Robin Harrison in fiery split with Radio Pacific

Press, 11 February 1986, Page 8

Robin Harrison in fiery split with Radio Pacific

Robin Harrison, the talkback host, will return to 3ZB after a split with Auckland’s Radio Pacific which might result in legal action. Mr Harrison said he was ordered off air while reading Radio Pacific’s 10 a.m. news yesterday after the station’s managing director, Mr Derek Lowe, had found his letter of resignation. “He (Mr Lowe) came in and ordered me out of the station,” said Mr Harrison.

“I have put the matter in my solicitor’s hands and I am not quite sure whether I have resigned or been sacked.” The affair was ugly and unfortunate, he said. Mr Harrison will take over his old 9 a.m. to noon talkback show on 3ZB after three months of work with Radio Pacific. He expects to start work in Christchurch on March 12. Experience on Radio Pacific had been an “eyeopener” although the total talkback format had

been restrictive and the magazine-type show on 3ZB better suited his style, said Mr Harrison. The present nine-to-noon host on 3ZB, George Balani, will host a New Zealand-wide talk back late in the evening from Monday to Friday. Mr Harrison said he was looking forward to moving back to Christchurch but did not discount a return to radio work in Auckland.