MEDIAWATCH: A Willie Jackson masterclass in how to take down Sean Plunket

ByMartyn Bradbury

The clash between Willie Jackson and Sean Plunket wasn’t just another media spat — it was a live demonstration of how to push back, hold ground, and win the argument in hostile territory.

Willie Jackson gave the Left a masterclass in how you deal with Sean Plunket.

Willie’s appearance on the programme showed that the way you punch Sean out on air relies on standing your ground with a big mix of ‘get-off-the-grass’ Sean backhanders.

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How to take on Plunket — and not get steamrolled

The issue was the alleged overreach of the BSA.

Willie laughed off Sean’s claims that he wasn’t a Broadcaster and argued we needed better journalistic regulations, not less!

Just because the Legislation was written before online media doesn’t mean Sean isn’t an online broadcaster! (I see podcasters more as influencers who should be under a different set of standards).

In a new media landscape of misinformation and disinformation, broadcasting standards are more essential than ever before.
These standards are demands on journalism which as the fourth estate are crucial for a healthy democracy! So I stand by the need to retain the BSA and I want it to be more aggressive in policing journalistic standards:
  • like right of reply
  • like direct quotes
  • like protection of Free speech
  • like protection of whistleblowers
We need more Journalistic standards in Broadcasting for a healthy democracy, not less!

Why broadcasting standards matter more than ever

In terms of the actual complaint against Sean, Willie criticised them for being a waste of time because describing Tikanga as ‘mumbo jumbo’ was protected under free speech.
So Willie pushed Sean back on the lack of Broadcasting Standards and then championed Free Speech!
That’s how you take on Plunket — and win.

Because in a media landscape flooded with noise, outrage, and misinformation, the ability to hold your ground, challenge the premise, and still defend core principles like free speech is what separates a performance from a masterclass.

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One Comment

  1. Isn’t it gross that a politician of Willie’s passion and caliber will probably never see him be PM since our “racist” NZ would never allow it!!! Surely if you are that clever you should get the top spot – and make no mistake, Willie is a very astute, clever and quick-witted politician. The ‘also-ran’, Plunket, doesn’t stand a chance against Willie. Yes we must retain the BSA but with stringent rules. Of course ACT would like to see it abolished – too bad- doubt NZ is stupid enough to do this!

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