Campbell medal thief interview led to arrests

Campbell Live received a lot of criticism for re-recording an interview using an actor in place of the man responsible for stealing war medals from the Waiouru Army Museum. However, it was revealed earlier this week that hotel security footage of the actual interview helped police make arrests.

John Campbell undertook the original interview using a dictophone at Auckland's Duxton Hotel, but was unknowingly caught on the hotel's closed circuit security cameras in the lobby.

Two men were then arrested and the footage is expected to be used in their trial.

The Broadcasting Standards Authority upheld a complaint against Campbell Live because while they publicly admitted using an actor for the televised version of the interview, they never actually announced that on the show itself.

I don't think any of the fuss over the Campbell interview was ever warranted - the transcript of the interview was real, and the hooded shadow that appeared on screen never really alluded to any physical features of the person. I would much rather watch a staged interview than look at a blank screen for it's duration.

At the end of the day, the undertaking of the interview helped police to make arrests. This means that any of those people who felt they were mislead by the interview can have their minds put at rest by realising some good did come out of it.

Pacific channel a priority for Labour

The NZ Herald reported today that Helen Clark's Labour party would make the establishment of a Pacific TV channel a priority if they are re-elected.

TVNZ and TV3 have both revealed that they have plans to launch new channels aimed at Pacific audiences. But is there room for two Pacific channels?

TV3 have said that they will look to both the Government and the private sector for funding for the channel, but as TVNZ is the national broadcaster it seems more likely that their Pacific project would be the one to get the Government funding. The Government gave TVNZ $79 million of funding for TVNZ6 and TVNZ7.

The networks have said that there is a potential audience of 250,000 for such a channel. But would a large enough proportion of this figure actually have access to a Freeview box - as the channel would presumably be launched on the digital platform.

I think that TVNZ (and the Government) should put more focus into establishing TVNZ6, TVNZ7, and TVNZ Sport before launching anything new, as these channels all currently need more work.

Even Helen Clark herself has pointed out the low audience numbers of the Freeview channels - citing it as the reason she refused to appear on the TVNZ7 election show Leaders on 7.

Dennis Plant's NZ Herald blog

Like many of us, the New Zealand Herald have been very impressed with TV One's political satire The Pretender, so much so that they have decided to give the fictitious leader Dennis Plant his own blog!

Plant's blog, which will run for the last two weeks of "his" campaign, is pretty much a mock of the campaign diaries both Helen Clark and John Key write for the NZ Herald website. And it is fantastic.

In his first entry Plant reveals that he didn't actually know what a blog was - so asked his daughter "who is in a wheelchair, and so knows about these sorts of things."

He then describes his reaction to the recent comments by National MP Lockwood Smith. Plant doesn't think anybody could be offended by stating a biological fact, but nevertheless tries to find out the opinion of some "actual Asians." However, the only Asians Plant could find in Christchurch were "dwarves" with "stubby fingers" - but even so, these Asians apparently held the same opinion as Plant.

The blog is just as controversial as the TV show, but in today's uber-PC society this is just the kind of humour we need.

Read more of Dennis Plant's NZ Herald blog here, and watch The Pretender online at TVNZondemand.

One News reporter in fight with Pink

One News Australian correspondent Hannah Hodson is returning to New Zealand to face TVNZ bosses after she was involved in a physical fight while interviewing singer Pink.

Hodson was interviewing Pink at Sydney's InterContinental Hotel on Thursday afternoon when things turned nasty. Hodson began grilling Pink over the firing of her sister, who had once worked with the pop star.

Pink and her manager then called a stop to the interview and demanded the tape from the TVNZ cameraman. Hodson and the cameraman refused to hand over the tape so Pink's management then physically fought the two TVNZ employees for it. It has not been made clear who won the fight for the tape.

A TVNZ spokesperson said that the matter is now an employment issue so they cannot make any comment at this stage.

Hannah Hodson was asked to resign from 3 News in 2004 after revealing the police source who gave TV3 the 111 transcipts of missing Auckland woman Iraena Asher.

To be completely honest, this kind of behaviour is not at all suprising coming from Hannah Hodson.

