Television New Zealand is being ordered to apologise after one of its presenters described the Conservative Party leader as a nutcase, a doofus and smarmy.
Comedian Jesse Mulligan made the comments on the Seven Sharp programme after Colin Craig had threatened to prosecute the satirical website The Civilian for defamation.
The Broadcasting Standards Authority says the comments were a childish and unfair attack on Mr Craig in a situation where he had no chance to respond.
The Authority says TVNZ must apologise to Mr Craig for unfair treatment and pay $1500 in costs to the Crown.
