Mediawatch: Recent Episodes
RNZ
Mediawatch looks critically at the New Zealand media - television, radio, newspapers and magazines as well as the 'new' electronic media.
How did a single media inquiry stop a multi-million-dollar health programme for prisons? Also: political parties competing for media attention on their election policies; politicians talking s*** - literally; and an unexpected local story from ‘spycops’ revelations in the UK.
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Huge scoop derails FIFA plot, Commonwealth Games weighed up, Luxon's comms under scrutiny again, Kiri Allan's memoir
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Sunday’s no longer a day of rest in politics, as parties pump out policies to set the media agenda. Also: TikTok’s economic impact claims - and what the app is good for in business and politics; reports of diapers on the dancefloor.
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In this episode:
00:55 Policies on parental leave, Pharmac funding and AI data centres were all mixed up in the media as parties jostled for attention this week
15:20 Social media on the election mix with 11 days to go
17:45 TikTok makes big claims about its economic impact here - but says less about the tax it pays.
Hear more on TikTok’s Economic Impact Report this week on The Detail
19:53 The MediaLab’s Antony Young on coverage of TikTok’s report and what the app is good for in business, and political electioneering
30:38 Does the ‘fun’flation-fueled cost of concerts really explain reports of people soiling themselves at big gigs?
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What might new cuts at Stuff mean? Also - political candidates and a 'prominent sportsperson' suffer the spotlight, fun-flation & the unfortunate consequences at live gigs.
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One sexist text to a podcasting politico had National gnashing their teeth, but it wasn’t the only political dignity deficit in the news this week. Also: are podcasts popular enough for people to pay enough for the makers to make a living here?
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In this episode:
00:54 Coverage of Nash’s text going public - and other political dignity deficits
10:54 Midweek Mediawatch trail: golf vs football, sport obscures more war
13:30 Paul Henry quizzed on levelling up news media and big tech
16:49 Craig T Robertson on the global rise of podcasts - and start-ups upstaging big players.
22:45 Local podcaster Eugene Bingham on making a living from it and new service Long Story Short.
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World Cup v golf, Argentina v The World, US v Iran, Israel v Palestine- and a teary tribute to a Marton mainstay.
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ACT’s unveiling of Paul Henry triggered a media frenzy - and claims the shock jock might shirk the work it takes to make it in politics. Also: how Sam Neill’s shock death stopped the news & Stuff’s new digital bid to hook local news readers.
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In this episode:
1:19 Sam Neill’s death shocked the media, but his depth and range were duly honoured.
13:46 The stage-managed Paul Henry announcement prompted a full-on media frenzy, followed by scepticism about his commitment.
25:48 Hosking misses the mark on political poll.
27:47 Stuff rejigs Neighbourly to push back at platforms.
30:00 Stuff’s masthead chief Joanna Norris on the NeighbourlyNews.co.nz plan
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Sam Neill's shock death jolted our media - but they admirably honoured his depth and range. Paul Henry and Count Binface candidacies captivates media, court news in podcast form.
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The biggest survey of news habits says more people now pick social media platforms than actual news media for news. And more of us are watching news on them rather than reading it. Also: claims that point-scoring, headline-hungry politicians undermine trust in news.
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Who pays the big bill for a 'wholly unsuccessful' defamation case? Also: Facebook whistleblower still gagged and NRL, NPC, FIFA on TV - but will Kiwis warm to AI rugby fans?
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The government wants more listeners, more efficiency and greater public trust from RNZ’s new chair and board. How will he respond, and what will change? Also: Opportunity’s backlash, and political tax tussles on social media.
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Latest lid-lifting Gloriavale doco draws criticism - and viewers worldwide. Also: new Post leader upgrades its leaders, World Cup losers & winners, Mediawatch's alarming update.
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The media seized on the prospect of a new political party as ‘queenmaker’ - mostly off the back of one poll. Also: the outgoing editor of The Post Tracy Watkins on big changes under new leadership and in her 40+ years in journalism.
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In this episode:
00:56 TV shows ‘big two’ support on the slide while minor parties prosper.
03:10 Media pump up Opportunity’s chances
13:30 The Post and Sunday Star-Times rings the changes under new leadership
17:48 Outgoing editor Tracy Watkins on her ‘pivot’ from The Post to PR, and 40 years in journalism.
21:30 How new editor Matthew Hooton and printing in Christchurch will change The Post
29:46 Criticising crisis-hit Wellington, and championing it
32:00: Tracey Watkins on minor parties on the up - and Opportunity overkill
36:00 Midweek - Scots score soccer soft power, sports chants good and bad, revamps and relaunches
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A huge few days of sport preoccupied the media - including singing Scots' masterclass of social media soft power. Also, revamps and relaunches at RNZ, Herald and Stuff, a new news-ish podcast from The Spinoff - and an alarming moment on Mediawatch.
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Politicians are already pumping out counter-claims about the costs of each other’s election-year policies, frustrating citizens and the media. Is there a better way? Also: media minister under scrutiny at Parliament - and reviving Metro at a tough time for publishing.
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The All Whites are punching above their media weight at the World Cup. Also: the hoo-hah sparked by The Post picking Matthew Hooton as editor, more RNZ changes flagged, Supernanny's sweary backing for social media ban
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TVNZ's screening the FIFA World Cup and UFC, but for the first time Kiwis will have to pay them to see it all. Also: HBO becomes the latest streamer seeking subscribers here - and will our homegrown TV platform Freeview stay 100% free?
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Who'll pay for a 'wholly unsuccessful' defamation case against TVNZ? Also: Metro rides again, more attribution angst & a ferry good eye witness
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Crime coverage was heavily criticised in the past as too tabloid. Now it's getting greater respect and recognition. Mediawatch asks RNZ’s award-winning crime correspondent Sam Sherwood what’s changed. Also: 500-up for a dogged solo Southland newshound.
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How one freelancer prompted a 'freeloader' claim that propelled our anti-nuke policy into the news. Also: two efforts to gag the media, NBR puts up 'rich list' resistance, NZ's dismal youth news history.
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How media managed the message of a 'sugar-free' Budget, and highlighted entitlements for MPs. Also what the Budget might mean for our media, and why an award-winning youth service closed down for good this week.
Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ website
In this episode:
1:05 How the government managed expectations of a sugar-free Budget 2026 via the media - while media zeroed in on treats and entitlements enjoyed by MPs.
10:36 Budget 2026 cut the budgets of public media, though Māori media funding was boosted to ward off a ‘fiscal cliff.’
13:21 TVNZ’s closing its award-winning news service for youth Re:News after nine successful years.
17:20 Former head of content Anna Harcourt on what Re:News achieved, what will be missed when it’s gone and how to get news to younger Kiwis.
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Awards in tense times between politics & media, RNZ's ratings, pondering papers' future, journalism by numbers - and the death of Dame Jools Topp.
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Media-weigh up cuts to public service and claims AI can fill the gap. Also: RNZ's long-serving boss flags his exit amid political calls for change, AI for programme-makers and podcasters.
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Two mayors mouth off and get a little loose in long-form chats - and a former one blasts the media in a Waitangi Tribunal inquiry. Also: Stuff papers dump the weather page- and some talkback callers aren't happy.
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Politicians vs media: the worst it’s ever been, and getting worse? Or just more of the butting heads between the powerful and the press we’ve always had? Also: live sport’s not just a TV and radio game these days, radio is a cockroach (and cheap) and an MMP maths fail.
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Maiki Sherman's exits sparks a pile-on and a pile-up of opinions. Also: TVNZ's bold sports plays, frenzied football finales.
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The government wants to scrap the BSA and fill the accountability void with self-regulation. Would that work? Would standards suffer? Will it happen at all? Also: ministers must not interfere in public broadcasters, but the Deputy PM has sounded off about RNZ, TVNZ and its outgoing political editor.
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Government moves to bin the BSA, Voyager awards bin sponsor, Jack Tame's empty chair & Wayne Brown says 'don't go there'
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Our FTA with India’s a big deal, but how did our media deal with blurts from opponents - as well as our changing place in a fast-changing world? Also: TVNZ under political pressure - and a new stadium spark rugby joy while the Warriors spark worry.
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TVNZ's political editor under scrutiny - as PM skips Breakfast. Also: Piers Morgan vs Russell Brand in pauses & York City vs Rochdale full noise.
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Reports National MPs might roll their leader sparked a frenzy that prompted the PM's ‘put-up-or-shut-up’ vote. When he won, he told media to shut up too. Fair enough? Also: Microsoft’s main man’s urged NZ to embrace AI while an expert warns our media have a lot to lose - and dodgy weather on TV.
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Who's happy after the PM's 'put up or shut up' showdown? Also: TVNZ tweaks its on-demand offering, sheepdogs on screen, one dodgy weather show and one dodgy song.
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Trust in the news is up again after years of decline, the latest annual survey says. But it als says trust in social media is up and more of us tune out the news more often. What’s going on? Also: Vaianu wasn’t as deadly as the media warned. Did they get it wrong?
Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ website
New Zealanders' trust in news is up after years of slumps
In this episode:
0:50 The media took Cyclone Vaianu seriously, amplifying official warnings it could be life-threatening. When it wasn’t, many accused the media of over-reacting.
11:40 Ourtrust in news has bounced back a bit in the latest annual survey, after several years of decline.
17:45 Is it a trend or a blip? The report’s authors, the AUT’s Dr Merja Myllylahti and Dr Greg Treadwell with their take.
Guests: Dr Merja Myllylahti and Dr Greg Treadwell from the AUT’s centre for Journalism, Media and Democracy.
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Over-egged media battle at breakfast-time, piggy-backing on others’ content, chronicling the capital's crisis, a surprise bump in trust in our news.
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Some say he's unhinged. Others reckon outrageous utterances are part of his media management. How should media handle the stuff Trump says? Also: public figures cutting loose in long podcasts - and is it the best or worst of times for a publication called Petrolhead?
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Outrageous outbursts from Trump - again. Also: revealing details of the documentary about the Police pursuit of Marokopa fugitive Tom Phillips, and a huge fall from grace for a former soldier who took on the Aussie media - and Emile's sweary save.
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The BSA has decided it has jurisdiction over digital outlets like The Platform - hosted by former-RNZer Sean Plunket - sparking heated debate. US Courts find Instagram and YouTube caused harm to children, what does that mean? And a look at Tova O'Brien's Breakfast debut.
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The bulk of the big money advertisers spent in our media goes offshore to big online operators. What’s the future for the ad industry here? Also: mixed messages about when the war will end in Iran, and startling spending in the Chathams that hit the headlines too late.
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In this episode:
1:01 Who’s winning the war that’s fouling up the flow of our fuel? Depends who you hear - and believe - in the media. . .
10:47 Three quarters of the $4 billion spent on ads here last year went online - and the vast bulk of the ended up offshore. What does this mean for our media and the onshore ad business?
29:54 Big spending blew a huge hole in the Chatham Islands council’s budget, prompting its high profile boss to quit his role and its expensively-renovated house. But there was no news outlet there to expose it until it was too late.
Guests: Alex Radford, chair of IMANZ and media agency D3; Jonathan Milne, editor of Newsroom Pro.
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The media chalk up a win in the Pentagon - maybe. Also: TVNZ's comprehensive court win over co-governance campaigner, some bold journalism from newspapers in the South Island, SNL in the UK, Emile's sweary surprise save.
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Reporting shortages without prompting petrol panic. Also: a social media post about the Labour Party leader ended up as headline news - in spite of denials and no-one knowing what’s really true. Does the right to tell a story override others’ right to privacy - or the public interest?
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In this episode:
00:50 How the media reacted to the prospect of fuel shortages and the possibility of heavy measures to manage them, and rekindling memories of carless days.
11:00 Newsroom Pro editor Jonathan Milne on reporting shortages without prompting panic - and the bigger picture of our oil dependence and the reality of energy supplies.
17:05 Damaging personal allegations about Labour leader Chris Hipkins spread widely in social media after a single post by his former partner, creating a dilemma for news media.
22:03 Media law expert Nicole Moreham on the legal limits on the right to tell your own story when it clashes with the privacy rights of others, defamation and the public interest.
Guests: Nicole Moreham, professor of law at Victoria University of Wellington; Jonathan Milne, editor of Newsroom Pro.
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Why are so many stories zeroed in on political party leaders? Also: Trump's wild claims about the BBC, Post and Press online makeover, TVNZ's aesthetic athletics reboot, feijoas must go.
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The media piled on after one poor poll result, piling more pressure on the PM. Who calls the shots as third parties get in in the act with news media? Also: is Country Calendar current affairs, documentary or reality TV? Or all of the above? And what explains its Coro-level loyalty and longevity?
Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ website
In this episode:
0:47 One poor poll result that put pressure on the PM late last week was still pre-occupying the media this week. Was it really a story?
16:12 The editor of The Post and Sunday Star Times - Tracy Watkins - on who calls the shots and pays the bills in its polling partnership with pollster Freshwater Strategies and lobby group Infrastructure NZ.
23:28 Country Calendar has passed 60 unbroken years on air - and survived the cull of other factual and current affairs shows that also rated well. How come?
26:48 Producers Dan Henry and Katherine Edmond on why Netflix would never make Country Calendar, its style, its funding - and putting women behind and in front of the camera.
Guests: Tracy Watkins, Dan Henry and Katherine Edmond
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Another Covid inquiry prompted plenty of pandemic pointscoring - but not so much on the plan for the next one. Also: who speaks for Iranians - and who is Peter Bassett?
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It’s war in the Middle East again, stretching media already stressed by conflict - and nonsense from leaders is not helping. Also: questions about newsrooms’ vulnerability to influence from outside and their inside media companies; poll prompts a flurry over the PM, Country Calendar at 60.
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Coverage of war breaking out on Iran, influencers' soft power picture shattered, the local angles including a PM punished for fluffing his lines. Also - TVNZ's crime reporting fallout prompt claims of editorial interference.
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The government’s moved on rough sleepers and beggars downtown - by giving the police power to move them out of town. How did the media handle that this week? Also: reporting Wellington's bad news; political ad rebuke - and who’s ‘Peter Bassett’?
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'That' image of Andrew becomes one of world’s most-reproduced images ever - and a local goalie's grief went global too. Also - The Press looks back on 15 years after the quake; the PM's social content copping extreme scorn
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Anti-immigration political parties have been boosted in many countries. Now NZ First forcing the issue onto the news agenda. Also: is streaming eating itself? And why did one friendly umbrella gesture end up heavily analysed in our media?
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Learn more: Mediawatch: Immigration amping up in election year | RNZ News
In this episode:
0:55 Immigration as a political wedge issue around the world
4:55 NZ First puts immigration on the agenda over its objections to an FTA with India - giving the media a headache with the prospect of more to come.
19:45 HBO leaves Sky TV to launch its own HBO Max subscription service here. Are we already over-subscribed?
22:56 Tech writer Peter Griffin on streaming hitting the ceiling worldwide - and what it might mean for Sky TV (without HBO)
Guests: Peter Griffin, BusinessDesk
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Judgments media made reporting the recent court hearing featuring mass-murderer Brenton Tarrant. Also: how two private functions at one private club ended up being very public - and AI accusations on ice at the Winter Olympics.
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Solid and liquid sewage is streaming into the sea in the capital, as the government says we need to import gas to ease energy shortages. Flaky infrastructure is an election year issue again - but are the media seeing the big picture as well as the political one? Also: the battle to stop AI ripping off real New Zealand news and flooding Facebook.
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Turmoil at one of the great names of US media - The Washington Post. Also: the FLOTUS film flop, the sweary hero of our Winter Olympics, an outburst of 'enshitification'
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Surveys say we don't yet trust AI in our news, but a new report shows our newsrooms are all using it - even if they’re not telling us. Another report says we’re more bothered by bad language on air than we have been in the past. But what kind of stuff really offends us?
Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ website
In this episode:
1:32 More people worldwide are getting news from social media platforms than news outlets’ own channels - and they’re watching much more on video.
6:08 Dr Craig T Robertson of the Reuters Institute on what that means for the future of news publishers.
20.58 Fresh stats on where Kiwis get their news - and what they trust.
22.30 Politicians zeroing in on media distrust, including NZ First’s new candidate who wants to ‘chop’ RNZ.
29:06 Outgoing editor of The Post Tracy Watkins on claims of political bias - and whether the media pursuit of ‘good stories’ also pumps up polarisation.
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Epstein Files hog headlines worldwide as local angles emerge here. Also: more commentary on the tragedy at Mount Maunganui, the PM copping unfair criticism for his visits to the disaster zones, NZ radio stations under new Aussie ownership - and roadcone nonsense.
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The deadly disaster in the north was sparked by weather which was extreme - but no longer unexpected. Media mapped out how it happened and lapses in the response, but copped criticism reporting the role of politics and climate change. Also: NBR's copyright crusade, business news in 2026 - and great sporting headlines.
Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ website
Death, devastation and extreme weather test media | RNZ News
In this episode:
1:19 Reporting what went wrong and why after tragedies at Mount Maunganui and Welcome Bay in the face of misleading social media - and claims it was ‘not yet the time’ to raise the role of climate change or politics.
17:34 Business news on TV to make a comeback - and paid political content painting a rosy economic picture.
21:05 Why NBR is confronting subscribers over-sharing content.
23:30 NBR co-editor Hamish McNichol on NBR’s copyright crusade, the appetite for business news and whether election year is just business as usual for the country’s longest-lasting business publication.
40:41 Surprise sacking of Razor Robertson sparks cutting rorts headlines
Guests: Hamish McNichol, co-editor of NBR
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How media reported the Mauao disaster and devastation elsewhere - and political counter-claims at a time of tragedy. Also morning news shake-up ahead, netball's media and money problems, and the art of the solo promo.
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How should media handle the mixed messages on the economy as politicians and pressure groups push policy and public opinion? Also: The fall of The House of Du Val, TVNZ’s courtroom dramas, unsettling summer weather forecasts, a clickbait debate about summer breaks & a vibecheck for Wellywood.
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1:11 Summer weather rage-bait
6:02 Wellywood premiere rekindles good times - before director warns it could be end times for blockbusters
10:18 Media drive debate about anti-productive summer break - all based on social media opinion.
13:31 Pre-Christmas economic stats gave a mixed picture of our economy this week, as pundits and pressure groups push policy and public opinion. And that Willis- Richardson right-wing rumble is off.
20:55 Maria Slade on her BusinessDesk investigation ‘Fall of the House of Du Val’
24:45 Financial state of the media in 2025
26:40 Judge dismisses Talleys case against TVNZ, which faced another defamation case this week backed by NZME’s billionaire director James Grenon.
Guests: Maria Slade, property editor at BusinessDesk
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Colin Peacock and Emile Donovan hand out Mediawatch’s not-very-prestigious and not-at-all coveted annual awards - such as best leading of the media by the nose; worst live media event, and the Billy Connolly Trophy for breaking news about a single animal.
Colin Peacock and Emile Donovan hand out Mediawatch’s not-very-prestigious and not-at-all coveted annual awards - best leading of the media by the nose; worst live media event - and the Billy Connolly Trophy for breaking news about a single animal.
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The finance minister's pushed back at PR campaign that made news even before it began. The impact of online advocacy on our politics and news was also aired at two conferences this week. A visiting veteran from the US talks about ‘left v right’ and polarisation of trust in the news.
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Presidents and Prime Ministers happily hogged the screen in TV specials this week - but not our PM. Ex-top cop Andrew Coster broke his silence at length - and big deals are being done in overseas media.
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Australia’s banning social media for teens, and there’s a slick media campaign for the same here. The PM’s onside, but will the government follow? And why is a social media pioneer resisting this? Also: the media’s fever for foreign flatpack furnishings.
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0:50 How Ikea’s Auckland opening monopolised the media this week
11:00 Midweek Mediwatch - in case you misused it
12:37 A costly campaign to copy Australia’s imminent ban on social media for under-16 has picked up public support - and political backing from the PM and his party to change the law next year. A major media company and telco are also getting the message out.
20:23 Social media pioneer Rabble aka Evan-Henshaw Plath on why he’s campaigning against a law change to take teens of social media.
Guests: Evan Henshaw-Plath / Rabble
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PM pushes back the rumours of a rolling, but Dallow leaves TVNZ. Also: the ethics of intimate image exposure, RNZ's numbers boost - and when is it too soon to wrap up 2025?
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The government pledged to ‘build the future’ with its first election policy this week - and TVNZ aired a special about our economic problems. Do our media give us the big picture on our economy? Also: fact-free stories about rolling the PM - and Covid-19 hindsight flip-flops.
In this episode:
1:12: Even as he launched his first election policy this week, pitched to ‘build our future,’ Christopher Luxon faced a flurry of reports his own future as PM and party leader was in doubt. But they were high on rumour, chatter and opinion - and almost fact-free.
15:30: TVNZ aired a special show - ‘You, Me and the Economy’ - this week, zeroing in on the problems and possibilities in our economy.
17:48: Bernard Hickey, founder of independent outlet The Kākā on media coverage of our economy. and if the ‘burps and farts’ of party politics obscure important issues. Also: how subscriber-based public interest journalism can flip the script.
35:46: The report from UK’s Covid 19 inquiry has slammed the former government there for indecision and confusion, and delaying lockdowns that cost lives. One broadcaster seized on it to slam the government here, even though he changed his own position several times.
Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ website
Guests: Bernard Hickey
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The Field family's funeral livestreamed, newspaper readership rebound, Press shines a light on who owns Christchurch, but Stuff slips up on the story of a jobless man. Also: why did the chickens cross the road in Tāmaki?
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EVs were booming, but incentives have been stripped back and recent reports of fires have fueled safety fears. Has media coverage amped up the danger? Also: a year ago a NZ Geographic revealed its own flaky finances to persuade supporters to step up. How did that work out?
Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ website
In this episode:
1:06 For a while the EV market boomed with incentives in place, though they came at a cost. Now the incentives have been dialled down - and so has demand. And a steady stream of stories about the fire hazards have spread like wildfire.
13:18: Dr Troy Bailsden on how to ‘pre-bunk’ alarmism about EV safety - and where to find facts on the real but remote risks of batteries.
19:51: Magazines devoted to longform journalism are struggling to stay in print. A year ago award-winning NZ Geographic urged subscribers to up their backing to keep it going. One year on publisher James Frankham on how that worked out - and what’s next.
Learn more: Mediawatch: Angst about EVs blows up in the headlines | RNZ News
Guests: Troy Baisden, James Frankham
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Trump vs BBC escalates, Irish and Scottish footballers - and Ronaldo - make epic media moments, Emile's Irish podcast slapdown. Also - Tararua tavern tension, Mercep rocks out at Metallica for 1News.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
One edit in one episode ended up at the epicentre of major crisis for the world’s biggest public broadcaster. Trump might take the BBC to the cleaners over it while media rivals crank up the damage to its reputation. But is the BBC’s real impartiality problem internal?
Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ website
In this episode:
0:45: How the media responded to the shock news that the BBC’s boss and head of news quit after revelations of editorial failures - and President Trump threatening to sue for $1bn.
17:20: Ex-BBC Panorama editor-turned-mediawatcher Roger Bolton on the BBC’s response to its problems, the media hostility BBC faces from rivals and claims of political influences at play within the BBC.
32:02: Other big news this week: the shocking IPCA report that kept newsrooms and their lawyers busy; and Te Pāti Māori’s meltdown in the media.
Learn more: Mediawatch: BBC under pressure from outside - and within amid edit scandal | RNZ News
Guests: Roger Bolton
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Two top BBC bosses quit in wake of Trump editing scandal, Police top brass blasted by damning IPCA report, Te Pāti Māori meltdown prompts more media criticism.
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Surveys say our trust in the news is slipping seriously, but the latest one asks Kiwis why and what might get it back, and an RNZ editor’s new book zeroes in on how to repair the relationship. Also: the downfall of the ‘Duke of Yuck’ yields unexpected local angle.
SHOW NOTES
Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ website
In this episode:
0:58 The serious slide of New Zealanders’ trust in news, journalism - and the media general. The latest one asks Kiwis why they’ve lost trust and what might get it back.
7:29 RNZ’s Tim Watkin on his new book ‘How to Rebuild Trust in Journalism.’ He sees the relationship like a marriage on the rocks - and the media are the cheating partner that needs come to terms with the fact the public just aren’t that into them any more.
30:29 Melanie Bunce - the Kiwi director of the new Centre for Media and Democracy in London - says our high levels of news readership moderate the effect here, but warns that political actors are exploiting and amplifying distrust.
36:52 Unexpected local angle on downfall of the ‘Duke of Yuck
Learn more: Saving the marriage of journalism and the people | RNZ News
Guests: Tim Watkin, Melanie Bunce
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Police back away from taking Stuff to court - but issue a warning. Also: Dame Noeline Taurua blows the Silver Ferns saga open again with a media blitz on Monday, and NBR goes legal on its own subscribers.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Labour bit the bullet on capital gains tax this week, but the political point-scoring was a zero-sum game. Also: a big rejig of Māori news & current affairs funding - and while our leaders have been on the world stage, we’ve been accused of punching below our weight on global media freedom.
Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ website
In this episode:
00:45 The media have been telling us for years any political party offering a CGT is DOA at the polls. How did they react this week to Labour saying they’ll do that next year?
8:00: New Zealand’s leaders have been talking up our country in Asia and in northern Europe this week, but this week we were cellar dwellers in a new ranking of develeped nations supporting media freedom around the world. New Zealander Melanie Bunce, director of the Centre for Journalism and Democracy in London, explains why.
21:03 A big rejig of funding for Māori news and current affairs means less spent on the established TV news programmes and more on news from the regions and digital-first content, available via a new national news hub. Te Māngai Pāho’s The long-serving kaihautu Larry Parr explains the plan.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Severe storms bring the best out of media - but climate change mentions raise hackles. Also: netball's top-brass keep exasperated media out of their internal business - while the Silver Ferns do the business on the court, and RNZ's new podcast 'Nark' uses AI to give voice to the dead.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Lawyers went toe-to-toe in court for weeks over a series of TVNZ news scoops about health and safety - and the broadcaster’s own newsgathering. What can we learn from this high-stakes defamation case? Also - the government fired up a confrontational PR campaign to tell the public this week’s ‘mega-strike’ was about politics, not pay. Did the media get the memo?
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
One complaint to the BSA has the PM claiming 'overreach' and his minister pledging reform - while politicians and lobby groups call for the watchdog to be put down. Paula Penfold ponders personal impact of reputation-ruining scoops.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The broadcasting watchdog has told alternative online outlet The Platform it can consider complaints about it - just like TV and radio. Part of the problem is out-of-date media laws. Mediawatch asks the media minister and his opposition counterpart: what counts as broadcasting these days? And how should it be accountable? Also: how Te Pāti Māori’s tensions played out very differently in different media.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Media coverage of the Gaza ceasefire, Platform's Plunket pushes back on broadcast watchdog, Metro magazine 'restructures' its full-time staff - and should self-selected polls be allowed in news?
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Netball’s a national sport - and it's natural the media want to know if something’s going wrong at the top. But have media made the game’s current coaching drama worse- at the worst possible time? Also - what to do about online harm was aired in a Parliamentary inquiry this week. But was the purpose of this to prevent regulation that could make it safer?
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Row over Gaza protest targeting foreign minister's house gets political - and an actress is cut from an ad. Also: RNZ picks new audio chief as two stalwarts depart, Police Ten-7 star Graham Bell, quake clarification for Emile.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The rules are changing for earthquake-prone buildings - and many in the media are praising the savings. But the devil is in the details. Also: how the media responded to our position on Palestinian statehood - and a year and a half after huge cuts to TV current affairs, what’s left - and what next?
SHOW NOTES
Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ website
In this episode:
1:07 Owners, councils and the government all celebrated the savings from new rules on earthquake-prone buildings this week - along with many in the media.
16:09 How the media responded to the announcement at the UN of our position on Palestinian statehood - long after it was actually decided.
25:05 It’s been a year and a half since huge cuts were made to TV current affairs on local TV. Miriama Kamo and Mark Crysell of TVNZ’s now-defunct Sunday show about what happened after that, what’s left - and what’s next.
Learn more:
Guests: Mark Crysell, Miriama Kamo
If you have any thoughts for us - or ideas for us to follow up - get in touch. E-mail mediawatch@rnz.co.nz. You’ll also find us @MediawatchNZ on X.
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Find more RNZ Podcasts at the new section of the RNZ website at rnz.co.nz/podcasts
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The Media Council rules RNZ lacked balance reporting the tragic tale of a transgender teen. Also - RNZ cuts arts and culture programming on air, more blowback on Black Ferns coverage claims and US golf fans shame themselves on TV
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Bad news about the economy piling up - and piling pressure on the politicians in charge of it. But are the media shining light in the right places? Also - Trump vs Kimmel and free speech, two stalwarts of TV current affairs promising to tackle taboo topics to increase the peace, not polarisation.
Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ website
In this episode:
1:04 A long look at how bad news about the economy has been piling up and piling pressure on the politicians in charge - even as things might actually be on the up and the long-term problems are being overlooked.
15:36 Trump and MAGA and FCC v Kimmel and the media and free speech.
19:10 Two stalwarts of TVNZ current affairs - Miriama Kamo and Mark Crysell are back with new online show - The Elephant - promising to tackle taboo topics but without grievance that’s often found online.
Learn more: Mediawatch: Long-term problems, short-term coverage | RNZ News
Guests: Mark Crysell, Miriama Kamo
If you have any thoughts for us - or ideas for us to follow up - get in touch. E-mail mediawatch@rnz.co.nz. You’ll also find us @MediawatchNZ on X.
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Find more RNZ Podcasts at the new section of the RNZ website at rnz.co.nz/podcasts
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Trump's aggression puts media on the back foot; good news for RNZ on public trust - and for TVNZ after a spot check for bias; blowback for the Black Ferns after lack of coverage claims; local current affairs and drama back on TV
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Hardly a news bulletin or newspaper goes by without stuff about houses and property. But what kind of coverage is it? And what effect does it have? Also - a former editor warns news deserts are creeping up on us, the Ferns falter - and media doing the right thing for the Phillips family. Social media? Not so much . . .
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Charlie Kirk's killing prompts strong reactions - even at this distance; 'historic' beating for All Blacks - and more muted coverage of winning Black Ferns; more media fallout from the sad Marokopa saga.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
After fugitive father Tom Phillips' violent death, media made judgements about the public interest, the interests of the children - and what interested the public. Also: Te Pāti Māori seems to be disengaging from non-Maori media - and an ex-RNZer pioneering automated news to boost newsrooms.
SHOW NOTES
Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ website
In this episode:
0:00: After the hunt for Tom Phillips came to a violent and deadly end this week, the media had to make quick judgments about what was in the public interest, the interests of the children and the public appetite for details.
0:00 Te Pāti Māori won the Tamaki Makarau by-election with a candidate who made a name for herself as a TV journalist, but has distanced itself from non-Māori media during and after the campaign. It's also criticised the conduct of unnamed reporters - and made claims of other bad behaviour, but failed to back it up.
0:00 AI doesn’t have a great reputation yet for getting it right, but ex-RNZer Peter Fowler who’s pioneering automated news powered by AI reckons it can be a force for good - or even survival in smaller New Zealand newsrooms.
Learn more:
Guests: Peter Fowler
If you have any thoughts for us - or ideas for us to follow up - get in touch. E-mail mediawatch@rnz.co.nz. You’ll also find us @MediawatchNZ on X.
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Find more RNZ Podcasts at the new section of the RNZ website at rnz.co.nz/podcasts
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Media go big on the epic - but tragic - tale of fugitive father Tom Phillips; angst over over exclusive access for doco makers- and a columnist's criticism of Mediawatch.
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Amazon investing billions and creating hundreds of jobs in tech here made breathless headlines earlier this week. But it turned out to be old news - and less than previously announced. How did that happen? Also: how the media handled the end of the ban on foreigners buying flash homes here - and more changes at RNZ.
Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ website
In this episode:
00:50 The PM and Amazon teamed up to announce billions of dollars invested and hundreds of jobs created here. Great news - but old news.
17:55 RNZ’s proposing changes to music, arts and culture coverage which would cut back production of some radio programmes - and close the youth-focused digital platform Tahi.
25:15 How the media handled the end of the ban on foreign buyers - or should that be overseas active investors? - picking up high end homes here
Learn more:
Guests: Peter Fowler
If you have any thoughts for us - or ideas for us to follow up - get in touch. E-mail mediawatch@rnz.co.nz. You’ll also find us @MediawatchNZ on X.
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Reserve Bank chair's after-hours exit fails to blunt media interest, harsh spotlight on new political candidate, the farmer who survived a bolt from the boot, political reporter returns - and the return of The Mish.
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The new plan to stop RNZ National losing listeners - and a harsh review of the network’s capability and culture. How’s RNZ’s boss handling this - and what listeners really want? Also - rude words that sparked complaints but didn't break the rules.
Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ website
In this episode:
00:48 RNZ National’s been losing listeners for years, and now they have a new plan to stop the slide, sparked by a harsh review of the network’s capability and culture.
09:50 RNZ’s CEO and editor-in-chief Paul Thompson explains changes being made at RNZ and responds to the report by former news chief Richard Sutherland.
- In an earlier version of this interview, it was stated that Sutherland’s report recommended RNZ hire a new high-profile presenter- and that “presenter change at Morning Report" was listed in it later under the heading ‘Easy Wins.’
- In fact, the report listed ‘“Morning Report presenter move” under the heading ‘Early Wins’. This referred to Sutherland's recommendation that both Morning Report’s presenting roles move to Auckland, along with more of its production. Sutherland’s report didn’t propose changing presenters of any programme.
27:50 More from Paul Thompson about the current political environment for the media, RNZ operating with reduced budget, the pressure to prove that people trust RNZ - and how he responds to senior politicians who say they don't.
40:50 Media watchdogs have ruled that two rude words that recently appeared in the media did not break the rules.
Learn more: RNZ’s high-stakes National plan | RNZ News
Guests: Paul Thompson
If you have any thoughts for us - or ideas for us to follow up - get in touch. E-mail mediawatch@rnz.co.nz. You’ll also find us @MediawatchNZ on X.
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Find more RNZ Podcasts at the new section of the RNZ website at rnz.co.nz/podcasts
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TVNZ launches its first paid-for product, NZME announces a $400k loss and the composition of its new editorial board - and RNZ's listenership snakes upward for the first time since 2022.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
One woman became the unwilling face of a political cause she strongly opposed because her image was for sale online - and one outlet faked photos of a whanau to 'protect its mana.' What are the ethics of stock images? Also - 'gentle whispers' of political succession, and can the media claw back cash from AI crawling their content online?
Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ website
In this episode:
00:15 ‘Gentle whispers’ heard - and a tangerine suit seen - half a world away sparked speculation in the media this week about a spill for the PM and a succession for his finance minister.
06:22 Image problems - and the ethics of stock photography: one woman became the face of a political campaign she strongly opposed because her photo was for sale in a stock library - and a media outlet used AI to create a fake whanau for a piece about poverty.
23:05 Will a new bid to charge AI for crawling the web for content mean the media might be able - at last - to claw back cash from those harvest their stuff online? If so - how can it be done? Turns out it’s complicated . . .
Learn more:
Guests: Corey Fuimaono, Tanmay Desai
If you have any thoughts for us - or ideas for us to follow up - get in touch. E-mail mediawatch@rnz.co.nz. You’ll also find us @MediawatchNZ on X.
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RNZ's strategy to stop the loss of radio listeners sparks a strong reaction from pundits - and the listeners. Also - a political party proves a point using the official complaints process- and irritating ads for insurance.
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How the media handled controversy over recognising Palestine - two political opinion polls in a day. Also: RNZ prepping out a plan to stop the loss of listeners as a former news chief tells the top brass to make big changes and - do Kiwis believe the media deliver what they promise?
Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ website
In this episode:
1:16 The intense debate in the media this week over Palestinian statehood, sidetracked by party political rows about our government going slow on it - and a chorus of claims in the media that was just a gesture anyway.
16:18 How the media handled two political opinion polls in one day ‘predicting’ the next election outcome.
21:52 RNZ’s prepping a plan to try and claw back listeners lost by RNZ National - and a blunt review from its former news boss urges the top brass to make big changes.
27:13 Do New Zealanders think our media deliver what they promise? We ask the brains behind some new data on that - Storm Day from Accenture Song - and if it can help the media get the audience onside.
Learn more:
Guests: Storm Day
If you have any thoughts for us - or ideas for us to follow up - get in touch. E-mail mediawatch@rnz.co.nz. You’ll also find us @MediawatchNZ on X.
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A crew of Al Jazeera journalists are assassinated in Gaza, two political polls in a day fire up the media, and an ad from Hobson's Pledge prompts a backlash - and a debate about ethical use of photos.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The media graded NCEA as ‘not achieved’ after the government proposed dumping it this week. Headlines here called Trump’s 15 per cent tariff on our exports ‘a surprise.’ But was it? Also - the prospects for some of our most popular and enduring magazines, which are up for sale across the Tasman again.
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Public purse picking up part of the bill for local reality TV, RNZ tweaks Morning Report, Hayden Donnell goneburger from Mediawatch, Colin taught a French lesson.
