RNZ CEO and top broadcaster clash in leaked recording over TVNZ merger spending

A top RNZ host has gone head to head with the organisation’s chief executive over recent spending decisions related to the potential TVNZ merger.

In a video of the staff meeting, leaked to the Herald, broadcaster Lisa Owen questioned CEO Paul Thompson on whether RNZ is going to “just forge ahead” spending money, time and resources for an uncertain merger.

Owen said there had been a “strong indication” the merger would be at the bottom of the Government’s work list and said the Government had sent a “pretty strong signal” as to what was happening in relation to the merger.

Thompson said it was not costing RNZ “any additional money” as the broadcaster was being funded for the additional costs, although he did not specify where the funding is from.