It is what is called "advocacy journalism"; the programme actually chases stories and pushes for answers, sometimes even running polls or fundraising, trying to influence a fairer outcome, rather than just telling a story.
I believe Campbell Live has been influential in the change of position this week on so-called "zero hour contracts" by major takeaway food chains. It has effectively advocated for Christchurch people in the four years since the devastating earthquakes, and Campbell Live has championed the issue of child poverty, the missing school lunches and got behind appeals for KidsCan.
The show has also supported UNICEF fundraising to help people whose lives were shattered by Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu and Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.
I am a former journo and a proud leftie so have perhaps more sympathy for the Campbell Live crew than others, although there has been support across the political spectrum - in the news world at least - with all the commentators I've read questioning this "review".
However, newcomer National MP Todd Barclay came a cropper with his patronising tweet saying: "No surprises that it's only Labour Party MPs scrambling to keep Campbell Live running #goodjobmikehosking", especially given the often harsh and unsympathetic world views Mike Hosking shares on Seven Sharp.
Prime Minister John Key was not much better with his disparaging views apparently on Radio Live that Campbell Live's purpose was to entertain and "follow news stories" rather than hold the Government to account.
That's a pretty big insult in the world of journalism and actually inaccurate when it comes to Campbell Live, as it has regularly broken news stories and certainly asked the hard questions of politicians of all persuasions in its 10 years on air.
And while I'm not someone who readily buys into conspiracy theories, I do wonder about whether it is more than a coincidence that this programme tends to be more liberal rather than conservative in its treatment of stories, including following the Dirty Politics story with vigour. It's widely acknowledged that MediaWorks chief executive Mark Weldon is close to the PM and rumours abound.
The other and most certainly true element to this story is the commercialism of news. MediaWorks board chairman Rod McGeoch was quoted as saying: "We put news on, but only because it rates."
And therein lies the rub - if we rely on commercial interests to voluntarily protect public interest journalism, something's got to give.
For me, that's the one good thing from this shockingly bad piece of PR for TV3 - the start of a decent debate on what New Zealand wants and needs in terms of protections for its broadcast news. And you know what, this doesn't automatically mean subsidies either - Campbell Live reportedly runs at a profit.
John Campbell is a national treasure - I am a fan. All I can hope is the incredible response, including nearly 100,000 signatures on petitions, sends a clear message to the TV3 decision-makers - save Campbell Live.
Nicola Young has worked in the government and private sectors in Australia and NZ. She currently works from home in Taranaki for a global consultancy. Educated at Wanganui Girls' College, she has a science degree and is the mother of two boys. These views are her own.
