An Al-Jazeera news presenter who got his break in journalism at TV3 has come out in support of his old colleague John Campbell.
Kamahl Santamaria posted a video message on YouTube in response to reports that Campbell Live may be cancelled.
As an "obviously starstruck" 18-year-old, Santamaria says John Campbell was the first person he met in the TV3 newsroom.
"I've never forgotten that support he gave me," says Santamaria, "which is why I'm throwing whatever support I can behind the save Campbell Live campaign".
Santamaria urges supporters to "tweet, Facebook, sign petitions, write letters, do whatever you want or whatever you can" in support of the show.
"New Zealand doesn't need another soap opera or reality TV programme at 7 o'clock every night," he says.
"It needs strong, honest journalism, which holds people in power to account and never forgets the everyday person."
Campbell Live has been placed "under review" by Mediaworks, and reported suggestions for replacements include a soap opera and a Jono and Ben style entertainment show.
- nzherald.co.nz