Hundreds of protestors have gathered across the country today in an attempt to save current affairs programme Campbell Live.
Protests are taking place in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin throughout the day, calling on MediaWorks to save the daily programme, which was placed under review two weeks ago.
In Auckland, protestors gathered on the corner of Karangahape Road and Symonds Street before walking up to TV3 headquarters on Flower St, Eden Terrace.
Hundreds gathered for the protest holding signs with messages such as "Reality > comedy", "Fight 4 him, he fights 4 us" and "the voice of truth".
The protesters are getting loud toots of support from passing motorists as they head towards MediaWorks' offices.
Jym Clark, one of the protest organisers, said the turnout was "awesome".
"It's Friday lunchtime and there's heaps of people here, it's great. It shows how many people really appreciate the show."
One protester taking part, Marcus Abdelrahman, said he came out to support John Campbell because the broadcaster told Kiwis about things that were important.
"If I can show him my support by coming out here, I feel like I'm doing a good thing. The protest brings out awareness, some people might not know what's going on. The tooting motorists are awesome."
Stephanie Honeychurch, who was carrying a sign saying "Save Campbell Live, ditch Wheldon", said she was surprised how many people had turned up as the protest hadn't been advertised.
"I've heard a lot of people say they would have come if they'd known about it. I think Campbell Live is the last voice of the people. My household would never watch TV3 again if his show was cancelled... I know a lot of people who say that."
About 100,000 supporters have signed three separate petitions in support of the show.
The protesters walked towards TV3 chanting: "The voice of the people, save Campbell Live."
Danielle Lindsay said she joined the march because she believed Campbell brought change to New Zealand.
"He goes beyond what the general media do and really gets to know people's stories. He gets involved doing petitions and fundraisers for things that matter. It would be disappointing [if the show was axed] because things that our nation face will be further swept under the carpet and we won't get to see much of the reality."
The protesters then gathered outside TV3. Several supporters have spoken to the crowd about the importance of Campbell Live in New Zealand's media. EPMU, the union which supports journalists, is present at the protest.
Protesters were wearing T-shirts with "Save Campbell Live" on the front and "Voice of Truth, Voice of Justice, Voice of Peace" on the back.
Campbell came out and thanked the crowd, saying that the protesters were "extraordinary".
He introduced his reporting team and said they were desperate to keep the show on air.
"You have no idea what your support means to us. The psychological boost you have given is fantastic. Thank you for speaking in such an encouraging way to our employers."
The protesters applauded Campbell and chanted "stand up for democracy".
Speaking to media afterwards, Campbell said the support was humbling. "My team and I very [much] appreciate all the support we are getting," he said.
EPMU representative Anita Rosentreter said the union hoped the show would continue. "He has done a lot of great work for New Zealanders, especially around zero hour contracts and important social issues. We hope this important part in New Zealand media is sustained."
In Christchurch, a march began on Hagley Ave at midday, heading to the MediaWorks office in Addington. More than 370 people had confirmed their attendance on Facebook.
Likewise, in Wellington protestors are set to meet at 4.30pm at Te Aro Park.
In Dunedin, a protest will begin at 4.30pm in the lower Octagon but so far only 39 respondents have confirmed they are going, according to the event Facebook page.
The event, Speak Up to Save Campbell Live, has been organised by Campbell supporter Jo Bond, who stressed the event is politically neutral.
Campbell Live staff were told the programme was being placed under review two weeks ago, due to declining ratings.
Since then, a wave of public support has seen the ratings increase, however, some media commentators believe it's not enough to secure the show's future.
Throng founder Regan Cunliffe has been following Campbell Live's ratings and yesterday posted that the programme's average audience is now tracking higher than the same week in 2014.
However, he wrote, topping 2013 is still a stretch.
"In the key demos, the decline for Campbell Live is very real and very apparent. Even with the impressive 5+ growth of 2013, the trend is heading in the wrong direction.
"That long term trend is what Mediaworks is needing to turn around. Protests, rallies and petitions aren't going to change that fact."
Last night, the programme attracted 293,000 viewers, compared to Seven Sharp's 409,000.
- additional reporting by nzherald.co.nz
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