Laws defiant about abuse against firemen

Michael Laws. Photo / Wanganui Chronicle

Talkback host and Wanganui mayor Michael Laws remains defiant despite a Broadcasting Standards Authority ruling that found he had used "sustained personal abuse" against two firemen.

The Fire Service made a complaint to the BSA after Mr Laws accused the organisation of using "little dead Polynesian kiddies as a marketing tool" on his Radio Live show.

Mr Laws attacked Manukau chief fire officer Larry Cocker and National Commander Mike Hall for comments they made after a fatal South Auckland house fire in January.

Today Mr Laws said: "Their conduct was vile and I would not hesitate to slam them again. Certainly the majority of callers to my show that day were similarly incensed."

He said the BSA ruling is "a joke".

"Before the children had even been buried, these fire chiefs were issuing press statements essentially blaming the family for this dreadful tragedy," Mr Laws said.

Fire Service spokesman Scott Sargentina said the organisation was "happy" with the BSA's ruling but disappointed by Mr Law's response.

"It was plain to an independent body that the comments, the abuse and the name calling, is unacceptable in any form of broadcasting so it's disappointing Michael has made that comment. That's all right.

"We obviously hold a different view, so does the Broadcasting Standards Authority, it will be interesting to see what the New Zealand public think," Mr Sargentina said.

Four children died in the fire, which the firemen said might have been prevented if chips had not been left unattended in a frying pan, and smoke alarms had been installed and/or operational.

During the attack, Mr Laws said Cocker should have the "er" removed from his name and said: "You're a cock".

He called the firemen "dickheads in a uniform", "idiots", "morons", "arseholes" and said racism was going on.

The BSA found Mr Laws made abusive remarks against the firemen "which went beyond fair criticism of their professional roles".

It did not uphold a complaint that the Fire Service as a whole had been unfairly treated.

It ordered Radio Live to broadcast a comprehensive summary of its decision on Michael Laws Talkback, on a Wednesday.