Prime Minister Chris Luxon has headache to deal with after his Government's first Cabinet meeting.

Winston Peters called a $55 million Public Interest Journalism Fund provided during Covid a "bribe". 

He told reporters to "tell the public what they had to sign to get the money".

Media commentator Vaughan Davis told Tim Dower that Luxon handled the situation poorly.

He says avoiding the comment didn't help the PM, and it left Peters squarely in the spotlight. 

Funding applicants were asked —when appropriate— to produce content supporting our public interest.

NZME's funding agreement included acknowledgement of absolute editorial independence.

LISTEN ABOVE

Prime Minister Chris Luxon has headache to deal with after his Government's first Cabinet meeting. 
Winston Peters called a $55 million Public Interest Journalism Fund provided during Covid a "bribe".  
He told reporters to "tell the public what they had to sign to get the money". 
Media commentator Vaughan Davis told Tim Dower that Luxon handled the situation poorly. 
He says avoiding the comment didn't help the PM, and it left Peters squarely in the spotlight.  
Funding applicants were asked —when appropriate— to produce content supporting our public interest. 
NZME's funding agreement included acknowledgement of absolute editorial independence. 
LISTEN ABOVE

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

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