Jono and Ben and Campbell Live

Jono and Ben and Campbell Live

There is on-going speculation that the Jono and Ben show is being considered as a possible replacement for Campbell Live. This seems to be based on a fabrication by the Herald and has unfairly led to significant negativity towards Jono Pryor, Ben Boyce and the rest of the Jono and Ben team.

For the avoidance of doubt, MediaWorks Corporate Counsel, Alex Nicholson makes the following statement:

"The statement in John Drinnan’s articles in relation to the Jono and Ben show, which is attributed to “TV3 bosses”, is a complete fabrication and is not based on fact. Jono and Ben has never once been mentioned in any MediaWorks management forum, discussion or document as a possible replacement for Campbell Live. ”

MediaWorks’ statement regarding Campbell Live is copied below.

MediaWorks confirms Campbell Live review

MediaWorks’ senior management is undertaking a review of Campbell Live.

Led by Mark Jennings, Group Head of News, the review of Campbell Live comes as part of the broader review of the MediaWorks business by the MediaWorks executive.

Mark Jennings says: “Campbell Live is one of the mainstays of New Zealand media and has been at the forefront of New Zealand’s news and current affairs landscape for a decade. John Campbell and Campbell Live have won every award possible, broken some of the most important stories of the decade, repeatedly been voted most popular current affairs presenter and programme, and made a real difference to Kiwis' lives.

“Viewer expectations in 2015 are quite different from those of 2005 and we need to constantly review our programming to ensure we are meeting those expectations.”

MediaWorks notes the review is being undertaken to improve commercial performance of the 7pm TV3 time-slot in a changing television market. It is not a reflection on the quality of the programme, or the work of John Campbell or any of the journalists or producers in the Campbell Liveteam.

No specific timeframe can be given for the review Jennings says, but a period of consultation with all staff who work on Campbell Live has now commenced.

ends

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