Sean Plunket joins Broadcasting Standards Authority

NZ Herald

25 Sep, 2017 08:44 PM2 mins to read

Sean Plunket has become a member of the Broadcasting Standards Authority. Photo/Dean Purcell

He's known for his combative interview tactics and fiery presence during the recent election campaign.

Now, Sean Plunket has joined the Broadcasting Standards Authority.

Plunket, an outspoken former host of news shows on Radio Live and Radio NZ, was appointed a member of the Broadcasting Standards Authority in May.

The appointment was made by Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Maggie Barry, and his appointment lasts until April, 2020.The BSA "oversees broadcasting standards regulations" in New Zealand, and provides a place for members of the public to lodge a complaint if they feel they've been mistreated by a media organisation.

Plunket will be part of "the Authority board ... four members who make the decisions about complaints and who govern the BSA itself".

Plunket had two BSA complaints laid against him in 2015 after calling author Eleanor Catton an "ungrateful hua".

The complaints against Plunket were not upheld.

More recently, Plunket acted as communications director for Gareth Morgan's Opportunities Party, getting into public disputes with The Spinoff's Duncan Greive and NBR journalist Chris Keall.

Twitter quickly picked up on the appointment.

Is Sean Plunket going to disclose his client list so we know he's not deciding BSA complaints with a conflict?
— Oliver (@eey0re) September 25, 2017

If there has ever been a (oxy)moronic appointment than Sean Plunket to the Broadcasting Standards authority I don't even know...
— The friend who needs magnolias (@Styla73) September 25, 2017

sean plunket on the BSA

as in... appointed to the broadcasting standards authority

as in... an authority

.. on broadcasting standards pic.twitter.com/f4X3BiJON0
— David Farrier (@davidfarrier) September 25, 2017

Plunket is yet to speak publicly about the appointment, but he issued this single tweet last night.