Emotional farewell from John Campbell

  • Breaking
  • 29/05/2015

Campbell Live had its final show after ten years on air tonight.

After 24 years at TV3 it was an emotional occasion for John Campbell and his colleagues as well as viewers around the country.

"I started here aged 27 in a suit I borrowed from my dad," Campbell told audiences on air tonight. "I could never have dreamed what would happen in the next 24 years. Thank you so much for watching us."

The final Campbell Live closes a chapter in the history of New Zealand broadcasting.

Campbell Live has been on air for a decade but it was announced earlier this week that tonight would be the last show.

And before it even started, the emotion from TV3 colleagues was clear.

3 News newsreaders Hillary Barry and Mike McRoberts gave Campbell a hug and a kiss before he kicked off his final show this evening.

People around the country tuned in at home and even in pubs.

Staff at TV3 watched the final broadcast in the newsroom, as well-wishers gathered outside the show's Auckland studio. Some even brought candles.

Campbell, known as  JC to his colleagues, was his normal positive self as he said goodbye.

His final message was: "great journalism matters now more than ever before".

3 News

source: newshub archive