The "Five-headed Monster"

National leader John Key has described the possible Labour-led coalition as a "five-headed monster of the left". This came after recent polls showed Labour could pull together another government if it went into coalition with every party on the left.

While the comment from Key was entertaining enough, the true highlight of my day was the image 3 News through together for their report on the comment. Check it out:

Wendy Petrie's change of image

TVNZ have decided that their One News wardorbe department need to rethink the way they are presenting Wendy Petrie on the 6pm bulletin.

The decision comes after a recent focus group suggested that the designer outfits she wears are damaging her image and credibility as a serious news journalist.

The TVNZ bosses want to see her in more serious business suits.

TV3's 2009 shows

TV3 have announced their lineup for the 2009 television season as follows:

New shows:
Do Not Disturb
Dollhouse
The Ex-List
Kings
Knight Rider
Life on Mars
My Own Worst Enemy
Swingtown
Worst Week

Returning International Shows:
24
America's Next Top Model
Bones
Boston Legal
Burn Notice
Californication
Criminal Intent
CSI
CSI: Miami
CSI: NY
Heroes
House
My Name Is Earl
NCIS
Prison Break
Project Runway
Rove
Sea Patrol
The Simpsons
Survivor
SVU: Special Victims Unit
Top Chef
Wipeout

Returning Local Shows:
3 News
bro'Town
Campbell Live
Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park
The Jacquie Brown Diaries
Money Man
Nightline
Outrageous Fortune
Sports Tonight
Sticky TV
Sunrise
Target
What's Really in our Food?

Bollywood films now screening at SkyCity Cinemas

SkyCity Cinemas are now permanently showing Bollywood films in four of their theatre complexes in a bid to boost flagging revenues.

The WestCity, Queen St, Manukau and Centre Place Hamilton cinemas will each devote one screen to showing the Hindi language films.

General manager Jane Hastings said SkyCity Cinemas had been showing a few Bollywood films in recent months to gauge demand, and was pleased with the results. Some had pulled in as much as $250,000.

"Looking at the availability of product, and looking at the demand for it not only in the Indian community but in a wider community, we saw the opportunity to provide a permanent offering."

The Mumbai-based film industry known as Bollywood produces over 1000 movies a year, twice as many as Hollywood. A 2004 report said more people globally watched Bollywood movies than Hollywood productions - 3.8 billion versus 3.6 billion.

The first Bollywood film to screen at SkyCity Cinemas is Karzzzz, a film set in South Africa that explores the psychological traits possessed by humans that lead to vices including greed, obsession, betrayal and murder.

New Zealand's Next Top Model

TV3 is currently in discussions about a Kiwi version of the reality show America's Next Top Model. International versions of Next Top Model have been made in countries ranging from Afghanistan to Australia.

TV3's Jacqueline Loates confirmed to the Herald on Sunday that the network owns the rights to a local version and that discussions are currently underway. The Herald reported that those discussions have become as advanced as searching for a host.

Rachel Hunter is said to have rejected the role, and Kiwi supermodels Kylie Bax and Charlotte Dawson were "considered" but were unsure about the time commitment involved. Dawson is a judge on Australia's Next Top Model.

The current favourite for host is rumoured to be Sara Tetro, who manages '62 Models and Talent' in Auckland.

"I can't say anything because it hasn't been confirmed but I think the programme is fantastic and it will be great if it runs. It's great that everyone is so excited about it," said Tetro.

The NZ Herald asked girls on the street what the they thought of New Zealand's Next Top Model, and while most reacted positively, 20-year-old Bronwyn Retief said "I think the budget would be completely different so it might not be as extravagant."

Retief's comments seem to mirror my exact thoughts when I first heard the news - many New Zealand versions of international shows fail because they are made on a much smaller scale. If they can't make the new version better or equal to the original then it leaves us wondering if it should ever be made at all.

However, best of luck to TV3! Let's hope that they can set a new standard for local remakes.

