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Should Mike Hosking be removed from Seven Sharp?

A petition to remove broadcaster Mike Hosking from TV screens has garnered more than 15,000 signatures in just over a week.
Mike Hosking

Mike Hosking

A petition to remove broadcaster Mike Hosking from TV screens has garnered more than 15,000 signatures in just over a week.

The petition, started by lawyer Dan Wayman, aims to kick Hosking off of Seven Sharp, which he currently presents alongside Toni Street.

Wayman states that Hosking’s “socially irresponsible comments are damaging to the New Zealand public,” and adds that his views are harmful to the next generation of Kiwis forced to listen to him.

Indeed Wayman’s main argument is that Hosking is “out of touch” with the majority of New Zealanders – something he says is exemplified by the broadcaster’s dismissive comments on a number of important national issues.

Signatories on the petition have been adding their own reasons for removing Hosking – ranging from the TV star being a “narcissist” to “totally racist.”

Related: Mike Hosking and wife Kate Hawkesby on their perfect love

Signatories share their reasons for wanting rid of Hosking

“He does not represent New Zealand or New Zealanders”

At the time of publication of this article, the petition needed under 10,000 signatures before being presented to TVNZ and the Minister for Broadcasting.

TVNZ made this comment on the petition, stating through a spokesperson: “”We welcome feedback on our programmes, which we get in the form of daily audience ratings, quantitative and qualitative market research, and direct feedback from viewers. Given we engage with around 2.5 million New Zealanders per day, we typically get a broad range of views expressed about our on-air and online content. There are a number of viewing options. Seven Sharp is the most watched show at 7pm.”

Mike Hosking has not yet made a comment.

Mike has been accused of being immature and arrogant by Lee Noyes

“Why do we need another right wing, entitled male on prime time TV?”

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