Kate has posted on the new APN management policy on avoiding defamation and related legal action. Essentially it involves a nil budget for legal advice and a policy of extreme conservatism.
It spells the end of decent investigative journalism especially when the subject of the story has the cash to fund a defamation action. As with many of Kate’s posts it doesn’t meet the Red Alert language standards – but certainly worth a look.
Will be interesting to see if any of the MSM pick up the story. Might be one for a Radio journo nearing retirement or one of the TV rock stars who don’t supplement their income from a Herald column.
I would stick with the binoculars on opposition windows and save on reporters all together
Trevor, I’d be the last to defend the dear old Herald, but have a look at Tim Murphy’s reply.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10609625
Oh Trevor,
Just for you tonight I will post especially with a G-Rated version in response to Mr Murphy’s rather unusual rebuttal given the circumstances here.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10609625
Trevor, This may be of interest the MSM had already picked it up before you posted.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10609625
At least the dude responded. The guidelines looked pretty grim. Kate’s column did some good.