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The headline-making secret visit of the FBI's top guy, the politics of paywave, and starvation in Gaza hitting home for news outlets. Also: the Marlborough Express folded this week after 160 years in print. What is lost when local news goes online-only? And is it a sign of things to come for others?
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pressure goes on The Platform over a tweet from its founder, the government gets the media to cover an announcement of an announcement, and a polling company chief puts out a question on a whim - with interesting results.
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The bitter battle over butter prices topped the news agenda this week, prompting a ‘please explain’ from the finance minister to Fonterra. Are media are missing the main point? Also: pundits say Sky buying Three for $1 strengthens its on-screen sport play - but the cash Saudi Arabia’s suddenly splashing could change the big picture.
Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ website
In this episode:
01:00 The price has been rising for months, but all of a sudden the bitter political battle over butter became bulletin-leading stuff this week. Did the media miss the point by zeroing in on this - and the political posturing?
17:25 Pundits reckon Sky buying Three strengthens Sky’s stranglehold on the top sport it sells to subscribers. But this week The Herald reported TVNZ bidding for next year’s FIFA World Cup and the upcoming Olympics as well. But globally, Saudi Arabia’s sticking stacks of cash into sport and broadcasting right now. A journalist who’s just seen that play out in the US says that could change the picture worldwide - and here:
Learn more:
Guests: Liam Dann, Adam Leventhal
If you have any thoughts for us - or ideas for us to follow up - get in touch. E-mail mediawatch@rnz.co.nz. You’ll also find us @MediawatchNZ on X.
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Sky buys Three for $1. Also - a shake-up sport on screen, some commentary classics, the Frenchification of Emile Donovan - and was Wrexham FC in Welly the real thing?
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Campaigns targeting politicians in the media are getting more intense - and politicians are getting more multimedia with their own messages for the press. Are these the same old tactics using new tech? Or a new push to dodge media scrutiny and shape the story?
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A media frenzy over Ray Chung's lurid email about Wellington mayor Tory Whanau, Stuff retracts a story about AI blood testing, and a former newsreader enters the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The backers of the second official inquiry into the Covid response say it’s crucial for preparing us for the next pandemic - but the media mostly zeroed in on whether big-name politicians would show up. Also: TVNZ checking itself for bias, a fresh flurry of media French-ification; and do we need to brace for more ‘fiscal hole’ fury in Election 2026?
Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ website
In this episode:
1:22 The backers of the second Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Covid-19 response said it was crucial to learning lessons for the future, as well as allowing people to have a say. But the media mostly zeroed in on whether big-name politicians would show up at hearings that are still six weeks away.
17:03 Remember in the campaign for the last election - and the one before that - how the big political parties made big claims in the media about billion dollar-deep holes in each others’ policies? We might have to brace for more in 2026.
32:50 TVNZ says it’s planning to check itself for bias. But why - and why now?
37:21 A fresh flurry of French-ification in our media inspired by Les Bleus on tour.
Learn more:
- https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/mediawatch/566737/mediawatch-pandemic-probe-media-focus-flipped-to-politicians
Guests: Dan Brunskill, economics reporter for Interest.co.nz
If you have any thoughts for us - or ideas for us to follow up - get in touch. E-mail mediawatch@rnz.co.nz. You’ll also find us @MediawatchNZ on X.
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The closure of more local newspapers, further fallout for the BBC and the ABC over editorial handling of Gaza, senior RNZ exec resigns - and peacock persecution.
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Mediawatch looks at a sudden slew of stuff on screen about life at the coal face in health, hospitals and hospices. Is the up close and personal approach also political? Speaking of political . . . bosses at two big broadcasters have ended up in the gun this week over other peoples’ opinions about Israel and Gaza - and political leaders line up the media for more criticism.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
A new podcast questions the 'lone wolf' narrative around the Christchurch terror attack, Newsroom asks some hard questions about the state housing sell-off, Stuff's TradeMe deal gets finalised - ZB's Hosking clashes with education minister on 'Māorification'
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It was hard for media all around the world to work out what happened in the Middle East. But claims that WW3 and global recession might be upon us here were rolled back within a day. Also: Chat GPT’s been accused of lying, making stuff up and gaslighting a UK journalist and Google’s AI seems to be telling us what we want to hear. Is AI human after all?
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The media’s difficulties sorting out the truth in the Middle East escalation,entrepreneur cites negative coverage selling her dating business, David Seymour taking on the media - again - and fundraising.
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Debate’s raging over private and public provision of surgery - and sick leave surged to the top of the agenda all of a sudden, sparked by an unlikely source. Also: media minister grilled in Parliament's Scrutiny Week - and property piffle on TV
Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ website
Debate’s been raging over whether private or public providers should be the key to cutting waiting lists for surgery - or what kind of combo of both. And all of a sudden - our sick leave entitlement surged to the top of the news agenda - sparked by an unlikely source.
Also: The media minister got a blast of extra scrutiny in Parliament -- and a certain market-leading online marketplace got some soft-focus treatment in a news show made by a company it’s just invested in.
In this episode:
00:50 - Media in the middle of political battles over public and private health, claims doctors’ unions slow down surgery, signs sick leave could be cut.
20:25 – The media minister scrutinised in Scrutiny Week in Parliament. (note: an earlier version of this item referred to Labour MP Reuben Davidson as a ‘Green MP.’ we regret the error).
22:50 - Property piffle on TV
Learn more: URL for news story
- Media in the middle of political skirmishes over sickness and health | RNZ News
Guests: Sarah Dalton - Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists.
If you have any thoughts for us - or ideas for us to follow up - get in touch. E-mail mediawatch@rnz.co.nz. You’ll also find us @MediawatchNZ on X.
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Find more RNZ Podcasts at the new section of the RNZ website at rnz.co.nz/podcasts
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RNZ challenged over a troubling tale of a transgender teenager who died alone from anorexia, ZB's Ryan Bridge's performs a hot-take talk radio turnaround on the economy, Emile's voluntary redundancy hotline
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Some local election hopefuls are already pitching policies publicly. Are media checking them out before putting them in the news? Also: an Aussie once in charge of our papers talks about where the media is heading - and a play about authoritarian over-reach in 1950s America echoes what’s happening now.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Coverage of the aggro in LA; media feel the heat from advocacy ads, why David Seymour snubs Morning Report, the controversy created by dangerous combat-type cash prize contests
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The same day Stuff twinned up with Trade Me, its big rival NZME overhauled its board and ushered in a self-described 'agitator' from overseas. But both are banking on profitable property platforms at the heart their business. Good thing for media that need money - or a plague on both their houses? Also - the backlash against the backlash against dangerous games.
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Stuff/Trade me marriage, NZME settles board stoush. Also - teething troubles at the Herald’s new show, the pivot to video - and the power of the edit in politics.
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The state of climate change reporting in a changed political climate - and a time when the media have their own existential emergency. Also - how the Run It Straight went from social media phenomenon to national news media controversy.
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The Herald's new streaming news show, RNZ National listeners tuning out, David Seymour's political past under the spotlight.
On Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Emile Donovan Nights this week on RNZ National - the Herald's new streaming news show, RNZ National listeners tuning out, and David Seymour's political past under the spotlight.
This Midweek Mediawatch also discusses developments in the bid to reshape the board of NZME, whose shareholders vote on that on June 3.
One of those nominated for a proposed editorial board at NZME, lawyer Philip Crump, sparked debate among journalists recently with 'Six Challenges Undermining Media Trust' on Substack.
That sparked a critical LinkedIn response from NBR journalist Tim Hunter, in which he highlighted Crump’s claim that descriptive words used by journalists can be “cheap shots.”
“Often these labels are abused and reveal the biases of the journalist deploying them rather than enlightening the reader. Over time, these cheap shots can erode the value of the masthead," Crump wrote on Substack.
He cited the example of “embattled” to describe a politician, but in this Midweek Mediawatch that was misinterpreted.
To correct the record, Philip Crump did not suggest that using the word "embattled" could erode trust or indicate bias on the part of a journalist. He said it could legitimately add colour and provide meaningful context.
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The media make a big deal of the Budget every year, even though the big money’s already been announced. But what was in it for the media this year? Also: vanguard vs the rearguard on AI in the media; political push-back on social media and more bad language - and the perils of cold-calling folks live on air.
Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ website
The media make a drama out of Budget Day every year, even though the big plot twists have been revealed in advance and big bits of the backstory aren’t in the script. How did the critics rate this one? And what was in it for the media themselves?
There’s a vanguard in the media that wants to embrace the latest digital technology - and rearguard that resists it. Will the media ever see eye to eye on AI?
Also: political bids to push back social media, more bad behaviour in politics - and bad language in the wake of the ‘c-bomb’ affair.
In this episode:
Budget coverage
What was in the Budget for the media? And what got cut?
The BBC’s Laura Ellis on the media’s split over AI.
Learn more:
Mediawatch: How a Budget is covered | RNZ News
Guests:
Laura Ellis - BBC head of technology forecasting
If you have any thoughts for us - or ideas for us to follow up - get in touch. E-mail mediawatch@rnz.co.nz. You’ll also find us @MediawatchNZ on X.
Follow Mediawatch and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or any podcast app to make sure you never miss an episode.
Find more RNZ Podcasts at the new section of the RNZ website at rnz.co.nz/podcasts
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
After days being berated for deploying the c-word, Andrea Vance was named political journalist of the year. Meanwhile Stuff took on Stuff, and Winston Peters' pre-Budget announcement went off the rails at a railway station
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Coverage of the outcry sparked by the sudden change to legislation for pay equity claims - and how one rude word in one newspaper column derailed the debate. Also - AI at the BBC: how the world’s biggest broadcaster is using AI in news and programmes.
Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ website
The sudden change to legislation for pay equity claims sparked a huge political outcry pumped up when one columnist used one very rude word in one newspaper column. How did the media sift the facts from all the political friction?
Also: this week the BBC’s top boss said social media platforms and disinformation endanger democracy – but the world’s biggest broadcaster could help reverse this.
Cutting-edge AI technology will be blended with BBC journalism for “a healthy core of fact-based news” that could benefit the world.
The BBC boss tasked with looking into the future of technology tell us how the BBC already puts AI into news and documentaries in ways you might not expect.
In this episode:
01:10 – Hayden Donnell on coverage of pay equity legislation sidetracked by the party political spin.
12:17 – Colin Peacock on the so-called c-bomb in the Sunday Star Times also derailing the debate.
20:00 – Laura Ellis tells us how the BBC is deploying AI for news and programmes.
Learn more:
- Mediawatch: Political rows and newspaper column blur focus on pay equity | RNZ News
- Mediawatch: AI and the BBC | RNZ News
Guests:
Laura Ellis - BBC head of technology forecasting
If you have any thoughts for us - or ideas for us to follow up - get in touch. E-mail mediawatch@rnz.co.nz. You’ll also find us @MediawatchNZ on X.
Follow Mediawatch and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or any podcast app to make sure you never miss an episode.
Find more RNZ Podcasts at the new section of the RNZ website at rnz.co.nz/podcasts
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Midweek - Sunday Star Times C-bomb dropped on ministers rocks the House, and the issue that sparked it - gender pay equity. Also - the government's move to ban social media for under-16s got big backing this week - and the possible truce in the NZME boardroom battle.
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An entire generation's grown up with little regulation of their digital world. But this week there was a sudden surge of political concern about social media for teens. Also: NZ Rugby’s in the red even though its income from TV's topped $100m. But netball’s got no broadcaster beyond this year for its top comp. Is it a warning for sports that need TV money to pay players?
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A new compromise candidate emerges to lead NZME - along with some undisclosed outsourcing. Also: 1News scoop about Erica Stanford's emails draws fire from talk radio, a politics podcast podcast's sudden self-destruction - and NZ climbs media freedom ladder by default.
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Media assumptions about election outcomes were upended in Canberra and Canada this week - and guessing the result of upcoming ones in Wellington and the Vatican suddenly seem risky. Is picking political winners now a fool’s game? Also: cranky calls for military service based on bad stats - and the latest on that bitter boardroom battle at NZME.
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A controversial documentary series by TVNZ’s John Campbell - which didn’t quite kick off like it was meant to. Also: 'Peoples Pope' farewelled, US media's annual White House party fall flat.
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The health sector throws up stories of serious crisis almost daily, but journalists find hard data hard to get. Also: media freedom worries increasing around the world - and Winston Peters' 'threat' to RNZ.
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Pope Francis's death prompts breaking news weirdness, Winston Peters butts heads with RNZ, identical Aussie twins go viral with synchronised eye-witness account, a Wellington councilor's on-the-record outburst - and a housing headline excluding renters
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Jailed journalist Peter Greste tells Mediawatch about the worst times in his life up on the big screen in 'The Correspondent.' Also - the country’s main Christian broadcaster Rhema is bucking the trend of media contraction - even though its target market's shrinking and appealing to a broad church is tough in these polarised times.
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Does TV doco Polk live up to the hype - or live down to the claims of tabloid clickbait? Also - further feedback on 'trust in news', new unofficial register lifts the lid on lobbying a little.
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Another year - another drop in trust in the news here, according to the biggest annual survey of it. But the slump seems to have stalled and some outlets have even gained trust this time round - though we’re still world leaders in ‘news avoidance.’ Mediawatch looks at all this - and talks to a Canadian confronting the same trends there.
New Zealanders’ trust in the news has been falling for years - five years in a row according to the most comprehensive annual survey of it carried out that's carried out here.
And we’ve also been leading the world in the proportion of people who say they actively avoid the news.
So no wonder our news outlets fear the worst when the AUT's Trust in news in Aotearoa New Zealand report comes out.
But the latest survey shows the slump trust in our news media has stalled - and local outlets are actually more trusted this year. How come?
Also Mediawatch talks to a longtime journalist striving to restore trust in local media in Canada with the help of fellow 'Ink-Stained Wretches. And they’re also coming to terms with the turmoil of Trump turning on former friends north of the border in a big way.
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An outdoor ad company buys the country's largest radio network, NZME launches a positive news campaign - and Hayden launches an unauthorised theme tune. Also -Green MP Benjamin Doyle speaks out about a toxic online campaign against them that garnered widespread media coverage - and dire fake news about wolves.
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Just two companies have carved up most of our grocery bills for years. The government says change is coming - but many in the media don't seem to believe it;s possible. Also - our media’s slumping share of ad income, and local papers' paper dispute.
Just two companies have carved up most of what we’ve spent on grocery shopping for years. Now the government says change is coming to the duopoly - but that was met with undue apathy by many in our media.
We look at the latest figures for advertising income, the lifeblood of the media industry. Overall revenue’s up by a almost a quarter of a billion dollars - good news in tight economic times.
But the bad news? The proportion going to our media is down while many more millions are going offshore to the tech titans that dominate the digital world. Where will this end up?
Also two local papers in a row over. . . paper.
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Green MP's social media spark controversy - and claims the media ran shy of the story. Also: NZME's bitter battle for control rumbles on, and the broadcasting watchdog sanctions Stuff for a ThreeNews scoop that fell short on fairness, balance and accuracy.
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Are media confusing us with claims of green shoots in the economy at the same time as headlining more dire data? Also: the epic security fail at the top of the Trump regime that gave a journalist the easiest scoop he'll ever get - and the battle for control of NZME ramps up with a flurry of letters.
But first -- it’s not news that our economy;s been going backwards - and the numbers on that don’t lie.
But now some new numbers are on the way up - and that is news.
But other economic numbers in the news are still bad news.
We look at the the dire data and the claims of green shoots - and ask if the media might be mixing its messages - and confusing us all:
Mistakes happen. Everyone makes them. That’s why security protocols exist—
Security systems are only as effective as the people who use them.
But looping a senior journalist into top level chat about imminent military strikes?
easiest scoop ever
That didn't stop the MAGA-men playing a lame blame game with the media.
The bitter battle to control NZME - the company that publishes the Herald and owns NZTB - rolls on, mostly in exchanges of letters.
Also - how producers behind the scenes can keep their presenters on the mic on the straight and narrow.
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Billionaire Jim Grenon's letter-writing spree as he tries to take control of NZME's board & a click-driven incentive scheme at the company. Also - more journalists are killed in Gaza & an Oscar-winning filmmaker assaulted; Stuff quietly drops a disclosure commitment from its AI policy.
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A Kiwi lifting the lid on Facebook's been gagged before she could talk to RNZ. Why? And what did she say before Meta called its lawyers? Also: news publishers' ownership in play & lifestyle journalism's being squeezed by our cash-strapped media, but RNZ’s boosting it and the country’s oldest magazine is shifting its focus.
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Rivals appeal to NZME shareholders as Stuff carves its chief's one share into a million. Also: MAGA-powered podcasters control the zone - and have we lost the appetite for school lunch scrutiny?
Rivals appeal to NZME shareholders as Stuff's chief turns one share into a million. Also: MAGA-powered podcasters control the zone, have we lost the appetite for school lunch scrutiny?
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The PM’s got plenty on his plate right now - including media hinting his time is up in the top job. Is that true - or fair? Also: a new move to use the media to improve integrity in public life and push back at vested interests. Sounds good, but are things really that bad?
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A new poll piles pressure on the PM and his party, the billionaire bidding to unseat NZME's board hits back at claims about his intentions, a Paddington clarification
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Concern over a sudden change of editorial direction at NZME as a billionaire bids for control. Also: reporting Wellington’s water woes and a sudden rush of top-level resignations.
The publisher of the Herald and owner of Newstalk ZB has told its investors it’s going to set “a new tone” for New Zealand and “share stories of economic success and positive momentum.” NZME also plans to roll out AI to shape the Herald homepage.
All this will change what we see and read in the future. But NZME’s top brass now have another problem - a billionaire who’s backed alternative online outlets has bought a big chunk of the company and now James Grenon wants to control it.
Also this week: how the media handled a rash of resignations from top public jobs and Wellington’s water woes - no resignations yet but plenty of headlines.
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Midweek: The ever-present US President makes the most of set-piece media events. Also -billionaires seeking stakes in our media & rights to air rugby - and TV shows about life in NZ fifty years apart.
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Chinese warships in the Tasman Sea promp big calls to bump up the budget for defence ASAP. Also - the super-heated headlines about factory-to-school lunches and we talk to the international outfit defending public broadcasters from de-funding.
Chinese warships appearing in what we like to think of as our ‘benign strategic environment’ sparked something of a media frenzy lately - culminating in commentators claiming our defence spending’s going to have to go up ASAP.
Right now the two main public media networks in the US face bids to de-fund them - even though their federal funding is tiny. They also face MAGA-driven inquiries into bias and how they stay in business.
Public broadcasters elsewhere in the world also face more political pressure on their funding and even their legitimacy these days. This week ask the boss of the outfit that represents them around the world: how do you defend against de-funding?
Also: school lunches have been in the headlines ever since the new cheaper factory-to-classroom ones appeared this year - or not, in some cases. And isolated cases of things going badly wrong have certainly been seized on by the media. Just teething troubles blown out of proportion because of politics? Or are our media rightly demanding more transparency? (more than on the cellophane lids of those boxes of burnt bolognese we’ve all seen in the news . . .)
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Media go forensic on Andrew Bayly's ministerial resignation, the PM's ZB stumble, NZME's revealing annual results - & the real story of Golriz at PaknSave
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Surviving 2025 in the intertwined industries of media and advertising. Should our government follow Australia’s media policy - and beware of billionaires? Also: decoding Destiny and the tricky task of luring Aussie tourists.
Can the intertwined industries of media and advertising survive 2025 - and even thrive? That was the theme of a gathering in Auckland this week. One day later, the hosts of it confirmed 30 of its journalists jobs have gone.
Our government says - again - its waiting to see what Australia’s government does when it comes to media policy. Mediawatch asks an Australian media expert if that makes sense - and if should media in both places beware of the billionaires.
Also - this week our government unveiled a new slogan to tempt Aussie tourists across the Tasman. Everyone Must Go seems to have gone down well over there, if not here at a time when many Kiwis are going there for good. We look back at previous efforts to lure tourists across the Tasman.
But tricky timing here when record-number of Kiwis have decided they must go over there for good.
But some of the past efforts to attract Aussie visitors haven’t dated that well either:
AUDIO: 23 feb 2025 TRAIL 02 champagne
That;s later on in the programme
But first - what happened after Destiny Church supporters disrupted Pride events in Auckland last weekend:
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Big names at the Herald lose their jobs in a major news rejig, a Wellington ginger group getting a helping hand - and attracting Aussies in 1962.
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How plans for wealthy foreign investors hit the headlines this week - and how did paid-for propaganda end up on a major news website? Also: two business journalists want to make the most out of much-needed money for important investigative journalism
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Comedian Guy Williams' Waitangi run-in with David Seymour - and the Act leader's pushback at the Herald; a new video channel proposal by NZME - and new government plans to help local media.
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Trump’s alarmed the world with trade tariffs, turning off aid and proposing to take over Gaza. But New Zealand’s had its own diplomatic dramas in the news - with the media in the middle of them. Also: new news outlets popping up to push back fear of 'news deserts.'
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The 'fake news' from Israel that strained our relationship with the US - and a long-suppressed offender’s name finally comes out. Also: Tributes to Jonah Lomu and Marianne Faithfull which missed the mark - and two reports on transport which didn’t.
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Summertime - and the living is easy, the old Gerschwin song says. But he didn’t have to keep Kiwis tuned in during the summer news drought. Meanwhile the outside world has changed a lot since Christmas - and the media industry’s problems here haven’t taken a holiday either.
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NZME's plan to cut nearly 40 staff including some big names, a s spiky editorial response to a reader questioning coverage - and a belated Mediawatch award for misinformation in 2024.
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Mediawatch looks at how the media fared against the forces they faced in 2024 - and how one part of the media seems to be bucking the trend of decline. Also: Hayden Donnell's media Christmas wish.
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Mediawatch’s not-very-prestigious and not-at-all coveted annual media awards - including biggest flip-flop; best and worst jingle and nickname; state-of-media analysis of the year, the awrd for pushing musical boundaries - and the Billy Connolly Trophy for a single animal making national news.
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Mediawatch talks to two media bosses who’ve had the media’s economic headwinds blowing their hair back in 2024. What’s the state of the media now - and how might the state intervene in 2025? Also: how the government stepped in on two other businesses with big problems - racing and the ferries.
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Media hype local football fever; Kim Hill vs BoJo; RIP Hutt Valley stalwart Nicholas Boyack; could Stuff split itself up?
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Australia’s world-first social media ban for under-16s was cheered on by many media - including some of ours. But it's also highlighted their own dependency on big tech. Meanwhile one TV broadcaster that went all-in on TikTok has found a huge new audience. But what are the risks?
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PM's long-awaited appearance on Q+A, Atlas explored, Wellington ginger group's political contacts come to light, RNZ brought to book & Newshub's stuff survives on Stuff
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The tale of two towns which face losing their local news. Also: a bid to change the law so parody and satire doesn’t run the risk of breaking it - and clear up who owns digital media.
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Treaty Principles Bill and TJ Perenara’s controversial haka stir debate; the latest public funding for current affairs and journalism and Three's local stuff for 2025.
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This week’s Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti harvested heaps of headlines, hours of airtime and piles of print and pixels - media copped plenty of criticism for the coverage. Also: a deep-dive podcast that needed deep pockets - and warnings of ‘news deserts’ here.
This week’s big Hīkoi harvested heaps of headlines, hours of airtime and piles of print and pixels - and media copped criticism for the coverage.
14 local papers in the north island are set to close by Christmas, prompting ex-editors and experts in media to warn that the ‘news deserts’ we’ve seen overseas could spring up here in the absence of local papers. And when local elections come round in a year some places may have nowhere to go for locals politicians to air local issues.
We ask a leading paper publisher about if local papers have a future - and what might help to sustain them.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/mediawatch/534657/plans-to-close-local-papers-spark-news-deserts-warning
We talk to Newsroom' Jonathan Milne, the brains behind deep-dive podcast Powderkeg which needed deep pockets to chase the story. How did they do it?
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Accusations of bias and a lack of impartiatality in coverage of Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti. Also the Herald v David Bain, Facebook scam surge and problems for local magazines.
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Why was an award-winning journalist dedicated to reporting abuse in state care briefly banned from the official apology for that this week? Also - NZME plans to close 14 local North Island papers, possibly leaving some towns without coverage.
Midweek - Hikoi hits the road; Seymour vs TVNZ; TV news cuts latest and how sketchy reports of a foreign football flashpoint sparked a diplomatic incident.
“It’s their media world now. We just live in it” - what news media are taking away from the Trump triumph; Media message from Trump’s triumph, how Australia and Malaysia are making social media accountable for the content they carry
Midweek: the epic media coverage of an epic US election that's put Trump back in charge. Also - more grim news from TVNZ; and warnings from Crux and NZ Geographic
Could the boss of the country’s biggest news publisher joining a local ginger group alongside political figures compromise her own company's coverage in the capital? Also: award-winning NZ Geographic adopts maximum transparency to secure its survival
Midweek: Kiwi journalists in the US ramp up election reflections - and some politicians here too. US papers cop it for u-turns on backing Harris; TVNZ backtracks on its 1 News website - and Colin meets football elite (sort of . . . )
A look at how US media have coped with the controversial campaign for the upcoming election there - and we look back at how our media fared covering the election here one year ago.
Midweek - fallout from RNZ's scrapped Anika Moa podcast featuring former Labour MP Kiri Allan, intervention in the WCC, the lack of excitement about the America's Cup win, and Health NZ’s $9200 on canapés
Coverage of capital’s troubled city council - and claims the government could intervene. Also: news publishers respond to a survey showing more Kiwis dodging their news - and a surge in social media scam posts co-opting big names in news media.
Midweek - The government turns 1 (or does it?), a 'Chris-tastrophic' political poll (or was it), TVNZ news not on TV, RIP BBC Hardtalk.
TVNZ’s signaled more cost-saving cuts and started by scrapping its online news site next year. Meanwhile Google’s threatening to cut ties with local news altogther. What’s going on?
TVNZ's plans to axe its news website, ministerial fact-checking from Q+A - and a rude front page from The Press.
The controversial call to cut back the rebuild of Dunedin Hospital - and how local media helped drive a big backlash. Also: Patrick Gower’s got a new ‘feel-good’ weekly show. But do we really want feelgood news in not-so-good-times?
Midweek: What Colin learned watching TV the old-fashioned way, and news of more cuts to come at two TV broadcasters. Also: online changes at Stuff - and a ‘crime against broadcasting’ on RNZ National.
Mediawatch talks to the boss of Australia’s public broadcaster the ABC - and the producer of a show putting mental health in the frame for the past 15 years. Also: fallout from the murder trial that preoccupied the media for the past two months. * this programme discusses the issue of suicide and how it is covered by the media *
A year ago our former government torched its plan for a joined-up public broadcaster more like Australia’s one. But the ABC is a billion-dollar beast that’s also been a political football. Mediawatch asks its outgoing boss where it - and David Anderson himself - is heading.
The media’s Polkinghorne trial preoccupation - and the audience’s appetite; two problematic podcasts go offline - but for very different reasons
22 Sep 2024: Our media put politicians’ feet to the fire in the name of accountability - but some won't front up in the first place. Is the way they’re doing it part of the problem? Also: the local iwi steps in to save the local paper in Wairoa.
Midweek Mediawatch: Another threat to Trump's life as sad Springfield squirms under unwanted media spotlight. Also: pushbike pushback; big-money mistake on a new artwork; a fond farewell for pioneer of political broadcasting - and an MMA quiz fail.
Mediawatch for 15 September 2024: Bad news about bad vibes in our big cities right now - and Wellington's woes in particular. Also: new research for the broadcasting watchdog says some minorities say discriminatory stuff is turning them off our media. But where is it coming from? And - fact checking claims about the legality of peeing in public.
Mediawatch for 8 September 2024: how the epic broadcast to mark a new epoch in te ao Māori was made at Tūrangawaewae Marae, media focus on small stuff in big bucks plan for roads; 'Toast-gate' prompts a backlash and a u-turn on maternity ward snacks.
Mediawatch for 25 August 2024: Holding ministers to account - but also amplifying their spending statements without scrutiny; two editors in Asia holding the line on media freedom; update on advocacy ad angst.
Midweek Mediawatch: Colin Peacock talks to Emile Donovan about a lid-lifting Sunday paper scoop about gun crime - and a minister in the spotlight over gun law reform. Also - Australian media go rogue on Raygun, and more Newshub TV talent scooped up by Stuff.
Midweek Mediawatch - Colin Peacock talks to Mark Leishman about the coverage of two huge disasters in North Africa; a little local political difficulty in Dunedin - and political party leaders under heavy scrutiny on TV. Also: a much-hyped weekend of sport which didn’t go well for our national teams - and whether pets on planes, trains and buses is really a good idea.
Midweek Mediawatch - Colin Peacock talks to Mark Leishman about the strange saga sparked by the sexist behaviour of Spain’s football chief at the Women’s World Cup final. Also - broadcasters' election plans; the political heckler problem - and alarm over the All Blacks record-breaking beating and claims Wellington’s golden mile is on the slide.
It’s meant to be clear what’s advertising and what isn't, but 'sponsored content' and 'native advertising' blurred that line a long time ago. Now some outlets form ‘partnerships’ with clients to get messages across in exchange for big bucks - and even get their own journalists to help out.
Brought to you by 'partners' - critics question sponsorship deals pushing clients' content into news media; IMANZ - a new umbrella body for independent local media marketing agencies; low key reveal of legislation to push big tech platforms to pay for local news.
Long-awaited legislation to force big tech platforms to pay New Zealand media to pay for the news they disseminate online is now before Parliament. It could give our media with much-needed money in years to come if it becomes law and also fill a funding gap for the government at the same time. But neither the media or the government made much of it.
In this week's edition of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Mark Leishman about a dire poll for Labour raising the spectre of a media-driven death spiral; a reorganisation at NZME; a plea for help from Discovery; a political apology from TVNZ - and does the demise of one cafe chain signal doom for the capital's CBD?
The Women's World Cup 2023 attracted record crowds in the stands and on TV - both here and in Australia. It also delivered drama and off-pitch stories that livened up standard sports coverage. But will all that change the way the media cover sport? Mediawatch asks two journalists with an eye on the media on both sides of the Tasman.
A spike in shocking cases of exploitation has put the plight of migrant workers in the media spotlight. But these latest stories are part of a longstanding issue that's sometimes flown under the radar.
Our World Cup runneth over - what legacy will it leave? Lifting the lid on exploitation of migrant workers and human trafficking.
Midweek Mediawatch: Colin Peacock talked to Mark Leishman while Australia’s Matildas were playing England’s Lionesses in Sydney and breaking TV viewing records. Also: election fever building in the media here; a frenzy over fruit and vegetables; public media funding changes - and overwrought claims of collusion.
Political calls to crack down on crime are echoing in our media ahead of the upcoming election - not for the first time. Two seasoned journalists showed this was part of a pattern in a report on crime coverage which recommended new approaches. It was commissioned five years ago - but never saw the light of day.
Reporters' report on crime coverage urges new thinking - and highlights electoral 'crime crackdown' pattern; RNZ's Richard Sutherland calling it quits after 30 years; free sports streaming options on the up.
RNZ’s head of news Richard Sutherland’s called it a day after more than 30 years in the news. He’s worked at almost every major news broadcaster in the country and led the outfit representing their mutual interests, the Media Freedom Committee. But he’s not the only news leader to leave the business lately amid warnings about the increasing intensity of it.
In this week's edition of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Mark Leishman about one news broadcast foregrounding climate while another hones in on cellphones and Chris Luxon misspelling 'cat', before delving into a leaked letter hinting at unrest at Stuff - and how the media hounded a mayor's dog out of her office.
The UN says we've reached "the era of global boiling". Given that, you'd think climate might have got more of a mention from the media as the National Party released its road-heavy $24 billion transport package.
A review of RNZ's online news has called for greater oversight and enforcement of standards after a crisis sparked by a single staffer making 'inappropriate' edits to international news online. Mediawatch asks RNZ’s chief executive if this was the result of a digital shift done on the cheap - and how he'll put right what he himself called ‘pro-Kremlin garbage.
Political road rage - budget holes & emissions omissions; what went wrong with RNZ's online news - and putting it right,
In this week's Midweek Mediawatch, Colin Peacock talks to Mark Leishman about what a review of the ‘inappropriate editing’ of online news at RNZ has revealed. Also - the FIFA Women’s World Cup captivating the media - even though the Football Ferns got knocked out and Palmerston North was dissed by Spain.
The media could scarcely ignore the startling story of a minister of justice under arrest, but the circumstances of that and her sudden resignation raised many other issues. Many in the media seized on one - the possible impact it could have on an election still almost three months away.
A board member at RNZ appointed less than a month ago quit this week after making public comments on Kiri Allan’s downfall and criticising media coverage of it. RNZ had asked Jason Ake to stop and the government said he breached official obligations of neutrality, but he was unrepentant.
Midweek Mediawatch - Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Nights. This week Hayden Donnell talks to Mark Leishman about the coverage of Kiri Allan's arrest and subsequent resignation - and media pushing back against criticism of lurid coverage of the Lauren Dickason trial.
On a day when Auckland was the focus of the biggest story in world sport and the Football Ferns ended up making history, deadly shootings a stone's throw from football teams' hotels and the fan zone confronted media primed for a good news story.
Nothing much changed in a 1News Verian poll released on Monday. Some commentators treated the boring results as a blank canvas on which to express their creativity.
Midweek Mediawatch - Colin Peacock talks to Mark Leishman about intense coverage of a mother accused of killing her children - and the media finally covering the crimes of Sir James Wallace. Also: Tova O’Brien returning to the media as some senior news editors depart; the media response to the PM ruling out wealth taxes - and the tabloid scoop giving the BBC a big headache.
Recent reports have warned of a ‘mortgage bomb’ that could blow up - and a growing number of people unable to pay back debts. Is the story as explosive as some headlines would have you believe?
These days the platforms that pump news round the internet make more money out of it than the media who make it. In Australia they’ve done deals to ensure the media get more. Now the government also wants big fines for platforms publishing falsehoods. How will that work? And what’s the story here?
Warnings of a 'mortgage bomb' about to blow up; Australia puts big tech' under more pressure; Mary Holm's 25 years with readers and writers.
Mary Holm's been writing about personal finance weekly for the same paper for more than 25 years. But she tells Mediawatch it's really the readers who have kept it going.
In this week's Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Mark Leishman about the Greens' entire manifesto crowded out by coverage of a single law and order tweak from Act . Also a Mediawatch mess-up; a sub-par speed limit story; more BBC presenter problems, commentators cheering Cane's kick (or was it a trip?) and remembering Steve Orsbourn.
The New Zealand Herald column Sideswipe ended in May after a 21-year run. Its creator attributes its longevity to good curation and building a community.
100 days to go; unknown Luxon; Listener goes online and brings back NZ's longest lasting columnist; confusing news on the economy.
Political reporters often say people need to get to know National leader Christopher Luxon. But he's ubiquitous in the media and has been in the job 18 months. Is it possible he's unknowable? Or is it time to retire the narrative?
Midweek Mediawatch - Colin Peacock talks to Mark Leishman about the reaction to two politicians who both filled the front page of The Post this past week: cabinet minister Kiri Allan and Wellington mayor Tory Whanau. Also: the PM dodges a China crisis - and intense coverage of petrol pump pain.
A new report says the arts and culture get just half of the space in our media that's devoted to sport. Mediawatch asks a leading local culture critic if the arts are just a 'nice to have' for our media now - and why he's warned cultural criticism could disappear with the older Pākehā blokes like him.
Dolphins mating in a prime-time TV documentary was deemed a breach of broadcasting standards this week by the broadcasting watchdog - but dismissing official information and experts on air during Cyclone Gabrielle was not.
The shock of the news - and a critical shortage in the state of the arts; TVNZ top-table changes; reserving the right to be wrong - even in an emergency.
In this week's Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Mark Leishman about a titanic amount of coverage of the Titan submersible tragedy. Also: complaints about an unfair focus on Christopher Luxon; a harsh headline for Michael Wood; media caning Chiefs' captain for post-defeat no-show - and a tonally jarring lifestyle mag on the supermarket shelves.
A scoop revealing that ethnicity is factored into Auckland-region surgery waiting lists sparked strong reactions against ‘race-based healthcare’ and claims that Māori and Pacific patients were “getting to the front of the surgery queue.” But it turned out to be nothing new - and the formula might actually mean patients’ ethnic background has less impact on waitlist positioning.
Most publications would never dream of running advertising for free, or publishing a highly ideological press release verbatim, but they may do so if the same information is presented in the form of research or study results.
A leading local, award-winning and proudly-independent radio station based in Whakatāne has changed hands after more than 50 years on air. We ask the boss who’s been there for most of them: is it the end of an era?
Surgery, equality and equity; starling survey results score easy exposure; independent local radio pioneer 1XX changes hands - but the mission remains the same.
Midweek Mediawatch - Colin Peacock talks to Mark Leishman about a ‘tough on crime’ policy triggering media - after ‘Mad Max’ Mongrel Mob scenes in the news. Also: media war-gaming the election too soon; a political column winding back the news; problems that scrapped a big newspaper story emerge - and the ‘grandfather of whistleblowing’ dies.
