TVNZ apologises for F word on news

TVNZ has apologised for a swear word being repeatedly broadcast on One News last night.

The F word featured in court footage from the Clayton Weatherston murder trial in Christchurch.

TVNZ spokeswoman Andi Brotherston said it was a mistake, as the footage was not edited before it went to air. She said the news manager responsible had put up his hand and apologised.

"We didn't intentionally do it, and I absolutely understand why people were upset and disgusted, because everybody rightly should have been - as we were."

Ms Brotherston said TVNZ was concerned viewers could feel its standards were slipping.

"From our perspective, that's so much worse than having admitted making a mistake - that people would think TVNZ standards have slipped to a point where we would put that to air without a second thought - is a lot more disturbing that putting a mistake to air."

- NEWSTALK ZB