New Zealand TV news chief in hot water

The head of news at New Zealand's state broadcaster, TVNZ, is undergoing a disciplinary inquiry. Bill Ralston has been accused of "very serious" and "quite unacceptable" conduct following an expletive-laden telephone call to a newspaper, Herald on Sunday. According to the paper, Ralston abused a reporter who was making inquiries about his homeless cousin who lives an itinerant lifestyle in Auckland. Though Ralston later apologised for his behaviour, TVNZ chief executive Rick Ellis instituted a disciplinary process and there is speculation that it could end with Ralston leaving the company. (Via New Zealand Herald)