1 Mar 2012

TVNZ denies Fair Go ban

2:47 pm on 1 March 2012

Television New Zealand executives have been asked about a meeting with Fair Go staff warning them about how they handle stories involving companies that advertise with the broadcaster.

TVNZ appeared before Parliament's Commerce Committee on Thursday.

Labour MP Clare Curran asked the executives whether a warning to journalists, specifically related to the network's advertisers, could compromise the journalistic integrity of the highly regarded consumer watchdog show.

The head of TV One, Jeff Latch, told MPs he reiterated to staff that any story should be balanced and that the company involved should have the right of reply.

He says there was no suggestion that Fair Go avoid stories about businesses which advertise on TVNZ.