Campbell Live: Fans react with sorrow and outrage

John Campbell and his team have continued to thank supporters for rallying behind their cause. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Fans have taken to social media to express their sorrow, outrage and bemusement at the news John Campbell is leaving MediaWorks and Campbell Live is no more.

Wendy Lester called out MediaWorks on its statement that the "best of Campbell Live" would move over to the new show.

"So so so much stupid in that statement," she wrote on Twitter. "The best part is LEAVING."

"We will be bringing the best of Campbell Live over to the new show"
So so so much stupid in that statement, "the best" part is LEAVING

— Wendy Andresen (@WendyWings) May 21, 2015

Other users described themselves as "gutted" and called it a "sad day".

Sad day for @CampbellLiveNZ & the team behind and in front of it. All the best with whoever is lucky enough to pick you up, @JohnJCampbell.

— Warwick Rasmussen (@WasRasMus) May 21, 2015

John Campbell, you were the reason I got into journalism. A sad day indeed. #JohnCampbell #CampbellLive

— Jared McCulloch (@Jared_McCulloch) May 21, 2015

Meanwhile, TV3 colleagues and fellow journalists paid tribute to the host, who has worked at the network for 24 years, joining the Wellington newsroom in 1991.

Graphic designer Cam Spark, wrote: "TV3 won't be the same without John. One of the most caring, genuine people I've had the pleasure to work with."

TV3 won't be the same without John. One of the most caring & genuine people I've had the pleasure to work with @CampbellLiveNZ #CampbellLive

— Cam Spark (@thatflyingspark) May 21, 2015

The #NativeAffairs whanau stands in solidarity with our colleague, mentor and hero @JohnJCampbell a tragic day for journalism in Aotearoa

— Annabelle Lee-Mather (@huihoppa) May 21, 2015

Simply the best @JohnJCampbell

— 🌺Mihingarangi Forbes (@Mihi_Forbes) May 21, 2015

We still love you @JohnJCampbell. Rewriting the whole of Metro right now, to say so. ^SW

— Metro (@MetroMagNZ) May 21, 2015

Others expressed anger towards MediaWorks, vowing to stop watching the network or the new show, set to replace Campbell Live. They also questioned MediaWorks decision to deliberately time the news as the budget was announced.

There is something a bit slimey and disrespectful about announcing @JohnJCampbell 's departure from TV3 on budget day.

— Alastair Thompson (@althecat) May 21, 2015

@MediaworksNZ @CampbellLiveNZ Guess there's no reason to watch 3 now. Big mistake. I'm your target demographic & will vote with my remote.

— Cheryl (@Cheryl_NZ) May 21, 2015

@CampbellLiveNZ @3NewsNZ ewww I won't be watching the new show

— Awhi (@awhi07) May 21, 2015

- nzherald.co.nz