Mediawatch looks at the response to the revelation of 'inappropriate editing' of online world news at RNZ - and asks two experts what may come out of the investigation into how it happened. Also: Mediawatch asks about claims that state-sponsored offshore disinformation campaigns could be undermining our media.
In this week's Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Anna Thomas about RNZ's 'pro-Russia edits' saga now extending stories about other countries - and a newspaper's feature story that fell short of standards. Also: one RNZ host leaves the broadcaster while another returns to air; the intense focus on political party leaders' 'rinky dink' phrases - and what they say off-message; the media war over Australia's most famous soldier- and whether people can weather the long forecasts.
Crime is set to be a big election year issue, with polls showing the public feels unsafe and the opposition claiming the government is 'soft' on offending. A pair of Herald journalists have tried to get to the truth behind the political jousting.
How stories about the war in Ukraine ended up with a pro-Russian slant on RNZ's website; reports of crime are on the up but does the story change when reporters run the numbers before running a story?
RNZ is investigating how online stories about the war in Ukraine, supplied by an international news agency, were edited to align with the Russian view of events. A staff member has been stood down while other stories are audited. It's also prompted an external review of RNZ's online news publishing.
Midweek Mediawatch - Colin Peacock talks to Tod Zaner about Auckland mayor Wayne Brown antagonising the media . . . again; a shake-up of Stuff's top brass; TVNZ boosting free-to-air sport; a dead radio station winning three national awards; Nicky Hager honoured for lifting the lid on secrets.
In this week's Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Mark Leishman about racist abuse of journalists and the potential for more of it in a toxic election campaign. Also: an eyebrow-raising Media Council decision; two enduring magazines changing hands; exclusive coverage of awards that excludes other award winners - and some surprising talkback debate about cycling.
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One press conference question at a Prime Ministerial summit kicked off a wave of social media scorn this week - and even criticism and international headlines about sexism. But media made a better fist of the awkward questions thrown up by parents withholding consent for the treatment of their sick baby and their supporters.
For more than 30 years the nation's independent producers have been able to bid for money from the public purse to make programmes via New Zealand on Air. But from next year, the new public media entity that replaces RNZ and TVNZ will hold the purse strings for the bulk of the taxpayers' money - and they're anxious about it. But if there's more money available for the stuff they make, what's the problem?
Handling awkward questions; programme-makers anxious about public media project; why Stuff journalists walked off the job.
Journalism’s never been an especially well-paid job, except for a few bosses and stars in big jobs at the top end. But industrial action is rare - and no journalists at major news media have gone on strike here for almost a decade and half. Why did some Stuff reporters walk off the job this week and picket their own premises?
Midweek Mediawatch: Colin Peacock talk to Karyn Hay about how the media responded to anger about violent crime and death of dairy worker Janak Patel. Also: journalists walking off the job; the rise of 'angertainment'; a new local series asking existential questions; unexpected media moments from the controversial Qatar World Cup.
The latest global climate policy summit in Egypt failed to create binding agreements on emissions reduction. But COP 27 did pave the way for compensating countries bearing the brunt of climate change. Commentators in our media were quick to claim 'COP was a flop' and proof that big international gatherings of governments and institutions are a waste of time and taxpayers' money.
COP 27 climate coverage cop outs; blowing the whistle on 'normalised' corruption in world sport; relapse reports upset gang-based rehab programme.
A controversial gang-led drug rehab project funded by seized proceeds of crime was back in the news recently, thanks to headlines that highlighted the proportion of participants relapsing. That prompted critics to condemn it as a failure. Was that fair?
Qatar’s ‘sports-washing’ World Cup has backfired in PR terms, but it's taken the heat off world football’s corrupted governing body FIFA who gave it a green light in the first place. Mediawatch talks to a whistleblower who became a journalist and publisher herself to get the story out.
In this week's edition of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about a blizzard of commentary about Christopher Luxon's performance, Chinese state-sponsored propaganda in the Herald, and a respected Stuff reporter turning to climate coverage.
The FIFA World Cup in Qatar was already controversial before this weekend’s kick-off. Organisers have told the media to ‘focus on the football’ but human rights, workers’ suffering and and allegations of corruption in securing the tournament in the first place are impossible to ignore. Will media draw attention to that while the planet’s best players are on show?
Opposition to agricultural reforms gets a wide airing in the media, along with protest and lobby groups fighting the corner against ‘unworkable regulations.’ But farming industry groups - and many farmers - also know adaptation and compromise is inevitable. Mediawatch talks to the editor of Farmers Weekly, whose views end up in the mailbox of almost every farm in the land.
Media wrestle with 'sportswashing' Qatar's World Cup; framing farming's big issues via the mailbox; politics pundit calls it quits.
Midweek Mediawatch:Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about a sporting victory that stirred emotions - and calls for a level playing field. Also: Stuff staff push back at bosses; an exploding whale anniversary - and is social media’s social impact overstated? (Warning: contains traces of peanuts . . .)
A decade ago our biggest newspaper publisher made an ill-fated deal to send its almost all of its entire archive of photos offshore to be digitised. They never came back - and now their LA-based owner has put them on the market online, hoping a buyer will put them in public hands.
The Herald - and its publisher NZME - has embarked on a months-long series to push back at short-term thinking and political tribalism holding back the post-Covid recovery. Mediawatch asks the driving forces of ‘Rebuilding Better’ how that can be done - and if that means confronting some of the shrillest voices on NZME’s own platforms.
Amid a barrage of criticism from across the political spectrum, Elon Musk reached for a defence beloved by editors and journalists.
The Herald's bid to confront big national issues and 'Rebuild Better'; annoying left and right wing doesn't mean doing the right thing; irreplaceable images from papers past on the block.
Midweek Mediawatch - Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Nights. Colin Peacock talked to Karyn Hay about the Labour Party’s conference overshadowed by the latest TV opinion poll - and reporters’ fixation on the party leaders. Also: Winston Peters slams our media offshore; more reactions, reports and revelations about the new public media entity.
Journalists have long suffered the scorn of the public, rating as poorly as the politicians they report on – and used car sellers – when it comes to trustworthiness. But what New Zealand journalists are actually like is rarely examined. Mediawatch looks at the findings from the biggest-ever survey of our media people.
The new justice minister has said name suppression in our courts “is not working” because it’s granted too often to people with the means to make a strong bid for it. That puts Kiri Allan on the same page as the media which want greater freedom to report details of court cases of public interest. But would that also jeopardise the right to fair trial?
Minister and media puts pressure on name suppression; who are New Zealand's journalists today?
Midweek Mediawatch - Hayden Donnell talks to Charlotte Ryan about how the media handle politicians' photo opportunities - and one politician keeping the media at arm's length. Also - unprecedented scrutiny of the tech titans as Musk takes control of Twitter and Zuckerberg suffers a sudden slide in Facebook’s fortune . . . and Charlotte Ryan held to account for teasing her own followers.
NZ Rugby was panned for overlapping the Black Ferns and the All Blacks on the pitch - and on TV - at the same time this weekend - but it wasn’t the first international double-up during the Women’s Rugby World Cup. Meanwhile, some top Auckland schools don’t want their top players on TV any more at all.
Pundits and presenters aired excitable opinions about the possibility - or probability according to some - that Jacinda Ardern would quit while she was ahead before the next election. It's a re-run of this time last year, when the same source-less speculation filled columns and airtime - and ended up wide of the mark.
A recent revival of local prime-time TV documentaries has highlighted some thorny social issues and raised awkward questions about justice and equality. Among them was a revealing investigation this week showing the cost of white-collar crime dwarfs that of welfare fraud, but draws lighter punishments and gets a lot less scrutiny in the media than the kind of crimes that play out in public.
PM's exit speculation goes another round; a doco revival spotlights crime and justice; on the overlap: rugby TV clashes create controversy.
Midweek Mediawatch: Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about the media in overdrive over the UK’s political drama; more PR problems in the push for the new public media entity and a talk radio host censured for being mean to a teenager - and who went on to insult an entire country this week.
This week's five-yearly meeting of the Chinese Communist Party signposted China's economic and foreign policy for the foreseeable future under President Xi Jinping. That's a big deal for trading nations like ours, but propaganda, vested interests and media restrictions make the coverage difficult and confusing.
Bard-gate; on the sidelines of big news in China; chaotic politics sparks crude comebacks - and decency dilemmas.
The political turmoil in the UK sparked some spectacular emotional reactions - and language not normally fit for broadcast. Meanwhile, one radio host here was pondering just what words should be used on the air and in political interviews.
In this week's edition of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about a misleading and sometimes fact-free media uproar over a small arts grant, new developments in the Kamahl Santamaria saga, and regional reporting cutbacks at Stuff.
Settling on a scheme to charge for agricultural emissions has taken 20 years of consultation, compromise and scientific research - and agriculture’s leading lobby groups were partners in the process. But obstinate objections and contestable claims from loud outsiders got pride of place in some media this week.
Kris Faafoi masterminded the public media merger that’s now in train, before quitting politics to spend more time with his family last June. Now he wants to spend more time with government again, lobbying for commercial clients. Critics complained about a 'revolving door' between lobbying and government, but the media is part of the equation too.
Once again the local elections were plagued by low voter turnout and a lack of engagement. Is the media coverage, or lack thereof, contributing to the problem - and what can it do to help?
Heated emissions from media on greenhouse gas charging plan; the media and the low, low, local election turnout; ex-media minister's hasty move to lobbying.
Midweek Mediawatch: Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about the fallout from the local elections - Mayor Brown keeping media at arm's length: Also - Women's Rugby World Cup media fever, in spite of competition; speculation about who will lead the new public media entity next year - and Liz Truss as a lettuce.
Media execs aired their angst about the government’s public media plan in parliamentary hearings this week - and the commercial clout TVNZ will bring to the new entity. TVNZ’s Simon Power talks to Mediawatch about what needs to change, rivals’ fears of its commercial clout - and FBoy Island as a symbol of incompatible cultures.
FBoy Island controversy; TVNZ's boss on the concerns about the public media merger aired on Parliamentary hearings; can epic-scale social media platforms be hacked down to size?
The world’s richest person put US$44 billion to make Twitter his personal property. Social media pioneer Evan Henshaw-Plath - who co-founded Twitter’s forerunner Odeo - is now here in New Zealand trying to break down the big social platforms. But if they are worth billions of dollars because they have billions of users - isn’t a bit late for that?
In this week's edition of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about journalists coming under fire from the subjects of their stories and an unsurprising scandal over a TVNZ reality show.
Two new pieces of reporting have added context and depth to the headlines blaring about a youth crime wave.
This week a Parliamentary committee heard concerns from other media companies about the new public media entity, as opposition attacks on the cost of it intensified. Meanwhile a significant funding shift for local content came to light, revealing further tensions and uncertainties.
More rancour on the road to a new public media entity; youth crime facts and headlines don't match; Christchurch Call digs deep into algorithms.
New Zealand is leading a bid to break open social media’s secret algorithms as part of The Christchurch Call response, with backing from some big tech outfits. But without input from the biggest ones, will it undercut the extremism on social media platforms? Mediawatch asks a social media pioneer who founded the forerunner of Twitter, but now wants to break the power of the big platforms.
Midweek Mediawatch: Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about developments in the progress of a new public media entity, and where the money for the content will come from. Also: a couple of awkward on-air interviews that sparked complaints. Were they unfair - or just a bit mean?
Midweek Mediawatch: Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about developments in the progress of a new public media entity, and where the money for the content will come from. Also: a couple of awkward on-air interviews that sparked complaints. Were they unfair - or just a bit mean?
Midweek Mediawatch: Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about developments in the progress of a new public media entity, and where the money for the content will come from. Also: a couple of awkward on-air interviews that sparked complaints. Were they unfair - or just a bit mean?
Journalists are shining a light on our legal system, revealing some important cases and systemic problems. They're doing so in the face of impediments inside the courts and uncertainty about where the money to pay for the reporting will come from.
Journalists are shining a light on our legal system, revealing some important cases and systemic problems. They're doing so in the face of impediments inside the courts and uncertainty about where the money to pay for the reporting will come from.
Journalists are shining a light on our legal system, revealing some important cases and systemic problems. They're doing so in the face of impediments inside the courts and uncertainty about where the money to pay for the reporting will come from.
A long Anglican church service bookended by mostly-military parades became possibly the most-watched event in media history this week. But many media outlets struggled with what the Queen’s funeral really meant to different people around the planet.
A long Anglican church service bookended by mostly-military parades became possibly the most-watched event in media history this week. But many media outlets struggled with what the Queen’s funeral really meant to different people around the planet.
A long Anglican church service bookended by mostly-military parades became possibly the most-watched event in media history this week. But many media outlets struggled with what the Queen’s funeral really meant to different people around the planet.
QE2, queues and cultural cues; the push for open justice; minister prods TVNZ over public media progress; 'tis the season for tomato angst.
QE2, queues and cultural cues; the push for open justice; minister prods TVNZ over public media progress; 'tis the season for tomato angst.
QE2, queues and cultural cues; the push for open justice; minister prods TVNZ over public media progress; 'tis the season for tomato angst.
In this week's edition of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about the deluge of coverage of the death of Queen Elizabeth - and the not exactly full and frank release of an investigation into National MP Sam Uffindell's past misdemeanours.
In this week's edition of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about the deluge of coverage of the death of Queen Elizabeth - and the not exactly full and frank release of an investigation into National MP Sam Uffindell's past misdemeanours.
In this week's edition of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about the deluge of coverage of the death of Queen Elizabeth - and the not exactly full and frank release of an investigation into National MP Sam Uffindell's past misdemeanours.
There’s mounting pressure on tech titans Google and Facebook to pay local news media to carry their news online. Google has already done deals with some for its News Showcase, but other big names in news are still trying to get the platforms to pay - and the government’s hinting it could force the issue soon.
There’s mounting pressure on tech titans Google and Facebook to pay local news media to carry their news online. Google has already done deals with some for its News Showcase, but other big names in news are still trying to get the platforms to pay - and the government’s hinting it could force the issue soon.
There’s mounting pressure on tech titans Google and Facebook to pay local news media to carry their news online. Google has already done deals with some for its News Showcase, but other big names in news are still trying to get the platforms to pay - and the government’s hinting it could force the issue soon.
A headline in the Dominion Post this week claimed there was “a clear favourite” among the candidates for Wellington’s Mayor in a “straw poll” capital’s daily itself had run online. But it acknowledged its result was entirely unscientific - and a proper poll out this weekend has a different result.
A headline in the Dominion Post this week claimed there was “a clear favourite” among the candidates for Wellington’s Mayor in a “straw poll” capital’s daily itself had run online. But it acknowledged its result was entirely unscientific - and a proper poll out this weekend has a different result.
A headline in the Dominion Post this week claimed there was “a clear favourite” among the candidates for Wellington’s Mayor in a “straw poll” capital’s daily itself had run online. But it acknowledged its result was entirely unscientific - and a proper poll out this weekend has a different result.
Pressure on the platforms to pay for news; a sketchy political poll that ruffled feathers in the capital; photographers recall the Queen.
Pressure on the platforms to pay for news; a sketchy political poll that ruffled feathers in the capital; photographers recall the Queen.
Pressure on the platforms to pay for news; a sketchy political poll that ruffled feathers in the capital; photographers recall the Queen.
Midweek Mediawatch: Colin Peacock talked to Karyn Hay about the continuing coverage of the Queen’s death as her funeral approaches. Also: a primetime and publicly-funded documentary about a star journalist’s personal te reo journey and reactions to the plan for more Māori content across our media.
Midweek Mediawatch: Colin Peacock talked to Karyn Hay about the continuing coverage of the Queen’s death as her funeral approaches. Also: a primetime and publicly-funded documentary about a star journalist’s personal te reo journey and reactions to the plan for more Māori content across our media.
Midweek Mediawatch: Colin Peacock talked to Karyn Hay about the continuing coverage of the Queen’s death as her funeral approaches. Also: a primetime and publicly-funded documentary about a star journalist’s personal te reo journey and reactions to the plan for more Māori content across our media.
The media planned for the death of Queen Elizabeth the Second for many years, but when came it still upended the media - and the audience - in a way no other news could. And it also forced media to confront awkward questions about the future at a moment of heightened emotions.
The media planned for the death of Queen Elizabeth the Second for many years, but when came it still upended the media - and the audience - in a way no other news could. And it also forced media to confront awkward questions about the future at a moment of heightened emotions.
The media planned for the death of Queen Elizabeth the Second for many years, but when came it still upended the media - and the audience - in a way no other news could. And it also forced media to confront awkward questions about the future at a moment of heightened emotions.
After four years, two reviews and one big false start, a long-awaited strategy for the future of MÄori broadcasting has been agreed by Cabinet, following substantial boosts to its budget in the last two years. But it’s still far from clear exactly how things will change - and when - for viewers listeners and readers.
After four years, two reviews and one big false start, a long-awaited strategy for the future of MÄori broadcasting has been agreed by Cabinet, following substantial boosts to its budget in the last two years. But it’s still far from clear exactly how things will change - and when - for viewers listeners and readers.
After four years, two reviews and one big false start, a long-awaited strategy for the future of MÄori broadcasting has been agreed by Cabinet, following substantial boosts to its budget in the last two years. But it’s still far from clear exactly how things will change - and when - for viewers listeners and readers.
This week Colin Peacock begins by looking at how media here and overseas reacted to the death of Queen Elizabeth the Second. He also looks at the reaction to a new government plan for Maori media - and Lotto coming under scrutiny.
This week Colin Peacock begins by looking at how media here and overseas reacted to the death of Queen Elizabeth the Second. He also looks at the reaction to a new government plan for Maori media - and Lotto coming under scrutiny.
This week Colin Peacock begins by looking at how media here and overseas reacted to the death of Queen Elizabeth the Second. He also looks at the reaction to a new government plan for Maori media - and Lotto coming under scrutiny.
Lotto has a lot of players, but not a lot of media scrutiny in the media compared to forms of gambling - even at a time when our spending on it is soaring. A new investigation shows people who can ill-afford it are spending more, but big decisions by our national gambling outfit have barely been reported.
Lotto has a lot of players, but not a lot of media scrutiny in the media compared to forms of gambling - even at a time when our spending on it is soaring. A new investigation shows people who can ill-afford it are spending more, but big decisions by our national gambling outfit have barely been reported.
Lotto has a lot of players, but not a lot of media scrutiny in the media compared to forms of gambling - even at a time when our spending on it is soaring. A new investigation shows people who can ill-afford it are spending more, but big decisions by our national gambling outfit have barely been reported.
Midweek Mediawatch: Hayden Donnell talked to Bryan Crump about a TVNZ emergency housing expose that also raised questions about coverage of the issue - and how the Herald set the record straight on a headline-making lockdown breach last year. Also - a Mediawatch prediction that fell flat - and breaking news about Bryan himself.
Midweek Mediawatch: Hayden Donnell talked to Bryan Crump about a TVNZ emergency housing expose that also raised questions about coverage of the issue - and how the Herald set the record straight on a headline-making lockdown breach last year. Also - a Mediawatch prediction that fell flat - and breaking news about Bryan himself.
Midweek Mediawatch: Hayden Donnell talked to Bryan Crump about a TVNZ emergency housing expose that also raised questions about coverage of the issue - and how the Herald set the record straight on a headline-making lockdown breach last year. Also - a Mediawatch prediction that fell flat - and breaking news about Bryan himself.
Commercial media companies fear the new public media entity replacing RNZ and TVNZ will be greater than the sum of those two parts. The draft legislation obliges Aotearoa New Zealand Public Media to “collaborate” with them - but the owner of the biggest local news producer, Stuff, says no-one knows what that means and the law must define its role and responsibilities properly.
The GST tweak to Kiwisaver fees that hit the headlines this week was a not bad idea, according to some experts. But the change that was buried in a dense Bill of tax tweaks got dumped in less that a day after it was brought to light by the media.
While many big businesses are still posting big profits, workers and consumers are being squeezed by the economic downturn - and industrial unrest is on the rise. One business journalist tells Mediawatch reporting now needs to apply the same scrutiny it brings to politics to our businesses and their leaders.
Media backlash sparks tax tweak backflip; taking a more sceptical stance for business; Stuff's Sinead Boucher - on the outside of the public media push; rugby media stuck in a rut by repeated defeats.
The All Backs' win in Hamilton on Saturday will have steadied the nerves of the players, the coach and NZ Rugby - not too mention overwrought fans, pundits and commentators who reacted badly in the wake of the historic away win for Los Pumas last weekend with another wave of angst on air and in print.
Midweek Mediawatch - Mediawatch’s weekly catch-up with Lately.
Colin Peacock talked to Karyn Hay about yet another All Black rugby-pocalypse playing out in the media; conspiracy candidates under the media's local election lens - and the death of Diana 25 years ago, when breaking news spread much more slowly.
The comedy current affairs of self-styled ‘volunteer journalist’ Guy Williams made real news recently when his now-notorious interview with Auckland mayoral hopeful Leo Molloy aired on TV. He’s also confronted conspiracy theorists on his show New Zealand Today. But a suit and a mic don't make him a journalist.
The legislation for our new public media entity is now before Parliament - but the clock’s ticking on public input. This week media executives, experts and some legal eagles cast their eye over it - and they want changes to protect its independence and make it match the promises of the government's policy.
Pushback on public media legislation; Guy Williams - comedian caught up in current affairs; radio interview opportunities for PM go begging.
Today FM’s Tova O’Brien said recently - tongue in cheek - it was easier to get President Zelenskiy in Ukraine on her show than our own leader. Her colleague Lloyd Burr got no response when he wanted her on a Today FM podcast about Labour's leaders. They're not the only ones at the network waiting in vain for Jacinda Arden to get in touch . . .
In this week's edition of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about wild weather reporting, and a political conclusion of sorts to what media called the 'Sharma drama' - which also the swung the spotlight onto poliitcians' attitude to the Official Information Act.
He's said plenty in the media, they've said as little as possible (on the record, at least). That's left media weighing up whether MP-gone-rogue Dr Sharma has really lifted the lid on serous bullying - or just reacted badly to the oversight and occasional coercion that's part and parcel of politics in a governing party. Meanwhile, his claims that MPs have been coached to frustrate official information requests have piqued the particular interest of the media.
A notorious white supremacist hit the headlines this week by seeking a spot on his local school board. Amid reports of a shortage of candidates for some local bodies, media have begun probing the affiliations of some standing in upcoming elections - and pondering the prospects of fringe political parties becoming a national force in 2023.
This week, a documentary from Stuff Circuit delved into the country's growing extreme far-right and anti-vax movement. Why did the makers of Fire & Fury decide to platform a group of conspiracy-minded idealogues, and what did it get right that others got wrong?
Dr Sharma's political drama played out in the press; media zero in on candidates from the fringes; 'Fire and Fury' confronts conundrum of how to cover conspiracists.
Mediawatch’s weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about Kiwi reporters on the ground in Ukraine to see the effects of war first-hand. Also: reporters’ relationship with rugby management sinks to a new low in South Africa - and Leo Molloy blames media after scrapping his tilt at the mayor’s job.
One MP’s past misbehaviour put pressure on National - then another claimed bullying was rife in Labour during what turned into an expectedly turbulent week in party politics for the media. But even before all that hit the headlines, the media made a big deal out of minor political missteps that few people cared about.
Has the media focus on political failings become just too intense? A new book lifting the lid on the National Party in opposition has revealed more about the struggles, scandals and scraps that were heavily reported at the time. Mediawatch asks a former political reporter who dug into Labour’s years in The Wilderness what we learn from political post-mortems like these.
The Kiwi contingent at the The Commonwealth Games headed home from Birmingham this week with a record number of medals. Patriots in the press were pumped up, but did we really punch above our weight in a tournament one critic called 'The $2 shop Olympics'?
Media pile pressure on over MPs misbehaviour and mis-steps; political post-mortems and lessons from the past; punching above our Commonwealth weight?
In this week's Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about the media copping flak for how they handled MP Sam Uffindell's past misdeeds, a pair of great documentaries on student life - and why a defunct offshore outlet 's getting big bucks from the government to talk to our youth about relationships.
The government came under fire over some misdirected cost of living payments this week, but the more enduring story might be who didn't get paid, rather than who did.
Two government agencies have revealed mounting concern about the intensity and the impact of online misinformation - and prompted loud calls for government action. But behind the scenes the government’s already reviewing how to regulate media content to better protect us from ‘harm’ online - and the mega-profitable digital platforms are heading in new directions.
The cost of living cash controversy; calls for action over malicious misinformation - and the government review already underway.
Midweek Mediawatch: Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about scurrilous rumours that hit one media company in the pocket - and also amped up calls to curb social media misinformation, just as our media minister signaled his concern. Also: ‘absolute scenes’ from a headline making, barrier-breaking football tournament that wasn't screened on TV here.
Parliament’s press pack and political pundits alike made a big deal of Greens’ grass roots dissent undermining James Shaw’s leadership after last week’s AGM. But only a few of the many reports and commentaries sounded out the people at the heart of the issue.
The Bill setting out the role and obligations of the new public media entity easily passed its first reading in Parliament this week. Members of the public can finally have their say on the plan formed behind-closed-doors when a Parliamentary committee scrutinises the Aotearoa New Zealand Public Media Bill over the next six months.
A media report this week suggested TVNZ allowing some personalities to promote products online could cause conflicts of interest - and pose a problem in future within the new media entity replacing the broadcaster. But the strongest concern about that came from a surprising source.
Revolt among Greens' grass roots excites media; new public media legislation takes another step; conflict of interest claims; shock of the news - the art of short, sharp theme tunes.
What makes a good tune to go with the news today? Big, bold and bombastic? Subtle and smooth? Trad or mod? Mediawatch asks a journalist with world’s biggest collection of news theme music - and get his picks of the world's best and worst.
In this week's edition of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Bryan Crump about a big resignation at TVNZ, media outlets getting it right on climate coverage, news stories vanishing without trace, and Christopher Luxon's Hawaiian holiday timeline tangle.
Why did criticism of a modest sum spent on a single mini-documentary made two years ago suddenly spring up in the news in two national networks this week - and then disappear?
An effort to shield the under-fire All Blacks coach from a media mauling last weekend fired up commentators already cranky about the high-handedness of rugby bosses. But given the intensity of some media calls for heads to roll, Mediawatch asks a veteran sportswriter if the move made sense.
Media go in boots 'n' all on All Blacks coach - and comms; latest women's sports coverage stats reveal good and bad news ;criticism of mini-doco funding hits a dead end
In this week's edition of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about an outpouring of grief and opprobrium following the All Blacks' home series loss to Ireland, an uproar over a comedian's venture into political coverage, and a threat to free speech we hardly talk about.
Covid has now killed around 1700 people in New Zealand, but much of our news reporting and commentary has focused on how we're learning to live with the virus. Why is there such a mismatch between the media coverage about "moving on", and the reality of a pandemic that's inflicting more suffering and death than ever before?
Property prices are sliding after decades of big returns for investors - and property stories and ads have been highly profitable for the media in that time too. Recent warnings the ‘one way bet' on property could be a thing of the past have made headlines - but property investors with a media presence are still saying it's safe as houses.
Sick and tired of the Covid sickness; property price predictions run hot in the media; the rugby clash that didn't make headlines.
The men in green won in a classic decider this weekend - after a win last weekend in which two men in black were carded after clashes of heads. Rugby writers and fans here complained the rules spoiled the spectacle - but overseas coverage carried much more concern about brand new rules to protect players’ brains being flouted.
In this week's Midweek Mediawatch, Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about an unvaccinated nurses intervening in the current crisis in healthcare - and another batch of journalism jobs and content funded from the public purse. Also: a road rage TV show pulled off the air - and a blunt assessment of a TVNZ dating show yet to screen.
There‘s plenty of worrying news around at the moment - alongside crisis claims in the media about imminent economic recession and even collective national depression. Are the media helping us identify the structural stuff we really need to confront - or over-egging short-term problems that will come right?
Hospitality's acute shortage of workers made headlines again this week after one minister told operators to up their game on pay and conditions. While bosses told media they can’t find workers no matter what they offer, the media couldn't seem to find any workers for their coverage - or useful facts for the audience about what’s on offer.
The bombastic tunes broadcasters use for news become so familiar we barely notice them - until they change. RNZ is being criticised by local musicians and their industry bodies over its decision to outsource the $43,000 contract for new theme music to an Australian outfit.
The worst of times?; Hospo can't find workers - but neither can the media; RNZ changes the tunes for news.
Midweek Mediawatch: Colin Peacock talks to Bryan Crump about a Country Calendar episode some thought was a spoof (it wasn’t) - and satire deployed to tackle two topics that are no laughing matter.
Legislation to create a new public media entity entered Parliament this week. Mediawatch talks to the new broadcasting minister Willie Jackson about how that will work, the future of Māori media - and how he has given mainstream media a hard time as a broadcaster himself down the years.
Some said the US Supreme Court’s controversial ruling on abortion was none of our business, because we don’t have the same legal or political set-up, let alone its religious cleavages and cultural conflicts. Opinion leaders in our media didn't agree - and provoked a significant political response.
Abortion angst in America triggers media reaction here; Willie Jackson: new minister in charge at pivotal media moment.
In this week's Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Bryan Crump about the lessons ZB's Kate Hawkesby learned from a bad bout of Covid - and National leader Christopher Luxon squirming under the media spotlight following the US Supreme Court's decision on abortion.
In the wake of one of our deadliest car crashes, the media upset some by lingering on the aftermath. Pundits and radio hosts claimed costly advertising campaigns came at the cost of safer roads - but deeper reporting revealed the real causes of deaths on our roads are much more complicated.
Draft legislation for a new public media entity was finally made public this week - and the new broadcasting minister also made his first appearance in that role in Parliament. But while MPs were supposed to scrutinise how pumped-up public media funding will be spent, Willie Jackson faced mostly party-political claims of 'buying' the news media.
A platform that promises academic rigour and journalistic flair is marking a major milestone, and making plans for bigger things to come.
Tragic crash sparks muddled media reaction; New public media details revealed - but new Minister faces old questions; The Conversation is five years old.
Midweek Mediawatch: Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about matters of life, death and health in the media lately - the strong reaction to a terrible tragedy on the roads; a follow-up to ‘Patrick Gower on Booze’ - and another TV show seeking to improve our health- ‘Match Fit.’ Also - the curious case of the vanishing BoJo scoop.
“Just a minor reshuffle” the PM said on Monday - angering political reporters and pundits always on the alert for ministerial downfalls. But it was definitely a major for broadcasting, where a minister making more time for his family has made way for a new one who’s given mainstream media a hard time in the past.
Workers and employers took up predictable positions over legislation to usher in Fair Pay Agreements now being scrutinised in Parliament. A concerted campaign to have them declared illegitimate has been labeled as ‘misinformation’ by critics - and it’s given the media a problem too.
A self-styled 'bad boy of Brexit' who promised to make "mayhem and mischief" in politics here has lost a long-running libel case against a journalist who alleged he had ties to Russia. Media freedom advocates are hailing it as a win for journalism. But is it?
'Minor reshuffle' sparks major media reaction; Brexit bad boy's legal loss hailed as media victory; media grapples with misinformation in fierce fair Pay fight
In this week's edition of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Bryan Crump about new revelations on Gloriavale from John Campbell, a deeply personal take on booze culture from Patrick Gower, and the 'soft on crime' narrative that spelled the end for police minister Poto Williams.
Several journalists over the years reported the flaws in the case against Alan Hall, whose conviction for the murder of Arthur Easton was finally quashed this week - 37 years after he was first arrested. Does this show the power of the media to expose wrongful convictions - or the limits?
The Protected Disclosures Act was updated for the first time in 20 years recently with little fanfare or media attention. The government says it better protects whistleblowers who stick their necks out to report wrongdoing where they work - but not if they go so the media to it. Why not? Does this matter?
Miscarriage of justice under the media microscope; whistleblower law leaves media out of the loop; speed limit slowdown revs up radio rancour.
Midweek Mediawatch: Colin Peacock talks to Bryan Crump about a Christopher Luxon profile that fired up critics - and how the Internet turned on Sweden - while the UK got a glut of good global PR from the BBC’s ‘Platty Jubes’.
Presenter Kamahl Santamaria quit TVNZ in scandalous circumstances after just a month on air, making awkward headlines in the news all week. The company's mishandling of the news echoed other dramas from the broadcaster's past.
Despite scientists issuing dire warnings about us being us on a path toward an unliveable world, climate action is often met with shock and concern in the media. This week The Dominion Post decided to flip the script.
TVNZ struggles with Samtamaria saga; photojournalist compiles classic collection for a good cause; Dom Post campaign cuts across car culture to cut emissions.
When former Herald illustrations editor Rob Tucker put out a call for photos to auction for charity, photographers around the country responded with a stunning array of images which will be sold off in September. Not only are they vivid vignettes of our past, they’re also examples of an art form we won’t see again.
In this week's Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Bryan Crump about how TVNZ reporters are covering the sudden resignation of star host Kamahl Santamaria after just one month - and a mauve-tinged rebrand at Stuff.
The government’s planned new Public Media Entity - backed with $109m a year in last week's Budget - was debated in a virtual meeting this week. But beyond expanded public funding for three years, little more is known about how it will be run, by whom and what it will produce.
The Internet hasn’t just disrupted the media business in this millennium so far: it’s transformed it - and, in some cases, overwhelmed it. As he steps down after two decades at Internet NZ, Jordan Carter looks back on how the web has become now the main means of reaching people - and the problems that brings with it.
PM in USA; two decades of Internet disruption; more questions to answer on public media plan; motoring money gives media climate conundrum.
New car sales have never been higher with more being spent on slick ads and sponsorships to make vehicles visible via the media. But for our media that much-needed money jars with commitments to cover the climate emergency. One outlet's drawn a line in the gravel with a clear commitment to give petrol power a swerve. Could others follow?
In this week's edition of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Anna Thomas about some kooky Australian election coverage, a bold new stance on car reviewing from BusinessDesk, a memo from Stuff on the 'C word', and war coverage with a difference from The Listener.
Big tech and social media bosses pledged to eradicate online extremism in Christchurch Call three years ago in Paris - and today they claim atrocities which echo the 15 March massacre don't go viral online anymore. But their algorithms which amplify extremism and radicalise people in the first place still operate unchecked.
After months of behind-closed-doors planning, Budget 2022 has at last put some fresh figures for the government's planned public media entity into the public domain. The increase in public funding is substantial, but the precise mix of commercial and public revenue is still unclear - as is the future beyond 2026.
Slaves to the algorithm - big tech's mathematical maximising of engagement undermines the Christchurch Call three years on; Budget 2022 - public media entity's funding finally made public; Budget 2022 - more for Maori media, but where's the strategy?
Māori media got a $40m boost in Budget 2022, following a similar increase to fund more content and jobs last year. But where the strategic review of the Māori media sector that kicked off nearly four years ago?
This week Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about coverage of the climate change budget within a 'Budget'. Also: a local paper cartoon condemned as racist; health workers' ongoing disputes - and is this country really listed among the worst for labour law breaches?
Sean Plunket has launched a new news outlet for himself - and other broadcasters edged out of talk radio in recent years. The Platform proudly proclaims it's editorially and financially free from any government influence and finance - and is urging listeners to ‘join the resistance.’ Mediawatch looks back on its first week of live output and asks the founder if it's really any different to what’s already on the air.
Re- Platformed - Sean Plunket launches new live outlet urging listeners to 'join the resistance'; outgoing censor on plans to re-jig regulation of media content.
The Chief Censor’s Office used to worry about the odd boundary-pushing book, film or video game. These days it's extreme stuff published online that forms the bulk of the work. David Shanks leaves the top job as the government embarks on a re-jig of regulating all media content to “better protect us from harm.” Could that compromise the media’s fundamental freedoms?
In this week's Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about iffy info about the new Dr Who, a journalist making a change in policy on climate change; and an article echoing homeowners' fears of new houses - alongside one lifting the lid on the damp reality of renting rotten old ones.
Recent reports about gangs and an upswing in gun crime echo a similar panic 25 years ago which prompted a political backlash and hasty changes in the law. A new report looking back at that says most changes didn't work - and the media was part of the problem.
Anyone reading the headlines on ram raids in recent weeks could be forgiven for thinking youth crime has hit crisis levels. But data shows that's not the case, and some say the media could do better at putting the robberies in context.
A year ago, the country’s top cop show - Police Ten-7 - was under fire for racial stereotyping. The show's makers rejected that - and so did their partners in the Police. But broadcaster TVNZ ran a review and re-formatted the show as a result. It was back on air this week. What's changed?
Headlines about youth crime surging and ramraids distort true picture; a warning from history over gangs-and-guns coverage; top TV cop show back after racial stereotyping review.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about taxing the rich becoming a hot topic for political reporters - and one who says it's time to cut out 'rule it out' questions. Also: Simon Bridges bowing out with a shot at the media, a poll picking out public suspicion about public funds for private media, tough times for data journalism - and two Kiwi sportswomen telling it like it is.
