm not claiming that you're lying and my apologies if I created the impression that I did - we clearly disagree on this issue, but I don't think you're in any way purposely trying to mislead anyone.

    For the sake of clarity, what you've said fairly reflects what I said/meant also.

    Sydney • Since Nov 2006 • 2273 posts Report Reply

  • Thomas Johnson, in reply to Sacha,

    Thank you.

    Oddly (or not) the main reason I remembered the SAS one is because I had a "Good Heavens, is that John Key being interviewed on Morning Report" moment while in the shower.

    Wellington • Since Oct 2007 • 98 posts Report Reply

  • Yamis,

    Wait a minute. You were in the shower with John Key on Morning Report?

    Since Nov 2006 • 903 posts Report Reply

  • Lilith __, in reply to Yamis,

    You were in the shower with John Key on Morning Report?

    You listened to our leader while naked? That's all kinds of wrong.

    Dunedin • Since Jul 2010 • 3895 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown, in reply to Paul Williams,

    Craig might’ve meant that; she did front that interview, she just thought it was about something else (if I’ve recalled this correctly). She might also have avoided Campbell for a time after that too, whether that was justified or not…

    She was told it was an interview about GM policy in general -- for better or worse, they deliberately gave her no hint that it would be about the events documented in Nicky Hager's book. Or indeed that such a book existed, or even who was making the allegations being put to her.

    I wrote about the BSA finding (partially) against TV3 here. Basically, the BSA emphatically endorsed TV3's right to conduct a robust pubic interview without tipping off the subject to the question line, but had problems with a few other things.

    I honestly don't think that tactic worked out well. We got a spectacle, but didn't learn much. It was a mad period, and let me be the first to admit that I didn't do my own finest work at that time. It took me a while to work out what I actually thought and, where necessary, walk back some initial statements.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • Kate Hannah, in reply to Russell Brown,

    And that's why you're in charge. Thanks. I have mixed emotions re the panel (I'm a mum, I often drive children places between 4-5, my parents always listened to Nat rad in car, they always voted labour, ummm apple, [green] tree?) I also have mixed emotions re Bomber for personal reasons related to a friend. However, in my NZ, people get to rant on public radio. Chomsky said "it is the responsibility of intellectuals to speak the truth & expose lies." Bomber, despite his faults, attempts to do that.

    Auckland • Since Mar 2010 • 107 posts Report Reply

  • andin,

    Well he speaks a dubious truth, but is blind to his own lies.

    raglan • Since Mar 2007 • 1891 posts Report Reply

  • Craig Ranapia, in reply to Kate Hannah,

    However, in my NZ, people get to rant on public radio.

    In my New Zealand, the whole rationale for the government owning radio and television networks is to supposedly do things that the Darwinian marketplace, red in tooth and claw, can’t. Or won’t. Perhaps I’m just a snotty pointy-headed elitist but if TVNZ and RNZ isn’t going to aim a little higher than Paul Henry’s sniggering bigotry and an hour of access radio for Tourette trolls every weekday between four and five what’s the point of it?

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

  • peterpeasant,

    C'mon, 6 weeks out from an election and the Griffin puppet is going to allow perceived criticisms of Brand Key to be aired on Nat Rad?

    The Nats loathe Nat Rad, have done so for decades.

    Griffin was appointed to oversee its demise. This is just the beginning.

    Ministers and the PM consistently refuse to appear on the station and appoint a hatchet man to demolish the station.

    The Greytown grey wolf will soon deal to the sheep in Nat Rad.

    I suspect Crosby/Textor have swotting up on Mein Kampf and the techniques Goebbels used. Griffin and Cavanagh are just "following orders"., relying on a defence used at the Nuremberg trials.

    Bradbury is an irritating bombastic ass, so is Hooton, so is Farrar.

    Griffin has now turned his one time employer from National Radio into National Party Radio (it already calls itself Radio New Zealand National).

    Goebbels would have approved.

    new zealand • Since Oct 2010 • 39 posts Report Reply

  • Lara,

    The reaction by RNZ seems completely OTT. I usually enjoy listening to Bomber on the Panel. Having him on the show made such a nice change from the usual tone of the programme (which tends to be too ‘get off my lawn’-esque for my taste).

    If RNZ is to be balanced, it has to include a range of voices. Bomber’s opinions may not be to the liking of everyone all the time, but neither are those of Stephen Franks (for example). I hope that RNZ reconsider, but in the current environment I do not think that is likely.

    Disclaimer (of sorts): I became interested in politics as a teenager largely because of Channel Z’s Talkback with Bomber. He made politics interesting and relevant to me. He made changing the world seem possible. And that was pretty cool. So I'm probably more than a bit biased.

    Christchurch • Since Jul 2009 • 82 posts Report Reply

  • Sacha, in reply to peterpeasant,

    Ah, the novelty of an inept Godwinning..

    Ak • Since May 2008 • 19745 posts Report Reply

  • peterpeasant, in reply to Russell Brown,

    The thought of a "robust pubic interview" is interesting. Especially given the protagonists. chuckle.

    new zealand • Since Oct 2010 • 39 posts Report Reply

  • Craig Ranapia, in reply to Lara,

    If RNZ is to be balanced, it has to include a range of voices.

    I don’t believe anyone is saying anything to the contrary. But I’d respectfully suggestion RNZ also has a public obligation to include a range of voices that actually add some value to the marketplace of ideas. Then again, New Zealand media seem to be doing a pretty good job of abrogating editorial responsibility for much of anything.

    Bomber’s opinions may not be to the liking of everyone all the time

    I think there’s a fair few people around here who don’t agree with Bomber any of the time. If I want a soothing drone of agreeable chunter, I talk to myself. Only way to get satisfaction

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

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