Welcome mat out for lovable Paul Henry
The Aussies were not taken in by his hubris but here in Godzone there is a market for masters of mockery – and Mr Henry is one of the best.
For those salivating over the terminal decline of Paul Henry on Australian breakfast television, a word of warning.
When the show is finally euthanised, as it almost certainly will, guess who will be welcomed home with open arms?
TVNZ and Media Works will be falling all over themselves vying for his vile mouth in order to boost their ratings.
The Aussies were not taken in by his hubris but here in Godzone there is a market for masters of mockery – and Mr Henry is one of the best.
His likely return is serendipitous for TV One and TV 3, both of whom are in the market for a big name, preferably with a big mouth, to front what will be passed off as revamped "current affairs" programmes.
Speculation is mounting that Mark Sainsbury, aka the Walrus, will be shown the door at Close Up by the end of the year.
It is no secret Mr Henry has always coveted this job and the programme’s former executive producer, Michael Valintine, fought unsuccessfully to get him on board.
So it is very likely the state broadcaster is already engaged in covert conversations with him, not that they would ever admit to it.
They know an opportunity when they see one and will be trying to tie him up ahead of their rivals at TV3.
With 60 Minutes being replaced by a home-grown current affairs show next year, Media Works would see him as an ideal person to launch a brand new product.
The added bonus for them would be his availability to host a prime-time show on one of their many radio stations.
As the clock counts down on his ill-fated Australian venture, Mr Henry will be secure in the knowledge a bolt-hole awaits him on the other side of the ditch.
He might be many things but he’s no "dick sh*t" when it comes to looking after No 1.
Rod Vaughan
Wed, 11 Jul 2018
Wed, 11 Jul 2018
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Welcome mat out for lovable Paul Henry
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