Some are already calling the invasion of Ukraine a turning point in world history. How we react is shaped by the media coverage - and most of what we get comes from outlets in countries that have taken sides. Does this matter? And how are both sides making the media a part of the battle plans? Mediawatch asks two offshore experts in international journalism and conflict.
In this week's edition of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about a murderers' row of interviews for National leader Christopher Luxon and the free speech implications of Elon Musk's Twitter takeover.
Two years ago this week the country's media chiefs told MPs Covid had crushed their cashflow and the viability of the news media was in doubt. Two years later, Mediawatch asks one boss: is the crisis all over now? Also - Tracey Martin, newly appointed as the chair of the transitional board forming the new public media entity - and Mike Noon, the main voice for motorists in the media for a decade and half.
Midweek Mediawatch - Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about an Aussie politician whose ‘Google it, mate’ riposte to a reporter’s ‘gotcha’ question struck a chord recently - and the otherwise invisible (so far) Aussie election. Also: how some media seized on an off-the-cuff comment on public transport - and dumped on the Te Huia train.
‘Not worth the paper it’s printed on' is a common jibe at sub-standard journalism - but paper’s worth a lot these days and one of our biggest printing plants has closed citing shortages offshore. How did that happen in a country full of trees? And where does it leave local publications that struggled through the Covid crisis?
The easing of restrictions on pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants after the Covid traffic light went 'Orange' this week was celebrated by media urging us to 'put on our dancing shoes'. Owners and industry reps' approval was also front and centre - but not the people working at the front desk or front line.
Print and paper problems for publishers; missing voices as media mark the orange traffic light switch; MP's exit excites media.
Louisa Wall left Parliament this week after condemning the colleagues who manoeuvred her out as a candidate - and telling the media the PM didn't want her as a minister or an MP. Several pundits and political reporters insisted this was a sign of wider rancour in the ranks of the government and intolerance of dissent. But that wasn't where the real public interest lay.
Midweek Mediawatch: Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about alternative approaches to stories about our housing and transport problems - and news media getting a green light to try and get Facebook and Google around the table.
Last year the biggest annual survey of Kiwis’ trust in news found it was on the slide, though it wasn’t quite clear why. Since then there’s been plenty of anti-media sentiment at anti-government protests - and record levels of online misinformation misleading ever more people. So what's the story now?
The media has for the most part accepted climate change is a crisis, and time is running out to implement fixes. But climate solutions, particularly when it comes to transport and housing, are still often framed in the most negative terms.
Planes, trains and automobiles vs. climate change; measuring media trust gets tricky with sus pickups minds; pundit's claim of compromised coverage undermined.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately on RNZ National. Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about new moves in the ‘post-Covid’ media; a new job for John Campbell; and an unusual censorship decision here that’s made headlines overseas.
Google and Facebook have distributed New Zealand media outlets' news online for years - for free. Local media companies joined forces last year in a bid to get them to pay for it. But one of the biggest - NZME - has now pulled the rug out from under it by doing its own deals.
Online abuse of politicians is on the rise - especially for women, including the PM and local councilors. This week one was able to unmask her anonymous abuser and the media played a part. But this weekend The Dominion Post showed vividly that there's plenty more where that came from - and the media face awkward choices about online trolling designed to damage political opponents.
Pushback against the upswing of political nastiness; NZME undermines collective bid to confront tech titans; Today FM's Dallas Gurney .
Before its launch, the boss of new talk station Today FM promised a new approach eschewing anger and antagonism just for the sake of engagement. The first fortnight's been a mix of some of that - as well as some old-school contrarianism from hosts notorious for it in the past. Mediawatch asks Dallas Gurney where it's all heading.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately on RNZ National. Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about TVNZ keeping allies abandoned in Afghanistan on the agenda; a revealing front page exclusive with a fallen sports star; and the Oscars slap heard - and seen - around the world.
Even after the government announced it was relaxing Covid restrictions on Wednesday, business leaders responded with a familiar call for more freedom. But looser restrictions haven't shored up their bottom line so far - and some businesses aren't comfortable with the dominant media narrative.
MediaWorks launched its latest talk radio network this week - Today FM - promising a constructive approach in contrast with its predecessors and its rivals. It sounds like an upgrade, but there’s still plenty of opinionated bluster for familiar names from the past. Mediawatch listens in on the first week.
Covid countermeasures canned amid chorus of commentators urging us to 'open up'; new talk station offers new approach - but also same old bluster; new TV channels add entertainment options.
In this week's edition of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about a good start for Tova O'Brien and a not-so-good one for Duncan Garner on new talk station Today FM - and the weekend papers airing more of the grievances of the Covid convoy crowd at Parliament.
After the media seized on 'pain at the pump' the PM was pressed to concede sudden spikes in prices constituted 'a crisis.' She eventually did, but - like a pricey petrol - that only gets us so far.
Younger Kiwis have been turning away from traditional news media outlets and bulletins for years, and the media they’re using most heavily have little news. But podcast listening is growing fast among the young, and two journalists have created a new one to bring news to their peers.
Fast-rising prices and loud cries of 'crisis' ; pulling young Kiwis into the loop with news; new talk network's soft-launch opinions.
Today FM is set to take on Newstalk ZB in a battle for talk radio supremacy. But in contrast to its controversy-courting crosstown rival, its website is demonstrating a surprisingly tranquil approach to opinion-making.
Midweek Mediawatch: Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about foreign correspondents bringing Ukraine’s war to the small screen; big issues the backdrop to the big public media shake-up; groupthink on political polls - and a new radio network nearly ready to roll.
The government has confirmed it is creating a new public media entity next year to incorporate RNZ and TVNZ. It's the biggest shake-up in broadcasting for years but unanswered questions remain. So what's the plan, how will it work, what will it cost and what will New Zealanders get out of it?
In this week's Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about a 'graph crime' amplifying anxieties about mental health - and what happened when the Herald's editors fronted up to readers' questions about media funding, corruption and bias.
A few days before the occupation of Parliament dissolved in a wave of fire and violence, Newsroom published soft-focus vision of it in a report called 'A visit to Freedom Village'. It's now being accused of falling for the PR strategies of professional purveyors of misinformation.
There were lots of were warning signs over recent months - and Russian-backed forces were already fighting in parts of Ukraine from 2014 onwards. But Russia's invasion this month still seemed to take many in the media by surprise.
What could be the biggest shake-up of public broadcasting for 30 years reportedly got a green light from Cabinet ministers last month. But the public’s still waiting for the government to announce what's been decided behind close doors - and so are the broadcasters, with TVNZ's chair telling MPs this week are they “flying blind.”
Soft-focus protest portrayals jar with violent end to occupation; shock and awe-ful takes on Ukraine's catastrophe; broadcasters 'flying blind' on public media plan.
Midweek Mediawatch - Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Colin Peacock talked to Karyn Hay about reporters targeted again at the flashpoints in Wellington - which jarred with with earlier soft-focus accounts of life at 'Camp Freedom.’ Also: why Sky TV dumped the '24-hour Putin People' channel.
The occupation around Parliament has become the most heavily-covered protest since the ‘81 Tour- in spite of the considerable hostility reporters have faced documenting it. But arguments still rage about what’s really happened - and what it all means.
The occupation around Parliament has become the most heavily-covered protest since the '81 Tour- in spite of the considerable hostility reporters have faced documenting it. But arguments still rage about what's really happened - and what it all means. Also - big changes are afoot for state-owned media and the regulators - but they have barely been discussed so far at their annual reviews at Parliament.
In this week's edition of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about Mike Hosking's regrets about being boosted, NZME's financial comeback from Covid - and emotional scenes as pioneering TV news show Te Karere turns 40.
Dominion Post editor Anna Fifield says after 20 years reporting offshore - she’s shocked at the “communications industrial complex” she says shields our government and public service from media scrutiny. It’s not a new complaint - but is it really worse here than in any other modern democracy?
There was plenty of condemnation of the occupation of Parliament in the media at first - but this week some media painted a much more palatable picture of the protesters and their motivations. Those who track the far-right and the media channels they use warn that ignores and obscures the protest's dark undercurrents.
Mixed messages from media on Parliament protesters; extremism and the media; DomPost pushes back on public service obfuscation; sweary dad's live TV f-bomb double.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Colin Peacock talked to Karyn Hay about mixed messages in the media about those protesters at Parliament. Also: the value of public money for media questioned - and can spoken word songs count as journalism?
Covid skeptics occupied Parliament grounds this week under the banner of ‘freedom’ - and many other things. Did media coverage amplify their fringe views? Should media do more to understand them and what motivates their movement - in spite of their obvious hostility to the media themselves? Mediawatch asks an editor wrestling with those dilemmas.
Everyone wants to know how bad our Omicron outbreak might get - and when. But experts running the numbers on that have copped flak in the media when scenarios they’ve been told to scope don't pan out. Meanwhile, media pundits who’ve been wrong in the past don't hold back on predicting the future.
Convoy conundrum confronts editors; quest for certainty undercuts Omicron analysis; sweary Dad's minties moment.
In this week's edition of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about commentators reading the tea leaves over the latest political poll, Sean Plunket's new online talkback station, and a start date being set for Today FM.
For years Māori journalism leaders warned not enough training, investment or opportunities meant Māori people and perspectives were mostly missing in our mainstream media. This Waitangi Day he looks at a big publicly-funded push to address the problem.
For years Māori journalism leaders warned a lack of training, investment and opportunities meant Māori people and perspectives were mostly missing in our media. But more effort and money than ever before is now being put in. On Waitangi Day, Mediawatch talks to some of those involved in a publicly-funded push to address this - and some of the problems.
Mediawatch’s weekly catch-up with Lately on RNZ National.
This week Colin Peacock talked to Bryan Crump about the fallout from broadcaster Charlotte Bellis’s media campaign against MIQ. Also: over-the-top overseas coverage of our Covid response; the first big political poll of the year zeroing in on party leaders’ popularity . . . and do presenters ever sneeze live on TV?
That epic undersea eruption in Tonga was heard around the region - and recorded and analysed in minute detail, even from space. But a comprehensive communications wipeout cut reporters off from sources for days. So how do they cover a story with almost no access to basic facts?
It’s business as usual for the media again: all Covid, all the time with the whole country back in the red (traffic light). But even before Omicron inevitably broke through, anti-vaxxers and their fans provided rich pickings for our news-starved media - in spite of the fact they're now more of a minority than ever.
Covering Tonga's crisis - without communications; summer silly season gets serious as Omicron arrives; reputations trashed in summer scandals.
While Brian Tamaki behind bars made headlines here, the world’s biggest anti-vaxxer created bulletin-leading drama round the world when he was detained across the Tasman. Meanwhile in the UK 'Partygate' revelations forced Britain’s mockery merchants to up their game. But a former Aussie hell-raiser is showing them there is a way back for trashed reputations.
Covering Tonga's crisis - without communications; summer silly season gets serious as Omicron arrives; reputations trashed in summer scandals.
In this week's Midweek Mediawatch Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about the employment dispute keeping Tova O'Brien off the air and creating bad blood between broadcasters. Also - non-commercial RNZ falls foul of the advertising watchdog, good and bad in the latest North & South - and Hilary Barry cops a big bill for chocolate fish.
2021’s almost gone - but not forgotten - though it would be nice to be able to forget large parts of it. Before we flip into 2022, Mediawatch looks at what's coming up next year - and some more acknowledgement of stuff in the year gone by which was outstanding . . . one way or another.
In this week's edition of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Bryan Crump about a sympathetic story on the plight of the unvaccinated, a new doco from TVNZ, and anger and anxiety directed at a caller to Newstalk ZB. [image:283042:full]
The recent death of entrepreneur Jake Millar - at the age of 26 - prompted an angry backlash against the media - over coverage of his failed venture Unfiltered. Some in business cited tall poppy syndrome and claimed the media scrutiny of risk-takers and innovators must change. But what sort of coverage should they expect?
Young entrepreneur's death sparks media backlash; angst over 'iwi checkpoints' obscures big picture.
In this week's edition of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about style over substance in the coverage of Chris Luxon's first question time as leader, a Stuff column for the ages, and some new hires at Sean Plunket's online talk station.
RNZ’s previous plan to reach younger people collapsed in early 2020 after opposition to RNZ Concert cuts - and pushback from commercial broadcasters. This week RNZ fired up Tahi - a more modest effort for the under-served youth audience. What’s the plan this time?
The National Party has new leadership, after an intense focus on the outgoing leader Judith Collins. But while no-one will forget her in a hurry, the name of her successor still seems to confuse the media.
Opponents of the bipartisan bill aimed at enabling housing blitzed the media over the past few weeks. Many of the reports failed to include relevant context and balancing opinion.
Spotlight swings onto new National's new leader; an anti-intensification housing media blitz; RNZ's 'Tahi' - 'the one' for rangatahi?
In this week's edition of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about the barrage of tough questions that met Chris Luxon upon his ascent to the National leadership, a media acquisition, and the launch of a new youth service.
Late on Wednesday night’s not prime time for political news to break, but Judith Collins' late-night kneecapping of rival Simon Bridges kicked off the chain of events that left her on the backbenches - with the media following every step.
Groundswell took over about 70 centres nationwide - briefly and pretty peacefully - in last weekend’s Mother of All Protests. But the picture the media painted of who they really are and what they really want was confusing - and overlapping anger about the government and Covid-19 made the mix more murky.
The umbrella group representing locally-owned news media wants to negotiate with Facebook and Google for "fair payment” for the local journalism appearing on their services. Australian news media have struck substantial - but confidential and individual - deals with the tech titans - but a former news boss in both countries tells Mediawatch it may be a bad idea.
Bridges burned, Collins crushed, Reti takes the reins; Just fed-up farmers - or 'the radical right in gumboots'? ; New bid to get tech titans pay for NZ news.
In this week's Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about a Cold War brewing between Newstalk ZB's political editor and the PM, misinformation in local papers - and the need for better oversight of opinion pieces.
Radio in New Zealand marked its centenary this week with tributes to its staying power in the past - and confident claims it’s here to stay for the future. Several stations now have bigger audiences than ever and radio is the most profitable part of some commercial media companies. But soon after he became RNZ boss back in 2013, Paul Thompson declared radio was a “medium in decline.” Does he still think that?
Facebook’s all-powerful founder has rebooted his trillion-dollar company as ‘Meta’ and he’s planning for a new virtual ‘metaverse’ for us in five years. But the real world mess Facebook’s made in the past was recently compared to ‘Chernobyl’ by a respected AI expert. Rory Cellan-Jones has covered technology for the BBC since the time before Facebook. Where is all this heading?
Radio in NZ is 100 not out: RNZ's Paul Thompson on what comes next; looking back on tech titans' takeover of media with Rory Cellan-Jones.
Analysis: News organisations have devoted plenty of space to the unvaccinated healthcare and education workers being stood down this week. But many of those stories are missing vital context.
In this week's episode of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about a glaring lack of context in vaccine mandate coverage, a doco looking into our toxic alcohol culture, and a social media struggle at the Herald.
Tuesday’s Covid protest at Parliament was a spectacle that had to be covered, but reporters who did so were targeted by protesters - and not for the first time. Does coverage risk ramping up the impression that resistance is more significant than it really is? And is the mounting hostility to the media a risk that editors and bosses now need to confront?
A fresh analysis of Covid misinformation says it intensified after Delta arrived - and leading public figures and officials have “received specific targeting and abuse” online. But you don't have go down any digital rabbit holes for denigration of the experts. There's plenty of on top-rating talk radio too. . .
The climate talks in Glasgow are the big global story right now - but it doesn't always feel like it in our news. A climate change reporter tells Mediawatch every journalist should now be one too - and the lack of focus on this is a worry.
The risks of reporting displays of discontent - and amplifying aggro; experts denigrated by conspiracists - and radio hosts; all journalists are climate reporters now.
In this week's episode of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about Discovery announcing a pair of new TV channels, media coverage of an anti-vax march on parliament, and a valuable weekend interview with the prime minister.
Facebook - freshly rebadged as ‘Meta’ - gives local news media content huge extra reach, but it covers none of the cost of creating it while snaring the bulk of the digital ad revenue it attracts. This week the trillion-dollar company unveiled a programme to help sustain our news media - but some experts and editors are underwhelmed.
During the homosexual law reform campaign 35 years ago plenty of inflammatory, derogatory and sometimes downright bigoted portrayals of gay people were published and aired in our media. Some have apologised for that since then. Are our media repeating the same mistakes reporting controversies over transgender peoples' rights today?
Another Monday, another review of alert level condition for Auckland and other areas this week - along with ample evidence in the media that the change can’t come soon enough for Aucklanders who are over it. Including radio hosts . . .
The owners of Facebook - now known as 'Meta' - announced a plan to boost news publishers here this week. Mediawatch looks at the media's response to that. Also: how media angst about upcoming alert level changes is not levelling off just yet -- and are our media getting it right when reporting on transgender peoples' rights?
Midweek Mediawatch - our weekly catch-up with Karyn Hay on Lately. This week Colin Peacock talks to Karyn about a shake-up in news radio that made headlines - while another went under the radar. Also: covering COP-26; deep-dive but highly-readable Covid journalism, the dangers of allowing people to grandstand on air - and is the number of the beast actually 616?
Did our media keep calm and carry on when Covid came to Christchurch this week? Or amplify anger and confusion about loose borders and unvaccinated travellers? Bit of both . . .
We’ve had too few journalists of Māori, Pasifika and Asian origin in our newsrooms for decades - and now there’s a new publicly-funded push to turn that round. Four established outlets are backing the Te Rito Journalism project. How will this work? And what’s the endgame?
Keeping calm as Covid comes to Christchurch - and not; a new bid to boost diversity in our news; Australian media straying into fake news about NZ.
One Australian news outlet seized on a Kiwi commentator's claim this week that our media is 'fully controlled' by the PM - while a big name broadcaster here seized on fake news from another Aussie outlet to hint at the same thing.
In this week's episode of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about anti-vax messages finding a media platform, some outstanding local investigative reporting this week - and confirmation that you can't grow concrete, in spite of what talk radio tells you.
As the Covid crisis deepens and lockdown levels give way to traffic lights, the mental health effects of it all are being aired more than ever in the media - sometimes along with assumptions that don’t always stack up.
Last weekend’s hastily-organised eight-hour Vaxathon TV extravaganza silenced most critics after a record number of jabs last weekend - but not all. We ask the brains behind the broadcast - Bailey Mackey - what we learned from the effort, and why few opposition politicians were seen on screen.
The media marked a quarter of a century of MMP with a lot of mixed reviews on how it has changed our politics - and our country. Mediawatch talks to a documentary-maker who created one of the most vivid vignettes of MMP in action 25 years ago - and asks how it's changed the media.
Media mull mental health impact of lingering lockdowns; wrapping up the Vaxathon, MMP in the rear view mirror.
Analysis: Our epidemiologists and Covid modellers have faced an increasingly bitter series of barbs from commentators and columnists over the last month, and it's making their often thankless task even harder.
In this week's episode of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about an escalating series of media attacks on epidemiologists and layoffs at Newshub.
Super Saturday’s vaxathon was the biggest and longest local live TV broadcast we’ve seen for years. While some critics carped about the entertainment value, all that mattered in the end was pumping up the jabs.
Big tech platforms have failed to tackle the misinformation and toxicity they spread - and their dominance of the market for digital media revenue is becoming increasingly obvious. Australia's government has confronted them on both fronts and the news media have benefited. Can others - including ours - follow their lead?
Nine out of ten people think funding expensive new medical treatments is more important than Covid vaccines, according to news reports this week. That's pretty surprising when you consider how critical the vaccines are at this point in the pandemic - but not so surprising when you look at the survey at the heart of the story.
Vaxathon rolls back the years to roll up our sleeves; tech titans under pressure as Australia squeezes them from the top; Patients pressure group's starling survey claims.
Mediawatch’s weekly catch-up with Karyn Hay on Nights. This week Hayden Donnell talked to Karyn about the media blame game as the country moves away from elimination - and an explosive live on-air allegation from Winston Peters.
This week's call that Auckland must linger longer in Level 3 - but with picnics and double bubbles - upset those who wanted more freedom, those who saw it as waving the white flag and those demanding a roadmap out of lockdowns. Then rule-breakers putting Northland into Level 3 gave the media more anger to channel - and rumours to report.
Many songwriters turn inward for inspiration. Anthonie Tonnon turns to the newspapers, writing about toxic waste in the Mataura Paper Mill, the housing crisis, the decline of regional rail and even an ancient Australian air crash. He was shortlisted for a Silver Scroll for a song about irrigation on the Canterbury Plains. Can current affairs be done in song?
Five years ago, hundreds of reporters turned The Panama Papers into stories spotlighted the corruption and tax-dodging of some rich and powerful people all over the world. It eventually led to changes to the rules for offshore trusts held here in New Zealand. But publication of the The Pandora Papers this week proved the mega-rich and corrupt are still concealing their cash around the world wherever they can.
Anger management, rumours and roadmaps to nowhere; Pandora Papers highlight deals done in darkness; Anthonie Tonnon: singing the news.
In this week's Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Bryan Crump about an incisive question at the daily 1pm press briefing, a backlash against NZME's premium product; Hilary Barry's sweet treat for vaccinating viewers - and an ex-employee turning on Facebook as an outage for the platform sparks joy for its critics.
Opposition parties’ plans for lockdown-free Covid management and re-opening our borders made headlines this week - kicked off former PM John Key last weekend. All of them dangled the prospect of free travel by Christmas and an end to ‘MIQ misery’ - but the devil was in the details which were missing.
110 new journalism jobs have been bankrolled by the Public Interest Journalism Fund - the biggest investment yet from this recent government initiative. News media companies welcomed this big boost but critics claim giving the fund $55m of public money undermines editorial and financial independence. What will we get from the new roles paid for by the public purse?
Political Covid plans overpromise: huge journalist jobs boost from public purse; moving on from fast-food frenzy
History repeated recently when our media joined the fast food frenzy when Auckland switched to Level 3 recently. But some in the media are getting sick of it and others say the real story should be the return to work - and those who never stopped working.
In this week's Midweek Mediawatch Hayden Donnell talks to Bryan Crump about John Key's media blitz, dueling Covid recovery plans - and some change-making stories from Metro and RNZ.
This week the big commercial radio broadcasters boasted of record-breaking audiences for their big brands when the latest audience figures came out. But at the same their bosses were also urging our MPs to rein in RNZ’s scope to reach new people - particularly younger ones. We ask the spokesperson for their mutual interests why.
A new campaign is urging people with possible symptoms of cancer to get a diagnosis - and never mind the lockdown. This week two media outlets claimed 'almost half of new cancers' went undetected because of the Covid lockdowns last year - and it could be happening again now. Is it?
Worrying breaches of Auckland’s Level 4 border fired up the media this week - just as the Government prepared to green-light a risky shift to Level 3 in the supercity. Meanwhile the media also channeled South Islanders' irritation over Level 2 - and expats' MIQ misery over the new 'unlucky dip' lottery system.
National's embattled leader surprised the media by spurning some interview opportunities this week - and the public exposure that would have come with them. But while political reporters often criticise the party for a failure to focus on the things that really matter, the same seems true of the news media when National MPs actually do.
Covid complications confuse the media; Collins' snubs startles media - but it cuts both ways; confused claims of Covid-compromised cancer care; Collins' snubs startles media - but it cuts both ways.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Bryan Crump on Nights. This week Hayden Donnell talks to Bryan about media angst over whether ‘elimination’ is still our Covid strategy - and the Herald aiming high for vaccination, but with one big name conspicuously off-message. Also: anti-vaxxers fooling Facebook; and former broadcasters hired as columnists by NBR, whose owner once pledged to purge opinion from the outlet.
As the lockdown in Auckland lengthened, the exposure of one couple’s rule-breaking prompted a predictably intense pile-on. Ironically, that actually helped to keep their names out of the headlines - briefly - and it also fired up long-running arguments about the right to know, privilege and fairness.
Mediawatch looks at how the media zeroed in on our social cohesion this week - as the current lockdown in Auckland became the longest we've had so far. Also: Mediawatch talks to the BBC's Peter Taylor, a reporter with 50 years of experience reporting terrorism and violence - and how it can be overcome
Few journalists on the planet have more experience of reporting terrorism than the BBC’s Peter Taylor. He has spent half a century covering Northern Ireland’s ‘Troubles - a consequence of the partition of Ireland 100 years ago. He’s risked his own life meeting face-to-face with terrorists - and also the terrorised and those working for peace.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Bryan Crump on Nights. This week Hayden Donnell talked to Bryan about the media facing accusations that they're undermining the Covid response by airing the claims of critics of the elimination strategy.
Twenty years after the 9/11 attacks prompted the US to invade Afghanistan, the Taliban announced they’ve taken the whole country again this week. Journalists who remain there are at risk in spite of assurances media freedom will be respected. Will proper journalism be possible under the Taliban?
In the midst of a bid to move away from its troubled internal culture, MediaWorks hired new people for news and talk radio this week. But the sudden retirement of controversial veteran host Peter Williams was the talking point for listeners - making it a rough ride for his successor when the news broke.
Reporting Afghanistan after abandonment; MediaWorks rings changes and fires up fans of outgoing veteran
Mediawatch’s weekly catchup with Bryan Crump on Nights. This week Colin Peacock talked to Bryan about where the media focus fell after the LynnMall attack; Patrick Gower ‘On Hate’; some in-depth Covid reporting; that Seymour tweet's insulting response - and a sports stalwart starting anew.
When a terrorist struck on Friday, the media were confronted with shocking reports and images - but also thorny questions about what happened and why - and how much they could reveal.
The opposition’s unhappy about the scrutiny the media are applying to the government, especially over vaccines - but some reporters pushed back at criticism of them this week.
How the media reacted to another shocking act of terrorism at home. Also: political pressure for greater media scrutiny of the Government - and TVNZ's boss giving up the top job.
TVNZ chief executive Kevin Kenrick will leave the state-owned broadcaster next February after almost a decade in charge. TVNZ will now have to find a new leader as the government progresses plans to create a new public media entity incorporating TVNZ and RNZ by 2023.
Mediawatch’s weekly catchup with Bryan Crump on Nights. This week Colin Peacock talked to Bryan about the media reflecting on the fairness of the scrutiny they apply to those running our Covid response - and some of the criticism coming back at the journalists. Also: journalists facing a surge of state sector spin doctors - and how Ed 'Lou Grant' Asner put the newsroom on the small screen.
Mediawatch looks at how our media covered the struggle to contain the Delta variant -- and how media reports of Covid clusters in Auckland this week sparked racist responses and claims that the reporting itself made the problem worse.
Mediawatch's weekly catchup with Nights. This week Colin Peacock chats to Bryan Crump about the media in the middle as reports about Covid clusters spark racist reactions - and offshore opinions about our elimination strategy raise hackles here. Also: a big name in TV journalism signs of suddenly - and Facebook tries a little transparency for once.
Media react to level 4 lockdown and the dawn of Delta; the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about the media back in Covid-emergency mode; a business editor slapping down Covid complainers - and a truly clueless TV game show.
The first comprehensive IPCC stocktake of the global climate trends for years was easy to read and its confronting conclusions were clear. But after hitting front pages and headlining bulletins the day it landed, it didn’t make much of an impression on our media - or prompt much political debate.
A proposed walk and cycle bridge over the Waitematā provoked a furious media backlash over the goverment's wasteful spending. Why don't roading projects get the same treatment?
Unknown cyber-criminals sent stolen information to the media to pile on pressure to pay a ransom. RNZ subsequently aired a scoop sourced from it before a court ordered all media to dump the dodgy data. The Privacy Commissioner tells Mediawatch RNZ was unethical and he wants action - but RNZ insists the public interest was well served.
Landmark climate report lands - but makes little mark on media; double standard in bike bridge backlash; RNZ challenged on turning stolen data into news.
Mediawatch’s weekly catch-up with Lately. Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about what the media made of an Olympics that turned out better than many expected in Tokyo - or did it? National Party members overlooked in coverage of the conference; reports of an MP's social media slip-up that prompted criticism - and a student lifts the lid on the far-right.
While Lisa Carrington struck gold and set records, Laurel Hubbard struck out in competition but still made history and headlines as our first ever transgender Olympian. She also won hearts and minds speaking sparingly, but with dignity to the media about the controversy surrounding her.
GOAT in a boat - and a trans trailblazer at Tokyo 2020; MediaWorks’ accountability still in question; making sense of ‘Milk and Money’; big-name broadcasters boosted by watchdog’s verdict.
A review of the working culture at MediaWorks released this week is by far the most comprehensive airing of the internal problems of any New Zealand media company. But its leaders and governors have not yet answered questions about it - and it’s far from clear if anyone is accountable.
The recent Groundswell protest put farmers’ grievances about the government’s environmental policies front and centre. Good timing for a new six-part documentary series exploring the dairy industry, and its future in the midst of a climate crisis. But ‘Milk and Money’ is no ‘Country Calendar.’
In this week's episode of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about a mainstream media outlet getting kicked off YouTube, a court judgement against RNZ, and a harrowing culture review at MediaWorks.
ZB’s Mike Hosking called Meghan Markle “a hussy” on the air earlier this year. It was a rude and sexist slur on someone he didn’t know at all - and it prompted formal complaints to the broadcasting watchdog. But the BSA says it wasn’t a breach of broadcasting standards.
Kiwis finally struck gold in Tokyo this week - but the media didn't always get the colour they were looking for.
A year ago, a trial of armed police teams was scrapped with opponents adopting the slogan ‘Arms Down.’ One year on, some in the media are now amplifying calls for arming all officers after the death of PC Matthew Hunt and an increase in officers being confronted by guns.
Kiwi strike Tokyo gold - and give media plenty of colour; ramping up angst over arming police; 'hussey' is OK says BSA (in context)
On this week's Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about an error-strewn academic report, a prominent radio host's abrupt departure, some less-than-sympathetic accounts of people stranded overseas by Covid 19, claims that climate change was missing from reports of the recent floods - and a call to close down 'open letters' by columnists trying to make a point.
At the biggest national protest for years last week, farmers made it clear they're unhappy with the government and they feel unloved by the country - and the media. The media coverage also revealed a rural / urban divide itself.
A group representing our major news media have agreed a set of principles for reporting terrorism and “national security events." It's a response to fears extremists could use the media for their own ends and that disclosures during an emergency could put lives in danger - especially when information is unverified. But does giving ground on this mean the media surrender their right to publish in the public interest?
The data is clear: economists' forecasts are often wrong. Given their track record, shouldn't these prognostications come with more caveats and disclaimers when they're broadcast by the media?
Protests expose urban/rural divide in media; government and media on same page over terrorism reporting; the problem with economists' forecasts.
Mediawatch’s weekly catch-up with Lately. Colin Peacock talks to Susana Leiataua about surprises in Gerry Brownlee’s ‘Backroom’ while James Shaw jams with Brian Eno. Also - talk radio ringing the changes; ‘anti-woke’ UK TV news channel turns to Farage after viewers tune out.
The first tranche of the government’s $55m journalism Fund has been allocated - against a backdrop of criticism it could skew reporting of political issues. Māori journalism projects and a new training initiative are the major beneficiaries of the first $10m, but some of the money goes to things already funded from the public purse. Mediawatch asks talk to NZ On Air’s head of journalism about that - and what the public will get for their money.
Employers have put their hands out for more migrant workers to fill gaps in their rosters over the last two weeks, but their campaign may have hit a sour note.
A regional paper’s scoop about $2.75m in public funding for a drug rehabilitation programme with Mongrel Mob connections kicked off a political controversy - and so did $200 koha.
Labour market's mixed messsages; new journalism fund unveils first projects; angst over money and the mob; good, bad and gruesome of sport.
Mediawatch’s weekly catch-up with Lately. Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about controversial sportscaster Martin Devlin reportedly returning to the radio; the Forever War in Afghanistan; football not coming home after all - but dominating the media.
Twenty years after the US invaded Afghanistan in pursuit of Al Qaeda, it suddenly pulled its troops out this week. It’s the end of the longest war in modern history in which 3500 New Zealanders also served and 10 died. Will it be out of sight and out of mind for the media now the country is on its own again?
Naomi Osaka will be a star at the Tokyo Olympics after taking time out for her mental health. Some say giving stressful press conferences a swerve was no-one else’s business, but those in the business of selling sport saw the seeds of doom in the tennis star’s stance. After all the noise, has she changed sports media for good - or for the better?
A story about a little-known sports journalist losing a brand new job on a radio network that’s not even on air yet surged to the top of the ‘most-viewed’ lists on news websites this week. Why was producer Sam ‘Lashes’ Casey sacked for something he wrote for another media outlet?
Afghanistan's war dropping out of sight; a sexist sports spray sparks a startling sacking; does star power trump media power in sport?
In this week's edition of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Susana Leiataua about a sacking prompted by a sexist column, some illuminating commentary on proposed hate speech legislation, and some missing voices in thhe media's coverage of a restaurant industry campaign.
A discussion document on proposed hate speech laws generated plenty of discussion in the media - and spurious claims that merely insulting people could be criminalised. Some senior journalists seized on ministers muddying the waters - but did they give the public a clear picture of what’s actually at stake
The media has sometimes been guilty of sidelining, shrugging off, or silencing sexual assault and harassment victims. Stuff's Kirsty Johnston talked to Mediawatch about how to centre those victims in reporting.
Most of us waited out this week's winter storm indoors, with heaters set to high. Not so the nation's journalists, who instead sought out the most miserable places in the country, and stood in the middle of them.
Media turn up heat on hate speech; victim-cantered reporting; reporters weathering the storm.
Mediawatch’s weekly catch-up with Lately. Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about new data on the media and misinformation in New Zealand - and a new podcast airing anxiety about China’s influence here. Also: a southern stalwart honoured by the ODT and a new talkback takedown on TV.
How did our media react when a Covid case imported via the trans-Tasman travel bubble compromised this country’s long run without cases in the community?
The clock is ticking for the government’s proposed new public media entity. The next step is a business case and a new charter being drafted behind closed doors. But RNZ already has a charter that’s now under review - and could mean more scrutiny of government's plan.
The shock - horror response sparked by news of a publicly-funded ‘sex scandal’ TV drama was almost as stale as the decade-old affair it was based on.
Covid in the capital fires up media; government media plan enters un-chartered waters, more sport on air for free around the corner, angst over sleaze on screen is old news
A new national radio network dedicated to sport will go live on air on Monday 19 July - just in time for the Tokyo Olympics. Australian-owned SENZ will fill a void left by the closure of NZME's Radio Sport in April 2020 during the Covid lockdown. Meanwhile TVNZ and Discovery have done deals with Sky to get the Olympics and Wimbledon on screen for free.
On this week's edition of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about media angst over the Ministry of Health's communications concerning the Covid case in the capital, sensitive and insensitive reporting on Laurel Hubbard - and a New York Times headline for the ages.
A counter-terrorism hui intended to help heal the wounds inflicted in Christchurch two years ago sparked a walk-out which hit the headlines.
When Jacinda Ardern changed her media schedule earlier this year, it raised heckles from commentators who felt she was ducking scrutiny. But what have the changes actually meant?
The Herald's dedicated property section printed 64 articles under the banner 'Our New Auckland' without declaring they were sponsored by Kāinga Ora, prompting NZME to review its processes on sponsored content.
Media under the spotlight at Christchurch hui, running the numbers on the PM's media diary; Undeclared SponCon causing political and editorial headaches.
Mediawatch’s weekly catch-up with Lately. Colin Peacock talked to Karyn Hay about the launch of the new news channel labelled ‘Fox News for the UK,’ the bike bridge beat-up that’s still creating comment - and how a football game turned into a life and death dilemma for broadcasters.
When the Climate Change Commission released its first blueprint for cutting our carbon emissions earlier this year, there were plenty of spurious stories about the end of gas-fired barbies and private cars - and a slump in meat and dairy production. But there was a lot less of that when the Commission's final advice to the government was made public this week.
The big budget for a new non-car harbour bridge in Auckland sparked a big 'bike-lash' in the media last week - and how we build and use our roads has become a huge wedge issue all around the country. Mediawatch asks a journalist dedicated to covering transport: do the deep divisions and inflamed opinions make it hard to report all this effectively?
Climate message cutting through; too much heat makes transport fraught; wrong numbers dial up anxiety over vaccine supplies.
Against a backdrop of news reports about shortages and anger over delayed Covid-19 vaccinations, a Herald opinion piece this week claimed our supply would run dry within days. But swift fact-checking elsewhere established it was based on the wrong numbers.
Mediawatch’s weekly catch-up with Lately. Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about journalists hitting out at government spin and information control - and unhappiness over the release of a major climate report. Also: an odd documentary about a celebrity accused of harassment who’s accusing his accusers of manipulation.
While record-breaking floods threatened to sweep away bridges in Canterbury, the inundation of the Auckland Harbour Bridge by cyclists made headlines too - and sparked a big backlash on talk radio. The subsequent announcement of a new big-budget bridge just for cyclists and walkers further inflamed the divisive urban issue of ‘bikes vs cars’.
Stories about local issues, from housing developments to cycleway constructions, are nearly always illustrated the same way. Mediawatch asked a Voyager-winning photographer why angry people with their arms folded are so ubiquitous in our media.
