Story perspectives

TVNZ Sends Legal Threat to NZME Over Offensive Language Story

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

TVNZ sent a broad legal threat to Newstalk ZB’s parent NZME over coverage of an alleged offensive-language incident.
Reporter Maiki Sherman was involved in the alleged incident in Minister Willis’s office in May and later declined further action.
Mike Hosking said the legal letter chilled Newstalk ZB’s enthusiasm for the story.
TVNZ declined comment on employment matters while Willis ended the press function and later checked the reporter’s welfare.

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Story summary

TVNZ sent a broad legal threat to Newstalk ZB’s parent NZME over coverage of an alleged offensive-language incident.
Reporter Maiki Sherman was involved in the alleged incident in Minister Willis’s office in May and later declined further action.
Mike Hosking said the legal letter chilled Newstalk ZB’s enthusiasm for the story.
TVNZ declined comment on employment matters while Willis ended the press function and later checked the reporter’s welfare.