Friday Flashback: You'll Only Wanna Be With 2

This classic TV2 ident is from 2000 and includes the then-famous 'TV2 Bus'. It features New Zealand celebrities such as Suzanne Paul, Anthony Ray Parker, Angela Bloomfield, and Robyn Malcolm.

Brendan Horan in NZ First's top 10

Former One News weather presenter Brendan Horan has been placed tenth on the NZ First party list for the upcoming general election.

Horan will contest the East Coast electorate against it's current MP - National's education spokeswoman Anne Tolley.

Tolley is also ranked at number ten on the National party list, meaning she will almost definitely be part of the next government regardless of the East Coast result. Labour's East Coast candidate Moana Mackey is ranked at number 25 on their list.

With support for NZ First hanging by a thread, Horan will probably have to win the electorate vote to get a seat in parliament. This is not completely impossible, as television personalities can sometimes draw a lot of attention and support.

In 2007 another former One News weather presenter Kay Gregory secured her place on the Hamilton City Council after beating her nearest opponent by more than 2000 votes. Gregory was new to politics but received more votes than any other existing councillor, showing that celebrity status can sometimes have an effect on the vote.

But is Brendan Horan enough of a celebrity to make a difference? We will have to wait until November 8th to find out.

More than a million watch TVNZ YouTube debate

TVNZ is reporting that over one million viewers tuned in to it's One News YouTube Election Debate last night.

The debate featured Helen Clark and John Key answering questions posted online by New Zealanders using video upload website YouTube.

The One News debate was the first time in the world that a head of government has appeared in an official live televised debate with their challenger answering questions submitted through YouTube.

Head of TVNZ News & Current Affairs Anthony Flannery puts the ratings success of the show partly to the brand new format.

"The incorporation of the YouTube technology helped to create an exciting event," said Flannery.

Official videos of the debate are available at youtube.com/debate.

Alt TV to hold minor parties debate

Alt TV have announced that after being shocked by the mainstream media's decision to cancel the leaders debate, they are holding their own debate for the minor party leaders.

The Alt TV debate will be held tonight at 8pm on SKY Digital 65 and will be presented by Sunrise and Let's Be Frank host Oliver Driver.

Alt TV said in their announcement that their leaders debate will "press minor parties on the real issues of the day (and not the Pepsi Dad and Coke Mum National/Labour coverage the mainstream media are dictating).

ACT leader Rodney Hide, Maori co-leader Pita Sharples, and Green co-leader Russell Norman are just some of the leaders said to be attending.

The Minor Leaders Debate - Wednesday 8pm on ALT TV.

The stern brows of Maori Television

This is the promotional image found on the website for Maori Television's 2008 election coverage - Kowhiri 08.

Is it just me, or are these three presenters some of the angriest and scariest looking people on television?

Especially the two on the left!

There is a difference between looking serious and thoughtful to looking like you are enraged at the thought of an election. Let's just hope they come across differently on screen.

Minor parties get their say on TV3

The minor parties were furious when TV3 announced that they were cancelling the Campbell Live leaders debate due to John Key and Helen Clark pulling out. However, today brings some relief to the leaders of parties such as ACT, the Maori Party, and the Greens as TV3 have welcomed them back on air.

The leaders of the minor parties will all appear individually on Campbell Live each night at 7.00pm. The interviews will begin tomorrow night with NZ First leader Winston Peters.

Helen Clark and John key have also got their wish - TV3 have announced a head-to-head leaders debate scheduled for Monday 3 November at 7:30pm. The debate will be hosted by John Campbell but will not feature a studio audience, meaning that 'the worm' will not be returning for this election.

TV networks to battle for Pacific audiences

Television New Zealand and TV3 have revealed they will launch channels aimed at Pacific viewers within a year.

The channels would target a potential audience of 250,000 Pacific people in New Zealand, then countries across the region, Radio new Zealand reported.

A director of the TV3 venture, Innes Logan said the project would probably start with a limited number of screen hours but once content and viewers increased there would be more variety.

The station would look to the Government and private sector for millions of dollars in funding for the channel.

TVNZ director of Maori and Pacific programming, Paora Maxwell, said his company's proposal included news, entertainment and sport.

