Famous broadcaster behind one of TV’s most shocking moments dies
As a dedicated follower of journalism and a connoisseur of the intriguing tales that unfold within its realm, I can only express my deepest admiration for the life and career of Rod Vaughan. His journey from Jersey to New Zealand, where he became one of the most accomplished TV journalists, is a testament to his indomitable spirit and unwavering determination.
Legendary broadcaster Rod Vaughan, famed for one of television’s most surprising incidents, passed away at the age of 77.
On Sunday, the long-time journalist sadly succumbed to cancer in Christchurch, as reported by an obituary.
For nearly four decades, Vaughan made a name for himself as a leading figure in New Zealand’s news industry. However, he became notorious when, during an unexpected turn of events, politician Bob Jones assaulted him during a live broadcast.
Vaughan is mourned by his spouse Lois, along with his children Nicholas, Richard, Larissa, and stepdaughter Ruth Buckley, as well as his cherished grandchildren numbering ten.
In a heartfelt tribute, I pen down my admiration for Rod, an esteemed journalist, relentless in pursuit of truth, who also shared passions for soaring skies as an aviator and golfing greens. Now, he takes flight alongside his brothers Robbie, Roy, and Peter, and parents Paul and Phoebe, in the eternal realms. Forever enshrined within our hearts.
A memorial service honoring Vaughan, originally from Jersey and previously residing in the UK, will take place this coming Friday at 10 o’clock in the morning. This event is organized by those who cared for him deeply.
Over a career spanning four decades on state television, Vaughan earned a reputation as one of New Zealand’s foremost TV journalists. He contributed to numerous current affairs and prime-time news programs.
Nonetheless, he became particularly famous due to his involvement in a surprising live broadcast controversy involving Bob Jones, the leader of the brief-lived New Zealand political party.
Back in 1985, I found myself embroiled in an intense altercation with a polarizing political figure. The situation escalated to a point where he delivered a heavy punch to my unsuspecting face, leaving me sporting a bloodied visage.
The event unfolded near the Tongariro River, as Vaughan and his group arrived via helicopter to interrogate Jones about the role his party played in ousting Rob Muldoon during the 1984 elections.
Yet, as Jones was fishing, he remained unaffected by their arrival; instead, he suddenly sprang from a nearby bush and attacked both Vaughan and Peter Mayo, his cameraman.
In 2020, Vaughan recounted to Seven Sharp that the individual had become extremely angry, using a string of words beginning with ‘F’ or ‘C’, and then he abruptly left the river bank, walking away in a hurried manner.
The announcer clarified that Jones suddenly attacked Mayo, followed by a punch squarely aimed at his face when Mayo attempted to calm him down instead.
He approached Bob from behind, spoke softly, “Bob, let’s not do this, it’s unnecessary,” and Bob, unexpectedly, threw a left punch right at my face, knocking me down, as he narrated later.
‘I ended up rolling down the river bank, almost down to the damn water.’
Regardless of their initially strained encounter, Vaughan mentioned that he and Jones eventually put their differences aside many years ago following a meeting arranged by a mutual acquaintance. They reportedly shared several bottles of wine, leading to them becoming as close as two houses ablaze with friendship.
The shocking incident went on to inspire the name of Vaughan’s 2012 autobiography, Bloodied But Not Beaten.
For over three and a half decades, Vaughan has been employed by TVNZ, serving as both a news reporter and a television producer.
In honor of his passing, TVNZ executive editor Phil O’Sullivan remarked: ‘Rod contributed to some of the most prominent news programs that our nation has seen.’
‘He had a strong sense of fairness and an abhorrence of dishonesty. His contribution to investigative journalism is immense.’
Back in the day, I, a fervent enthusiast, embarked on my journalistic journey penning pieces for none other than The NZ Herald and The Dominion. Fast forward eight eventful years, and here I was, contributing to TV3’s esteemed 60 Minutes program.
In his 2012 autobiography, he stated that a strong moral compass comprising a deep respect for fairness and loathing for dishonesty motivated him to join the industry following his education at Wellington Polytechnic.
Read More
- MANA PREDICTION. MANA cryptocurrency
- EWT PREDICTION. EWT cryptocurrency
- Silver Rate Forecast
- COW PREDICTION. COW cryptocurrency
- SUPER PREDICTION. SUPER cryptocurrency
- DEXE PREDICTION. DEXE cryptocurrency
- EUR JPY PREDICTION
- QANX PREDICTION. QANX cryptocurrency
- GFAL PREDICTION. GFAL cryptocurrency
- CRV PREDICTION. CRV cryptocurrency
2024-08-30 01:21