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TVNZ PR Manager Apologises For Paul Henry Comments
The PR manager responsible for TVNZ's initial response to Paul Henry's querying the the Governor-General's "New Zealand"-ness has apologised.
TVNZ news and current affairs PR manager Andi Brotherston initially responded that "The audience tell us over and over again that one of the things they love about Paul Henry is that he’s prepared to say the things we quietly think but are scared to say out loud." This response added to the controversy over Henry's comments.
In an internal email, Brotherston has apologized to TVNZ staff. The text of the email follows.
Hi everyone,
I have asked and been given permission to email you to apologise. I have made an horrendous error of judgement and I want to apologise for the offence I have caused to you personally and the embarrassment I have caused to you as employees of TVNZ.
By way of background, I viewed the comments Paul Henry made online after being asked by NZPA for a comment for their afternoon papers deadline. In my haste I didn't reflect upon the wider aspects of what he said, I just focused on the question he asked John Key and emailed a quote to NZPA.
This is not an excuse it is just by way of background, my comments were wrong and I take total responsibility for my mistake.
In hindsight it seems unbelievable that I didn't seek a second opinion from Peter or Megan or even pause for breath but I didn't and only have myself to blame.
I am deeply upset that my comments have impacted the reputation of TVNZ, which I know all of you work so hard every day to protect and enhance.
I'm in Corporate Affairs, the department that's charged with protecting the reputation of the company, so in my view that makes my error of judgment so much worse.
I have offered my resignation to Peter Parussini.
Although he is particularly upset about my comments he has graciously declined to accept it.
However, I would really like you to know that I am deeply sorry. I was wrong. I apologise unreservedly for the offence I caused to so many of you inside the company and also the wider community.
Yours sincerely
Andi Brotherston
Scoop
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