John Campbell announced as new co-host of Morning Report
John Campbell is returning to RNZ, as the new co-host of Morning Report alongside Ingrid Hipkiss.
RNZ’s Chief Audio Officer Pip Keane said the field of applicants for role on the flagship news programme was impressive but Campbell stood out .
FINALLY A REASON TO LISTEN TO RNZ!
I argued in October Morning Report had only one option as the new Morning Report host and that it was JC!
Corin has been the decent bugger and fallen upon his sword to allow RNZ the pretence of change to at least look like they are responding to the avalanche of criticism that came their way.
I liked Corin, I think he asks very straight bat questions, just like Jack Tame, and is a credit to Fourth Estate journalism.
With him gone, RNZ needed a big name to take it to ZB.
The obvious candidate was John Campbell.
John is the best journalist/broadcaster this country has.
He has the intelligence, wit and humbleness to take RNZ Morning Report and turn it into an ‘agenda setting’ level of broadcasting.
Most importantly, John has commercial TV experience and that is ultimately what is lacking at RNZ.
Let me explain.
What is the real difference between ZB and RNZ?
The bloody adverts.
ZB is jam packed full of adverts pimping snake oil bullshit at full volume every 7 bloody minutes. Those who are used to RNZ will NEVER transfer to that kind of mawkish commercialisation, but what those tiny advert breaks where a radio show breaks out forces the NZME host to do is cut straight to the point.
RNZ gets attacked for its lack of pace because they have the luxury to not have advert breaks and that privilege breeds a complacency.
John has worked 7pm Current Affairs, he knows you have to cut to the point now because that’s his DNA.
Putting him in Morning Report will generate a new internal pace.
RNZ won’t lose more listeners to ZB because the adverts are toxic, but gaining John would be a true alternative to Mike Hosking.
Why would you listen to Ryan Bridge in the morning when you had John Campbell as an option?
Appointing John Campbell shows RNZ wants to actually compete with ZB.
This is one of the few real wins for people who give a fuck.
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Yes, it should be a good change, although I wonder how much freedom he gets at RNZ, as their management seems to have their own agenda on what is news.