13 Comments
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John Walker's avatar

Sorry Frank, but I don't think you should resile from your original post. In my eyes you made no errors. In my opinion, Jesse, who I listen to most days, was the one in error. I would say he let his personal biases interfere with the facts.

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Frank Macskasy's avatar

Hi everyone,

A belated thank you to all for your commentary. I've appreciated the feedback and it's more for me to take onboard. Every perspective adds something.

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Charlotte's avatar

I think your original criticism is still valid. Has Jesse ever countered in the past with “Could I observe, perhaps on behalf of listeners who are keener on the Labour Party than the National Party, they might like to make the point that the Labour Party made these changes because…” I very much doubt it.

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Susan Elliot's avatar

excellent point.

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Mac Stevenson's avatar

Still liked your first piece Frank and felt it was accurate in its stating of facts.

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Keith Simes's avatar

I’m more than happy with your original piece Frank, I’ve always thought that Jesse was a nice guy - but sometimes offering ‘balance’ is just a flag of convenience…

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Robbo's avatar

Your first column hit the bullseye Frank and I don't think you have anything to recant. Jesse's show reaches an audience in the 100 thousands each day so I feel he is the one who needs to be aware of the impact of his words. Maybe he was aware and that does represent what his political leanings are. Next stop Newstalk ZB perhaps?

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Winston Moreton's avatar

Last week it was Steve Braunias saying mea culpa. You and other straight shooters are in good company

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Rob P's avatar

Can’t please all the people all the time Frank. But introspective thoughts also have a place. Failure to consider implications would make you a. Miserly right wing commentator.

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Stu McGregor's avatar

I respect this so much Frank. I am grateful for your work and voice anyway, so for what it’s worth, I reckon that prepared to show some self-reflection like this just gives more gravitas to your more pointed criticism of the govt and right side of aisle. Nice.

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Judith Paulin's avatar

Love$ your response Frank! Kia kaha!!

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Kevin Mayes's avatar

Looks like a clumsy attempt by J. Mulligan to offer 'balance' to the conversation rather than his personal opinion. Most probably to fulfil some in-house directive itself prompted by fear of accusations of 'left-wing bias'.

Given that Mary Holm is an independent voice, not a RNZ staffer, this hardly seems necessary. I would say that all this demonstrates is that this government has RNZ's feet firmly to the fire.

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Susan Elliot's avatar

Mary Holm's comments were evidence based and as you say easily supported by anyone with any experience with Google and reflected a lived reality. Jesse's statements were a repetition of National policy statements and reflected a political ideology. Mary Holm is an expert, Jesse Mulligan is an interviewer - and usually a very good one. He could have phrased his statements as questions; challenging questions of course but at least his comments wouldn't have seemed to be paid political statements.

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