For whom the bell trolls - cyclists; the NIMBY photo formula; Aussie China crisis report falls flat.
Last week a comically overwrought ad for Australia’s 60 Minutes TV show hit headlines here, promoting an item suggesting ‘New Xi-land’ had gone soft in China. It aired across the ditch on TV this week. What was all the fuss about? Not much . . .
Mediawatch’s weekly catch-up with Lately. Colin Peacock talked to Susana Leiataua about who won what at journalism’s night-of-nights - and how it matters more to the companies than their journalists. Also - the wealth and health of top-level tennis under the media spotlight
More than a year after Radio Sport shut down, an Australian outfit wants to set up a new national network here - and it's hired some big names to get it off the ground. But who is driving this across the Tasman? And what's their plan?
Most of the media stories on Willi Huber focused on his work founding the Mt Hutt skifield. This month, North & South finally unravelled the other central event of Huber's life: his role in one of the most brutal divisions of the Nazi army.
Did you know Bob Dylan turned 80 this week? You did if you were tuned in to RNZ National last Monday.
The Aussie outfits rebooting 24/7 sport on radio; a belated investigation into a skifield founder's Nazi past; Bob's big birthday goes round the clock.
In this week's episode of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about a run of bad headlines for radio networks, an AP journalist's controversial firing, and an about-turn in the media's coverage of the Samoan election.
A new analysis finds media coverage is more important than ever after Covid in shaping our perception of leaders’ success, trustworthiness and transparency (or a perceived lack of them). But - as we hear so often these days - trust in the media themselves is falling fast. So how does that work?
Newstalk ZB sports host Martin Devlin was back on air this weekend, after he apologised for lashing out at one junior colleague - and sending inappropriate messages and unwanted invitations to women in his newsroom. The incidents went unreported for ten days - but they're not the only ones that raised alarm about the culture in our media companies this week.
Political reporters and pundits confidently claied the end is nigh for Judith Collins’ National Party leadership - following another opinion poll showing she’s not particularly popular right now - and neither is her stance on race. But the relentless focus on her grip on the job is obscuring other issues.
Sportscaster's conduct put spotlight back on media culture; poll piles pressure on party leader - but do we care?; media make and break leadership in volatile times.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about the media targeted in Gaza live on TV - and the Gaza crisis spilling over into sport on screen. Also - an epic US broadcasting deal that could change the game here, a front-page foul-up and a brutal book review.
That shocking knife attack in Dunedin’s central city this week came out of the blue - but the coverage also revealed the ranks of reporters there are thinning out. One major TV broadcaster had to cover it from Christchurch on the day - and the other is set to scrap its office in Dunedin altogether.
An online investigation that exposed Oranga Tamariki tactics - and prompted five inquiries and significant changes in policy and practice at the agency - is now being investigated by the Police. The publisher has also been ordered to pay thousands of dollars in costs incurred when Crown Law sought an injunction to take it offline, raising concern about media freedom and a chilling effect on journalism exploring the state’s use of its power over people.
Top-rating talk host Mike Hosking apologised recently after he slammed political reporters for missing a big story - and a colleague publicly pointed out he was wrong. It didn’t stop Mike Hosking hitting out again this week - but being wrong, again.
The Access Radio movement is 40 years old and today 12 stations broadcast locally and online. Some fill local gaps left by stations hooked into national networks - and some produce programmes up for national awards. But low-budget broadcasting isn’t the only way to reach communities with content these days. Does access radio have a digital-age future?
Shocking news reveals southern reporting cutbacks; Crown Law takes aim at Newsroom; Access all areas? Community broadcasting turns 40; host takes swing at slack media - but misses.
Mediawatch’s weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about a magazine telling the full story of an SS soldier who became a "hometown hero" and a tourism pioneer here - and another mag's in-depth account of Tom Scott's piles. Also - reporting Covid vaccines without fueling doubts and the doubters; the government pushing back on reports of the 'pay freeze,' and ZB getting a bit more diversity on air.
China used to deny or ignore media queries about the human rights of the ethnic Uighur minority. But before our government debated its response in Parliament this week, China’s embassy held an invite-only briefing for reporters and experts. What did they learn from the event one reporter called “extraordinary to the point of farce”?
“Not good enough” was the verdict of Sport NZ boss Raelene Castle after a fresh analysis of thousands of sports reports across our media found women feature in only about one in seven. But offshore reports of the same results said our media lead the world in women’s sports coverage. What’s the story?
China's PR intensifies as media focus falls on Xinjang; the state of play in coverage of women's sport; more clarity on online polls.
Mediawatch’s weekly catchup with Lately. This week Colin talks to Karyn Hay about the media unpicking the political strategy behind warnings of “separatism.” Also: ‘Bunny-pocalypse Now’ in the South, diminishing returns for The Apprentice - and anonymous agony advice in print.
To sell or not to sell a slice of the commercial rights to New Zealand rugby was the squabble that pre-occupied the sports media this week. But the media couldn’t agree on who has the power over the ailing national sport’s direction.
News organisations often report the results of informal polls they carry out by embedding surveys in stories or on social media. Mathematically minded people argue that in doing so, they're misinforming their audience members, and leaving them worse off.
Silverlake buy-in to silver fern triggers sports media; trust on media on the slide; online polls misrepresent public opinion.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Hayden Donnell talks to Susana Leiataua about change at the top in the Herald's political coverage - sparked by a change for veteran political editor Audrey Young - as the Press gallery marks 150 years.
New research shows New Zealanders' trust in the news media slipping, even when it comes to the news they choose themselves. That's obviously a bad news story for our media - but what can they really learn from asking us what we think?
On Monday, New Zealanders tuning into the news witnessed something rare: bulletins filled almost entirely with joy, relief, and even a bit of singing.
A core part of your business is screening the world’s sport to customers keen enough to pay for it. Then Covid stops almost all of it stone dead. What do you do? Mediawatch asks a Sky exec how they handled that - and the threat of Covid chaos hanging over the Olympics and this week’s ill-fated effort to fire up an elite European football league.
Coping with Covid chaos disrupting sport on screen; reporters finally have one nice day; following the flow of public money to the media and screen industry.
Huge sums in subsidies will go to Amazon when a Lord of the Rings series is made here in the years to come. In the year just gone, a much more modest amount of public money was spent helping local media companies through the worst of the Covid crisis. Mediawatch talks to Stuff's Thomas Coughlan, who deployed the Official Information Act to follow the money.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Colin talks to Karyn Hay about Prince Philip's funeral pulling in viewers, the emergency housing crisis coming into focus; football fans vs billionaires - and Popstars vs Fair Go.
Once a billion-dollar business, its critics claim the country’s most widely circulated publication is a redundant and wasteful throwback to pre-digital times. But now under new management, the Yellow Pages has a digital plan.What’s the future for the once-ubiquitous directory whose fortunes mirror those of the news media?
Last weekend political pundits and presenters reckoned the leader of the opposition was ripe for rolling and her days in the job were numbered. But - as in the past - it was all based on rumours recycled by political reporters with secret sources who offered the public few reasons to believe it was true.
After 23 years with one political party and one prime minister in charge, Samoa’s general election last weekend delivered a surprise neck-and-neck result. But it was barely reported in most national media outlets here. How come? And what might improve the situation?
'Dead leader walking' a familiar line from media; Samoa's election cliff-hanger overlooked locally; Directory inquiries: Yellow Pages under pressure
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Hayden Donnell talks to Susana Leiataua about a surprising statement from MediaWorks about reported allegations of misconduct by company staff - and a reporter suffering a social media backlash because of mistaken identity. But first: how the intense coverage of the death of the Duke of Edinburgh last weekend overshadowed an international story much closer to home.
A green light for a travel bubble with Australia was a good news story for people separated from loved ones - and businesses needing the cash of free-spending foreigners. But were the bubble-happy media too keen to accentuate the positive when the likely benefits are far from clear?
The media planned for the Duke of Edinburgh's death - but the timing of the announcement last night could hardly have been worse for firing up special coverage from scratch.
Cam Wallace has had a rocky start in charge at MediaWorks, the outfit that owns half the country's radio stations. Whistleblowers lifted the lid on a corrosive culture at the company that's now under investigation - and talk radio hosts went rogue on issues of race and Covid-19. That's put deep dents in its reputation as it faces the future as 'radio without pictures.'
Timing of Duke's death trick for our media; Cam Wallace - new boss fights fires at MediaWorks; pent up demand travel demand bubbles up in media.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately on RNZ National. Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about claims a new train service is a "railway renaissance" or a slow train to nowhere. Also: Stuff beefs up its business news; a tramping mag makes a fool of DoC - and a month after Jacinda turned Mike down, he says he doesn't want her back. Confused? You will be after this episode of Midweek Mediawatch.
Long-serving reporter Simon Collins spoke to literally hundreds of people to cover major public issues. He also confronted his own bosses to defend journalism from cuts and compromises undermining the quality of journalism. As 45 years on the job come to an end, many reporters reckon we’ll never see another journalist like him (though he's not one of them).
The government appointed eight people this week to oversee a business case which could be a blueprint for a new public media entity to replace TVNZ and RNZ - but the public won't see it before the government decides the issue later this year. Why are RNZ's top brass backing an idea about which so little is clear?
TVNZ recently launched its first new local TV current affairs show for years. But A Current Affair has a heavy Australian accent - and the local content revolves around TVNZ’s other entertainment shows.
Public media plan moves forward - but behind closed doors; Simon Collins - a lifetime in journalism; local current affairs with a heavy Aussie accent.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Hayden Donnell talks to Susana Leiataua about the latest move towards a new a public media behemoth, Judith Collins' rough ride on RNZ triggering claims of bias, MediaWorks' inquiry into the conduct of its own employees amid reports of resignations.
A squadron of investors and economists blitzed the airwaves following the government's big housing announcement, often drowning out other voices.
A single tweet sparked bulletin-leading calls to scrap one of our most enduring and most-watched local TV shows this week. Many arguing whether the show was racist or not also admitted they don't watch it, while the show's makers rejected the claim and TVNZ kept its head down.
Last month the government announced $55m of public money will be made available for “at risk” public interest journalism over the next three years. But a recently-released cabinet paper has another $20m in the mix. What's the money for - and how will it be spent?
Clamour to cancel top cop show; investors and economists dominate media response to housing announcement; much-admired reporter retires; more millions for public interest journalism; trashy Aussie report finds scapegoat.
A news report showing restrained 501-ers being herded onto a repatriation flight while being harassed by an Aussie TV reporter raised hackles here because an Australian minister called it “taking out the trash.” But how did this heartless report get made in the first place?
Mediawatch's weekly catchup with Lately. This week Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about reports that the streets of the capital are increasingly unsafe and unpleasant- especially for women. Also - doubling down on political polls and an RNZ stalwart cops it for straying out of his lane on K-Pop.
One nation under Cup delirium; bid to boost censors' powers; Preferred PM? Don't ask me.
The government wants to beef up the chief censor’s power to root out harmful and hateful stuff online - but opposition politicians and internet freedom advocates say this is an overreach which could even mean significant newsworthy stuff could be censored. Mediawatch asks the chief censor what he thinks of his potential new powers.
As the crowd went wild after the big win on the water on Wednesday, so did much of the media - triggering a total eclipse of the news.
TVNZ and its pollsters will only call you on your mobile from now on - and the first poll under the new rules delivered a telling result in response to one of its key questions.
In this week's Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about the media's delirious coverage of Team NZ's America's Cup win, a trashy bit of Australian reporting, and Google's latest moves to fund news.
Against a backdrop of gripes about ‘cancel culture’ in the media, the National Party’s broadcasting spokesperson has warned bias, balance and political influence need to be addressed - and news media might go soft on the government giving them more money. But she was once a programme-maker who faced similar questions herself. Mediawatch asks her where she thinks the problem lies.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's decision to dump her weekly interview with Mike Hosking and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's interview with Oprah sparked a series of media meltdowns this week.
Claims of cancel culture and media bias get political; National's broadcasting spokesperson Melissa Lee; media meltdowns and overreactions over the PM's media policy - and Oprah's chat with the rogue royals
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about the PM upsetting Newstalk ZB by giving a longstanding Monday slot a swerve and further fallout from NZME's Michael Bassett ban
The scramble to cover the tsunami alerts and evacuations on Friday - after the much of the nation was shaken awake by a swarm of hefty quakes - was seat-of-the-pants stuff. But it threw up some memorable moments of Kiwis keeping calm and carrying on.
Mediawatch looks at how the blame game played out in the media over the latest Covid cluster and the rulebreakers - while the previously-praised Covid communications strategy was called into question by the media, along with the concept of our team of 5 million.
The bosses of state-owned RNZ and TVNZ fronted up to MPs for their annual review at Parliament this week. The government’s proposal to replace both of them by 2023 is the big issue for both of them - but that wasn’t what opposition MPs zeroed in on.
Scramble to cover tsunami and earthquake emergency; Covid blame game and comms strategy questioned; Broadcast bosses quizzed about bias - but not the big picture.
In this week's Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about RNZ and TVNZ's bosses getting grilled by MPs about balance, bias and biting the hand that feeds (but not much about the proposal to replace both broadcasters within three years) - and the retirement of a much-admired reporter at the Herald.
Commemorating the anniversary of the deadly Canterbury quake was a huge undertaking for the media this week.
Lucinda Baulch became an MIQ martyr and a cause celebre for Covid sceptics when she refused a Covid test and was held for a second stint in MIQ. The media reported her reasons for refusal in detail and made her stance appear almost rational - but not her fringe beliefs and anti-lockdown activism which were easy to find on the internet.
Last week Facebook turned off Australian users’ access to news over a looming law change to make them pay to distribute it. This week news is back in their feeds after a face-off with the government there. Australia’s been praised for taking Zuckerberg on - but would news media be better off in the long run without Facebook?
Covid cases spark Saturday night scramble for media; MIQ martyr raises red flags10 years after - marking a major milestone in Christchurch; Facebook re-friends Australia after face-off over news; insult for Speaker raises decency dilemma.
When Simon Bridges called the Speaker "a twat" in Parliament, media pondered whether this unparliamentary insult was fit to print - and broadcast. They all decided it was - with one surprising exception. Meanwhile, much worse could be heard during the cricket . . .
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Colin talks to Karyn Hay about a Covid campaigner getting the oxygen of publicity. Also: 'Novax' Djokovic being a sore winner, a mindblowing radio resource and new apps from Māori TV.
How did the media break last Sunday’s sudden news of a change to Covid-19 alert levels? And how did they cover the response, the science behind it and the decision to shift back down again - just as the arrival of the first vaccine doses fired up sceptics and social media - and kicked off a public campaign to get the facts out.
Taking it up a level - and down again; Facebook backs away from news across the Tasman; private correspondence vs public interest.
The New York Times revealed texts telling the truth about Ted Cruz’s trip to Mexico this week to widespread acclaim. But Meghan Markle had a big win in court against a paper that published one of her letters unlawfully. Critics claim that case "puts manacles on the media" - and it could crop up in privacy cases here.
News editors in Australia woke up to shock news that Facebook is effectively cutting itself off as an avenue for sharing their stories - after years of building a pre-eminent position as a digital distributor. It's the tech giant's unilateral response to a government-backed move to prompt digital platforms to pay the makers of news they share among Australians - and it could have a huge impact around the world, as well as here.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about Google cutting deals with Australian news media which will mean millions more dollars for journalism, more Magic Talk fallout - and an eye-opening documentary about Britney Spears and the role the media played as she lost control of her own life.
Vodafone was quick to pull advertising from Magic Talk after a recent racist outburst sparked outrage. Now it’s gone further, launching an Ethical Advertising Policy, described by one media outlet as as a “blacklist of hateful media”. How will it work? And is it a contradiction for a company supposedly all about connectivity?
Some positive press for our national airline and its boss last week was overwhelmed this week by harsh headlines about a controversy it should have seen coming. Meanwhile, the push to kickstart international flights as soon as possible is also playing out in the media - and creating conflict with the public health plan.
Turbulent times for travel - and Air New Zealand; public purse to bankroll more news; telco rolls out ethical ad policy amid talkback turmoil
The government has pledged $55 million for a new fund for public interest news and journalism - the biggest single boost in media funding for many years. Media companies countrywide will compete for the cash from NZ on Air over the next three years. Mediawatch looks at what it’s for and what it means for our media.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about another host leaving the troubled network Magic Talk after John Banks' recent dumping - while another spread doubts and misinformation about Covid vaccines on air this in the week Facebook finally banned anti-vax misinformation.
A blueprint to bring down our carbon emissions by 2050 - and change the way we all live - came out this week. There was excellent media coverage of the detail but some journalists complained they were denied the time to report it properly. Meanwhile, some broadcasters leading debate in the media didn’t seem to have read much of it.
After the sacking of John Banks for racist blurts on air last week, critics are questioning the health of today’s talkback radio. It pulls a crowd and airs important issues, but can the bosses and the staff, the listeners and the advertisers still stomach the trolling that’s now part of the mix?
Against the backdrop of anger over denying MIQ to a terminally-ill Kiwi in Japan - while the Wiggles got a fast-track through the border from Australia - a story about special arrangements for a top sportsman’s family was sure to get a reaction. But once the full story was out, they stood accused of ‘ragebait’.
Last year Newshub put its weight behind a campaign to fund a treatment for cystic fibrosis from the public purse even though the cost was sky-high and the US-based maker never applied to register it here. Newshub fired up the campaign again this week. What’s changed?
Big climate blueprint challenges reporters - and confounds broadcasters; talkback toxicity bigger than just Banks, say critics; piling on pressure for a costly drug; Media milk sensitivity over suspicions of special treatment.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately.This week Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about two stories pulled by publishers this week, Covid vaccine scepticism confronted on talk radio, how close Stuff came to closing - and a profile of a high-profile prisoner that rubbed some readers up the wrong way.
The celebrations at Rātana in January are often described by media as the event that kicks off the political year. This year far fewer guests were invited - including mainstream media journalists - and coverage was scant. But one former reporter tells Mediawatch it may be no bad thing.
Even in a spiralling housing crisis, record property price rises keep getting covered like they're good news. Can the media break its habit of speaking from the perspective of existing homeowners?
Mediawatch has been off the air since Christmas. What did we miss in the news while we were away?
The story of a strange summer (so far); John Banks booted often racist blurts - and the talk radio dilemma; housing coverage highlights homeowners - not the 'have-nots; Rātana gives politicians and media a swerve.
MediaWorks has replaced former politician John Banks as a talkback host and apologised for his comments condemning "stone age" Maori culture and warning "these people will be coming through your bathroom window." But there was plenty more in his programme to offend listeners and alarm advertisers.
It was the worst of times for the media industry but in spite of that, many people produced the work of their lives to give us crucial news-you-could-use in a crisis - as well as sorely needed entertainment. But some also put out mixed messages that countered the collective effort to crush Covid - and the internal dramas of others made the headlines too. Mediawatch sifts through 2020 - a year like no other in the media.
US news media took a beating from Covid-19 in 2020. Kiwi journalist and entrepreneur Hamish McKenzie runs a publishing platform-Substack - that boomed in 2020, giving journalists important audiences and income. But that success has also given him editorial conundrums to confront.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately.This week Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about a disputed and deleted (for now) documentary, a foreign-owned beer brand co-opting a patriotic protest for peace; an underwhelming memo for the minister of media - and overwrought reviews of an overwhelming year.
Mediawatch looks at how our media companies weathered the storm of Covid-19 in 2020 - and how we've ended up with more independent and locally-owned outlets than we’ve had for years. The chief executive of Stuff Sinead Boucher bought the company for one dollar earlier this year. What will she do with the company in 2021?
As the housing crisis continues to spiral out of control, Hayden Donnell calls for a moratorium on stories about young first home buyers.
In this week's Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about the need for a ban on a certain type of housing story, a terrible prank played on TV1's Breakfast, and a Steinlager ad getting smuggled into news stories.
Our biggest national news publisher said sorry to Maori this week for racism in its reporting spanning three centuries. Mediawatch asks some who have confronted media racism in the past - and been confronted by it - if Stuff's stance is significant.
Mediawatch’s weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about a reality TV showing us real regional life. Also: another big name in newspapers confronting its racist past; a sudden switch at the top for Sky TV; a ‘ridealong’ report that raised questions.
The National Party’s AGM delivered mixed messages last weekend as the president claimed the media lined up against the party at election time - while former PM John Key said the poor performance at the polls was the party’s own fault.
People are used to getting news from public broadcasters paid for by taxpayers - or as a customer of commercial media organisations. But is news as a social enterprise an idea whose time has come? South Island online outfit Crux now wants its local audience to take ownership.
Opposition potshots at the media messenger; Crux's bold bid to sell itself to its readers; the moose is out there? Mysterious animals beguile media.
A Canterbury black panther, mysterious moose sightings in Fiordland - and big cats reportedly roaming rurally in the South Island. All of these have been reported by serious news outlets this past month. It makes for novel news, but do these sightings stack up as stories?
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately: Hayden Donnell chats to Susana Lei'ataua about the new Metro adding momentum to the comeback of local magazines; stories of housing hell hogging headlines; criticism of the not-so-cool capital piles up; the 'boomer ' slur debate - and the watchdog's verdict on 'Karen.'
The election was done and dusted weeks ago, but this week the advertising watchdog ruled another online election campaign ad was misleading. Mediawatch asks the Advertising Standards Authority: is the system working if dodgy ads are only called out long after they might have had an impact - and the parties who place them aren't penalised?
Last weekend the same startling scoop appeared in the papers of both major publishers: a teenager arrested for plotting a school massacre which was completely suppressed for nearly two years. Both companies fought a long legal battle to publish details of a story that could have had an impact on the gun law debate.
New Zealander Chris Liddell kept a low profile during his time on Trump’s team in the White House over the past four years. But last weekend TVNZ aired an hour-long chat with the man who’s now seeking support to lead the OECD. It was the longest interview with a political figure on New Zealand TV for years. How did it go?
Bringing the chilling 'teen terrorist' tale to light; an epic interview with Trump's Kiwi can dodgy digital election ads be stopped?; critics cane defeated men in black - and pink boots
While the All Blacks' defeat to the underdone underdogs from Argentina last weekend was unexpected the emotional media response was pretty predictable. The critics went in boots’n’all on the men in black (and their pink boots) and veteran commentator Keith Quinn copped it for an unforced error on social media.
Mediawatch’s weekly catch-up with Lately. This week: an old-school broadcaster cops a new media backlash as critics went in boots ‘n’ all against the men in Black (with pink boots). Also: North and South magazine back on the shelves; new stories about Kiwis coming home and a Kiwi’s search for Russian roots - and Mad Man in kiwi music plagiarism shock.
Since losing the US election, president Donald Trump and his allies have mounted an evidence-free campaign to portray the vote as rigged. That's thrown the dysfunctions of the country's media ecosystem into sharp relief.
With borders closed, a severe shortage of people to pick fruit and vegetables could create serious shortages and high prices this summer. Politicians, growers and media personalities have all sounded off about it in the media - but the people who actually do the work are almost entirely absent in coverage of a problem brewing long before Covid-19.
National Party leader Judith Collins revealed her front bench picks from its shrunken caucus this week. She elevated Dr Shane Reti to be her deputy - and his drinking habits were leading the bulletins of one broadcaster.
Slim pickings - reports of the looming fruit and veg crisis; how to report the fact-free claims of Team Trump; unexpected scrutiny of National's new deputy.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. This week, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about how the US media cover the 'stolen election' claims from Team Trump that not only mislead and misinform people - but could actually undermine democracy itself. Also - flabby ex-All Blacks make real and good reality TV - and can current affairs be covered in songs?
Media networks were at last able to name the winner of the 'Race to the White House' this morning after treading water for days. Meanwhile the sitting President gave them all a huge headache: how to handle the cascade of false claims made in the vacuum of uncertainty?
This week the PM picked the minsters to form the top tier of the new government - and said we should be proud to have the most diverse Cabinet we’ve ever had. That prompted some in the media to claim political expediency and ethnicity had trumped merit
The magazine scene is being rejuvenated by small publishers after the Covid crisis turned it upside down. Among the new titles launched in a difficult market is Shepherdess - made for rural women by rural women.
Trump v Biden turns into Trump v democracy; coverage of new Cabinet sparks debates over diversity; rural women's stories for rural readers.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. this week Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about the media coverage of a confusing, stressful and ultimately inconclusive US election.
President Trump wants his Kiwi right-hand man in the White House to be the next head of the OECD, sparking political debate this week about whether New Zealand should endorse him. While parties sought to score political points, talk radio milked the talking points - even though it was essentially a moot point anyway.
Job bid for Trump's Kiwi colleague; magazines bouncing back from Covid chaos; councilors restrict their own media opportunities.
Among thousands of women who lost jobs when Covid-19 hit were those who make our women's magazines. One was Sido Kitchin, former editor of Woman's Day and the NZ Woman's Weekly which closed down without warning during the level 4 lockdown. Now she's back with a new magazine and a company launching three more designed to reflect the new times.
It's not unusual for local council bosses and mayors to try to control what councillors say when the media come calling. But one council’s elected representatives have created a code of conduct obliging them to clear comments to reporters in advance - and the mayor and the media say transparency is the loser.
Mediawatch's midweek catch-up with Lately on RNZ National. This week in the wake of Kim Kardashian's kaning for that tone-deaf 'private island' tweet, he looks at chats with celebrities and their relatability. Also - invisible Labour Day, long reads over Labour weekend.
A recent Newshub story about a Kiwi golliwog seller seemed to be standard outrage bait. But the journalist David Farrier says the story's actual origins are mixed up in a campaign of harassment against him.
Fears that foreign political consultants and fringe parties would turn Facebook followers and fake news into votes in the election proved unfounded. The major parties mostly ran a clean game online too. So is misinformation in political messages really something to worry about?
In July, Duncan Garner promised to go vegan for a year if Labour was able to govern alone at the election. Following a flood of messages from people looking to hold him to account, he's keeping his word.
Do we need to fear misleading online ads at election time?; hoax plays the media - and targets a journalist; prediction comes back to bite big name broadcaster; a green light for 'dickhead'?
Mediawatch’s weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about a post-election political exit interview that went global; the benefits of non-aligned political coverage. Also: is it OK to label a politician a 'dickhead’?
This week Mediawatch - and some special guests - took a live look back at how the media covered election night on Saturday - and some of the issues that arose during a long election campaign that left some people complaining of election fatigue.
On this week's Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about Facebook's belated decision to ban QAnon and holocaust denial, and a documentary on New Zealand's most prominent conspiracy theorist. He also shares a few media gripes.
Vote-chasing political parties push policies on big ticket issues like tax, health and education in the run-up to an election, and plans for broadcasting and media are often left to the last minute - or overlooked entirely. But the media are important to many Kiwis and the government spends nearly a quarter of a billion dollars of their money on them each year. Mediawatch looks at what's in parties' manifestos for media in 2020.
Auckland’s return to Level One after cleaning out community transmission was a cause for celebrations - but not in certain circles of the media who criticised the timing.
You want to use your vote to back the sort of policies that matter - or find out which parties pledges align with you. But parties making promises all at once, how do you weigh up what they’re all offering? Mediawatch looks at the tools the media made to help us compare and contrast the party’s proposals - and asks an expert which ones help.
Pictures of Judith Collins kneeling in prayer in church raised eyebrows last weekend - and accusations of using faith for electoral advantage. Media were criticised too for intruding on a private moment uninvited - but journalists there at the told Mediawatch that's not so.
Auckland levels out; Judith Collins at prayer prompt claims of politicising faith - and media intrusion; the media tools that pick through policy on our behalf; what's in political parties' manifestos for the media?
Mediawatch’s weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about the latest debate in an election campaign testing people’s patience; two parties busted for faking their electioneering; unhelpful election videos - and thoughts, prayers and barbs for Trump.
Stuff adopts new code of ethics and practice; Anna Fifield swaps Washington Post for Dominion Post; the BBC’s Nick Bryant on lessons learned reporting Trump
In this week's Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about three debates: one horrible, one good, and one excellent.
An anonymous artist is hiding somewhere in Stuff's social media team. Their works are usually no more than 50 words long. Their medium is the push notification.
TVNZ's leaders debate on Tuesday night was a mostly bloodless affair - one that ended up being notable for what didn't take place than what did.
Media revelations of alleged abuse at Auckland's Dilworth School came as a shock to many people, but not those who know the long history of abuse of children in state care around New Zealand, finally being aired in public this week before a Royal Commission. Mediawatch asks a journalist who’s lifted the lid on historic abuse why it’s taken so long for the story to be told in the media.
Mediawatch’s weekly catch-up with Lately. This week: The 'big debate' debate, a revealing political poll, more Patrick Gower and more weed; some unpleasant fallout from a broadcasting complaint; cranky columnist facing a big bill - and house prices soar as economy tanks but is it an election issue?
The government got blamed for dropping the ball on Rugby Championship hosting last week by insisting on strict quarantine. This week it moved to make sure Bledisloe Cup games happen here, prompting claims of political opportunism. Sport and politics don't mix, the old slogan says - but they do with political points at stake at election time.
The Herald recently lifted the lid on divisions over a deal that’s allowed Sky TV to screen school-age sports since late last year. Critics claim it commodifies kids’ sports - and one high-profile sportscaster’s even threatened to disrupt broadcasts. But First XV rugby has been on Sky Sports for years so what’s the problem?
This week the broadcasting watchdog upheld a complaint that comments about Covid-19 death rates by Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking were misleading - and highlighted “the importance of data literacy” in the media. It wasn't the only time the broadcaster had misread Covid-19 stats - and misled his listeners.
Political football; school sport screening stoush still simmering; watchdog runs the numbers on Covid death claim; gentle Judith eclipses Crusher.
When she became the National Party leader in July, many in the media reckoned combative Crusher Collins guaranteed a confrontational contest for Election 2020. Now some seem disappointed she's showing a softer side instead.
On this week's Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about who's responsible for Facebook comments, and how the media should cover peddlers of misinformation.
When a prestigious publisher said New Zealand was the second-safest country in the whole Covid-stricken globe, it was no surprise that made headlines here - and it was touted as evidence that we’re on the right track. But did this story really belong in our bulletins?
Many reporters say they're experiencing burnout as they grapple with the endless demands of a 24/7 news cycle in sparsely resourced newsrooms. Journalist Tess Nichol says saving journalism might mean doing less of it.
The Australian media’s last news journalists in China quit the country in a hurry this week. For the first time in nearly 50 years there’s no-one from across the ditch covering this critical country - and other western reporters who left have not been replaced. How might this change the picture of China we get from our media?
A closer look at a 'good news' survey; doing less with more in post-Covid journalism; foreign reporters leaving China.
Mediawatch’s weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Colin talks to Karyn Hay about two unusual interviews from young ‘James Tame’- and a personal perspective on a city still munted after all these years.
News of an effective and ready Covid-19 remedy made headlines this week with researchers here playing a big role. Meanwhile media outlets in Australia - and one here - have backed a drug for headlice in humans and parasites in animals as a Covid cure, even though there’s no reliable proof yet it will help many patients.
This week the New Zealand Herald admitted a story about public resentment of Auckland's Covid-19 lockdowns didn’t quite fit the facts. But it wasn’t the only heavy headline lately about divisions revealed by surveys of public opinion and sentiment. What do they really tell us?
Reports of cracks in the team of 5 million; big dose of coverage for unproven Covid 'cure,' TVNZ News is not your 'mumma'; nationalisation phobia.
On this week's Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about a couple of slip-ups at the Herald, a run-in between Magic Talk and the WHO and another 1pm press conference question that caused controversy.
Warnings of possible overseas interference in our election haven’t made many headlines but UK-based journalist Peter Geoghegan says our media should be wary of 'dark money' and think tanks pushing issues onto the political agenda via the media.
Many feared this week's sentencing of the 15 March gunman would become a pulpit for him to spread white supremacist dogma. But instead, the spotlight was on the righteous anger, resilience, compassion, and ultimately love, of his living victims.
Six months ago, commercial media companies pleaded for government help and pundits warned their days could be numbered. Most cut costs, jobs and pay to stay afloat. But this week, two of New Zealand's biggest media companies posted positive annual results and claimed confidence about the year ahead. Is the commercial media Covid crisis over already?
Justice being seen to be done in Christchurch; media companies bounce back from Covid crisis; 'dark money' and think tanks putting political issues on the media agenda; overwrought warnings of a state takeover of industry.
One Auckland councilor’s proposal to offload half of a key public asset prompted a talk radio star to say the state takeover of major industries was imminent - drawing a puzzled response from the PM.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Karyn Hay on Lately. This week Colin Peacock chats to Karyn about the tricky task of keeping the focus on the victims - and not the killer or the crimes - during this week's sentencing in Christchurch. Also: fresh election content coming thick and fast - and sports pundits telling it like it really is.
Journalists are facing a backlash for asking tough questions of Dr Ashley Bloomfield. Are they being too harsh, or is the director general of health’s popularity prompting efforts to shield him from accountability?
Kids are almost absent in our news and current affairs. This week a service that breaks the mould is back - offering news on topics chosen by local kids and - crucially - reported and produced by them as well. And it doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff in the headlines.
Amid concern about conspiratorial thinking destabilising our politics, Magic Talk’s Peter Williams this week raised the possibility the PM knew more than she was letting on when adjourning Parliament. But the truth was out there all along . . .
Reporters cop backlash for tough questions on Covid-19 response; Kidsplaining the news; conspiracy talk on talk radio.
On this week's episode of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about an angry backlash over Ashley Bloomfield being asked a pointed question, and some sympathetic coverage for a Nazi who went on to help found a South Island ski field.
The announcement that Auckland was going into lockdown for a second time was met with a deluge of conspiracy theories and misinformation, including from several prominent political figures. That "infodemic" is forcing journalists to confront the question of how they should report on the rapid rise of social media-fueled conspiracy movements.
The breaking news no-one wanted to hear this week upped the pressure on the government and officials to make more information public - and more quickly. Meanwhile critics have cast doubt on whether we can trust what we're told - and the media find themselves in the middle of political claims and counter claims during an election campaign.
One political player made headlines this week calling in to talk radio posing as someone else - while MP Paula Bennett was handed the mic on a talk radio network for the week.
Covid's comeback sparks demand for more transparency; confronting the deluge of Covid-19 conspiracies; Merv's moment & Paula's callers - politicos on talk radio
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Colin talks to Karyn Hay about how the media broke the bad news from Auckland - and Paula Bennett's talkback debut and confronting cranky Covid callers. Also - a glut of fresh political podcasts.
It’s three years since ‘Hit and Run’ first put Operation Burnham in the headlines, throwing light on a situation that unfolded far from the public gaze. The official report is out after a long and costly inquiry. What did the media make of the outcome?
Politicians’ conduct has sparked stacks of media condemnation lately amid a surge of scandals and sudden resignations. But two MPs quitting politics this past week took a swipe at the media on the way out for being part of the problem.
Newshub has put its weight behind a campaign to fund a “miracle drug” for cystic fibrosis patients from the public purse. But are its viewers getting the full picture?
MPs on the way out take a swing at the media; Operation Burnham report delivers verdict on 'Hut and Run'; new media campaign for a costly drug
Two more TV opinion polls energised political reporters this week and put the opposition on the defensive. This created lots of drama but was it news voters can use?
A giant German company pulled the plug on our best and biggest magazines in April, casting out many of the nation’s best journalists. Now two journalists from Germany living here are determined to make North & South a home for in-depth coverage of this country once again.
Bold poll claims create confusion; survey of post-Christchurch attack coverage reveals 'unprecedented' response; North & South magazine under new management.
The New Zealand media's "unprecedented" refusal to name or focus attention on the killer behind the March 15 terror attacks may have paved the way for gun control legislation, according to new research from Otago University.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about two MPs' parting shots at the media, John 'last of the lions' Lewis' advice for journalists, a particularly pastoral complaint - and a local chat show breaking new ground.
A sudden surge of MPs quitting - some in disgrace - dominated political reporting this week, pushing pre-election policy into the background and painting a poor picture of Parliament.
Some well-known ads from years gone by employed crude racial stereotypes which would cause a outcry if they were aired today. But is advertising and marketing any more diverse than in days gone by? As the Black Lives Matter movement prompts industries to re-examine their record or race and diversity, Mediawatch asks if our advertising and marketing industry is committed to diversity.
Bauer Media says some of the nation’s most important magazines will be back within weeks now that new buyers have been found. But four months after it shut down the likes of New Zealand Woman's Weekly and The Listener, many staff have moved on and some subscribers have asked for their money back. So what's the plan for bringing them back?
The Unite to Fight COVID-19 campaign has been lauded as highly effective and the PM said it was crucial to crushing the curve so quickly. But it wasn’t cheap.
Sudden surge of political scandals pushes bigger issues into the background; ad industry confronts its diversity deficit; Bauer finds buyers - but what next?
In this week's Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talked to Robert Kelly about the outcry over mental health used as a smokescreen for an MP's bad behaviour, complaints about the editorial decisions of Stuff's climate change section - and a potential missed opportunity at TVNZ
Turbulent times at the top of the National Party as Todd Muller quit - clearing the way for a new leader who has excited political reporters and pundits a lot more.
