Broadcaster, RNZ in political fight

Sean Plunket has been with Radio New Zealand for 12 years. Photo / Paul Estcourt

Public radio is battling Morning Report co-host Sean Plunket again to stop him contributing to other media.

Metro magazine is promoting a monthly Plunket political column for its relaunch this week.

But Radio NZ insists Plunket cannot write the column.

Plunket and Metro editor Bevan Rapson would not give reasons, but both expected the column would appear in the next issue.

The row centres on Plunket's contract. Radio NZ insists its star interviewer should not appear in other media.

Last September, Plunket threatened to leave Radio NZ after the public broadcaster "went to extreme lengths" to stop him appearing in a panel for a TVNZ pre-election debate. The row led to a protracted disagreement. Plunket has been with Radio NZ for 12 years.

At the time, he told the Herald there was nothing in his employment contract that limited his hosting special events for other media.

Spokesman John Barr said Radio NZ had a policy of not discussing issues affecting staff members.