Editorial: Time to talk about merits of journalism

John Campbell. Photo / Greg Bowker

I nearly suffered a "Hilary Barry moment" as Friday's final edition of Campbell Live ran through a montage of his greatest hits.

It was good to be reminded of the many causes and excellent reporting of John Campbell, the un-caped crusader.

And, of course, the memorable moments footage brought into sharp focus just what TV3 is jettisoning in its decision to dump the show.

It seems Campbell Live just wasn't sexy enough; wasn't lighthearted and fluffy enough; wasn't sufficiently celebrity and showbiz laden ... and it barely rated as a cooking/singing talent contest.

So Campbell's worthy journalism, which fired plenty of shots and hit a good few targets, had to go.

TV3's head of news Mark Jennings supplied some wonderful gibberish about a so-called "review" to explain the decision.

He was reported as saying that the "review" had found what was most relevant to the audience at 7pm was current affairs, but not Campbell Live "as we know it".

Perhaps the message really was: "If we feed people endless pap, they won't have to think too hard."

There have been suggestions of political involvement in Campbell's demise - that he was too left-leaning for the powers-that-be. I am dubious about such claims.

The dollar is what counts first, second and third in the world of TV. Jennings and Co would be much more concerned about keeping sponsors and advertisers sweet than politicians. An upset Prime Minister would barely get on the radar.

After "ka kite-ing" for the last time, Campbell said New Zealand needed to have a conversation. "We have to say, 'Do we value journalism?' And if so, are we prepared to pay for it?"

Some have already started that conversation.