Nelson television station Mainland Television fielded 60 complaints yesterday from viewers offended by three people taking off their clothes during a talkback show broadcast on Tuesday night.
Managing director Gary Watson apologised to viewers who were offended and said he would review the show's future. It did not breach broadcasting standards, but came close.
The show's host, Danny Freilich, appeared without his clothes on during an interview with a local stripper.
The woman stripped to a G-string bikini before going topless during a dance. A male viewer, Jeremy Loy, "who wanted to bring balance to the show," sat in his underpants before stripping completely.
At this point, Mr Watson ordered the show to be stopped.
Mr Freilich is a Mapua orchardist and Independent Pipfruit Growers' Association chairman. He stood for the Tasman District mayoralty at the last election, polling fifth.
He said he had no regrets about the show and would continue to host the programme.
"If anyone was unhappy I would say get a life and relax. You see more at the beach."
He did not get paid to host the show and promised viewers more "interactive television."
Mr Loy, a 22-year-old baker, said he phoned the show on Tuesday night to ask the stripper "a few questions."
He drove from his home to the Mainland studio and went on the show because Mr Freilich told him "he did not have enough guts to sit up there naked," he said.
Mr Loy said he did not mind being naked on the show.
Mr Watson said the show was intended to invite discussion on the sex industry and related entertainment in Nelson.
"I've had more complaints from this one show than every other show over the past eight years," he said.
- NZPA
TV nudity upsets Nelson viewers
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