3 News political editor, Duncan Garner and 60 Minutes’ Guyon Espiner, former political editor for TVNZ, are joining forces for a 90 minute special on what both describe as a “tough budget delivered in tough times”.

Budget 2012 will bring viewers the definitive look at the 2012 Budget, including expert analysis on what the consequences will be for New Zealand business and for ordinary Kiwis.

Garner and Espiner will be crossing LIVE to Parliament as the Minister of Finance, Bill English, delivers his Budget. They will be joined by commentators on economics and politics, including business writer Fran O’Sullivan (NZ Herald) and economist Dr Ganesh Nana (BERL), Mark Weldon (former CEO of the NZSE), and Richard Wagstaff (National Secretary of the PSA), for additional insight.

Throughout the programme, Garner and Espiner will cross LIVE to Wellington to interview the opposition parties’ spokespeople, seeking their views on the Budget.

The special broadcast will be followed by comprehensive coverage in 3 News and Campbell Live, from 6pm, and 3news.co.nz/budget2012 will have continuously updated content.

Espiner says the European crisis will loom large in tomorrow’s Budget.

“In Europe, governments and their voters are clashing over cut backs, debt and unemployment as the argument rages over austerity versus economic stimulus.

“The arguments here might be on a different scale but they are the same arguments. This will be a hard sell Budget for Bill English,” he says.

Garner agrees: “With Europe tanking – the Budget’s forecasts may become quickly out of date.

“It’s another zero-budget which means there is no new spending. Every new dollar given to a certain area has been taken from somewhere else,” he says.

“What will that mean for Kiwi workers? Will the Government have to throw more money at our economy – or continue its drive to cut back?

“John Key now won’t rule out a second recession because of what is happening in Europe. We’re not immune to the meltdown.”

After many years of competing in the gallery, both journalists are looking forward to their first time working together.

“It’ll be great to work with Guyon – he’s a pro,” says Garner. “Hopefully with the two of us teaming up, we can shed some light on what will probably be a pretty dark Budget.”

Espiner adds: “I know what it’s like to compete with Duncan – I’m looking forward to finding out what it’s like to work with him.”

3 News Special: Budget 2012

2pm-3.30pm, Thursday 24 May on TV3 and streaming LIVE at 3news.co.nz/budget2012

- TV3

Taking a dynamic look at the week’s major international politics and business events from around the world, TV3’s brand new current affairs show, Three60 premieres on Sunday, May 6th at 9am on 3.

Hosted by 3 News’ Mike McRoberts, Three60 will have a strong focus on taking an in-depth look at the stories that impact on the global geo-political landscape.

Guyon Espiner will also play a role within the show’s line up, bringing his expertise to provide insight and commentary to some of the week’s major International stories.

The line up of the show will feature content from leading news networks around the world including Britain’s ITV and Channel Four, and America’s CBS Network.

There will also a be a number of interviews with politicians, leading academics and key newsmakers to provide background and analysis, as well as bringing a New Zealand slant to the International stories.

Three60 premieres on Sunday, May 6th at 9am on 3.

Duncan starts his new role on 1 December, leaving the gallery, where he is the 3 News Political Editor.

Jana Rangooni, General Manager – Talk Brands, MediaWorks Radio, says Duncan brings a rare combination of news acumen, and great personality and flair to his new role.

“Duncan is one of the most entertaining people in the news media but most people outside the business have yet to see this side of him,” she says.

“He has a wide and varied range of interests, a wicked sense of humour and is a great journalist who is not afraid to ask anyone the tough questions.

“These qualities make him the perfect person to take the reins of the Radio LIVE Drivetime show.”

Patrick Gower will replace Duncan as Political Editor for TV3, effective 1 December.

From today, Radio LIVE Business Editor Andrew Patterson will be the interim host of the Drive show, and hold that position until Duncan joins the station.

I was emailed within minutes of putting this story up asking that reporters be included as well.  “They are people too!”

So get hugging your nearest newsreader or reporter.

