11 August 2005

A statement from Mark Jennings, Director of News & Current Affairs, TV3

TV3 will be following the High Court’s ruling and including Peter Dunne and Jim Anderton in tonight’s Leaders Debate.

However, we are deeply concerned at the serious precedent this ruling has created.

We believe the ruling has significant implications regarding media freedom in New Zealand.

Although the debate will proceed with eight leaders, we are examining our legal options for challenging the precedent this ruling has caused. This decision will be reached over the next week or so.

This ruling has created a broader debate in relation to the editorial independence of New Zealand’s media.

The Campbell Live Special: Leaders Debate screens tonight at 7.30, featuring the following eight political party leaders:

Helen Clark
Don Brash
Winston Peters
Jeanette Fitzsimons
Tariana Turia
Rodney Hide
Peter Dunne
Jim Anderton

ENDS

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