Lillian Hanly of RNZ

Opposition MPs say former TVNZ political editor Maiki Sherman was "hounded" into resigning, after a "witch-hunt" all while public broadcasters are under "immense pressure" from the coalition.

There has also been an outpouring of reaction from other broadcasters and commentators.

Many were grieving the loss to political journalism, some questioning the support TVNZ gave its reporter and others stating it should not have been a sackable offence.

Others have argued the scrutiny and pressure applied by the media should also apply to its reporters.

Sherman resigned on Friday following a period of scrutiny over an incident during pre-Budget drinks in Finance Minister Nicola Willis' office a year ago.

She had used a homophobic slur against Stuff journalist Lloyd Burr in response to "deeply personal and inappropriate remarks", she said.…