TVNZ Eyeing Up John Campbell For New Show

Television New Zealand has been chasing John Campbell to work on TV One, according to a source. The approaches go back to before MediaWorks ended theCampbell Live show on May 29.

The source said TVNZ was trying to construct a format that would work for Campbell. The broadcaster had initially given little encouragement, but that may have changed more recently.

The hoopla over the All Blacks-Samoa match shows Campbell still has a huge personal following. This cultural and sporting phenomenon was created largely by Campbell before MediaWorks axed his TV3 show. The game should have been a high point for TV3 - instead it was an own goal.

Meanwhile, Campbell's image is flying high, though in this employment market you would have to be careful about turning down too many options.

And I wonder if Campbell wants to re-enter the political fray.

The good news is that unlike other big-name broadcasters, Campbell has not insisted on mega pay packages. Campbell is also a notoriously hard worker; he usually put in a full day's work before appearing on Campbell Live.

Campbell could also serve an audience that doesn't like Mike Hosking, and which is currently ignored by TV One.

Campbell could not be contacted for a response and a TVNZ spokeswoman declined to comment.

- John Drinnan, NZ Herald