TV debate has hallmarks of combat

John Campbell

The marketing for TV3's first televised election debate features "let's rumble" style music, dramatic voiceover and host John Campbell's sceptical arched eyebrow.

All part of what has become a combative form of political debate, say some commentators.

Auckland University political scientist Joe Atkinson said debates under MMP were too crowded, turning them into a "verbal equivalent of a mud wrestling match".

"We have taken this form of television to its larrikin extreme.

"If debates don't improve this time and aren't very different from last time, they might as well be abolished altogether because they provide nothing worthwhile."

Paul Norris, a former head of news and current affairs at TVNZ and head of the Christchurch Broadcasting School, disagreed.

"Debates can perform a valuable function in a campaign at a time when the campaign might be close. There might be a lot of undecided voters who can be helped to make up their minds by seeing the leaders performing in a televised debate."

Herald political commentator Colin James said the debates of 2002 were "a disgrace" but the debates themselves were not as influential as the headlines announcing the debate "winner" the next day.

Mr Atkinson said the standard of debate was exacerbated by the "attack style" of some moderators.

"Last time [John Campbell] ... showed a penchant for trying to be the top dog. He showed a talent for loquacious disrespect which was quite extraordinary, as if he was somehow superior to the politicians and they were just naughty schoolboys.

"You have to give the politicians the benefit of the doubt and the audience does not need to be patronised by intrusive moderators."

TV3 head of news Mark Jennings said Campbell was skilled at controlling debates and the party leaders wanted certainty that everyone would get a fair say and the debate would not get out of hand.

* Broadcast live from Auckland Grammar theatre on TV3 at 7.30pm
* Analysis on 10.30pm Nightline special