ACT leader and shareholding minister David Seymour has intensified his criticism of state broadcasters Radio New Zealand and TVNZ, suggesting changes to RNZ’s leadership could follow upcoming board appointments.
Seymour criticised RNZ’s hiring of veteran broadcaster John Campbell for Morning Report and accused TVNZ of political bias, also questioning whether political editor Maiki Sherman could credibly remain in her role.
RNZ strongly defended its “editorial independence”, with outgoing chair Jim Mather warning that political commentary linking board appointments to editorial direction risked undermining public trust.
Seymour denied breaching broadcasting laws, saying ministers were entitled to comment on declining audience numbers and public confidence, while Media Minister Paul Goldsmith said the government’s role was limited to appointing boards and setting broad expectations.
Referring to Sherman, Seymour told media, “I’m sure that the board and management will be seeing that, you know, it’s pretty difficult to have someone credibly fronting the news every night when everyone knows how she behaves. I think that’s going to be tough for them.”
Regarding RNZ, he said, “RNZ should not be surprised to hear these concerns. Since 2020, RNZ National’s live radio audience has fallen by more than 25 percent. RNZ should be looking to the New Zealanders who have stopped listening for direction, not me.”
