By Patirck Gower
RadioLIVE is facing a maximum $100,000 fine after giving Prime Minister John Key a cameo in its drive-time slot in the lead-up to the election.
The Electoral Commission has found it broke rules regarding political broadcasts and has called in the police to investigate.
‘DJ Key’ really got in to what was billed as a politics-free zone.
“Believe it or not as a politician this is an election-free zone this afternoon, so if you want to ring and ask me about whether we have a cat or what my favourite food is, feel free.
“But if you want to know about our tax policy come back another day.”
The Labour Party came back alright, complaining the Prime Minister's hour broke tight pre-election rules about political broadcasts.
Deputy leader Grant Robertson says it is a significant period of time.
“It’s one hour all unfettered on a radio show at a time close to the election. Broadcasters know that they have to be careful about that,” he says.
Despite warnings it turns out RadioLive was not careful enough.
The Electoral Commission has found it broke the Broadcasting Act, saying Mr Key's banter with guests Sir Richard Branson, Sir Peter Jackson and Richie McCaw could "encourage or persuade voters to vote for Mr Key's party and for him”.
Meaning the station now faces a maximum $100,000 dollar fine if the police decide to prosecute.
Mr Key himself is not in trouble and Labour only became resentful after RadioLIVE refused to give Phil Goff a show himself.
But surely they did not complain out of spite?
“Not at all,” says Mr Robertson.
On the show Mr Key said he would "speak to someone important" at TVNZ about plans to reschedule Coronation Street.
That, at least, drew cross-party support.
“One good thing that did come out of it is that Coronation Street is back at 7.30pm, so that's a good thing,” says Mr Robertson.
3 News