During the month of May, Dan News is doing a news blooper every day!

Check out the collection here.

Fletcher Mills has been voted The X Factor NZ Wildcard. The 17-year-old classical music student joins The X Factor Top 13 ahead of this weekend’s first LIVE Shows.

Fletcher says the experience has only made him more determined to do well in the competition.

“Leaving the competition and then given the opportunity to come back has me realise what a big deal this. I am going to take it and run with it and see how far I can go. A massive thank you to all my supporter s– I’ll do my best for you!”

TV3 made the surprise announcement last night at a star-studded VIP party held at Auckland’s SKY CITY Grand Hotel – after Judge Melanie Blatt leaked his name via Twitter.

Melanie says: “He’s not in my category and I didn’t want Ruby to have an advantage by announcing Fletcher at the start of Sunday’s show. Bugger The X Factor rules, I’ve got a big mouth, deal with it.”

Guests applauded as they were introduced to Judges Daniel Bedingfield, Melanie Blatt, Ruby Frost and Stan Walker, and the Top 12: Benny Tipene, Tom Batchelor, Whenua Patuwai, Cassie Henderson, Eden Roberts, Jackie Thomas, Anna Wilson, Maaka Fiso, Taye Williams, Gap 5, L.O.V.E. and Moorhouse.

Host Dominic Bowden then revealed that the Wildcard would be joining the gathering, and introduced Fletcher Mills, who had been told six hours earlier.

The Wildcard was to be revealed as part of Sunday night’s LIVE Performance Show, but after voting information leaked on Twitter, producers decided to make the announcement last night.

The X Factor NZ Wildcard was chosen by public vote from four contestants; Fletcher Mills, Aotea Beazley, Grace Ikenasio and TYP. Tens of thousands of Kiwis voted for their favourites via text and Facebook with all four enjoying strong support. Only one could continue in the competition.

The X Factor NZ Top 13 are: Fletcher Mills, Benny Tipene, Tom Batchelor, Whenua Patuwai, Cassie Henderson, Eden Roberts, Jackie Thomas, Anna Wilson, Maaka Fiso, Taye Williams, Gap 5, L.O.V.E. and Moorhouse.

The first LIVE Performance Show will screen at 7pm the Sunday night, with the first LIVE Results Show following at 8pm on Monday night.

During the month of May, Dan News is doing a news blooper every day!

Check out the collection here.

BBC Radio’s Paula White was pulled off air after appearing to be drunk on her last day.

White has defended herself saying she was not drunk but had “had a couple of drinks.”

Judge for yourself….

During the month of May, Dan News is doing a news blooper every day!

Check out the collection here.

TVNZ has announced the appointment of one of its most experienced senior news people as the company’s new Head of News and Current Affairs.

John Gillespie, who is currently the Editor of Daily Programmes, will take up his new position from 24 June 2013.

TVNZ chief executive Kevin Kenrick says it’s extremely pleasing to appoint a leader with an unquestioned commitment to New Zealand and to TVNZ.

“John is well-known and respected in the industry for his editorial experience and has a thorough understanding of the multi-media environment our news team now works in.

Our very own John Gillespie appointed as our new Head of News and Current Affairs. The newsroom just cheered!

— Kate Lynch (@KateLynchJourno) May 13, 2013

“Because he knows our organisation so well we expect John to make a smooth leadership transition and there’ll be no loss of momentum as we further develop New Zealand’s most watched news and current affairs service.”

John has been with TVNZ for 16 years. He says: “I have a real pride in working in this business and working for TVNZ. We are the industry leader for news and current affairs – and with that comes a significant responsibility to our viewers up and down the country. Personally, I’m looking forward to being an even bigger part of setting our editorial direction. I’m committed to delivering outstanding news and current affairs that calls on the special talents of the people we have here.”

Greymouth born, Christchurch raised, John studied journalism at Australia’s Charles Sturt University (formerly Mitchell College). Before joining TVNZ, he worked for five years at Canterbury Television as a reporter and later as news editor. He was a producer for the launch of TVNZ’s Breakfast in 1997. He subsequently produced a number of high profile shows before he was appointed Editor of Current Affairs in 2007. His most recent appointment was Editor of Daily Programmes in 2012.

John is married to Rochelle, a former TVNZ presenter and journalist. They live in West Auckland, Waiatarua, with their three children: Gabriella (9), Jimmie (6) and Baxter (3).

Legendary broadcaster Barbara Walters is to retire.

The 83 year old broadcaster will announce her exit from television on an episode of The View to air in the US overnight.

“I am very happy with my decision and look forward to a wonderful and special year ahead both on ‘The View’ and with ABC News,” Walters says in a statement. “I created ‘The View’ and am delighted it will last beyond my leaving it.”

It is understood Walters will finish up in 2014 but continue to work as a producer on The View.

Congrats to the students of The Attic for making it on to Dan News.

Let me know if the arm was okay in the end!

During the month of May, Dan News is doing a news blooper every day!

Check out the collection here.

During the month of May, Dan News is doing a news blooper every day!

Check out the collection here.