The Black Lives Matter movement has prompted many institutions - including media - to re-examine their own records on race and diversity. Four years ago RNZ made a long-term commitment to high-quality Māori content, te reo Māori and Māori journalism after criticism that it wasn't offering enough. Mediawatch asks chief executive Paul Thompson what RNZ’s achieved and what’s still to do.
Bolts from the Blues; RNZ's 'toddler steps' towards diversity; Mike's mistake boosts Maori party campaign .
NZME broadcaster Mike Hosking apologised on air this week for "reckless" claims about John Tamihere and Whānau Ora funding. It was part of a confidential settlement which the Māori Party's co-leader says he will use to fund his party's upcoming election campaign.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about some uncool capital cringe, confusing 'most read' lists - and the pursuit of politicians going into overdrive in the quest for a new National leader.
A universally-condemned leak of Covid-19 patients' personal data for political purposes - by an MP and a big-name pundit - prompted the media to ask if 'Dirty Politics' was back - or had ever gone away.
Kiwi kids use a lot less Kiwi media than they used to. New research shows its Netflix, YouTube and TikTok engaging their eyeballs big time these days. If our kids screen out our local media, what does the future hold for them?
Under new ownership, Stuff has stopped farming its stuff out on Facebook and it's hiring several senior journalists. Another part of the mission to win the trust and respect of readers is a rejigged website free of tabloid-style stuff that used to clog up the homepage. Mediawatch asks editor Mark Stevens where has all the clickbait gone - and why?
'Walkergate' revives Dirty Politics vibe; Kiwi kids screening out local media; where has all the clickbait gone?
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about the ethical minefield facing reporters charged with telling the story of the Covid-19 patient data leak, and Stuff's decision to back away from Facebook.
There are more than 10 million Covid cases around the world and climbing - and more than half a million dead so far. New South Wales won’t take flights from neighbouring Victoria right now. But there have been long, loud calls in the media to open the border and fire up international tourism.
The Herald published a column this week questioning its own record on race. Teuila Fuatai explains why she felt she had to call out the paper that commissioned her.
The capital's daily paper highlighted the tragic consequences of a dangerous job on Tuesday. On Wednesday, it minimised the risks of another one when highlighting motorists' frustration.
Breaking for the border; forcing the issue of race at the Herald; slippery slope of safety.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Colin talks to Karyn about Newshub serving up a scoop with fish battering Winston Peters - and two politicians who sought out the media spotlight this week, while one dodged it.
Stuff published the first edition of its climate change initiative The Forever Project in late March - the very day we went into lockdown. Understandably, it didn't make much impact but this week it’s back with a supplement in the papers pushing the message that post-Covid recovery must have climate and sustainability at its heart. Mediawatch asks the editor if it's an uphill battle they can't win against the drive to fire up the economy as quickly as possible.
Quarantine coverage prompts 'calm down' call from critics; cut-through for the climate in the times of Covid-19; 'Influence'- the inside story of a global PR firm destroying its own reputation
More details emerge over isolation and quarantine failures at the border, raising urgent questions about the risk of further transmission COViD-19. But the media also raised the level of alarm prompting some experts and commentators to tell the media to calm down.
The documentary film Influence lifts the lid on how one of the world’s biggest PR companies - Bell Pottinger - destroyed itself when its unethical conduct in South Africa was exposed. Mediawatch asks the film’s makers what we should learn about modern political communications.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about a new semi-secret start-up for journalism in Canada, more movement from former makers of Bauer magazines after the sale of the company - and criticism of the media accentuating the negative on 'botch-ups at the border'.
The government has taken urgent steps to overhaul the systems in place at the country's managed isolation facilities. Journalists' persistent, tough reporting on failures at those facilities helped bring about the reforms.
A 'one-stop-shop' for Māori news based at Māori Television is proposed in a controversial report on the future of Māori media.
This week Mediawatch looks at how the media lifted the lid on startling failures in Covid-19 quarantine.Also: new developments in a major review of Maori media - and claims its critics have misunderstood it.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Colin talks to Karyn Hay about a Fawlty woke joke that turned out not to be a Major, some deep and troubling stuff from Stuff - and how the comeback of COViD-19 didn;t bother broadcasters who urged more compassion from the government.
This week, the police canned its controversial Armed Response Teams after plenty of critical coverage in the media - much of it drawing parallels with George Floyd’s killing in the US and the conduct of heavily-armed cops there. But did we get a full picture of how and why our police bear arms in the first place?
This week's move down to Level One was heralded by the media here and overseas as a major achievement - and the welcome return of more freedom in our daily lives, including sport with fans in the stands. But some talk radio hosts painted a picture of crippling fear which often at odds with their own opinions in the past.
A dispute is brewing between the popular Facebook page 'Shit Towns of New Zealand' and The Rock over the station's weekly segment 'Poo Towns of NZ'.
'Arms Down' call wins the day; controversial proposal for Maori news 'one stop shop' returns; freedom or fear - mixed messages on Level One; Shit Towns v Poo Towns showdown.
A long-awaited and overdue official report on the future of Māori media has raised fears among journalists that a ‘one-stop-shop’ for Māori news may reduce the range of reporting in order to save money. But the idea is not new, says Mediawatch - and neither is the concern about it.
In this week's edition of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about a revolt inside the New York Times newsroom, and questions whether New Zealand media should be stricter about the opinions they broadcast.
Journalists covering the US protests have been targeted by militarised police officers and actual military police alike - and in some places, the protesters themselves. Many blame Trump’s ‘enemy of the people’ rhetoric for the hostility, but are there other factors at play?
When Bauer Media shut down on 1 April, it wiped out just about every documentary photography job in the country. Now concerns are being raised over how New Zealand’s visual history will be documented for future generations.
A controversial column in the New York Times headlined “Send in The Troops” prompted a staff backlash at the prestigious paper before bosses decided - a little to late - it was not fit to print
Reporters cop it in land of the free-for-all; prestigious paper's staff in revolt over article not fit to print; the end of history: documentary photography in peril without publishers.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Colin talks to Karyn Hay about reporters caught in the crossfire and others copping blowback from the upheaval in the US - and musical echoes of flashpoints in the past.
This week the CEO of this country’s biggest news producer - Stuff - pulled off a $1 deal to take the company off the hands of Aussie owners who didn’t want it. She says she wants Stuff's staff to take a stake in it under her new management. Sounds like a nice idea - but how might that work?
This week Mediawatch looks at how the boss of our biggest national news company is about to become its owner - and she wants staff to take a stake in it too. Also: how efforts to eradicate a major disease have gone under the media radar.
Two years ago the government said we had "one shot" at wiping out Mycoplasma Bovis, echoing its later stance on Covid-19. It also learned from communications failures in its handling of the cattle disease. But eradication effort has been hampered by failures in the national tracing system - and that controversy has slipped under media radar.
Popular weeklies Woman’s Day and New Idea were among a whole host of top titles closed down last month by Bauer Media. Lately they’ve reappeared in the shops as Aussie editions with a little bit of left-over local content. Readers who have noticed appear not to like it
On this week's Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Bryan Crump about some tough interviews for National's incoming leadership team, a new owner's big plans for Stuff, and journalist joy at a pair of missing trampers being found alive.
The return of TV channels’ political opinion polls piled the pressure on the National Party’s leader and kickstarted Friday’s move to replace him. Covid-19 has changed many things in politics and public life, but the media's intense focus on the party leaders is not one of them.
Prominent political pundit Matthew Hooton has withdrawn from commentary for the time being because of a conflict caused by his link to the successful leadership bid of National MPs Todd Muller and Nikki Kaye.
Bridges rolled after polls pile on the pressure; Prominent pundit pulls back over Muller link; Media on the block vulnerable to vultures.
NZME’s bold bid to buy its biggest rival for $1 foundered in the High Court this week. But Stuff - our biggest publisher of news - is still on the block along with the nation’s most popular magazines. What's to stop offshore buyers snapping them up on the cheap in a bid to turn a quick buck?
You might not know his face, but you probably remember his voice. Māori Television’s Heta Gardiner has been one of the most memorable contributors to the daily Covid-19 briefings
Media merger saga turns into bitter court battle; no Budget relief yet for under-pressure news media; a lonely Māori voice at the Covid-19 briefings.
The long-running saga of the mega-merger of our two biggest news publishers is heading for the High Court - not for the first time. Last time round, NZME and Stuff were fighting for the right to get together. This time the pair are seriously estranged.
Spending on broadcasting and public media has been boosted by $25m over four years in Budget 2020, but there was nothing in it to ease the plight of commercial news media companies.
With Monday's decision on Level 2 looming, some in the media are pushing hard to loosen the lockdown, claiming it is killing jobs now and will kill more New Zealanders in future.
As politicians rush to provide help to TV, radio, and online news, magazine sector representatives say they're being left out of the discussion.
A confrontational radio interview about iwi-run roadside checkpoints this week prompted complaints of racism. Broadcaster Sean Plunket condemned one iwi’s actions as “separatism,” asked an iwi leader if he was would take similarly strong action over child abuse in the area - and later joked about the absence of Aboriginal Australians from Tasmania.
Health fears fuel media push for lockdown move; our last current affairs magazine left in print; radio 'roadblock' interview sparks complaints.
Struggling news media companies hope the funding agency New Zealand on Air will bankroll more of their journalism, in addition to the local dramas and documentaries for TV it has funded from the public purse for years. Mediawatch asks its new CEO Cameron Harland if it wants that job - and how it’s adapting to Covid chaos disrupting all the broadcasters it supports.
Some people couldn’t wait to get a fast-food feed ASAP after the level 3 switch - and the media copped criticism for wall-to-wall on-the-spot coverage of the frenzy. But reporters went beyond the pent-up demand of mobile fast-food fans, uncovering breaches of level 3 rules that could have serious consequences.
On Thursday media companies learned some will take away more than others from the government's first targeted Covid-19 crisis package. Meanwhile, the minister of broadcasting has signaled he'll follow Australia's moves to make online plaforms like Facebook pay for news content they carry.
For weeks our political news has centred on the fight against Coronavirus. But this week pre-Covid concerns emerged in the media to create political headaches for Winston Peters and Simon Bridges
Last Monday's announcement on moving off alert level 4 was a major event for the media. In normal times people aren't so interested in a PM's press conference co-starring top cops and public servants.
Media ramp up news of going down a level; media companies get COVID-19 takeaways from government; return of political problems for two party leaders.
A song has been written about him. People have penned paeans to his extreme competence. But the media is starting to resist the deification of Dr Ashley Bloomfield.
The Kiwi co-founder of a successful digital publishing business in the US says the chaos of our media’s current crisis obscures an opportunity to break their dependence on dwindling volumes of ads. That’s easy to say - but wouldn’t that mean throwing out the journalism baby with the dirty economic bathwater?
While some saw this week's announcement of guidelines for COVID-19 Alert Level 3 as a good sign, many with a mouthpiece in the media saw it as proof the government had over-reacted here with Level 4 and we should have followed Australia’s looser rules instead.
Media make the case for emergency help; expat entrepreneurial journalist proposes an ad-free future; trouble with COVID 19 numbers
Media executives used yesterday's Epidemic Response Select Committee to criticise government for advertising with Facebook and Google instead of them. Lurking behind the anger and appeals for help was a stark admission: their revenue model can't last.
News media representatives set out the crisis their industry faces to Parliament’s Epidemic Response Committee on Wednesday before the government finalises a package of measures to help them survive. Mediawatch looks at the talking points from an epic four-hour session.
Even before the first hints we had “turned a corner” with Covid-19, pundits were pumping up the volume on calls to loosen the lockdown and get more shops and businesses open again. But others in the media pointed out we don't know what's actually around that corner yet.
The lockdown designed to save lives has also damaged livelihoods by slowing the economy to a crawl. Some pundits and politicians are now warning in the media that health can’t always be the top priority - and it could undermine the official ‘Unite to Fight COVID-19’ message.
David Clark had a bad week, only just clinging on as health minister after breaking the rules he announced to the country. But he wasn't the only 'Covidiot' squirming under the media spotlight lately.
Media beat the drum to roll back lockdown - and sound the alarm; media debate lives vs. livelihoods in COVID-19 response; surge of support for crisis-hit media; COVIDiots and corona clowns.
Good journalism costs money to produce but adverting has fallen off a cliff during the COVID-19 crisis and some companies that sponsor media outfits may cut back too. But the founder of a service that turns readers of our media into donors and subscribers says a sudden surge in payments is a sign of hope - and the government should take note too.
As local media companies scrambled to stay in business this week, the giant German publisher of our most important magazines pulled the plug on them - and about 250 jobs - with no warning. It claimed the COVID-19 crisis - and the government's handling of it - had made its business "untenable." Does that stack up? And is it really all over for our much-loved top selling titles?
This week the government tweaked a controversial call that meant some local newspapers couldn’t be delivered during the lock-down. But some are still unable to print important local news at a time when it matters. They say it’s hurting them - and not not helping their readers either.
Mediawatch looks back at a week in which the Covid-19 crisis hit the media hard. Radio Sport went off air, a government ban on magazines angered publishers - and one of them pulled the plug on our most important local magazines.
In this week's edition of Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Bryan Crump about commercial media companies' rapidly escalating struggles, coverage of the actual pay and conditions of our essential workers, and Mike Hosking's flip-flopping journey through the Covid-10 crisis.
Our media have plenty of ‘emergency journalism’ experience after several major disasters and crises in recent years. But covering the whole country going into lockdown was a new one - and in spite of the sudden surge of public interest in their work, the impact will be severe for them too.
While Covid-19 has created vast volumes of politics, business and health news in recent days, the sports news has been all about the absence of sports events - and filling the bulletins and channels has been a desperate struggle.
How the media covered the country into lockdown; delivery ban piles pressure on publishers; sports news in a sport-free world.
Community newspaper and magazine publishers say a sudden move to stop them delivering print editions during the Covid-19 lockdown will leave many of New Zealand’s poorer and more vulnerable people without local news at a time when it's badly needed.
The media are playing an important role conveying essential information during the COVID -19 crisis, even as their people work at a distance from each other and the economic upheaval clouds their future. But a surge of contradictory comment risks confusing people at a critical time
Timely, accurate media reporting could be life-saving during the COVID-19 crisis. So why is so much coverage still being given to people with no scientific or medical expertise?
How our media are adapting to 'the new normal' of COVID-19; amateur epidemiologists crash coronavirus coverage; travel industry trauma hits media cmapaigns.
Mediawatch's weekly catch up With Karyn Hay on Lately. This week he talks to Karyn about the ethical dilemmas reporting the spread of COVID-19; coping with the sports void and Jurgen Klopp - the COVID cop. Also: some surprising on-air views about rugby players’ ‘intimate conduct’ - on and off the field.
Major media organisations rolled out lots of commemorative coverage to mark one year since the atrocity in Christchurch. It honoured those who died - and those who survived but have suffered - and gave New Zealanders a chance to hear more from Kiwi Muslims. But some of them didn't welcome the commemoration. Mediawatch asks filmmakers and reporters from Christchurch how to get the balance right.
Tough new measures announced yesterday to counter COVID-19 pleased pundits who had pleaded for action in recent days. But the effects could also change the game for media in the long run. Meanwhile, news-we-can-use in our media gets ever-more important - as opposed to off- the-cuff opinion.
In this week's Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about the perils of both-sides journalism during the Covid-19 crisis, a weird on-air monologue from Kerre McIvor, and some slightly cringeworthy market research from RNZ.
Hundreds of media jobs will go across the Tasman when Australia’s national news agency AAP closes in June - and some working for its offshoots here will be affected too. Mediawatch asks its long-serving chief editor why “Australia's news media engine” is closing and the impact it will have on news.
Stuff added momentum to the #MeToo movement in 2018 with a campaign urging people who’d suffered sexual harassment and abuse to come forward and tell their stories to journalists. Some critics condemned it as "a witch-hunt" and even "McCarthyism" while others worried about the effects on people putting their painful personal stories forward in the media. Two years on, were those fears grounded?
A pillar of Australian journalism falls; Stuff's me to campaign two years in; contradictory coverage of climate and coronavirus
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Colin talks to Karyn Hay about a chilling picture of the White Island rescue risks, RNZ's ads riling the rest of the media, more on Critic's campaign on party politics - Clive James' online life after death.
BusinessDesk was an independent agency supplying the media with news and commentary for more than a decade. Now it’s offering “world-class coverage of NZ business and how the world works” for $250 a year. Will it work?
Some big issues of public interest have been revealed down the years by employees tipping off reporters. Major wrongs have been righted by the media applying the fabled ‘disinfectant of sunlight’. But a review of our law to shield whistleblowers won't protect anyone who lifts the lid with the media.
Panic-buying hits headlines after first coronavirus case; whistleblowing law keeps media out of the loop; BusinessDesk pledges to 'follow the money' - and wants some of yours.
The deaths of Hannah Clarke and her children at the hands of husband with a history of violence were so shocking that many reports warned people in advance the details were distressing. But breathless headlines and inappropriate angles of some of them only added to the anguish.
Is defamation law an essential protection for reputations -- or handy tool for men and women of means to curb their critics? Hayden Donnell talks to a lawyer pushing for reform to allow us to express opinions without fear of prosecution.
Just before Christmas, Winston Peters was telling reporters our news media were essential for a healthy democracy. Now he’s attacking them on social media for ‘fake news’ and bias against his party.
Winston Peters strikes back at media; does defamation law protect reputations or is it a tool to curb critics?; horror headlines amplify the hurt; cricket commentary catastrophe.
A bummer next summer for those who like the soundtrack of ball-by-ball cricket coverage: Radio Sport couldn’t cut a deal with NZ Cricket for the live rights to matches from next season. Whyzat?
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Colin talks to Karyn Hay about tensions over 'those' photos of two journalists investigating NZ First, Breakfast burn-out, how a poke at the woke caused a cancellation - and the cunning data journalism behind a scoop on Sunday.
RNZ’s planned new music-based outlet to hook younger people has been met with scepticism - even scorn - during the current controversy over RNZ Concert. RNZ bosses and pundits have singled out Australia’s Triple J as a possible model. Mediawatch asks the Kiwi in charge of its content what it does and whether it would work here.
Kevin Kenrick leads the broadcaster that pulls in the biggest audiences in the country and the most money from advertising. But TVNZ - like state-owned RNZ - will be folded into a new public media outfit which will still depend on TV ad income under the plan favoured by the government. How’s he planning for that?
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about a local music TV channel coming back from the dead, US media not feeling the Bern - and RNZ Concert / RNZ Music: the story so far:
Don’t panic, keep calm and carry on - or be very,very afraid? You could get plenty of all three kinds of advice in our media this week - and sometimes from the same outlets.
RNZ’s planning a new music brand based in Auckland to hook younger people. But RNZ Concert will make way for it on FM and be reduced to an automated service with no human hosts. That has sparked a backlash from Concert's fans - and a confusing response from the government. Mediawatch asks the broadcasting minister and RNZ's top brass about the new music plan.
The government's been criticised for making ts long-awaited plan for public broadcasting behind closed doors. This week the broadcasting minister Kris Faafoi lifted the lid a little, but the new public media outfit due in 2023 is far from clear.
In the biggest overhaul of its music services in years, RNZ is planning to gut its classical music station RNZ Concert and replace it on FM radio with music for a younger audience as part of a new multimedia music brand. Mediawatch asks RNZ chief executive Paul Thompson and music content director Willy Macalister to explain the move.
Cabinet has approved the idea of a new public service outfit to replace state-owned RNZ and TVNZ by 2023 - but they want more details from the broadcasting minister. So does the public and the rest of the media.
Organised broadcast radio is 100 years old this year - and it's not just alive, but still kicking pretty hard. Some say surviving and even outliving other media and technological changes make it the 'cockroach' of the world' mass media. What's the secret to survival - and its future?
Gordon McLauchlan - who died this week - cast a critical eye on New Zealand’s life (“boring”) and people (“smiling zombies”). He also zeroed in on our media and PR industry with wisdom gained during a long career in both.
Super Rugby kicked off earlier than ever before last Friday under the slogan 'Rugby Recoded'. Last year Sky TV broke the bank to retain the live rights but critics claim the competition's profile has slumped here while Fox Sports is cutting back in Australia and and pulling out altogether next year.
Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn about a mini-drama involving Sean Plunket, a revolt in the Washington Post newsroom, a Buzzfeed pioneer joining the MSM, and coronavirus coverage going bats.
It was no surprise the Sussexes’ sudden decision to retreat from royalty and quit the kingdom fired up the hyperactive UK media - especially as they cited press pestering as a major reason. But half a world away, ours were in a frenzy over it too.
The Christmas / New Year news drought leaves media desperate for stories and talking points, often scraping social media for content and conflict. Mediawatch looks at some of the stuff that rose from the bottom of the barrel to plug gaps since New Year’s Day.
Digging deep and scraping social media to fill the summer news void; royals' retreat sparks right royal media pile-on; pre-empting the Facebook trolls.
Prompted by crass comments in response to an online story about plus-size popstar Lizzo, the Herald warned its Facebook followers to stop and followed up with similar warnings on other stories. Is it possible to pre-empt the bad reader responses which can spoil the media's social feeds?
Dan Eaton is the author of No White Lies - a thriller involving a kidnapping, spies and dodgy journalism. He's also a former national affairs editor of The Press and the recently appointed director of National Security Policy at the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. Mediawatch asks him whether there's any overlap.
To pump up interest in its transport policy the National Party spoon-fed the media part of it: police fining cyclists who spurn cycleways. But the prospect of Bike Force Raptor backfired when callers to the nation's top-rating talkback poured scorn on the plan.
Mediawatch looks at political personalities who proved reporters wrong in 2019 - and as the summer silly season looms, we look back at the unexpected stars of the last one.
Talkback callers call out plan for 'Bike Force Raptor'; Dan Eaton - former reporter, now author and intelligence bigwig; Bridges and Peters vs media - and the unruly stars of last summer.
The media were in emergency mode once again this week when Whakaari / White Island erupted. They raised important questions about risks and rewards of tourism - and some got involved in the emotional push to recover the missing.
Our Fourth Estate is "collapsing" according to Winston Peters. This week he set out what he wants as the coalition government ponders a new policy for the media - due to be unveiled any day now. But what does the most comprehensive annual survey of the state of it all reveal?
Media probe risks and rewards of tourism - and the emotional push for recovery; the state of our media in 2019; televising the Xmas party
Virtual newsreaders, stock reports and election results written up by algorithms, and news organisations dishing up articles based on what you've already clicked on are all examples artificial intelligence in action. Mediawatch speaks to the author of a new report on AI and journalism who says journalists need to become "algorithmically turbo-charged"
A deeply inappropriate cartoon in the Otago Daily Times sparked demonstrations at the paper's door this week as well as discontent among the paper's own people. It reminded editors potentially contentious content needs careful consideration before publication.
Cartoon controversy rocks the ODT; algorithmically turbo-charged journalism; political polls undermined by the undecided and the unresponsive.
Political polling will intensify as the next election draws nearer, but when media draw conclusions look out for the crucial cohort who say they don’t know, don't care or won't tell the pollsters what they reckon.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about BoJo's no-shows in the UK; Air NZ's 'expert trolling,' casual racism forgiven - and how compassionate coverage of Samoa's crisis contrasted with one crass cartoon.
This month the government will decide how to fund public broadcasting in the future – and ponder replacing RNZ and TVNZ with a brand new organisation. This week Mediawatch looks at how Australia, Ireland and Canada fund their public media - and what they get for their money.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. Jeremy Rose is leaving RNZ at the end of the year and this will be his last appearance on Lately. He talks to Karyn Hay about the future of the media and some of the things he'd like to see happen.
The Otago Daily Times got a boost this week when British band Coldplay took out 15 cryptic ads to promote its new album. Meanwhile, our biggest publisher of papers is giving away ad space to reward clever campaigns like that. But are creative ads really the ones that cut through with readers?
Newspapers have been shrinking for years along with the advertising that pays the bills - but travel is bucking the trend in a big way. Ads for tours and trips often make up the majority of the ads in the paper and the income is crucial. But does this compromise commitments to sustainability?
Air New Zealand hands out lollies before landing. This week its handouts to the media softened bad news for passengers about more engine trouble for its Dreamliners.
On Mediawatch: Air New Zealand's engine trouble; travel bucks the trend bringing in big bucks for papers; Coldplay cracked it, but do clever newspaper ads really cut through?
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about Stuff Circuit's latest headline-making investigation, big calls on our 'dying' small towns; a long-serving young MP making us feel old, and mean - and whatever happened to the old NZBC?
Shane Jones’ low blow at the Indian community over partnership visas was followed up by others looking to score political points or to condemn him. But while the politics of it all preoccupied the media, the bigger immigration issue was obscured.
Retail politics on immigration via the media; government tp ponder proposal for single public broadcaster; Ian Cross: editor, broadcast boss, critic and conscience.
Former public broadcasting boss and Listener editor Ian Cross died earlier this month aged 93 leaving behind a lasting legacy in New Zealand journalism. He also presided over the creation of TVNZ and New Zealand’s first TV shows analysing our media.
RNZ has revealed the government will soon consider a proposal to disestablish state-owned broadcasters TVNZ and RNZ and create a brand new public media organisation. Mediawatch looks at a plan formed behind closed doors which could be the biggest shake-up in broadcasting for 30 years.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. Jeremy Rose talks to Karyn Hay about The Guardian's new New Zealand and Pacific offerings, media coverage of the political turmoil in Bolivia, and the blossoming of prison journalism in the USA.
It's been almost impossible to avoid distressing details in the news this week from two big murder trials in which young women were the victims - but one detail withheld is the identity of one of the accused. The media's had plenty to say about name suppression restricting their reporting in the past, but a recent law change with heavy penalties has gone under the radar.
As the government ponders its policy for the media, state-owned TVNZ has got a green light to put millions of dollars into ”betting big on local content”. This week it unveiled its programmes for 2020. What do we get for our money?
As Facebook faces legal pushback in the US for exploiting users’ data, three reporters here produced eye-opening cautionary tales of online intrusion into people’s most private stuff for commercial gain.
Murder trials reported in excruciating detail - except one; TVNZ's local content play; 'Facebook thinks I'm pregnant' - cautionary tales about sharing digital data
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about New Zealand on Air feeding the big public media policy debate - and discovering people still hate ads; a pair of (mostly) pointless interviews and a single startling speech.
A media monitoring company reckons leaders who are ‘out there’ more in the media reap rewards when the news turns bad for them. But would it be better for the rest of us if they stuck to their knitting instead of trying to manage the media?
Even before it screened here, the latest fly-on-the-wall royal TV documentary prompted a pile-on from pundits here who are hostile to Meghan and Harry.
The end of the World Cup is nigh; should our leaders be more 'out there' in the media?; royal revelations prompt a pile-on
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Jeremy Rose talks to Karyn Hay about Facebook's latest foray into news; Indonesia's use of Twitter to spread fake news about West Papua; and a Chinese war ship "spotted" in Wellington Harbour.
England won it fair and square and it's only a game - but our media found much more to say about last weekend's semi final to fill out acres of space in the papers and hours of airtime.
The big blaze in Auckland broke out right on TVNZ's doorstep and it pulled out all the stops to get compelling coverage on the air - even after evacuating its own newsroom on Wednesday. But news shows were scaled back or scrapped later in the day. Can the national TV broadcaster broadcast from anywhere other than Auckland in an emergency?
You paid for a TV programme about how modern New Zealand was built - and you have to pay again to see the earlier episodes behind a paywall. Meanwhile, Parliament TV is screening stuff from the archives nationwide at next-to-no cost to the public purse.
MediaWorks' move to cut off its TV arm has swung the spotlight onto the government's plans for broadcasting. Politicians sent out distinctly mixed messages this past week ranging from staged schadenfreude to promises of help - and 'wait and see'.
One of the most listened to items on the RNZ website this week was titled: "Is omega-6 fat making us sick?" But anyone wanting to know the answer to that question would be best advised to do more than simply listen to the interview. Mediawatch questions whether standalone interviews with authors peddling controversial "science" do anyone any favours.
Blaze breaks out on TVNZ's doorstep; MediaWorks TV sell-off turns political; alarming oil claims get an airing; history behind a paywall - and on screen for free.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about a delicately disrespected political biography in the UK - and while pundits and Paul Henry write off free-to-air TV, it has provided compelling coverage of Auckland on fire - as well as firefighters facing burnout.
Sky and NZ Rugby sprang a surprise this week making a unique deal for TV rights with no bids from any other broadcaster. It's raised questions about conflicts of interest - and compromises in coverage.
MediaWorks TV on the block; comedy cuts point to bigger TV problems; rugby TV deal creates claims of conflicts and compromise
Broadcasting company MediaWorks intends to sell off its television operations, putting TV channels Three, ThreeLife, the joint-venture Bravo and news service Newshub in limbo - and hundreds of jobs. Mediawatch looks at the move and asks a former insider what might happen next - and when.
Mediawatch's weekly catch up with Lately. This week Jeremy Rose talks to Karyn Hay about a new series of in-depth interviews with indigenous leaders; the latest long-form journalism offering from BWB Texts, the indigenous-led protests in Ecuador, and the under-reporting of one aspect of Turkey's assault on the Kurds in Syria.
Broadcaster MediaWorks is cutting key local TV comedies. Mediawatch says it’s a further sign of the company’s deepening problems and wider troubles in free-to-air television. And it is also a headache for the broadcasting funding agency New Zealand On Air.
Broadcaster MediaWorks is cutting key local TV comedies. Mediawatch says it's a further sign of the company's deepening problems and wider troubles in free-to-air television. And it is also a headache for the broadcasting funding agency New Zealand On Air.
A typhoon over Tokyo scrapped Rugby World Cup games this weekend – while the scrap over who will screen our favourite sports here in the future intensified.
Korean-American journalist Jean Lee had one of the trickiest jobs in world journalism - running the first international news bureau in North Korea. Since then this former news blackspot has become much more newsworthy thanks to the unorthodox diplomacy of Donald Trump. But do we get a better picture of what really goes on there? And what do North Koreans see in their own state-controlled media?
Recent weeks have seen the most concentrated climate change coverage in New Zealand's history but it was still eclipsed by coverage of the Rugby World Cup.
New Zealand Herald journalist Keith Ng recently returned from covering the protests in Hong Kong and he tells Mediawatch being a Cantonese speaker was invaluable.
Covering Climate Now saw all of New Zealand's major media companies upping their environmental coverage but it was still eclipsed by the rugby World Cup and New Zealand Herald journalist Keith Ng on covering the protests in Hong Kong as a Cantonese speaker.
Was Spark Sports streaming fail just a one-off blip? Or game over for our titanic telco and sport on screen - and a knockback for digital innovation? Would politicians arriving at the breakdown really usher in free-to-air rugby on TV? Depends on which of the many loud voices in the media you’ve heard this past week.
Amazon Prime’s announcement of a Lord of the Rings TV series to be made here was big news in the media - as was the huge tax break it is likely to get. It’s part of a business model that means Amazon paid no tax on $18 billion profits in the US last year - but those in the background of their TV productions don't share the wealth.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about big paybacks for Amazon Prime - but small paydays; Three's joint On Weed and a case of sub-optimal optimisation.
A drone attack on a Saudi Arabian oil well earlier this week saw journalists resort to words like "horror" and "nightmare" but they weren't referring to the hundreds of thousands who experts say would likely die if war breaks out but a possible increase in the price of fuel.
People point the finger at politicians, platforms and the news media for the spread of fake news and misinformation, but an expert tells Mediawatch the PR industry’s role usually goes under the radar - and an ethics upgrade is urgent.
With local elections looming, Newshub crunched the numbers on local councils “splashing cash” on Christmas parties for staff. It turned out to be a drop in the bucket, and the online exclusive backfired.
Press panic over Spark RWC streaming; petrol prices trump war worries and climate crisis; expert urges PR ethics upgrade; Christmas party 'cash splash' backlash.
We haven't been this twitchy about tech since Y2K. Spark took a gamble by buying the World Cup broadcast rights and offering live streaming coverage to subscribers. It's sparked a flood of sceptical - sometimes hostile - media coverage of streaming snags but the bigger picture is the future of sport on screen.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. Jeremy Rose talks to Karyn Hay about Bangladesh's decision to grant legal personhood to its 700 rivers and a New York court case that could do the same for an elephant; the under-reporting of NZ's ask no questions approach to US torture; and the great flood of climate stories.
The billionaire boss of Twitter - who flew in this week to update the Christchurch Call - couldn't keep his own account free of extremist stuff from hackers recently. Six months after social media was weaponised in Christchurch, is it time for rules to block extremist posts on online platforms in New Zealand?
Labour’s leaders were pressed on 'who knew what and when' after serious allegations against a staffer were aired again in the media this week - and why they didn't act sooner. The media have also been challenged on how well they've done their job.
Labour's 'who knew what and when' scandal; blocking extremism from the internet six months after Christchurch; Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori embraced by media - but what about the other weeks
The mainstream media is embracing te reo Maori like never before but for fluent te reo Maori speakers things have gone backwards on RNZ since Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori was first launched in 1975.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about On Weed - a Patrick Gower joint in a blaze of publicity and some cases of journalists opening up with mixed results: Also - two cases of angst over anonymity.
Melanie Bunce cut her teeth in journalism at the Otago Daily Times. Now she teaches and researches it at one of the UK’s most prestigious journalism schools and tracks the trends that shape the uncertain future of news. What state are our media in now - and what do they need to survive and prosper?
Efforts to confront two different but potentially deadly diseases hit the headlines this past week. Both were complicated stories impressively reported and explained by the media - but sometimes opinions obscured ‘news we could use’.
A local ad agency’s “out-of-season April fool” was meant to go viral, grab the media’s attention and boost a brand of toothbrush. It didn't work.
Mixed messages on measles and cancer - among the 'news you can use'; an expat expert surveys the state of our media; spoof ad backfires on admen.
Mediawatch's weekly catch up with Lately. Jeremy Rose talks to Karyn Hay about local body election coverage, David Byrne's new journalism venture, fires from Siberia to Indonesia, and the invisibility of women and children in the media.
Venture capitalists last month pumped $US 15.3 million into Substack - a start up the New York Times has described as "the new social network that isn't new at all." Mediawatch's Jeremy Rose talks co-founder Hamish McKenzie a Kiwi journalist now based in San Francisco.
Recent elections overseas were won by narrow margins amid claims voters were influenced by misleading messages injected straight into their social media feeds by political parties. Is that what we should expect in the run-up to 2020? And why is the public picking up the bill for political ads that now have a bad name abroad?
Oncoming onslaught of online political ads; Substack - an ad-free way for journalists to make money online; a comic confession.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about an eye-opening multimedia portrait of life in Northland, politicians bypassing the media online and a couple of lectures raising timely questions for us about what we want from our media.
Lots of listeners heard Alan Jones’s violent verbiage directed at Jacinda Ardern last week on the air in Australia, but the worst of it only hit headlines this week. Will the outcry run the belligerent broadcaster’s long and lucrative career off the rails?
The Broadcasting Standards Authority has sanctioned Sky TV for screening snippets of the gunman’s video of the Christchurch mosque attacks in March. But other broadcasters escaped censure here and in Australia. Mediawatch asks an ethics expert cited by the BSA if it made the right call - and if we need new rules.
'Blowhard' with a vengeance; watchdogs draw different conclusions on Christchurch mosque attack footage; locations for new local reporters unveiled.
More than 70 media organisations around the world - including most of New Zealand's leading media companies - have signed up to the Covering Climate Change Now week that kicks off on Monday 16 September. Mediawatch's Jeremy Rose talks to Stuff editor in chief Patrick Crewsdon about the the week and climate change reporting in general.
Struggling news media companies have been lobbying the government behind the scenes for some time. On Thursday broadcaster MediaWorks put it all out in the open, telling the minister responsible its future is in doubt and democracy could die in darkness if he fails to act now.
All our MPs but one voted to change the gun laws. Opinion polls showed a majority approved and thousands of banned weapons have been peacefully surrendered. Do reported claims of widespread discontent among the nation’s gun owners stack up?
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about colossal corrections undermining an article, airing the ethics of the 'empty chair,' the Rich List offering rich pickings for more lists - and more ministerial manoeurvres on public media funding.
Coverage of political party conferences tends to focus on the leaders who we see all the time in the news - and ignore the party members who gather once a year to be heard. But at the Green Party conference last weekend, they kept the media at arm's length because they feared the focus on their followers.
Once upon a timeour major media companies and telcos were none of each others' business. Now they are all up in each others' business because of 'convergence' driven by digital technology and the internet. TVNZ's board told the government it won't be getting dividends in this crowded market and this week media bosses told Mediawatch the big players can’t all survive in it much longer.
Media see red over Green 'blackout'; Convergence - yesterday's buzzword now the new normal; distressing deaths converted into clickbait; Warriors' struggles spark f***-letter word frenzy.
A tragedy involving a Kiwi who died in Peru recently was reported sensitively. The tragic deaths of a Peruvian couple there was turned into morbid clickbait.
