Meet your host: Wallace
Read Wallace's latest blog here.
Wallace Chapman graduated with a degree in English and Education from Otago University but left the halls of academia and a proposed Masters to head into media as Creative Director of Radio One 91FM Dunedin. While he was there he also hosted a popular arts and current affairs show called The Saturday Late Breakfast.
A phone call and a job offer in 2001 from radio 95bFM saw Chapman back in his home town of Auckland to head up the coveted bFM Creative Director role for five years, penning many classic 'b' ads.
After a time as fill in host for Russell Brown's Wire slot, a year as 95bFM Breakfast host cemented Chapman's name as someone who brings a depth in reporting issues combined with an engaging, often hilarious, low key style.
Since late 2006 Chapman has been the host of The Wallace Chapman Breakfast on KiwiFM. He has been a correspondent on Eating Media Lunch, contributor on The Book Show, and is part of the Week in Review team on TVNZ Breakfast.
A keen and lifelong interest in current affairs and a New Zealand politics junkie, Chapman rarely strays far from issues of the day.
"Reading the daily papers over a cup of tea, making notes, watching the six o'clock news, and trying to fit in associated book reading is pretty much what my day currently consists right now. "
If you were to mention highlights to Chapman, it's all about the interviews.
"I've worked hard to secure some big names over the years. I loved talking with Entertainment Tonight's Leonard Maltin, and Dame Vera Lynn. Noam Chomsky generated a lot of interest. Sergio Mendes because he is a legend. I interview Helen Clark and John Key weekly and it's fantastic discussing the issues as the day is dawning. "
Oh, and the interview with Miss North Shore on why her car didn't have "Miss North Shore" painted on the side as promised is also seen as a classic Wallace interview.
"For me Back Benches is the ideal format for political discussion. We're in a pub, we have a panel of politicians, there's a small audience, and there's even a chance of an ale....THAT'S Democracy."
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TVNZ 7 shows
The Good Word
Saturdays and Tuesdays at 9.10pm
Back Benches
Wednesdays and Fridays at 9.10pm
Media7
Thursdays and Mondays at 9.10pm
