By Bevan Rapson
television editor
TVNZ bosses have been forced into an embarrassing reversal of January's newsreader change, bringing back Richard Long, after sacking John Hawkesby.
Long, relegated to reading weekend bulletins six weeks ago, will be back beside Judy Bailey on One Network News tonight.
The costly blunder - in lost audience share, salary payouts and now potential legal action by an unhappy Hawkesby - raises questions about the future of the TV chiefs who pushed the unpopular change through.
Ratings determine the price of advertising, which determines the state-owned enterprise's profits.
Hawkesby, off screen since last Wednesday, described the termination of his contract as totally without justification and promised to vigorously pursue legal remedies.
In a statement, TV One general manager Shaun Brown said the channel had "listened to our viewers." He said Long had tremendous rapport with viewers and it was "a measure of his professionalism and commitment that ... Richard has not hesitated in taking up the weekday presentation role again."
Long said it would be hard to regain viewers' trust but he was happy to be back. He was sure viewer response had played a role in his return: "Good on TVNZ for responding to it."
Hawkesby's hiring is believed to have involved TVNZ chief executive Rick Ellis and the late Neil Roberts, head of television at the time.
Mr Brown said the decision was made "by a management team."
Board chairwoman Rosanne Meo continued to refuse comment on the issue or its financial implications.
Asked if heads would roll, she said: "You should speak to the chief executive," but Mr Ellis could not be reached.
But Mrs Meo confirmed she had discussed the decision to axe Hawkesby with the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, Tony Ryall. Mr Ryall said yesterday that he might yet question the board on the matter's impact on profitability.