Tensions drive TV3 host out

Stephen Parker. Photo / Supplied

Journalist Stephen Parker has quit as presenter of TV3's political show The Nation - only three and a half months after it was launched - over differences with producer Richard Harman.

The show has already had a reporter quit in its short history, and it is understood TV3 political editor Duncan Garner has also been unhappy with elements of the programme.

The Nation was set up to rival TVNZ's Sunday morning show Q+A, but it has so far failed to make much of an impact on ratings.

Its viewership last Saturday was 18,740. The next day, Q+A was watched by 56,120 people.

MediaWorks, which owns TV3, released a statement yesterday implying Parker had left to pursue a different career.

"Mr Parker has concluded the time is right for him to pursue a freelance career, and also have a break from television in order to pursue a personal project," the network said.

But industry insiders said tensions had been brewing between Parker and Harman. It is understood that Harman has been critical of the presenter over the show's ratings.

The editorial content had been questioned, and TV3 and NZ On Air, which funds The Nation, were both pressuring those involved to perform.

"It should be a great show to be working for and it should be a lot of fun, but it wasn't," one source said.

Parker confirmed he had handed in his resignation on Tuesday and it was accepted immediately, but he declined to say why he had left.

TV3 head of news Mark Jennings said the resignation was "out of the blue" and he was disappointed.

"I know him well and he's a top bloke and he wants to take a break. These things do happen in television."

Mr Jennings said he was happy with the show overall, "but it's very young in its life-cycle, and it will get better and better".

Garner will front The Nation until a new presenter is appointed.