Neither network would give a start date for the channels.

NZPA.

New look for TV3

TV3 have relaunched with a brand new look this afternoon, and I must say I am impressed! The new look is very bright and colourful, and the new ident features the network celebrities - something that has been missing from the channel for a while.

I saw an ad for the movie 2 Fast 2 Furious before and am also impressed with the look of the ads.

Interestingly, those watching A Thousand Apologies last night would have seen a preview for this new look, as for some reason they played new version of the "see this video online for 7 days" screen at the end of the show.

Well done TV3! It was about time the network received a refreshed new look.

Check out the new TV3 ident below - courtesy of Dan News.

Friday Flasback: Jason & Thingee's Big Adventure

As requested by Aaron, here is Jason Gunn back in the days he is best remembered for! This is part one of the video movie Jason & Thingee's Big Adventure featuring New Zealand's most well-known children's TV duo.

Another movie night on TV2 as Eli Stone and Big Shots cancelled

Poor ratings for Sunday dramas Eli Stone and Big Shots have seen TV2 pull them in favour of yet another movie night. Gossip Girl and Make Me a Supermodel were also replaced by a movie on Friday nights last month.

Eli Stone was receiving less than 162,000 viewers compared with the 358,167 viewers TV3's NCIS was gaining in the same 8.30pm timeslot. Even Criminal Intent drew more viewers, with 252,000 tuning in to TV3 at 9.30pm.

Clark and Key snub TVNZ7

Helen Clark and John Key have brought the TVNZ7 show Leaders on 7 to an early end by both refusing to appear. The show consisted of one-on-one interviews with the political leaders and was hosted by Shane Taurima.

Clark and Key are saying that this decision was made due to both time restraints and the low audience numbers of the Freeview channel.

However, this is not a good look for Labour and National after they have already drawn much criticism for pulling out of the TV3 leaders debate. Also, Helen Clark's government put $79 million of funding into TVNZ's Freeview channels so to suggest that the channel isn't big enough for her to appear almost says that the funding was a waste and that her government is not committed to the digital television project.

Both the TVNZ7 interviews and the TV3 debate were supposed to screen tonight.

All the other political leaders have appeared on the TVNZ7 show. Tonight's episode will now be a highlight package of the interviews with the minor party leaders.

Mary Lambie returns to Good Morning

Mary Lambie made a one-off return to Good Morning today to co-host the TV One lifestyle show with regular host Steve Gray.

I must say that while I don't usually watch Good Morning all that often, Mary Lambie is an excellent host - she is really natural and seems to have a great relationship with all the segment hosts. Although I am not sure about the pink and green outfit she was wearing...

Civil Defence issues warning over TV3 special event

Civil Defence has issued a warning to television viewers who may see a 3 News bulletin about a major earthquake destroying Wellington tonight.

The acted bulletin will be part of a TV3 special event titled Aftershock that screens tonight at 8.30pm showing the devastating effects a magnitude 8.2 earthquake would have on New Zealand.

"Do not be confused; it is dramatisation of events but is not the real thing," said Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management director John Hamilton.

"Immediately after a major emergency most local services will not be functioning initially and additional support could take days to get through because of damaged roads, railways, bridges, harbours or airports.

"In those first days people in the affected area will be at their most vulnerable and they will have to rely on each other and the preparations they had made beforehand."

Aftershock will see an 8.2 earthquake hit Wellington that in an instant carves up the motorway, levels a city and turns everyone’s lives upside down. The quake is followed by a tsunami that inundates the lower-lying parts of the city and takes hundreds more lives.

The programme will be followed on Thursday at 9.30pm by Aftershock - Would You Survive?, a documentary looking at how a real Wellington family coped when put through a simulation of surviving on their emergency supplies for three days after an earthquake.

Today is United Nations International Day for Disaster Reduction, so as well as the screening of Aftershock on TV3, Civil Defence test sirens will also be broadcast over the Wellington region by a low flying helicopter.

