Former mayor, broadcaster Michael Laws to stand for NZ First in upcoming election
Former Whanganui Mayor Michael Laws has been named as a candidate for the NZ First party in the upcoming election. Laws has expressed controversial views regarding the future of Radio New Zealand and his desire to serve as the minister of broadcasting.
Why it matters
The candidacy of a high-profile media figure with radical policy proposals for public broadcasting highlights the political polarization in New Zealand's media landscape.
Former Whanganui Mayor Michael Laws says he wants to be broadcasting minister and RNZ would be "first on the chopping list" - and newly installed chair Brent Impey probably needs "a new job".
The subject is a polarizing political figure; the article quotes his aggressive rhetoric against public institutions, which may frame him in a specific light.
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