Here is audio of Jase and Dave discussing the day with Mike McRoberts and Simon Dallow:

Mike:

Simon:

Send in pics of you hugging your nearest newsreader to dan@dannews.co.nz!

Star FM in Griffith:

98.1 Power FM Hunter Valley:

Director of News and Current Affairs, Mark Jennings, says Richard is one of the most capable and respected news managers in the country.

“Richard is what we call a journalist’s journalist,” he said. “He is extremely well regarded for his news judgement and management style, and will add further strength to what is already a top-notch team.”

Richard Sutherland is currently Director of Coverage for TVNZ’s News and Current Affairs division. Prior to TVNZ, he was the Managing Editor for SKY News NZ for three years, and his extensive experience in radio newsgathering includes five years as News Editor at NewstalkZB.

Richard will take up his new role in late April.

Morton began her career in radio before moving to 3 News.

Speaking with Dan News, Morton said she is extremely excited about the opportunity.

“I can’t wait to start next month. I’m really looking forward to working on a variety of news and sports stories. I’m especially looking forward to covering the election next year.”

Rachel will replace Samantha Hayes who is returning to 3 News’ Auckland newsroom.

On Wednesday 22 February, TV3 will broadcast Christchurch memorial services at 8am and midday, with Rachel Smalley, Mike McRoberts and John Campbell presenting coverage LIVE from Christchurch, on 3 News, 3 News Firstline and Campbell Live.

At 7.30pm on Wednesday night, TV3 will screen acclaimed feature documentary When A City Falls. Filmmaker Gerard Smyth has produced what many consider the definitive story of the 2010 and 2011 Canterbury earthquakes and their aftermath. When A City Falls was released in cinemas late last year and was number one at the Christchurch box office for five weeks. This is its television premiere.

Leading up to Wednesday 22 February, TV3 will have extensive news and current affairs coverage of the Christchurch anniversary, both remembering the events of February 2011 and looking at the future of Christchurch. John Campbell will host Campbell Live from Lyttleton tonight (Monday 20 February) and Sydenham on Tuesday night.

Online, 3news.co.nz will have extensive coverage of the week’s events, including LIVE streaming of key television coverage and interactive timelines at a dedicated mini-site 3news.co.nz/Christchurch (Please note: the mini-site will go LIVE at noon Tuesday 21 February). Message boards will invite the public to share their memories and take stock of life a year after the quake.

Additional online video available at the site includes last night’s 60 Minutes piece ‘Aftershock’, a moving record of the quake as it happened, edited from the footage of five separate camera crews and the recordings of the 111 emergency calls, and Behind the Seen, a short film behind-the-scenes with the TV3 news crews as they scramble to cover the February events.

A timeline of the Wednesday 22 February coverage is below.

22 FEBRUARY, 2012

6am – 9am: FIRSTLINE

Firstline will be broadcast from Christchurch with Rachel Smalley and Hamish Clark LIVE in Latimer Square, and will include Latimer Square memorial service scheduled to commence at 8am.

12noon-1.30pm: CIVIC MEMORIAL SERVICE

John Campbell and Mike McRoberts will present a special broadcast of the Civic Memorial service LIVE from Hagley Park, in Christchurch.

At 12.51pm, two minutes silence will be observed as a mark of respect to those lost in the 2011 earthquake. The silence will also be observed across TV3’s websites and social media pages.

6pm-7pm: 3 NEWS

Mike McRoberts will be in Cathedral Square to co-present a special 3 News bulletin. Hilary Barry will co-anchor from the Auckland studio.

7pm-7.30pm: CAMPBELL LIVE

John Campbell will present a special edition of Campbell Live from the top of the Millennium Hotel, looking over Cathedral Square and surrounds.

7.30pm-9.30pm: WHEN A CITY FALLS

Filmmaker Gerard Smyth has produced what many consider the definitive, on-the-ground story of the 2010 and 2011 Canterbury earthquakes and their aftermath. To mark the anniversary of the February quake, this special screening is the television premiere of When A City Falls, a moving testament to the people of Christchurch.

- TV3