Given recent NRL results and refereeing blunders, anyone emotionally invested in the Warriors could be forgiven for turning the air blue. Recent stories in print have had as many dots, dashes and asterisks as actual letters lately - and some outbursts broadcast probably shouldn't have been.
This week on Mediawatch Midweek Jeremy Rose talks to Karyn Hay about some new free video streaming services and reviews some book review sites, and takes a look at the Listener at 80.
Over the coming year NZ on Air plans to spend $37.7 million on factual programmes and $46.4 on dramas and eventually most of the resulting content will find its way to the on-demand services of the country's broadcasters and media media companies. And the public - which has forked out for all that content - will then be forced to sit through interminable adverts if the want to watch it - it could be said to be a form of double taxation.
The government’s handling of an important announcement last Wednesday muddied the waters when it turned off the tap for all media but one.
Broadcasters say their political polls aren’t perfect but they do reveal significant swings of support. In that case, they ought to notice more and more people don't like being asked to pick a 'preferred prime minister'.
Back in the day, nudity on TV was rare and the isolated sightings were almost national events. There's plenty of it available on-demand and on any device these days, but does it do us harm? The broadcasting watchdog’s been weighing that up.
Government turning off the tap on big water news; preferred PM polling proves pretty unpopular; interrupting ads in publicly-funded programmes on-demand; tax the shock of the nude on TV.
Forty years ago this week a milestone meeting of scientists led to the first comprehensive report on climate change science. Four decades later, media outlets around the world - including Stuff - have hooked up to boost coverage of the issue globally. But here, some broadcasters are still fuelling scepticism instead.
It's not news that people doing PR and communications for the state heavily outnumber the journalists who report on the agencies employing them. And journalists know most of those on 'the dark side' get fatter paypackets than they do. But the numbers crunched by RNZ's Phil Pennington shows the gap has become a chasm - and the figures weren't easy to get.
Broadcasters boosting climate change scepticism; crunching the number on public service PR and comms.
This week on Mediawatch Midweek Jeremy Rose talks to Karyn Hay about the new Netflix series The Great Hack; Boris Johnson - the disgraced hack turned UK PM, and; "Ricky Leaks" - a journalistic scoop that's seen hundreds of thousands taking to the streets of Puerto Rico demanding the resignation of governor Ricardo Rossello.
Mediawatch's Jeremy Rose takes a look at TVNZ That's a Bit Racist documentary and finds it a bit disappointing.
The Cricket World Cup outcome monopolised the media last Monday - and whether it was fair or not was the big story in the following days. The Black Caps were dignified in defeat, but did some media sledging in the past motivate England’s match-winner last Monday morning?
Prospective politicians with hired hands from PR are flying kites in the media before committing to a campaign. Candidates running for office should be covered as news but can the media avoid being used for political publicity and market research?
Coverage of chaotic cricket that needed some explaining; a prime-time probe into racism that didn't go deep; prospective politicians playing the media.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay some up-close coverage of the fallout from 'Taken by the State' - and how the media dealt with what the hell happened at Lords. Also: a drought-breaking surge of local TV comedy and a surprising comedy confession.
The Black Caps are in the Cricket World Cup final this weekend in England a week after the Women’s World Cup of football finished in France. Women were not left on the sidelines in the media coverage of both tournaments which highlighted inequalities and big-picture issues off the field.
‘Freedom in Broadcasting without Harm’ is the newly-stated mission of our most powerful media watchdog. The BSA is also asking if broadcasting standards need to change after the Christchurch mosque attacks. This could be controversial against the backdrop of increased angst about hate speech and freedom of expression.
New Zealand no longer has a local music TV channel after MediaWorks took Edge TV off the screen last week. Five years after promising ‘radio with pictures on steroids’ it seems the effects have worn off.
World Cup coverage highlights off-pitch inequalities; broadcasting watchdog targets 'harm'; Mediaworks kills the video star;
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about the end of local music TV, the fallout from a famous Māori Television scoop and Google changing tack on name suppression. CAUTION: may contain traces of cricket.
The pressure’s on for consistent cancer care around the country. Experts say that will take more than just more money for medicines but that’s become the focus of much of the coverage and comment in the media.
The latest All Blacks World Cup jersey was launched with a comprehensive PR blitz this week - and a premium price tag. The media marveled at its cutting edge design, but it wasn’t clear whether paying punters would get the garment ‘as seen on TV’.
This week Newshub and RNZ both ran interviews with far-right Austrian activist Martin Sellner. Mediawatch's Jeremy Rose argues neither provided the background required for their audiences to appreciate just how extreme his views are.
Cancer coverage stirs action and emotions; giving Austria's far-right a platform; All Black jersey reveal pulls wool over fans' eyes
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about attribution anger; greenwashing in the Koru lounge, tenant journos and rental health . . . and tech titans dissing our courts and killing off Richie.
A sudden spate of advocacy ads this past week shows media should check the claims of people placing political propaganda before cashing their cheques.
Kris Faafoi was promoted in a cabinet reshuffle this week, but he still has the problem portfolio of broadcasting. The last vestige of predecessor’s policy was killed off this week when the committee appointed to set funding for public broadcasting was dissolved.
Almost five years after starting up, online outlet The Spinoff now wants readers to cough up along with its corporate sponsors and clients. It’s even offering them some editorial influence. Mediawatch asks its founder if that might mess with their mission.
How we get around increasingly congested cities and towns has become a hot topic and paying for public transport is a an increasingly fraught political issue, especially as councils around the country are declaring 'climate emergencies'. But do claims the facts are being spun to suit agendas stand up?
Advocacy ads needs checks before cheques; broadcasting policy goes backwards; The Spinoff recruits its readers; transport stats taken for a ride.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. Jeremy Rose talks to Karyn Hay about the NZ Herald's Meghan Markle mania; death, dying and the news; the Spinoff joins the membership club; and more.
Flygskam is rapidly replacing hygge as the media's favourite Scandinavian word. But whereas hygge introduced the world to the warm and fuzzy Danish concept of feeling good due to the simple pleasures in life, the Swedish word flygskam - or flight shame - is all about bringing your holiday ambitions down to earth.
The Act party struggles to attract supporters, but has no problem getting the attention of the media. Its new proposals to beef up freedom of speech were debated throughout the week in the news.
The Mail Online is one of the world’s most popular websites - partly because it recycles the online journalism of other outlets as clickbait. You’ll never believe what happened when New Zealand-based correspondent Anke Richter confronted them about that recently.
Act's free-speech political pitch triggers the media; offsetting our indulgences; Christchurch correspondent confronts online clickbait machine.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about behind-the-scenes bluster from property profiteers out in the open, the maths of kiwifruit, a lookback at a story that faded from the headlines, the end of the innings for the oldest-ever editor - and further fallout from the coverage of Oranga Tamariki’s track record.
A fly-on-the-wall account of an attempt to take a newborn baby from a Māori whānau into care put Oranga Tamariki’s methods under the spotlight and sparked claims of ‘a stolen generation.’ Those who saw it were shocked but it was far from the first time this case and others like it had been aired in the media.
Two contrary political opinion polls this week raised big questions about the quality and the purpose of them. Politicians disputing the outcomes were dismissed as “in denial.” But are the media the ones who need to confront the contradictions in their reporting?
Contradictory political polls put heat on the pollsters - and the broadcasters; confronting scoop raises big questions over care and custody of vulnerable kids.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. Jeremy Rose talks to Karyn Hay about Melanie Reid's Uplift documentary; Five Eyes and the ABC raid, and; a growing digital divide where rants are free but facts come at a price.
Three times this week week the powers-that-be intruded on journalists in Australia to try and dig out sources of controversial stories of clear public interest. Media freedom advocates there say a new law is now needed to reinforce the right to know. Should we take note too?
Former Dominion Post reporter Talia Shadwell was one of the reporters in a British scheme that’s the model for a new one here designed to put reporters into the regions where there aren’t enough of them. She tells Mediawatch it’s working well in the UK, but all parties will need to commit to it here.
Fear of spreading Mycoplasma Bovis during the annual mass-movement of stock was headline news a year ago. Amid our biggest-ever biosecurity operation, thousands of farmers still hadn’t registered stock movements before Moving Day this year - but it’s barely been reported.
Labour came to power promising big boosts to public broadcasting, but last week's Budget offered only stop-gap increases “pending major policy decisions” to come. Mediawatch asks the minister of broadcasting and digital media when the big calls about media policy will be made.
Police raids spook Aussie media; public media funding policy back to square one?; reporting local democracy in London; cattle crisis complacency goes under the radar.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about the Daily Mail's shameless rip-offs of other people's journalism - and why no-one can stop it. But first: a string of stories about media under the influence of lobbyists, spin doctors, PR pros, sports stars and . . . influencers.
A recent academic study has found that media reports were the main cause of an increase in people experiencing adverse side effects following a Pharmac switch from a branded anti-depressant to a generic one - not the switch itself.
The Budget led the bulletins this week long before its scheduled release because of that leak. Some pundits praised Simon Bridges' strategy while others criticised breaking an important embargo solely for party political gain. But how did the media judge the public interest in this story?
A pilot programme will place reporters in regions where coverage of local issues is in decline. it's paid for with $1m from the public purse, but only for a year. Mediawatch talks to two key players who set it up, a local news publisher who backs the idea and one who is shut out of it for now.
Budget leak pulls media away from public interest; Budget 2019 not transformative for media; reporters om the ground in the regions; serious side-effects of media reporting medicines.
The broadcasting funding changes in Budget 2019 weren't exactly headline-making stuff. There were only incremental increases and the abandonment of the only major innovation arising from Budget 2018. It falls well short of Labour's policy before it took power.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. Jeremy Rose talks to Emile Donovan about the media's lack of interest in how New Zealand votes at the UN; a former police inspector, MP and honorary consul's claim that there's a "high probability" the police used a surrogate agency to break into his car; and more.
Publicly funded reporters will be employed by news publishers around the country in a first-of-its-kind scheme unveiled today to address declines in local news coverage. It’s the result of a government-approved collaboration between RNZ, publishers and the government’s broadcasting funding agency. .
The re-entry of the Pike River mine this week was an historic event but there were no media there to record it; the families of the 29 men who died in the disaster did not want them there. Mediawatch takes a look at some recent research that might explain why.
It named no names, but the much-anticipated report into bullying in Parliament did lift the lid on people turning the place toxic.The journalists among them are part of the problem, according to the report, but there wasn't a lot about that in the media.
There was a sudden surge of interest in Christian politics this week and the possibility of new political parties excited political reporters. Meanwhile the PM meeting the world’s top Mormons made headlines - in Utah, but not here.
Bullying report also points finger at reporters; Pike River families keep media at arm's length; a sudden surge of interest in Christian politicians.
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. Colin Peacock talks to Emile Donovan about media self-absorption, an awful Aussie election gimmick; two lost-and-found tearjerkers; a spoiled spoiler story - and media people with their eyes on the prizes.
The Christchurch Call now has international backing, but a prominent media freedom advocate in the US tells Mediawatch there could be unintended consequences for the media and journalists.
A staff-elected board member at the ABC was credited by some with providing a steadying hand during last year's political interference scandal that saw the sacking of the Australian public broadcaster's chief executive and the resignation of its board chair. So, would New Zealand's publicly-owned media companies benefit from having a staff member at the top table?
Tip Top was scooped up by a global behemoth this week, sparking a mini-meltdown over a quintessential Kiwi company slipping offshore. But others insisted the media got the wrong end of the stick on that and rewrote ice cream history.
The Christchurch Call and response; media staff at their companies' top table; flipping Tip Top gives media an ice cream headache.
This week on Mediawatch Midweek Jeremy Rose talks to Emile Donovan about the unmasking of an anonymous Russian social media commentator - who's been called the most important journalist in the country; the power of a signature - Milo vs Mirena; and media clashes with the alt-right.
“Let’s do this” was Labour’s slogan before the last election. Now some pundits reckon timidity could cost the party at the next one - and a lot could hang on when the PM says: "I do.”
In the middle of an intense election campaign, Australia’s public broadcaster has been looking for new leaders itself after a scandal that saw off its top executives last year. A veteran media watcher tells Mediawatch there’s lots to learn from the mess at the ABC and its efforts to address the "death of broadcasting".
The strongest cyclone to hit coastal India for years yielded spectacular shots of devastation for TV news and social media this week. But the real story was why so few people died in such a poor and populous place.
One engagement ring rules them all; Australia looks for leadership in government and on air; cyclone survival not the sexy story
Mediawatch’s weekly catch-up with Karyn Hay on Lately: This week Colin Peacock talks to Karyn about more fibre and new faces in broadcasters’ breakfasts; RNZ’s new show for early risers; a random typo tweets that rebounded - and the sliding doors of Kiwi rock nostalgia.
National served up the ‘slushies in jail’ story to the media, who then forced it down our throats for two days - then bit the hand that spoonfed them.
Any complacency about extremism here was extinguished by the attack in Christchurch on 15 March. The media claimed it marked “the end of our innocence”. We're still in the top ten for global press freedom but our media need to be vigilant against incursions on their freedoms too.
For years, the country's top-selling paper talked about making online readers pay - just like subscribers to the printed paper. This week the New Zealand Herald finally did it. The ads they once monopolised are dwindling so it makes sense to seek more revenue from the readers. But will they now cough up to cover the cost of quality reporting?
Tapping readers for revenue - the Herald puts up its paywall; NZ media freedom enters uncharted waters after Christchurch; slush and burn.
This week on Mediawatch Midweek Jeremy Rose talks to Karyn Hay about the NZ Herald's new paywall; the new daily podcast: The Detail: and a couple of stories that have barely made the news.
While condemning social media platforms for hosting and spreading extremists’ content, many media here also took the online bait from a noted British troll too toxic even for Fox News and the tabloids in the UK.
Some pundits predict the “Christchurch call to action" and the PM's upcoming social media summit in Paris won’t move US-based tech companies. They've always resisted regulation and can fall b ack on powerful US free speech laws. But could reformers find US lawyers and lawmakers end up on their side?
Don't feed the troll; which side the law is on for bringing social media to heel; The Herald puts a price on the paywall. Co
The New Zealand Herald's publisher NZME has announced digital subscriptions will be available from next week. Online readers will have to pay $5 a week for everything the Herald has to offer. It's the most significant move in the market for online news in New Zealand so far.
Mediawatch’s weekly catch-up with Karyn Hay on Lately: This week Colin Peacock talks to Karyn about the megabucks mining magnate taking on Mister Twisted Sister across the ditch; Breakfast TV going stale; so long and thanks for all the features - and the end of the 'umm' . . . for a sum.
For five years our news media kept the story of kidnapped nurse Louisa Akavi under wraps and this week they won praise for putting her safety ahead of a scoop. But the last time this happened, the media’s ethics didn’t quite come out so squeaky clean in the wash-up.
News of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions going up after two successive years of decreases failed to make the television news bulletins. Mediawatch takes a look at the state of climate change reporting in New Zealand.
TVNZ made a bold move screening a contemporary local drama each weeknight this past week - but it was a foreign fantasy on pay TV that grabbed the media's attention. And turns out New Zealanders have a stake in the much-hyped Game of Thrones series too.
Sitting on a sensational story for safety's sake; accounting for carbon in the age of climate change; in thrall to Thrones.
Over the past four years, a small team of local journalists at multimedia outlet Vice has published New Zealand and Pacific stories watched and read around the world over the past four years. A new lid-lifting look at billionaires’ bunkers beneath our soil is set to go viral too. So why has the plug just been pulled on Vice’s local journalism?
After Christchurch, governments around the world are gearing up against the ‘weaponisation’ of the internet by terrorists and extremists. The grim content they create also forces news media to make tough calls. Professor Roxane Cohen Silver has studied the effects of extreme images - and what the media need to know about that.
Governments gear up to crack down on social media: how to handle content created by extremists; Vice NZ caught in global squeeze. Programme Code Participants Colin Peacock, Jeremy Rose Topics
Mediawatch’s weekly catch-up with Karyn Hay on Lately: This week Colin Peacock talks to Karyn about a student paper pulling up trees in Dunedin; arguments over archiving extremists’ content online; new multimedia content for RNZ funded by you; Brexit and bananas - and a curmudgeonly radio host calls it a day.
Banning the gunman’s so-called manifesto was a controversial call by the Chief Censor last week. It has divided opinion among the media over whether they should delve into it - and just how much of it the public needs to know.
Normal party politics have been mostly in abeyance since last month’s terrorist attack. But some political reporters are already returning to political reporting as usual - analysing political strategy and speculating about the next election.
ZB broadcaster's "leeches" blurt censured; manifesto ban divides media; reporters return to politics as usual.
Newstalk ZB broadcaster Heather du Plessis-Allan has been censured for Pacific Island slurs in a ruling that contains uncharacteristically strong language from the official broadcasting watchdog.
On Mediawatch Midweek Jeremy Rose talks to Lately's Karyn Hay about Guns, God and Algorithms; Bougainville, and rapping the news.
Mediawatch takes a look at the coverage of Islam and Muslims in the media before and after the Christchurch atrocity of 15 March.
After the atrocity in Christchurch, Stuff says it's time to civilise the often unpleasant space 'below the line.' It no longer accepts online comments on news stories about topics that get readers the most wound-up. Is this censorship in response to tragedy - or was more moderation long overdue?
Why the country's most popular news publisher is cracking down on comments from its readers; reporting Islam before and after 15/3.
Mediawatch’s weekly catch-up with Karyn Hay on Lately: This week Colin Peacock talks to Karyn about a rare outlet for the voices of our youth on air; a student paper pulling up trees in Dunedin, data journalism that shows we don't know how lucky we are - and more assessments of the media coverage of the attack in Christchurch and what followed:
The attack in Christchurch has forced our news media to rethink the way they work, whose voices they amplify and why. Telcos, bloggers, advertisers and the government have also reacted in ways that could change what we see, hear and read in our media in the future - and we've also had a stark reminder of the power of the big online platforms.
On Tuesday when prime minister Jacinda Ardern told Parliament she would not speak the name of the mass murderer who killed 50 people in Christchurch she articulated what many people have been feeling. And it turns out there's evidence it could make a difference.
There's concern the court case of the man accused of murder in Christchurch could give him another platform for his propaganda. Espen Egil Hansen - editor of Norway's Aftenposten - has some advice for media here after reporting two trials for the 2011 mass-killer Anders Behring Breivik.
How Christchurch's assault has made a mark on our media; to name -or not to name; lessons from Norway on covering the quest for justice.
The media are playing a crucial role in the COVID-19 crisis - conveying quality information in context. But some are also amplifying opinions from pundits and presenters contradicting each other - and confusing people at a critical time. And are we hearing from the right kind of experts.
In 2017 the New Zealand media featured 14,349 stories that included the word Islam - nearly 13,000 of those stories mentioned either terrorism or Islamic Jihad. Mediawatch's Jeremy Rose talks to Karyn Hay about those figures and what it says about the media's attitudes to Muslims in the years leading up to the worst mass shooting in New Zealand's recent history.
The news media have made some mistakes - inevitably - covering the crisis on Christchurch since Friday, but applied essential standards and decency. It was a different story on social media platforms, whose owners now face demands to shift their focus from innovation to moderation.
Mediawatch's midweek catch-up with Karyn Hay on Lately: This week Colin Peacock and Karyn talk about Aussie rugby league's PR nightmare; a new app and a radio station giving high school kids a voice; how the news 'found' a US woman ten years on - and some wretched responses to Leaving Neverland - and some better ones.
Seven senior Kiwi journalists from New Zealand's major news outlets spent a week in Hawaii late last year and produced just one story between them. It didn't cost their organisations a cent - the bill was picked by the US State Department. Mediawatch's Jeremy Rose takes a look at how foreign governments are attempting to influence the news agenda.
Politicians spending taxpayers’ money freely always make a good story for the media. Exposure of their expenses can damage their reputation, but the same doesn’t apply to the those who over-react to the sums that they spend.
While TVNZ was clearing out four hours of prime time to air a heavily-hyped documentary about Michael Jackson's alleged crimes against children, radio networks here were quietly easing his music off the air.
Jackson doco jolts local radio - even before it screens; foreign governments flying journalists to foreign fields; politicians' expenses inflame the media. Programme Code Participants Colin Peacock Topics media
Mediawatch's midweek catch-up with Lately. This week Jeremy talks to Karyn about: The Pakistan India conflict; Tom Scott quitting daily cartooning; E-Tangata's Conversations; Cardinal Pell's lesbian cousin, and he asks whether some #Me Too coverage verges on voyeurism.
There has been an overload of opinions about capital gains tax in the media lately from economists, lobbyists, politicians and business people who are part of the story. But plenty of the broadcasters who interview them on our behalf for the media have laid their reckons on us too.
An Australian court has ruled in favour of a journalist who claimed covering crime and court cases exposed her to life-long trauma. Mediawatch asks veteran crime reporter Gary Tippet, who gave evidence in the trial, and long-serving RNZ court reporter Ann Marie May about the special stresses of covering crime and the courts.
When an Australian boss dissed the next generation for spurning unpaid work and blamed social media, it was the perfect story to prompt an instant online pile-on. The response to this story - and how it emerged in the first place - tells us a lot about how the media work these days.
Media go OTT on CGT; covering crime and court cases comes at a cost; Muffin Break's boo-boo breaks the internet.
Peterson's presence riles opponents and excites media; ‘ISIS bride' triggers talk radio; Huawei in the headlines; paywall plan details unveiled by the Herald.
A recent visit by controversial Canadian author Jordan Peterson got lots of attention from the NZ media – even before he arrived and spoke here. But not much that preceded Peterson's visit helped to explain his notoriety, and once he was here the media made us wait to find out what he had actually said in public.
Chairman Mao once said a single spark can start a prairie fire. And the GCSB's decision to block Spark's plans to install a Huawei 5G network, late last year, has definitely set the media alight over recent months. Mediawatch takes a look at some of that coverage.
A teenage Briton’s bid to return home after sleeping with the enemy in Syria was a huge talking point in the UK. But it also occupied a lot of airtime here, obscuring the issue closer to home.
The Herald’s owner says the free ride will be over soon for those who like the best bits of its journalism. Its heavily-trailed online paywall will finally go up within weeks, but some important details are still under wraps and it’s not the paywall that’s overdue.
Mediawatch's midweek catch-up with Lately. This week Jeremy talks to Karyn Hay about the proposed NZ Herald paywall and asks why the paper is paying to put clickbait on his Facebook feed; advances in AI journalism and the algorithm beat; Vice's Tonga documentary; and, David Altheide's research showing entertainment and fear are replacing public interest as drivers of news.
A recent stock-take of network television news in the USA found that up to a quarter of the content consisted of amateur video clips –that were typically shocking, dramatic or humorous. Professor David Altheide tells Mediawatch's Jeremy Rose that entertainment is increasingly replacing public interest as the driver of television news. And fear is a form of entertainment.
The Nelson Tasman fires were a major challenge for the big media outlets to cover with no idea how bad it would get or how long they would last. Local media also played a crucial role too - including one station whose HQ was in sight of the flames.
Two years ago Treasury warned the government it would have to prop up state-owned TVNZ by 2021 because it was falling behind in an industry in sharp decline. This week the broadcaster's top brass told Parliament about a "renaissance" in free-to-air TV and fielded questions about taking over rivals.
Covering the Nelson Tasman fires; TVNZ boss hints at bold moves in messy media marketplace; TV political poll hype hits new heightt.
The latest TV political poll was heavily hyped in-house as a “game changer” that could be "game over" for National’s leader. Did other media follow Newshub's lead?
Mediawatch's midweek catch-up with Lately. This week Colin talks to Karyn Hay about political committee chaos splling over into social media, some risky media marketing, the Huawei hoo-haa, a head-turning headline pun, and his own tiny contribution to the great fire emergency of 2019.
A year ago at Waitangi the PM said “hold me to account when I return.“ 12 months later she got put on the spot about the basics of the Treaty.
After more than three decades as one of the country's leading photo -journalists the New Zealand Herald's chief photographer, Brett Phibbs, opted for voluntary redundancy. He talks to Mediawatch about his decision to call it quits and reflects on the state of photo-journalism.
A major cancer conference in Wellington attracted experts from around the world but Mediawatch's Jeremy Rose argues some media coverage was anything but world class.
Big issues, barbecues and curly questions at Waitangi; cancer care hits the headlines; Brett Phibbs - a life in pictures. Programme Code mwatch-updateaudio-2018681839UP Participants Colin Peacock, Jim Mora Topics media
The prospect of a new party for conservative conservationists became big news this past week. Some reporters and pundits reckoned it could change the government in 2020 - even though it isn't even up and running yet and doesn’t have policies for voters to ponder.
In a potentially career-stalling move, satirist Robbie Nicol - aka White Man Behind a Desk - is biting the hand that feeds. He’s crowdfunded for a video to mock major media companies and how public funding’s paid out to media. What's the method in this madness?
A titan of tech was in New Zealand last week along with hundreds of the world’s “alpha geeks” to talk about huge digital-age issues affecting us all. But none of it got mentioned in our media. Did it go under the radar because it went over their heads?
Political party possibility hooks the media; money for media mockery; geeks' gathering goes under the radar; hyping the heatwave.
Mediawatch's midweek catch-up with Lately. This week Colin talks to Karyn Hay about the warm weather news, Magic Talk up and running, the outing of MP Sarah Dowie, slow TV sparking late-night talkback callers - and Rob Hosking RIP.
If ever the weather deserves to hog the headlines, it’s when record high temperatures roll in and a bona fide heatwave has us in its grip. But did the media over-egg a story which mostly spoke for itself?
The so-called “unruly tourists” were called all the names under the sun in a media pile-on that entertained and angered New Zealanders in equal measure. Every move these surprise summer celebrities made was monitored by the media, and it also made them targets for abuse.
One of the reasons the New Year news is so thin is that there’s not much politics to report. So it was fitting the the news drought prompted two politicians to weigh in on the media.
Newshub aired an interview with a member of the notorious Roastbusters this week. Joseph Parker turned out to be partly penitent but more concerned about himself than his victims. Was it worth putting on air?
'Tourists from hell' who hogged our holiday headlines; Roastbuster's re-emergence adds insult to injury; ex-MPs turned silly season media critics.
Mediawatch's midweek catch-up with Lately. This week Jeremy Rose speaks to Bryan Crump about the 30th anniversary of Noam Chomsky and Edward Herman's Manufacturing Consent; John Pilger discussing state propaganda on Russia's RT network; and, how two former National MPs took to media punditry over the summer break.
2018 was a turbulent year for the government’s media policy. Mediawatch asks the new minister Kris Faafoi about growing demand for public money in 2019 and calls for help from private companies telling him they may not be able to stay in the news business much longer.
The Radio Broadcaster of the Year prize usually goes to a big name in the business with nationwide reach. But this year the honour went to a distinctly local outfit for its response to a local crisis - and a rare commitment to local news on air.
In the run-up to Christmas, some long-standing shows and long-serving broadcasters signed off and said goodbye - but some are not fading away just yet. Meanwhile a political leader pronounced dead by pundits long ago is still alive and kicking.
End of year media exits; media minister's funding conundrum in 2019; 1XX keeps it local in tough times.
Mediawatch's regular catch-up with Lately. This week Colin Peacock chats to Karyn Hay about Grace Millane coverage, murder podcast enthusiasm, A Spinoff series spinning out of control on the author, Leighton Smith's holiday and who pays the price when a paper folds?
The news of Grace Millane’s murder prompted a flood of media coverage and comment this week. A lot of it was devoted to the news media’s frustration over not being able to name the accused man.
The annual gathering of journalism educators was held this week at a school that’s just closed its journalism programme. It’s not the only one and the number of journalism trainees is slumping too. Is that just because the news business itself is shrinking or does journalism as a career have a PR problem too?
There are around three billion phones in the world that can shoot and send video. HashtagOurStories is a network of citizen journalists to capture stories most media miss with their phones.
Heart-breaking news and suppression frustration; tough times for training journalists; Yusuf Omar: mobiles get stories the media miss.
Mediawatch Midweek is our weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Jeremy chats to Karyn about apologies, graphic journalism, and a new New Zealand website for public interest documentaries.
An MP and a senior public servant have been accused of bullying staff this week, and an inquiry into bullying at Parliament is under way too. All that made heaps of headlines this past week and kept reporters and political commentators busy, but where does the public interest lie?
New Zealand’s biggest-ever inquiry into our mental health system says it’s broken and action is urgent. Many in the media pointed out that’s what previous inquiries have said too so we shouldn’t expect much meaningful change now. Is that realistic reporting or damaging defeatism?
Women's football doesn't often make much of a mark in our sports news but the unprecedented achievements of the Young Ferns and a sexist joke from a bloke in Paris did this past week. The minister of sport also bluntly challenged our sports reporters to up their game too. Fair call?
Bullying in the bulletins; is mental health media coverage helping?; Upping the game on women's sports.
Mediawatch Midweek is our weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Colin chats to Karyn about new multimedia projects from the latest public media funding boost; ads intruding in podcasts; where Paul Henry has been hiding and how one jerk's twerk joke soured a soccer ceremony with sexism.
What happens if a local council has a debate on democracy itself and nobody reports it? No, it's not a Philosophy 101 conundrum - it's what happened earlier this year when Hutt City Council reviewed the way councillors and community boards were elected. Mediawatch's Jeremy Rose on the decline and fall of local body reporting.
Mediawatch takes a look at the pride and prejudice on display in some of the coverage of the LGBTQ community since the announcement that the police had been banned from wearing their uniforms in next year's Auckland Pride Parade.
The reporting - or lack of it - of democratic organisations from the Hutt Valley to the UN in New York, and pride and prejudice in the coverage of the LGBTQ community.
Mediawatch Midweek is our weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Jeremy chats to Karyn about Nine's plans to hock off STUFF; a major new journalistic investigation involving 250 journalists in 36 countries, and; a Facebook post from a picket line that attracted nearly 11,000 views.
"You'll never beat the Irish" is a favourite chant for Ireland fans. It seems to be coming true for the All Blacks. How did the media respond to another defeat to the team in green?
International journalists were startled when Chinese officials prevented them from reporting some events at the APEC summit in Papua New Guinea this week. It was a taste of the tactics China employs to shape media coverage of the country overseas.
China keeps media in line; 'radical changes' for Maori TV news; All Blacks in sudden slump.
Māori Television is replacing news and current affairs shows next year with a 'Māori Media Hub' to deliver news online and on TV. Mediawatch asks its chief editor why - and how that will be done.
Mediawatch Midweek is our weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Colin chats to Karyn about why the Irish are our rugby frenemies; how Beyonce stumped a radio host, the death of Radio Live, radio for one and . . . . another ZB Pacific Islands slur.
How we get around our cities has suddenly flared up in our news. Even media colleagues are calling each other haters and zealots, and calling each other out for fake news. But is this just background noise or does it have a real impact?
Pioneering media watcher Brian Priestley has died, aged 92. It’s 30 years since he last lashed the media on Fourth Estate, the TVNZ show that made him a household name. But he still had lots to say about the media after that.
Street fighting - media at war over urban transport; the death of Radio Live; Brian Priestley - the forthright Fourth Estate critic.
Fourteen years after launching “the new voice of talk radio” MediaWorks will silence Radio Live and jobs look set to go as a classic hits station takes over. Mediawatch looks at why and what might replace it.
Mediawatch Midweek is our weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Jeremy chats to Karyn about five years of First World War commemoration coverage and asks why some critical stories barely rated a mention.
National’s leaders faced more curly questions after another secret recording featuring MP- gone-rogue Jami-Lee Ross was leaked to media. That raised more questions about the ethics of squeezing stories out of stuff where the public interest is far from clear.
Last Wednesday the Dominion-Post splashed a story across its front page under the headline: "Mayor's family 432km away." Mediawatch suggests the real story was far closer to home: a poll asking questions about the living arrangement of Porirua mayor Mike Tana that could well be a case of dirty politics.
Thirty years ago, deep divisions in the Labour Party were thrown in sharp relief by the media during its annual conference in Dunedin. But the media were much better managed when the party returned last weekend.
Reporters are being laid off in Auckland and further north, leaving long-standing local papers there with just a handful of journalists. It’s the latest cost-cutting move by the country’s biggest publisher of papers. One former editor tells Mediawatch it’s a cut too far.
Curly questions for media in JLR's secret recordings; rank and file missing from party conference coverage; possible push polling polarises Porirua; Stuff tightens squeeze on community papers.
Mediawatch Midweek is our weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Colin chats to Karyn about a bold project putting youth front-and-centre in their own words; political conference coverage missing out the rank and file; robo-journalism on the rise; some seriously sustained sarcasm - and royal visit feedback 100 years apart.
A major review of Māori broadcasting has been announced by the government against a backdrop of growing problems. Jobs are set to go at Māori Television in what’s been billed as a “strategic refresh” and some say a planned “one-stop shop” for news would not be good for journalism.
New forms of environmentally-friendly two-wheeled transport have arrived in our three biggest cities - on a trial-only basis. How did media react to the shock of the new?
Britannia rules the airwaves - and the papers, websites and social media; major Māori media review; scary scooter stories come fast and furious.
Mediawatch Midweek is our weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Jeremy chats to Karyn about his attempts to come to grips with the terrorist attack on the Synagogue in Pittsburgh that killed 11 people last weekend.
On last weekend's Q+A programme, political scientist Dr Bryce Edwards declared the media and politicians "sort of have to" start reporting "what's going on beneath the bed sheets" of politicians. Mediawatch asks if that's really the case and delves into some of last week's coverage of the Jami-Lee Ross affair.
The news media made a “pivot to video” partly because social media users couldn’t get enough of it. But Facebook eventually admitted its figures were flaky and now it is being sued by advertisers in the US. Have media companies made a mistake going visual?
A top UK news boss is launching a new online news service that promises to slow down digital-age news. But Delayed Gratification - proudly proclaiming to be “last with the news” - has a head start on so-called 'slow journalism'.
Politics, sex and the media; publishers ponder the 'pivot to video'; late to the party for slow journalism.
Mediawatch Midweek is our weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Colin chats to Karyn about TVNZ signalling the possibility of payments, a scaled-down Sunday paper, a sports feature with a difference and the backstory to that famous Olympic Black power salute 50 years ago.
Explosive revelations by MP gone rogue Jami-Lee Ross hogged headlines and preoccupied political reporting all week. The volume of coverage and comment obscured reporting of some of the significant parts of the saga - including issues for the media.
The days of printed newspapers may be numbered in the digital era, but until the 1920s there were no other news media at all - and New Zealanders were eager readers. Historian and author Ian F Grant tells Mediawatch about what we can learn from the papers of a century ago.
The media seized on the prospect of Jetsons-style Uber-in-the-air, but another airborne innovation that hit the headlines over-promised and under-delivered.
Meltdowns, blow-ups and blowback as MP goes rogue: Lasting Impressions - when papers were the news media; Uber-in-the-air excites media.
Mediawatch Midweek is our weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Jeremy chats to Karyn about life across the ditch; Kiwis being unlucky in the Lucky Country; and Australia's loss of soft power.
Petrol price rises have hogged the headlines this past week. Much coverage has been about what’s affordable in the short term, not what’s sustainable in the longer term. It often is when the price spikes and things get political.
“If no-one gives a shit, you’ve failed.” Before heading home to Sweden after six months off in Gisborne, award-winning investigative TV reporter Joachim Dyfvermark told local reporters they’re up against the likes of Netflix, HBO and YouTube.
Petrol prices vs. planet; investigative journalism in an age of danger - and Netflix; falls from grace with added PR.
Mediawatch Midweek is our weekly catch-up with Lately. This week Colin chats to Bryan about 'digital strip search' blowback; Taranaki flying the local radio flag; the Koru Club horror, Whangamomona's kids with carcasses - and the number one petrol price news cliche.
Stories about plunging confidence among business leaders just keep on coming - along with economic data that shows no need for panic. Other surveys of opinion about business and the economy tell a different story, but make far fewer headlines.
Broadcasters and advertisers are grappling with “the attention economy” now that so many of us have screens of all sizes engaging our eyeballs everywhere. Dr Karen Nelson-Field tracks how we watch and whether we’re really taking it in.
The chair sacked the chief and then quit himself. No-one seems to want the rest of his board of governors. How did Australia’s public broadcaster the ABC end up in such a mess so suddenly? And how can this be fixed?
Business confidence coverage; breaking down the 'attention economy'; ABC spells Australian broadcasting crisis
Mediawatch Midweek is our weekly catch-up with Lately's Karyn Hay. This week: Colin and Karyn chat about expats' takes on the US Supreme Court scrap, non-stop 'property porn' on TV, another major cold-case podcast - and how a golf magazine freed a man in jail for a murder he didn't commit.
Jacinda Ardern - and her family - attracted plenty of attention at the UN in New York this week. She was even cast as the antidote to Trumpism by some. But did the media mistake exposure and international interest for genuine impact and influence?
President Trump questioned why his Supreme Court nominee’s accusers didn’t report alleged assaults when they happened back in the 1980s. News media and social media helped him out with that one.
Other universities had much more serious issues in the news to cope with this week, but the over-reaching of Otago University's 'campus cop' spawned lots of heavy headlines too - and plenty of puns.