Many angry with TV3

NewstalkZB has reported that Northland hapu Matarahurahu laid a complaint with the Broadcasting Standards Authority over last night's 60 Minutes story on Maori cannibalism. Matarahurahu leader David Rankin is also apparently considering taking the matter to the Waitangi Tribunal.

Rankin's main problem with the "Close to the bone" report was that it showed footage of interference in Maori burial sites. He says tampering with the remains of the dead is sacrilegious for Maori and that the remains of ancestors of the region were mistreated during the report.

The judge is also mad.

The High Court judge overseeing the murder trial of Liam James Reid is reportedly furious at TV3. The network screen pictures of the accused this morning after being refused permission by the judge.

Justice Chisholm said the reason he didn't want them shown was because identification was going to be a crucial issue in the case.

A police officer saw the broadcast and alerted the judge immediately.

Justice Chisholm has said the breach is "absolutely unbelievable" and has ordered the TV3 footage be brought to court.

A TV3 reporter was apparently seen running from the court clutching her cell phone once the judge delivered his stern admonition.

Australian Idol falls to his death

Former Australian Idol contestant Levi Kereama has died after falling from the balcony of his hotel room in Brisbane, however news reports say that police are not treating the death as suspicious.

Kereama was was a Top 12 contestant during the first season of Australian Idol in 2003. He was the fourth of the 12 to be eliminated but used the show as a platform to launch his family band Lethbridge.

His death came just hours after performing with Lethbridge at Brisbane's Parklife Festival.

Kereama was reportedly suffering from depression.

Oliver Driver may interview Barack Obama

Oliver Driver is ready to begin his Sunrise presenting role this week, and many are already singing him praises.

Media commentators are saying that replacing James Coleman with Driver could be the saving of the TV3 morning show. Driver has proven himself to be both funny and quick thinking, but has also shown he has a great journalistic quality to add to the TV3 brand.

In his role at Alt TV, Driver has performed successful interviews with Helen Clark, John Key, Robert Fisk and Phil Goff - he was the one who got Goff to reveal he would like to lead the Labour Party.

Rumour has it that if Barack Obama wins the US elections, Oliver Driver will get a one-on-one interview with the new President. It seems that an Alt TV staff member's mother is one of Obama's advisers and has pulled a few strings to get Driver the interview. If this interview does actually eventuate then it will be a big win for both Alt TV and Sunrise.

Oliver Driver joins Carly Flynn to host Sunrise tomorrow at the new time of 7.00am.

Temuera Morrison to become TV reporter?

Even movie stars are feeling the strain of the recent economic problems that face the world. It has been splashed across the media in the past few days that actor Temuera Morrison is having to sell the lakeside mansion he bought in 2004 for $1.7 million.

Morrison told the New Zealand Herald that he has had a quiet year in terms of employment, and places the blame partly on the recent Hollywod strikes.

"I really just need Owen Glenn to give me $100,000 instead of Winston Peters, and I'll remember it quite vividly," he said to the Herald.

The interesting element to this story is that he also told the Herald "There's always Shortland Street but those doctors' hours killed me. I could go back to a reporting job or the Temuera Morrison show?"

He did not want to mention anything specific as he did not have any "firm contracts" at the moment, but it certainly would be interesting to see Temuera Morrison in the job of a television reporter.

Minor parties write a letter to TV3

The Greens, United Future and ACT have written a joint letter asking TV3 to reconsider ditching the all-party-leaders' debate. The letter says the decision not to have the debate had robbed voters of an important source of information.

TV3 cancelled their leaders debate earlier in the week after Helen Clark and John Key made a a joint agreement to refuse appearing with the minor party leaders.

Before cancelling the debate, TV3 an TVNZ had sent a joint letter to Clark and Key saying that they believe it is fundamentally important to an MMP environment that debates take place with all the party leaders.

Remote access helps catch laptop thief

New York man Jose Caceras had his laptop stolen recently after leaving it on top of his car while carrying things into his house.

The White Plains police have now arrested a 34-year-old male and charged him with grand larceny after Caceras used a remote access program to log on every day and watch what the thief was using the computer for.

