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Story: Premiers and prime ministers

Controlling the media

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Prime Minister Robert Muldoon exerted tight control over his ministers and, increasingly, the media. In this notorious incident in 1982, Muldoon had cartoonist and journalist Tom Scott ejected from his weekly press conference. Muldoon had taken exception to Scott's satirical commentary on his leadership.

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How to cite this page

Gavin McLean, Premiers and prime ministers – Towards modern leadership, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/video/33199/controlling-the-media (accessed 25 June 2026).

Story by Gavin McLean, published 7 May 2012, updated 1 December 2016.

Comments

Oscar
10 August 2023
"In this notorious incident in 1982..." @0:29 "...Sir Robert..." His knighthood was awarded after 1982.