Irish-New Zealand political commentator, TV host and professional speaker based in Auckland. Brian Edwards came to New Zealand as a young professor in 1964 to lecture in German at the University of Canterbury. He resigned after “the three most miserable years of my life,” opting instead for a career in television in which he became an icon in New Zealand media. He contributes a wonderful intellect and wit to his debates, his after dinner speeches and his many MC roles. His abrasive interviewing style on the current affairs program “Gallery” made him a household name virtually overnight and polarized the viewing audience. People either loved or loathed him.
Dr. Edwards left television in 1970 and wrote his first book, “The Public Eye,” about his experiences on TV. He then worked for a trade union, stood unsuccessfully for Parliament, taught secondary school and became a radio talk-back host. He returned to TV in 1975 with his own show, “Edwards on Saturday” in which he interviewed people making news throughout the world. It became one of the highest rating radio programs in New Zealand. Two years later he devised the consumer program, “Fair Go,” which he alternatively hosted and produced for eight years. For two years he entertained and infuriated readers of the Dominion Sunday Times with his weekly columns. In 1989 he produced and presented the first series of the new television show, “Missing,” and hosted the “Give Us A Clue” game show on TV3.
Notoriously an intellectual provocateur, Edwards’ three books include “How to Survive and Win with The Media” and “Intemperate Outbursts.” He also edited “Right Out,” a collection of essays on the 1972 general election, and co-authored “Bungay on Murder” with former prominent Wellington QC, Mike Bungay.
After leaving the active arena, he established a media training and consultancy company with his wife, writer Judy Callingham, and wrote as a columnist of Metro Magazine.
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