February 03, 2014
Tamihere sues for reputation damage
Former Radio Live talk host John Tamihere says the station failed to publish the findings of an internal complaints review process that found an interview with a caller Amy about the Roast Busters story did not breach broadcasting standards.
The former Labour MP is suing MediaWorks for $620,000 for refusing to renew his contract.
He says the way the station revealed he had been dumped, by tweeting a story that Alison Mau would replace him as Willie Jackson’s co-host for 2014, intentionally damaged his reputation.
He says the effect was to make the public think he was fired for misconduct.
The internal review found that in their discussion of the young men alleged to have been boasting about their sexual attacks on intoxicated and underage women, the pair had played devil’s advocate with callers.
It said the broadcast would have been surprising to their regular audience who are likely to have heard more of the show and this is supported by the fact there were no calls during the show from aggravated or offended listeners.
MediaWorks says Mr Tamihere’s allegations have no substance and it will defend the case.
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