Curtains for Campbell Live
Hilary Barry planted a ‘‘sloppy kiss’’ on John Campbell’s right cheek, then Mike McRoberts surprised him with one on the left.
There were also tears and laughter John Campbell farewelled viewers with his last Campbell Live show on Friday night.
Newsreaders Barry and McRoberts flanked him at the start of the show, and while it was Barry had lost composure a week ago when it was announced that the show would end after a 10-year run, this time it was McRoberts this time who teared up. He described Campbell as a ‘‘delightful and extraordinary’’ man.
Campbell said it had been a ‘‘big day and a big few weeks’’ and everyone was ‘‘buggered’’.
Close to 20 staff had glasses of champagne as they gathered around their host, who started off the show with a compilation of the show’s greatest moments. Highlights included its work on issues such as the Christchurch earthquakes, the Novopay teachers’ pay scandal, Solid Energy’s collapse and the Pike River mine explosion.
Former All Black Piri Weepu, whose brother Billy works as a cameraman for the show, made a cameo appearance.
The show’s campaign for school lunches featured prominently, an example of the crusading journalism the programme became known for.
Campbell paid tribute to the show’s staff, starting with ‘‘the boss’’, producer Pip Keane, and then thanked viewers.
‘‘What a team, and that includes you. If you’re watching in Christchurch chances are we’ve interviewed you, or someone you know. Your trust is us is something we’ll never forget. Thank you, may your city be magnificent.’’ As he finished, Campbell struggled to hold back the tears, but ultimately signed off with class.
‘‘I started here, aged 27, in a suit I borrowed from my Dad. I could never have dreamed what would happen in the next 24 years. Thank you so much for watching us. Ka kite ano, and a very good evening.’’
MediaWorks axed Campbell Live following a review, which prompted a large rally of public support and a surge in the ratings. Group head of news Mark Jennings said the review had found what was most relevant to the audience at 7pm was current affairs, but not Campbell Live ‘‘as we know it’’.
Campbell was asked to co-host a new show, but had decided to leave. A new show is expected to be launched in five to seven weeks.
MediaWorks chief executive Mark Weldon said that despite the show’s quality it had lost viewers every year for 10 years, to the point where it was ‘‘unsustainable.’’
Media lecturer and commentator Gavin Ellis said said the greatest legacy the show would leave was its social conscience.
He predicted that Campbell would re-emerge on the media landscape.