Remote access programs are usually used so that an owner can access the files on their own computer by using another. Caceras was able to log on an watch a live stream of how the thief was using his computer - which was mostly for accessing pornography.

The thief then unsuspectingly entered his name and address when registering a new account on a website and police were able to arrest him in a matter of hours.

Campbell Live to aplogise over staged interview

The Broadcasting Standards Authority has upheld a complaint against a staged Campbell Live interview with an actor pretending to be the man responsible for stealing war medals from the Waiouru Army Museum.

The interview featured a hooded man with his face in shadow. At the time the show told viewers the voice was that of an actor but did not reveal the man on screen as also an actor.

While TV3 have publicly admitted using an actor, the BSA ruling was made based on the fact that no correction had been announced on the Campbell Live show itself.

TV3 Head of News and Current Affairs, Mark Jennings, said that no cameras had been at the original interview so it was recorded on a Dictaphone tape, which was then transcribed. He said that there was "no intention to stage or try to mislead."

John Campbell will now have to run a public statement agreeing that his interview with the medal thief was misleading.

Andrew Saville gets the One News sports job

Andrew Saville has been confirmed as the replacement for Tony Veitch as One News sports anchor, effective immediately. Jenny-May Coffin will present the sports news on Fridays and Saturdays, and be back-up to Saville.

Tony Veitch left the presenting role in July after allegations of assault against his former partner Kristen Dunne-Powell. He now faces charges of attacks on Ms Dunne-Powell over a period of four years.

Andrew Saville has been with One News since 2006 but has had a career in journalism for more than 15 years. His past experiences include roles at NewstalkZB and rugby commentating for Radio Sport.

"Andrew is a highly experienced rugby journalist and commentator, and he's equally comfortable reporting other sports. He has been to three Commonwealth Games and three Olympic Games," says Paul Patrick, One News at 6pm Editor.

The announcement came despite speculation that TV3's Shaun Summerfield and Howard Dobson were among the top contenders for the role.

One News sports reporter Toni Street will also provide additional backup for Saville and Coffin over the next couple of months.

TV channels unite for Rugby World Cup

The NZ Herald reported this morning that peace has broken out between Sky and the free-to-air channels over the rights to the 2011 Rugby World Cup that is to be held in New Zealand.

The Herald stated that TVNZ, TV3 and Sky are jointly negotiating with the International Rugby Board to share the screening rights in 2011, which would mean more free coverage over a range of channels. Sky and TV3 confirmed they are negotiating over the rights, but would not comment on the joint approach. No word from TVNZ.

There has been tension lately between the free-to-air broadcasters and Sky due to the fact that a lack of Government regulation means Sky can use its financial superiority to outbid the other networks for major sports events.

The market dominance now held by Sky for national sporting events has prompted the Government to review broadcasting rules and look at placing controls over the way Sky can purchase programming.

There is no doubt that the sudden partnership between Sky, TV3 and TVNZ is in part an attempt by Sky to paint itself in a more positive light in front of the Government's review.

Friday Flashback: Prime News 2004

The first look for Prime News: First at 5.30. This 2004 bulletin was presented by Suzy Aiken.

Oliver Driver to co-host Sunrise

TV3 announced this morning that Oliver Driver is to replace James Coleman as the co-host of Sunrise.

Driver will begin hosting alongside Carly Flynn from Monday, October 6 - the same day that ASB Business begins at 6.30am and Sunrise moves to screen between 7.00am and 9.00am. Coincidence? I think not.

Driver, perhaps best known for his presenting roles with TVNZ and NewstalkZB, said in a media statement that "TV3 have offered me a challenge I couldn't resist and after years of hassling mainstream news it looks like it's time to put my money where my mouth is."

Mark Jennings, Director of News & Current Affairs at TV3, stated that "Oliver has shown that he has a very good grasp of the news agenda and is skilled at drawing out fresh information in interviews, he also has a wide knowledge of other areas of New Zealand life and most essentially, a wicked sense of humour."

Will the addition of Oliver Driver provide the ratings boost that Sunrise needs? And will the NZ Herald ever stop using the "rigor mortis" quote in every Sunrise-related article? Only time will tell.