Patrick Gower
Patrick Gower | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1976 or 1977 (age 46–47)[1] |
| Nationality | New Zealand |
| Education | Francis Douglas Memorial College |
| Alma mater | BA Hons from Victoria University of Wellington |
| Occupation | Political journalist |
| Employer | Newshub |
| Children | 2 |
| Website | Newshub Profile Page |
Patrick Gower (born 1976 or 1977) is a New Zealand journalist and National Correspondent for Newshub (formerly called 3 News). Prior to his current role he was Newshub's political editor.
Early life
Gower grew up in New Plymouth where his father was a fitter and turner at a power station, and his mother was a doctor's receptionist.[2] He had a Roman Catholic upbringing and schooling, having attended St Joseph's Catholic School and Francis Douglas Memorial College.[2]
He has a BA with honours in politics from Victoria University of Wellington, choosing the university because it was near Parliament. While he attended Victoria University he got involved in Salient magazine.[3] After finishing his politics degree, he studied journalism at Auckland University of Technology.[2]
Journalism career
Gower started his journalism career working the graveyard shift (6pm–1:30am) at The New Zealand Herald,[2][4] later becoming police reporter. He subsequently moved overseas [where?] and worked at Jane's Police Review.[2] Once back in New Zealand he worked again at the Herald, covering politics and working under Audrey Young.[2]
Later he made the move to television journalism and began working at 3 News, where he was initially a political reporter. He has said that the transition involved a big change in reporting styles:
I always said that in print it's like working with a scalpel, because you can really get into the nitty-gritty, and you can be really specialised and direct. And you can work with complex issues really easily. In TV you've got to drop the scalpel, and they hand you an axe. It can be really effective to use, but it's nowhere near as delicate as working in print.[3]
He took over as political editor of 3 News from Duncan Garner in November 2012.[5]
Despite controversy about political bias on social networking sites, Gower claims to be a non-voter on the grounds of impartiality, stating:[6]
People ask all the time do I vote, and I just don't, because I like to be independent as possible. I understand a lot of other journalists here can vote and personally I think that's fine. And being fair to both sides is important, and always giving a fair go to everyone and letting them have their say is absolutely crucial. Ultimately the best guard against bias is just by doing the best stories in the best way that you can. If you’re following the news then you never have to worry about being biased.
In 2018, after five years as Newshub's political editor, he shifted roles to became its National Correspondent.[7]
Comical skit in library
In December 2014, a clip of Gower swearing on what appeared to be live television went viral. In the video, a library-goer stands up and says, "This is a fucking library!", to which Gower replies, "This is the fuckin' news." Gower later tweeted "Thug Life", and an edited "Thug Life" remix of the video later went viral.[8] The incident received praise from viewers, who considered it comical and praised Gower's unexpected and deadpan delivery.[9] The incident was actually part of a law school revue skit.[10]
Interview with Lauren Southern & Stefan Molyneux
On the 3rd of August 2018 Gower conducted an interview with Conservative Canadian speakers Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux, who had planned to speak at a hired venue that evening before the venue withdrew. The full video of the interview was released.[11]
Gower responded to criticism with an opinion piece titled "I was not 'destroyed' by Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux".[12]
Personal life
Gower lives in Wellington[1] and has two children.[13]
See also
References
- ^ a b Daniell, Sarah (22 November 2012). "Twelve Questions with Patrick Gower". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 11 October 2014.
- ^ a b c d e f Du Fresne, Karl. "Gower Power". New Zealand Listener. pp. 22–26. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
- ^ a b McCarthy, Molly; Blake-Kelly, Stella (29 July 2013). "An Hour With Gower". Salient magazine. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|lastauthoramp=ignored (|name-list-style=suggested) (help) - ^ "Gower power". The New Zealand Listener. 9 May 2014.
- ^ "Patrick Gower profile at". LinkedIn. Archived from the original on 28 June 2014. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Gavin Bertram (9 September 2014). "Asking the Right Questions: Patrick Gower". The Pantograph Punch.
- ^ "Patrick Gower to Take on National Correspondent Role in 2018 | Scoop News". www.scoop.co.nz. Retrieved 2018-08-11.
- ^ "Reporter's F-Bomb Retort Goes Viral, Reminds Us It Really is All About "Location, Location, Location"". Independent Journal Review. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
- ^ "Patrick f**king Gower talks to Jono and Ben about living that thug life". www.therock.net.nz. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
- ^ "Patrick Gower's 'thug life' goes viral". Stuff. 22 December 2014.
- ^ "Exclusive: Patrick Gower takes on Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux". Newshub. 2018-08-03. Retrieved 2018-08-11.
- ^ "Patrick Gower: I was not 'destroyed' by Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux". Newshub. 2018-08-07. Retrieved 2018-08-11.
- ^ Howie, Cherie (28 September 2014). "Gower gets one in the eye over election". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 11 October 2014.
External links
- Profile, newshub.co.nz
- Youtube channel
- Patrick Gower admits man crush on Donald Trump's son in weird live video from RNC, stuff.co.nz