Damien Grant: We should debate by challenging ideas, not by silencing those we dislike

It wasn’t that long ago I’d start my working day with a coffee and muffin at my favourite café and flip through the back pages of the Herald. Where the real action was.

Applications to appoint liquidators and notices announcing which firms had been placed into receivership was what I was after. Those pages also held enticing ads for ladies of negotiable affection and inducements to invest in that week’s hot investment opportunity.

Now. I’ve lived a life. I understand the difference between an advertisement and news reporting. With the arrival of colour in news print the imagery for Chloe, Candy and Chantelle would seek to engage a willing suspension of disbelief. As did the First Ranking Debenture offers of 9.95% return.

Daily Telegraph NZ: ‘NZME’s lack of backbone threatens to further undermine both trust in media and public debate’ – FSU

Spineless leadership at the helm of our largest media outfit makes all Kiwis poorer, not least NZME shareholders.

NZME should get back to the business of offering world class media, with advertising options included for all legal adverts, not picking and choosing which opinions deserve a hearing, says Jonathan Ayling, Chief Executive of the Free Speech Union.