considering legal action against ZBM-TV after a controversial new phone-in during last night's news broadcast.

The Sports Line phone-in on the 7 p.m. news featured at least four people attacking Mr. Brown and defending his sacking last week.

Mr. Brown did not see the show but received a phone call from his solicitor immediately after the broadcast last night.

He said: "From what I have been told I have been libelled three times by action of open statements, when people called in.

"I have been calling ZBM to warn them that if they repeat it I will definitely be taking action.'' The phone-in with host Mr. Mike Sharpe was a new item featuring calls from members of the public with their views on current sporting events.

Four out of last night's five calls blasted Mr. Brown, calling for his dismissal to stand, but other more sensitive matters were mentioned.

Mr. Brown added: "I think it was a senseless idea to have an open line live for people to say anything. You can get all kinds of people on.

"They should have had some form of screening to make sure they did not get this kind of call.'' He said he would take action if the programme was repeated and would be talking to his solicitor about the issue anyway.

Mr. Brown is already suing the BFA for wrongful dismissal from his $41,000-a-year job.