Annan slur presenter quits TV show

New Zealand broadcaster Paul Holmes, who gained notoriety for calling United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan a “cheeky darkie”, has quit his top-rating television current affairs show.

Television New Zealand head of news and current affairs Bill Ralston said Holmes’ resignation after 15 years as its premier presenter followed a breakdown in contract talks.

Ralston told National Radio yesterday that the state-owned broadcaster had offered Holmes a new one-year contract, but the talks broke down when he demanded a longer term.

“The choice was Paul’s and Paul’s alone and TVNZ wishes him well in his new venture,” Ralston said in a memo to staff.

He said Holmes would leave the Holmes show immediately and it would be renamed and rebranded. A new presenter would be named by early 2005.

Rival Australian-owned free-to-air television channel Prime confirmed in a statement that Holmes was to host a new flagship current affairs programme to go head-to-head with his old show.

The resignation was huge news in New Zealand, prompting even prime minister Helen Clark to comment on Holmes’ career.

“From my point of view, Paul’s had some great moments and he’s had some appalling moments and I wish him luck in the new job,” she said.

New Zealand’s highest-paid television presenter, Holmes was last year widely condemned for describing Annan as a ”cheeky darkie” on his nationwide morning radio show.

Amid uproar over the comment, Holmes sent a written apology to Annan, but car maker Mitsubishi axed its sponsorship of his television show. Radio station Newstalk ZB said Holmes would continue to host his top-rating breakfast programme.

His first Holmes programme in April 1989 saw America’s Cup skipper Dennis Conner walk off the set after the broadcaster baited him into a confrontation and the sailor stormed out.

Holmes again made headlines in 1989 when a helicopter in which he was travelling crashed into the ocean off the North Island’s east coast, killing a cameraman. Holmes survived and swam to shore.