MediaWorks apologises and settles defamation case with John Tamihere

MediaWorks has apologised publically and made a confidential settlement with former Labour MP John Tamihere over the ex-talkback host’s departure from RadioLive. (Full agreed apology below).

Tamihere took legal proceedings against MediaWorks - the parent company of RadioLive – after he and station parted ways in 2013, after 8 years hosting an award winning national radio programme.

That departure was linked to the Roastbusters issue that involved a west Auckland youth culture.

Following a thorough and meticulous police investigation, no charges were laid.

“Following a thorough investigation, MediaWorks’ Broadcasting Standards Committee completely exonerated Mr Tamihere from any breach of any broadcasting standards. In particular, the Broadcasting Standards Committee found John Tamihere had not breached any standard of ‘good taste and or decency,” MediaWorks said in its apology, released today.

“MediaWorks accepts and acknowledges that John acted completely professionally, entirely within the bounds of his role as a ‘talk back host’ and with good taste and decency.

“MediaWorks unreservedly apologises for any harm caused to Mr Tamihere’s reputation and mana as a result of its actions.”

“MediaWorks and Mr Tamihere have reached a settlement of defamation proceedings commenced by him in December 2013 on terms that are otherwise confidential.”

Tamihere said he’s happy the matter has been resolved.

“This has been a tough 18 months on my children and family,” Tamihere said.

“But the settlement means we can move on, so I accept MediaWorks apology.”

Tamihere said the confidential settlement prevents him from making any further comment.

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MediaWorks Public Apology to John Tamihere

MediaWorks wishes to apologise to Mr John Tamihere for the impact to him caused by statements made in relation to his departure from MediaWorks in December 2013.

MediaWorks acknowledges that the announcement of Mr Tamihere's departure from RadioLIVE, and subsequent media coverage led to an incorrect perception that Mr Tamihere's employment had been terminated as a result of an interview broadcast on 5 November 2013 in connection with the ‘Roastbusters’ topic. In fact, Mr Tamihere’s fixed term contract came to an end on 31 December 2013 and simply was not renewed.

Following a thorough investigation, MediaWorks’ Broadcasting Standards Committee completely exonerated Mr Tamihere from any breach of any broadcasting standards. In particular, the Broadcasting Standards Committee found John Tamihere had not breached any standard of ‘good taste and or decency’.

MediaWorks accepts and acknowledges that John acted completely professionally, entirely within the bounds of his role as a ‘talk back host’ and with good taste and decency.

MediaWorks unreservedly apologises for the any harm caused to Mr Tamihere’s reputation and mana as a result of its actions.

MediaWorks and Mr Tamihere have reached a settlement of defamation proceedings commenced by him in December 2013 on terms that are otherwise confidential.

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