Monday, 11 November, 2013

Willie Jackson, John Tamihere Off Air for Remainder of 2013

Willie Jackson and John Tamihere will not return to RadioLIVE for the rest of 2013. The announcement was made on RadioLIVE just after 12noon today by the two broadcasters.

Announcement from Willie Jackson and John Tamihere:

This will be our last show on RadioLIVE for this year.

We will be taking the next few weeks to review what happened last week with the management here, and agree what action needs to be taken.

We do not condone rape in any way and did not intend to blame the victims. Rape is a terrible crime and the victims who come forward deserve support and respect.

We deeply regret the comments we made last week and the upset they caused so many people.

We also want to apologise to the clients of RadioLIVE who've had to deal with negative feedback to their businesses because they advertise in our show.

Closer to home, we regret the impact this has had on our wives, children, grandchildren and communities. We also apologise to the staff at RadioLIVE and throughout the MediaWorks whanau who have had to deal with the fallout.

RadioLIVE will update you on our discussions and plans as is appropriate.

As this will be our last time on the radio this year, we wish you and your families a safe and happy Christmas and send our aroha to you all.

JT & Willie
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MediaWorks Radio Chief Executive Belinda Mulgrew says: "After discussions with Willie Jackson and John Tamihere it has been agreed that Willie and John will be off air for the rest of 2013.

"We continue to review the situation, and I would like to reiterate that MediaWorks in no way condones the actions of the 'Roast Busters' or any violence against women.

"We apologise unreservedly for any offence or distress caused to listeners, clients or others by Willie and JT's interview with Amy."

The noon-3pm show on RadioLIVE will run without advertising for the rest of this week, as previously announced. An announcement regarding a replacement host will be made in due course.

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