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A New Zealand journalist is being praised around the world for her determined effort to stop the spread of Covid-19 conspiracy theories during an interview with a politician from a minority party.
Newshub political editor Tova O’Brien interviewed Advance New Zealand party leader Jami-Less Ross. The party failed to secure enough votes to enter parliament in Saturday’s general elections, after spreading rumors and misinformation on social media about the coronavirus.
At one point during the interview, O’Brien raised his hand as Ross spoke about the death rate of Covid-19 compared to the flu, telling him that it would not allow him to spread lies about his show.
The exchange, which was posted on Twitter, quickly spread around the world and garnered 7 million views.
“You know exactly what you were doing; you were fostering fear and hysteria among vulnerable communities, ”O’Brien told Ross.
When Ross started responding with misinformation, O’Brien chimed in, “No, no, no, I don’t want to hear any of that crap,” before quickly moving to his next question.
He ended the interview by telling Ross that they would not invite him back and signing, “You’re dreaming, buddy.”
His performance won their applause of journalism scholars and reporters in the United States and around the world.
CNN’s Jack Tapper said O’Brien “had some fans in the United States” as a result of his skillful political interview, while journalist Glenn Greenwald called it a “masterclass.”
“An absolute masterclass to interview a politician by @TovaOBrien from New Zealand, one of the best interviews of a politician I have seen. Also one of the most entertaining, ”Greenwald tweeted.
Owen Jones 🌹
(@ OwenJones84)One of the wildest interviews you will ever see. She doesn’t have any chills. It’s like watching someone’s anxiety dream pic.twitter.com/ceCAyiTM3g
O’Brien is based in the press gallery of the Parliament building, known as the Beehive, in Wellington and previously worked as a correspondent for the station in Europe.
Throughout the pandemic, he has drawn the ire of some New Zealanders who witnessed his quick interrogation style during the prime minister’s daily meetings, which were broadcast live during the shutdown.
He has received frequent hate mail and trolls for his work, but has refused to change his style.
After realizing that his interview with Ross had gone global overnight, O’Brien tweeted, “Wow!”
This is O’Brien
(@TovaOBrien)Wow! That’s something to wake up to
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