By 3 News Online Staff
A petition with more than 90,000 signatures has been handed to MediaWorks in support of current affairs show Campbell Live.
MediaWorks confirmed earlier this month a review of the show was being undertaken as part of a broader review of the business by the company’s executive.
In Auckland this afternoon, around 100 protesters marched towards MediaWorks offices in Eden Terrace to present their petition.
The group assembled on Karangahape Rd at 11.30am chanting "Save Campbell Live" and "five, six, seven, eight, who do we appreciate?" while passing cars tooted in support.
Protesters Teresa Stonebridge and Erina Norman took time out from their Unitech class on inequality in New Zealand to attend the march because they felt John Campbell spoke for vulnerable people.
"He'll support the people who don’t have a voice," said Ms Norman.
Fellow protester Elizabeth Osborn said Campbell Live gave viewers a chance to have their say through surveys and affect change on important issues.
John Campbell and the Campbell Live team addressed the crowd thanking them for their support, saying "it means a heap".
"We're involved in a process with TV3 to keep our show on air and we're desperate to do that.
"You have no idea how much your support means to us."
It had given the team a psychological boost, he said.
"We're working as hard as we possibly can and we're making the best telly we possibly can and it's lovely to know that people are noticing it."
Meanwhile, in Christchurch, a smaller group of around 40 protestors campaigned outside the Mediaworks office.
"I've come out here to support John Campbell and keep the programme going, because he does a lot for New Zealand and he's done a lot for Christchurch," one protestor said.
Another said she supported the show because it was "about caring for others and giving a voice to the people who didn't have a voice for themselves".
The group marched from Hagley Park stood outside MediaWorks for about 30 minutes before going their separate ways.
Since the Campbell Live review was announced there has been an outpouring of public support for the show with ratings steadily increasing.
3 News
source: newshub archive