Jacindamania goes global; historic sex case headlines spark social media pushback; news media merger bid nears the end of the road; university takes a hit on 'bong-gate'.
Mediawatch Midweek is a weekly catch-up between Mediawatch and Lately's Karyn Hay. This week: 1080 blow-back, avocado aggro taken seriously - and not; "Harry Potter's lonely uncle" on the future of journalism; testing the local comedy waters - and the mean mums' return.
The bid to mash up New Zealand's two biggest publishers of news is all but over as their appeal against a block on their merger has been dismissed in court. Mediawatch looks at why and what happens next.
The media marked this week’s 125th anniversary of votes for women with an extensive array of content. The nation’s biggest-selling paper even put the PM in charge for one special edition. But among the celebrations, there were some strange and sour notes too.
Experts insist 1080 is by far the best option to save native species and that science backs them up. How can the media report responsibly on opponents’ noisy protests, social media growth and increasingly alarming threats?
Celebrating suffrage, but with some sour notes; 1080 campaign turns toxic; Bok shock prompts rapid rewrite.
Before last weekend’s loss to South Africa, local rugby writers reckoned complacency was the All Blacks’ biggest foe. Judging by their own output, they could have been writing about themselves.
Mediawatch Midweek is a weekly catch-up between one of the Mediawatch team and Lately's Karen Hay. There are links to the stories mentioned in this week's episode below.
Te wiki o te reo Maori - the good, the Brash and the butcher; broadcaster doubles down on Pacific Islands "leeches" claim; channelling Kiwi content to the Pacific; media's ministerial pile-on prompts reflection
Many of the media embraced Māori Language Week with gusto this year, but some sought out the leading opponent of resources for te reo too. Meanwhile the Butcher of the Year proved not everyone wants to air their opinions about things in the news.
"The Pacific Islands don't matter. They are nothing but leeches on us." Newstalk ZB broadcaster Heather du Plessis Allan told listeners this week she stood by her recent comments in the face of complaints - and evidence to the contrary.
Winston Peters recently announced a multi-million dollar plan to pump more Kiwi TV around the Pacific. Is that what people there really want? Or it this a soft power play to project a positive picture of us? Mediawatch asks the boss of the company in charge of the mission.
The media seized on Clare Curran's stumbles and wrote off her ministerial career well before she pulled the plug last week. She cited "intolerable pressure" and said her mistakes were "greatly magnified."
Mediawatch Midweek is a weekly catch-up between Mediawatch and Lately's Karyn Hay. This week: controversial comments about the Pacific Islands; a deep dive into the fertiliser; the GFC ten years on; life on the minimum wage; cartoon crankiness; football back in black and white - and a bogus comeback.
Hard on the heels of Limogate, flying the PM to Nauru this week turned political pundits into amateur accountants - and talk radio hosts into advisors in parenting and Pacific diplomacy.
A new report says our news media are too dependent on Google and Facebook. The author says it's also time to tax big online operators to secure the future of journalism. If this is even possible, how could it be done?
Nauru’s government has gone to great lengths in recent years to keep journalists off the island - and away from the hundreds of asylum seekers languishing in limbo there. Mediawatch looks at what happened when the pacific Islands Forum gave some reporters a rare chance to report from on the ground this week.
Media OTT on PM as RNZAF VIP; Nauru squirms under media spotlight; New research prompts call for media to cut ties with the online titans.
The death of TV broadcaster Greg Boyed last week sparked a flood of tributes in the media and many anguished articles on the scourge of suicide and depression. The media have been warned that intense coverage can be counter-productive and restraint is required. How did they respond when one of their own was involved?
Coverage of the death of Greg Boyed; political leaks and the big picture; All Blacks ballsy bid for the public purse.
Reality Winner - an NSA whistle-blower - was sentenced to five years in prison in the USA last week. Closer to home the hunt for the "Limogate" leaker remained in the headlines, and National Party immigration spokesperson Michael Woodhouse called for Chelsea Manning - of Cablegate fame - to be barred from New Zealand. Mediawatch's Jeremy Rose talks to long-time political reporter Brent Edwards who argues sometimes it's in the public interest for journalists to say no to leaks.
Many in the media got behind Steve Hansen’s ballsy bid for funding from public purse for the All Blacks. But they overestimate the power of the rugby-based brand and the possible down sides.
Millions of viewers saw All Black Ryan Crotty get knocked out - again - in last weekend’s test against the Wallabies. A bandwagon to retire him was soon rolling, propelled by the media. Was all this armchair analysis fair or helpful?
Opposition broadcasting spokesperson Melissa Lee once made publicly-funded TV programmes for a small audience on TVNZ. Now she has a bill before Parliament to force funders to reveal more about the audiences the programmes end up pulling in.
Some some say TV is in terminal decline because online viewing is fast catching up. Our rival TV broadcasters say it isn't so - and they’ve taken the lead of TV companies in Australia by banding together to convince advertisers and marketers TV still rules the roost. What’s the strategy?
All Blacks spark concussion discussion; MP puts pressure on publicly funded TV; broadcasters band together to woo advertisers; Netflix and shill?
'Limogate' highlights the pros and cons of leaks, Act party struggles for support but not exposure; TVNZ pulls NZ pre-history docos; Paranormal send-up for Sensing Murder.
TVNZ has removed a documentary that claims Celts settled New Zealand thousands of years before the arrival of Māori from its on demand service following a query from RNZ's Mediawatch programme.
Newshub’s early reveal of Simon Bridges’ big bill for travel created a political drama for the media this week. But the handling of the leaked info also sparked criticism from some pundits and others in the media.
Last weekend’s Act Party conference attracted plenty of media coverage but not many bums on seats. Meanwhile, pundits have pondered if the party has any future - and if the leader appearing on Dancing With the Stars was a good move with his party disappearing in the polls.
Twice in two weeks high profile political speaking engagements have been scrubbed, sparking overlapping debates about free speech, hate speech, censorship and safety. As future free speech flashpoints loom, the media must make up their minds how to cover such controversies and the provocative personalities who want their attention.
Judith Collins has been condemned for endorsing fake news about France concerning the abuse of children. Critics claim it’s the first time a local MP has knowingly spread a story online that's made up, but it also echoes a beat-up story from the time before Twitter.
Media in the middle of free speech frenzies; echoes of the past in fake news row; Stormy Daniels vs Yemen - no contest.
It was widely reported that a heatwave in Europe was caused by a hot air plume from Africa. But the North African heatwave that preceded the European one barely rated a mention - despite resulting in probably the highest temperature ever recorded on the continent. Mediawatch takes a look how news from developed nations often eclipses far more serious events in the developing world.
Politics is a contest of ideas, but these days also a personality contest between leaders. Which came out on top in the political coverage during a week when the families of rival politicians were centre stage - as well as policies?
In a landmark decision this week The Court of Appeal created a new public interest defence in defamation cases. Mediawatch takes a look at what it means for the media.
It’s a common complaint that too much of the news is too grim and some people are - quite literally - turning off. Is there a better way to report news we can use? Stuff reporter Nicola Brennan-Tupara’s been to Europe to find out if CoJo could be the answer.
Contest of ideas - or personality?; media get more freedom from fear of defamation; Cojo: publishing the positives.
Big personalities clashed over a proposed charity concert in Auckland and both claimed other agendas were in play. The media reported the row with relish and some took sides. But there were bigger issues in the background.
New Zealand's biggest news publisher Stuff will soon have a new owner. After more than 150 years in publishing, its Australian parent Fairfax Media will cease to exist after a mega-merger with entertainment company Nine. Mediawatch asks what might change under new management.
The world's biggest social media network has always insisted it's only a platform for news you can use and not a publisher. But under pressure over fake news, it's now hooking up with news media in new ways.
Two online provocateurs from Canada sparked debate about free speech and hate speech here without ever setting foot in the country or saying anything meaningful about New Zealand.
Social media can give the news media an almost unlimited number of eyeballs for stories. But they can also be used to target the media and put pressure on journalists. Mediawatch meets an award-winning editor fighting back against fake news and online attacks in the Philippines.
A new era for public braodcasting - or just more of the same?; fighting back against fake news and political trolling in the Philippines.
$15 million of fresh funding for public broadcasting will be split between RNZ, New Zealand on Air and a new fund targeting "under-served audiences." It's the biggest single boost for public broadcasting for a decade, but will it make a big difference?
Having banned Winston Peters from the show for six weeks for allegedly being late to an interview AM Show host Duncan Garner got in huff when the acting prime minister failed to take him up on an offer to lift the ban earlier this week. Mediawatch takes a look at the banning and the backfire.
The New Zealand Herald has revealed that subsidising movies made in New Zealand has skyrocketed in spite of little agreement about whether it pays off. Showcasing New Zealand is one of the goals too but some TV shows have contrived Kiwi content to secure financial help - and one currently on air gets a break even though it showcases Fiji.
Several states now have laws targeting fake news and more are thinking about it. But should governments be responsible for the pushing back against deliberate disinformation online? Should the news media or social media play a bigger role - or none of the above? Mediawatch reports from Singapore where the government is debating whether to outlaw fake news.
Peters ban backfires; alarm over fake news clampdowns; shining a light on our movie money.
If, as C P Scott said, facts are sacred, then Figure.NZ is a virtual cathedral of statistics. Now in its fifth year of existence the site is home to 44,000 graphs and charts. Mediawatch's Jeremy Rose talks to Figure.NZ CEO Lillian Grace.
New Zealanders are drowning in comment. Auckland University staff alone wrote 220 comment pieces for general audiences in 2017. Think tanks and sector groups churn them out op-eds, and many others do too. But do they change minds? Mediawatch's Jeremy Rose investigates.
Last week opposition leader Simon Bridges joked that nothing he said during a Radio Hauraki interview mattered because there was going to be a "news vacuum" following the birth of the Prime Minister's daughter. He couldn't have been more wrong, as Mediawatch's Jeremy Rose reports.
This week: Mediawatch asks if comment is free who's paying the bill? Talks to the CEO of a company dedicated to the facts and nothing but the facts. And looks at how a jokey interviewlanded the leader of the opposition in political hot water.
An Australian telco's groundbreaking online coverage of the FIFA World Cup failed to fire this week. Disgruntled punters and even the PM have forced it to put the pictures back on TV instead - and all this has sparked fans' fears of frozen screens here during the Rugby World Cup next year.
The birth of a baby is usually a private matter for the parents, but the arrival of the PM’s daughter became a modern media moment.
The birth of the PM's baby becomes a big media moment; soccer streaming strife across the ditch sparks fans' fears of frozen screens here; backing for biking hits one-way traffic on the air.
Radio hosts know cyclists and cycle paths are a red rag to their frequently car-bound listeners. Mediawatch looks at how one broadcaster responded to research showing most Aucklanders support cycling while another station asked the audience if bikers should be banned from the roads.
The official searches for missing plane MH370 have been called off - but two DJs from music station The Rock have been in Mauritius this week looking for it themselves. They raised the money from their fans and have the blessing of their bosses at Mediaworks. Was this a stunt taking the listeners for a ride?
Chances are you’ve heard lots lately about Dancing with The Stars in the media - even if you’ve never watched it. TVNZ’s now heavily promoting its new rival ‘Tinder in the tropics’ show as well. Are the TV networks overdoing the in-house hype for the shows - and should we be footing the bill for them?
Overdoing the in-house hype for reality tv shows; Police payout and apology a win for Nicky Hager and reporters, but it came at a cost; DJs' fruitless quest to find MH370 funded by fans
The police apology to Nicky Hager has helped clarify - at last - important principles of journalistic privilege and protection for sources. But it’s the third time in recent years that state agencies have coughed up unknown amounts for botched and futile investigations of journalists.
Red flags were raised in the media about meth-testing houses, but it didn't stop the evictions, unnecessary repairs and the growth of an unregulated industry that made millions of dollars. How come?
News that a pub in the Far North had turned off its pokie machines after a young mother left her baby outside while she gambled was met with enthusiastic support from many of the country's leading television presenters last month. But Pub Charity chief executive Martin Cheer says not a single journalist got in touch for its side of the story until it sent out a press release disputing who had turned the machines off last Tuesday. Mediawatch's Jeremy Rose looks into the story.
Odd yarns about dogs in the news lately - and a news presenter who slipped off the leash.
Bringing the big meth myth mess to light; pokie turn-off turns on the media; news goes to the dogs.
The next election is a long way off and new party leaders are still bedding in. But already TV news networks and their political pundits are predicting what will happen next based on the opinion polls they pay for.
The government and farming leaders spoke with one voice on the plan announced this week to combat mycoplasma bovis - but many farmers are divided on it. Their genuine anger and anguish has been front and centre in the media but awkward questions about the spread of disease have yet to be fully aired or answered.
Two of the local papers offloaded by Stuff recently have been saved. The Kaikoura Star and The Clutha Leader have been bought by local publishers prepared to take a punt on print.
Energetic editioraliser Mike Hosking angered nurses this week by inflating their employers' pay offer - just after telling the media off for "lapping up press releases."
Reading too much into political polls; M Bovis - The big call on a big cull; local publishers pick up unwanted papers; reckons without research.
In the midst of a national disease crisis, the rural press is being shaken up. Some titles are changing hands and the country's biggest news publisher Stuff is closing weekly farming papers and cutting its reporting. But its rivals say farmers are actually big fans of print and are less likely to get news online.
A machine that writes Mike Hosking opinion pieces was unveiled recently in Auckland. Just a gimmick, but artificial intelligence and machine learning are already at work in our media and could have a profound effect.
Rural media shakeup in midst of cattle disease crisis; AI - coming ready or not; unseasonal coverage.
Face recognition in our supermarkets, algorithms pinpointing our varsity dropouts and robots taking our jobs: artificial intelligence is on the rise in our news. But are the media also to blame for public ignorance and anxiety?
The reporter who won the big prize at last week's Voyager Media Awards says the biggest stories in the world these days are often cracked by reporters working across borders. He wants to put New Zealand investigative journalism into the international frame. But how would that work?
The media kept telling us all how excited we all were about this weekend’s royal wedding. But few people were at the same fever pitch as parts of our media.
Questions over Budget boost for broadcasting; media report of the rise of AI; putting NZ journalism in the global loop; over-egging the royal wedding.
The government has allocated an additional $15 million in the Budget for public broadcasting, but it is not clear where the new investment will go or when we will see the benefits.
Revelations that a fashion brand with a Kiwi-made reputation sells some stuff made offshore lifted the lid on strains in the fashion business. It also prompted a fierce push-back from the owner in the media.
Chances are you’ve never heard of the Independent App Network of NZ, but its members have launched local news apps from Wellington to Ashburton and journalists are being hired to work on them.
Many countries allow citizens to pinch bits of TV shows, movies and songs to take the mickey out of them. But our copyright law still has no exception for parody and satire. Should we take our lead from Australia which has had one for more than a decade?
Fear and clothing; apps fill gaps in local news; unusual award winner; you can't be serious - satire, parody and copyright.
Ten journalists were killed in Afghanistan this week by a bomber posing as one of them. They were the latest victims of rising hostility to the media around the world. Peter Greste - who knows what it's like when colleagues get killed and who was also jailed for his journalism - tells Mediawatch that solidarity and standards now matter more than ever - as well as safety.
The backers of a new media venture in Queenstown and Wanaka say the region risks becoming a “digital backwater” and - like other places in the South Island - it's starved of good local journalism. How do they plan to put that right?
The country’s biggest paper chain downsized its daily papers this week to freshen them up, cut costs and hopefully halt sliding sales. But apart from the smaller pages - what’s new? And how did readers react?
Stalling the rumour mill; Stuff switches size; boosting local journalism for the Southern Lakes; Peter Greste - solidarity and standards.
Whether to report on false rumours about the PM’s partner created a quandary for the media. Could they report on slurs designed to do damage without playing into the hands of rumour-mongers?
One Australian rugby star’s comment on social media sparked dozens of reports and an avalanche of opinion in the media over the past fortnight. Even our PM was drawn into the debate overseas. But how much of it got to the heart of the matter?
New Zealand is back in the top ten in the annual rankings of global media freedom. That's not bad considering we plummeted down the ladder last year. But does that mean everything’s rosy?
Australia's biggest news media companies have united to fight a national security law that could criminalise reporters and their sources. Peter Greste - who knows all about being jailed for journalism - tells Mediawatch New Zealand should take notice.
Facebook looked daft in in 2016 when it censored a Norwegian newspaper’s use of famous Vietnam War photo because of nudity. Facebook said it would rethink the way it applies its ‘community standards’ to news. Two years later it’s happened again in Vanuatu.
Media frenzy over a foreigners faith; media freedom under the microscope; Australian media unite to fight laws to jail journalists; another Facebook photo fail.
The awards for the best New Zealand journalism have been sponsored by a global camera-maker, a paint firm and even Australia’s national airline in recent years. Now a local ISP is picking up the tab. Voyager boss Seeby Woodhouse tells Mediawatch he's been spooked by what he's seen in the US - and he wants our media to up their game.
The Wintec Press Club was one of few forums for free and frank discussions between journalists and newsmakers. When Wintec pulled the plug recently it looked like the end of the of the story, but a new club has arisen in Hamilton with satirist Steve Braunias at the helm.
Rugby World Cup coverage goes online; the man bankrolling the big journalism awards, Hamilton is the country's press club hub.
The Rugby World Cup in Japan next year will be screened here by TVNZ and telco Spark. For the first time, fans who want every game live will have to pay to watch it online. Is it a significant moment for the way we watch our sport?
Taika Waititi has spoken out about racism in New Zealand previously without controversy. So have other entertainers. Why did our media suddenly seize on another recent passing comment of his - four days after it was first published?
Fed up with years of cuts administered by its owners, The Denver Post’s staff told them to get lost this week - in the pages of their own paper. A former Denver Post editor tells Mediawatch why - and what happened next.
While the media celebrated our medalists on the Gold Coast this past fortnight, they also milked the misery of some of those who failed to fire.
Taika's blurt makes media mad as f***; milking the misery of our athletes who failed to fire; The Denver Post turns on its owners; talk radio fact-checking.
The fallout from Carol Hirschfeld's RNZ resignation and continuing pressure on the broadcasting minister Clare Curran were closely covered by the media again this week. Where are we now in the saga The Listener called 'Curran events' - and what will be in the next episode?
Labour's ten-year plan for transport had a lot in it for the media to explain, but coverage focused on political claims and counter-claims about tax, and complaints about pain at the pump over the price of petrol.
TVNZ gave away the Commonwealth Games in 2010 and Sky TV was the only game in town again four years later. Mediawatch asks why TVNZ has decided to go for gold with the Games again this year and if it's a sign of things to come for other live sports - including the Rugby World Cup.
Transport plan sparks road rage of the front page - and on air; TVNZ gets back in the Games; the latest episode of 'Curran affairs'
Aussies cheating at cricket against South Africa half a world away had nothing to do with us. But it seemed like nothing else was in the news after the scandalous story first broke.
One morning meeting late last year led to a key RNZ executive suddenly quitting this week - and intense pressure on the broadcasting minister to do the same. Mediawatch looks at how that happened and asks RNZ’s boss what this means for the big-budget boost the broadcaster hopes to secure.
Aussie cricket cheating fires up our media; turbulence at the top of RNZ - and the Beehive; tricky questions for visiting VIPS.
The effects of Carol Hirschfeld’s resignation from RNZ over an off-the-books meeting with the broadcasting minister go beyond the broadcaster itself. It comes as the minister was putting in place a system to fund broadcasting at arms’ length from politicians, says Mediawatch.
The private visit of former US president Barack Obama got blanket coverage this week, even though he blanked the media and he said little of substance.
While a former US President’s visit preoccupied our media this week, the state visit of the current president of Indonesia - the world’s fourth most populous nation - went mostly under the radar. You’ll look in vain for reports about what was discussed at top-level talks about important issues.
Good data journalism makes lots of important information easily understandable and it clarifies complicated issues for us. But visiting expert Alberto Cairo warns we must also beware of visualisations that look convincing but skew the truth - and reveals the statistical benchmark for heavy metal bands.
Obamamania in overdrive - Widodo under the radar; Visual Trumpery - the good and bad of data; sensing a story?
For years, critics of the so-called psychics starring in TVNZ’s Sensing Murder pointed out that none of them have ever actually solved a cold case or found a missing person. If you believe recent reports, one of them has finally proved them wrong.
Labour's summer camp scandal triggered a flood of opinion in the media this past week. Much of it claimed political spin had overridden the rights of the victims, but the coverage and comment also made it an even more political story.
Once a behind-the-scenes boss, National Business Review owner Todd Scott has been front-and-centre lately - culling contributors, taking on ad agencies and clashing with other journalists including his own. He tells Mediawatch it's all part of a plan to put paying subscribers at the heart of the business.
Our creaking pre-internet copyright law is up for review, with the rights of digital-age creators and consumers in conflict. Canadian author and online pioneer Cory Doctorow tells Mediawatch propping up old business models would be like rewarding the winners of last year’s lottery all over again. But if we're more free to share online, how will anyone make a living?
Flood of opinion follows Labour's summer camp revelations; pioneering digital journalist Cory Doctorow urges NZ to free up copyright law; NBR's boss pushes subscriber-funded journalism; Korean correction.
Inspired by #MeToo campaigns abroad, broadcaster Alison Mau and publisher Stuff are urging New Zealanders to blow the whistle on sexual assault and harassment at work. Hundreds of women have already been in touch with stories Ms Mau described as "heartbreaking".
The way lobbyists and PR people move in and out of political circles has created a problem for the media who use them to fill their programs, stories and websites more and more these days. One publisher tells Mediawatch he’s cutting ties completely with people “paid to push a point of view.”
MeToo campaign spreads the net wide; the media's PR people problem; a protest that wasn't.
The broadcasting minister has appointed advisors to look into funding our public media at arm's length from government. The new TV channel she once wanted seems to be off the table for the foreseeable future, but when will we know who gets the $38 million funding boost promised before the election?
While our government is promising to put more public money into public broadcasting, Switzerland is about to vote on whether to pull the plug on it altogther.
Soft-focus portraits of the PM; minister moves towards media funding fix; Swiss vote on paying for public broadcasting; will new voice tech take off here?
A fawning portrait of our PM has been condemned as creepy and sexist hours after it aired in Australia. But while that made headlines here, her part in a recent overseas broadcast marking a political milestone for women went completely unreported here.
Voice-activated ‘smart speakers’ now on the market mean you can get news online without lifting a finger. Our big media companies are all on board, but will this change the nature of our news? Or will Kiwis give the hands-free habit the finger?
Do chips make your hair grow back? No. Is cleaning the house as bad for you as smoking? No. But our click-hungry news websites keep running truth-bending beat-up news stories from British online outlet The Mail.
Little local papers culled by big publisher Stuff; NZME signposts a paywall for premium content; Look - no hands! The rise of 'voice'; time to return the Mail's bogus yarns to sender.
The country's biggest publisher of news is preparing to close or sell many of its rural and community newspapers around the country. Mediawatch looks at the reasons why and what it might mean for the media.
Claims of hate speech and the right to free speech made the news this week in response to racially-charged commentary in the media. One case played out in the court of public opinion, the other in a court of law. What does the outcome tell us about what’s fit to print - and what’s not?
A small story buried on page five of a paper last Sunday revealed MP Chris Bishop messaged youngsters online before the last election. The media questioned the MP’s conduct - but not the media's handling of the story.
Social media rebounds on politicians; claims of dirty politics in MPs Snapchat story; free speech vs. hate speech in the media.
The closure of Australian-owned New Zealand Newswire means there will no longer be an independent news agency gathering national news in this country. Mediawatch asks editor-in-chief Tony Gillies why it’s closing and what will be lost.
The media described Waitangi as peaceful place on our national day this year, in contrast to years gone by in which reports were heavy on conflict. How did they get to grips with the change in atmosphere?
No-one has seriously proposed a Cook Strait bridge or tunnel for more than a century - and no expert says one is feasible now. So why was it suddenly front page news this week?
"To say I'm worried about the future of sports journalism is like Captain Smith saying he was worried about the wellbeing of the Titanic… after it struck the iceberg." A leading sports editor warns, New Zealand media may be walking away from sport, and a crisis in coverage could damage the sports themselves.
Increasing the peace at Waitangi; is sports journalism on the ropes?; tunnel vision and a bridge to nowhere.
Pat Booth was one of New Zealand’s most respected, effective and inspirational investigative journalists. He died last Wednesday, aged 88. Mediawatch looks back at some of his achievements - and his opinions about his profession.
Pat Booth's life and legacy; can the crowd fix Facebook and online news?; media's unhealthy appetite for fast food news.
Under pressure over misinformation, founder Mark Zuckerberg says he will “fix Facebook” by prioritising “trustworthy and informative” news recommended by readers.
The media aren't always inclined to bite the brands that feed when fast food firms put a new product on the market. The makers of a new sweet treat in Auckland had the media eating out of their hands this past week.
The holiday news drought was washed away by a flood of reports and reckons about the PM’s pregnancy.
The boss of major media company MediaWorks has hit out at the new government's plan to boost public broadcasting - and even claimed it could wipe out his business.
Reports of a New Zealand doctor scandalised by stewardesses’ skimpy uniforms on a foreign airline made headlines around the world this past week. But was this for real - or fake news?
PM's pregnancy sparks media frenzy; media boss hits out at new government's public broadcasting policy plan; airline outrage yarn goes viral - but was it for real?
Media personalities sometimes confront the online trolls that abuse them on social media and text messages. But are they always able to claim the moral high ground?
People boosting their personal brand online by puffing up the products of big brands are making it harder to distinguish genuine opinion from paid-for promotion in our media. Do we need new rules to make it clear what they're up to?
Mediawatch isn't giving out its annual awards this year. Instead we're taking an NCEA-style approach and picking out some who 'achieved' - and some who didn't.
The media's achievements in 2017. Also: under the influence of online marketing and ads in disguise - and taking on the trolls.
The press watchdog says some sponsored stories from overseas carried by New Zealand’s two biggest news websites were “deliberately designed to deceive” and have breached professional standards. The publishers say they will now do more to distinguish this content from genuine news.
Manus Island has been in the headlines a lot lately on both sides of the Tasman, but few reporters have been able to report on what has really been happening there. Ben Robinson has been following the story - and the growing concerns about efforts to manipulate the media.
Manus Island and media manipulation; prime time presenters call it quits; how the media work out what we want next.
Online services like Netflix, iTunes and Amazon work out what we like based on what we do online. News websites know what we have read and shared, but not what we might want next. Mediawatch meets a scientist who joined a newsroom to fix that.
Toni Street and Mike Hosking are quitting TVNZ’s Seven Sharp to spend more time with their families - and their respective radio networks. What next for a show that's often in the news because of its hosts?
Law changes to limit foreign influence on business and politics in Australia prompted calls for similar moves here this week. One of those sounding the alarm tells Mediawatch our government now needs to look at links between the China and parts of our media. What’s the problem?
New research concluding the lack of women in top jobs costs the whole country dearly got a lot of coverage this week - even in blank spaces in the Herald.
Does China hold sway over media here?; fair dinkum kwaussie news; PR push highlights the glass ceiling; making plans for Leighton
Veteran broadcaster Leighton Smith will step down from his radio show after a third of a century on the air -- but only one year from now. Newstalk ZB certainly believes in giving its listeners plenty of notice.
Journalists in the Philippines take their life in their hands doing their job. What was already one of the world's riskiest places to be a reporter has become even more difficult under President Rodrigo Duterte and his ‘war on drugs’.
A controversial column condemning the use of te reo Māori on RNZ sparked debate about racism, free speech and even hate speech this past week. Mediawatch looks at the responses and asks a veteran Maori broadcaster if this is a big deal.
The fallout from complaints about too much te reo on the radio; golden rule broken at journalism awards shindig; reporting risks grow under 'The Punisher' and his war on drugs.
Two new podcast series telling the stories of missing people are pulling big audiences, but they also raise big questions. Mediawatch asks the makers: can they help solve the mysteries of the missing? Do they risk exploiting the sorrow of relatives?
A new plan for New Zealand's biggest ever water-bottling plant could revive struggling Bay Of Plenty towns, according to reports in the media this past week. But a few facts were missing from the eye-watering sums in the stories.
Controversial TV comeback over before it began; podcasts bringing cold cases to life; water stories with missing history.
Tony Veitch’s critics claimed an effort to put him back on TV this week proved that the business doesn’t take domestic violence as seriously as its bottom line. But while many in the media have had his back in the past, it didn't work this time.
Winston Peters' pursuit of Super story sources; the rise of Creative Commons; the view from Peru.
Winston Peters has targeted two journalists in his legal action over the leak of his super-sized superannuation, alarming media freedom advocates.
More than a billion original works are now available to anyone to use thanks to Creative Commons, a global movement dedicated to legal online sharing. Mediawatch asks its global leader: is this boosting the media - or undermining them?
Fans of Peru impressed our media and had some sports pundits pondering why our fans are so staid by comparison. What did the media in faraway Peru make of us in the week of the do-or-die World Cup football playoffs? Even the 'Dunedin Sound' got comprehensive coverage.
An original work can now be copied and shared with anyone online in a matter of moments - thanks to the internet and digital technology. But that wasn't the case when our main copyright law was written 23 years ago. Mediawatch looks at what's at stake now the law is up for review.
Comedian Billy Connolly once joked that a cat stuck in a tree could make the headlines in New Zealand. This week a Kiwi cat killed by a car made news around the world.
Paddles' passing goes global; the rights and wrongs of copyright; the fan who turned his passion into a mini-media empire.
Andrew Mangan started a blog about English football team Arsenal 15 years ago. Now it’s a go-to source for scoops about the club and a thriving small business hosting one of the longest-running sports podcasts anywhere in the world. Why do we have nothing like it yet in New Zealand?
Downsizing your daily paper; if you can't beat them, join them - TV broadcasters adapt to ondemand; more moves to get Te Reo on TV.
Fairfax Media is planning to shrink its daily papers around the country to a tabloid - or ‘compact’ - size next year. Why? And how will it change what’s on the pages? Mediawatch asks Fairfax Media CEO Sinead Boucher.
You can now get the shows you want from our biggest TV broadcasters without tuning in to them - or even owning a TV set. This week's All Blacks games are available live - and legal - online without a subscription to Sky Sports. What does the rise of TV on-demand mean for broadcast television as we know it?
The three parties now in our government went into the election with different ideas for broadcasting and the media. Mediawatch asks the new minister Clare Curran: what’s the plan now?
An enthusiastic Italian got in touch on Twitter this week with stunning pictures of New Zealand seen from space. But he wasn’t as far out as many media outlets seemed to think.
New government - new plans for broadcasting; the ascent of a woman sparks 'curse' claims; pictures from space not so far out.
The politicians who negotiated our new government were pursued by a press pack in parliament all through the process. Why did reporters spend draining days following their every move?
Publicly-funded programmes incorporating te reo Māori are now airing on TVNZ, including one that stars a new MP who made his name on the small screen.
Freestyle rap on Morning Report? Power pop on Newstalk ZB? It can be refreshing when old school talk radio airs a bit of cutting edge music. But it can also go wrong . . .
How decision day unfolded in the media - and how the press pack pursued the politicians; more Te Reo in the mix on TV; how hip hop and power pop don't always mix with talk radio.
Twitter turns toxic for two big-name broadcasters; reporting the anti-terror raids ten years on; sports stars taking a stand under the media spotlight.
Broadcaster Duncan Garner has quit Twitter after a newspaper column on immigration sparked online outrage and abuse. Sean Plunket also stepped away from Twitter and then stepped down from the broadcasting watchdog this week in the wake of his own social media storm. He tells Mediawatch Twitter brings out the worst in people - including himself.
The police, politicians and people caught up in the anti-terror raids ten years ago all felt the fallout from them. So did the media, criticised for amplifying fears of terrorism and accused of jeopardising justice.
In Spain, the US and Australia top sportspeople have used the media to make bold political statements on contentious issues like independence, racism, same-sex marriage. Would it happen here?
The leftfield idea of a National-Green coalition made many headlines this week, even though political reporters and pundits insisted it was never going to fly- referencing Rosa Parks and The Sex Pistols in the process.
As reporters tried in vain to work out which way Winston was leaning and what he wants from political partners, the issue of sport on TV suddenly appeared on the agenda again.
After seeing out another election at RNZ, newsgathering boss and former political editor Brent Edwards has left after 16 years at the broadcaster. Mediawatch asks him why, and how he sees the state of journalism today.
Turning up the noise on an unlikely 'teal deal'; sport on screen suddenly back on the agenda; Brent Edwards signs off at RNZ.
When Winston Peters took centre stage this week, he also took a big swing at the media. Other party leaders also criticised the media coverage of the election, but some political players and the media seemed to get along just fine.
The two big TV broadcasters aggressively promoted and reported the opinion polls they paid for during the election campaign, which returned some very different results. How did they compare with the result the mattered last weekend? Do we need more of them - or none at all?
Party leaders picking on the media post-election; too much talk about too few polls; the Hef's death tops the bulletins
These days Playboy is just one of many pornographic products on the shelf and a lucrative logo slapped on other stuff. Its founder has long been a ludicrous figure in a dressing gown and the ship’s captain's cap. But when Hugh Hefner died on Thursday afternoon, the media thought nothing else was as important.
Colin Peacock presents a live critical overview of the news media's election performance from the Backbencher. Also: a look back at how the election campaign unfolded in the media - and the political divide between town and country exposed in the rural media.
Claims that the election turned the rural-urban divide into a chasm were strongly echoed in the media - especially the farming press.
An election campaign full of hazards for candidates ended amid a punctured pipe, a bubble bursting, the threat of a youthquake and a chasm between town and country. Mediawatch boils down the media's election campaign in 15 minutes.
Broadcasting at the back of policy parade; local politics out of focus; are you ready to be immersed in the news?
The broadcasters we have today were largely shaped by political decisions made more than 25 years ago. Mediawatch rounds up the media policies that political parties are offering this time round - if the issue is on their radar at all.
Local candidates in the election aren’t always asked about genuine local issues when the media come calling. Do local voters really want to know what gets them on the dancefloor?
Virtual reality and 360 video are already part of the mix for big names in online news overseas. Now two new projects here have had a crack at it with funding from the public purse. Is “immersive journalism” a game-style gimmick - or a way to really revitalise the craft?
When a girl burst in on her dad's live news interview on BBC TV back in March, it quickly went viral and became one of the year’s most memorable bloopers. Or did it?
National’s discovery of a 12 billion dollar-deep hole triggered a string of claims, counterclaims and sporting similes in the media. But did they get to the hole truth in time?
Debatable benefits of head-to-head leaders' clashes; pundits with skin in the campaign game; digging deep for the fiscal hole truth.
Three live Ardern v English debates in seven days pumped up coverage of the election campaign. The media picked out the leaders’ zingers, bangers and clangers, and they agonised over who won and who lost. But what did we learn from them?
Election campaigns are boom time for PR consultants and pundits, but the public need to know if they’re also in the middle of their spin cycle when they appear in the media.
The profits of Apple, Google and Facebook soar while the bottom lines of news media companies slump. Trust in news has been dented by a surge in 'fake news' online. Silicon Valley is clearly part of the news media’s problem. Is it also part of the solution?
Around the world the news media has a problem. The online explosion has given them a huge new audience - but not much income. Meanwhile, the spectacular profits of technology companies such as Apple, Google and Facebook are hitting new highs every year. Silicon Valley is part of the news media's problem but is it also part of the solution? Produced and presented by Colin Peacock.
New Zealand’s longest serving political leader suddenly signed off this week warning that superficial stuff seemed to be drowning out real political issues in the media. Week one of the election campaign showed he’s got a point.
Fairfax Media’s investigative series The Valley is New Zealand's most ambitious multimedia journalism project yet. It combines TV documentary, interactive content and even virtual reality - and for the first time all this was funded from the public purse. What did it reveal?
A “throwaway line” on TV has put pressure on TVNZ for its choice of opinionated presenter Mike Hosking to host its live pre-election election leaders’ debates.
Multimedia effort to cut through the fog of war in Afghanistan; Mike makes a mess with the Maori Party; F-bombs, lipstick on pigs and the PM's pimples
$18 cabbages? An extra $75 for wine? Eye-watering claims about the crippling costs of charging for water floated free in the media this past week - even in the rural press which should have known better.
New research from the broadcasting regulator has found that many New Zealanders willingly share stuff on social media,but they reckon broadcasters should get permission to use it. Is that realistic now that so much is shared so widely by so many online?
New Zealand's main awards for business journalism have been scrapped after most media withdrew because the sponsor vetoed an entry critical of a client. But the sponsor still refuses to address the issue.
Floating flaky facts on water; how the news media mine social media for stories; a silent sponsor's PR fail.
The blame for Metiria Turei's downfall is being spread in many directions - including hers. But some are pointing the finger at the media and their appetite for winners, losers and scalps.
Inquests aplenty after Green leader goes; Jacindamania hits new heights; Mike in the middle of debates.
While one political party leader was cast into the depths last week, the popularity of another one hit new heights. Mediawatch looks at the coverage of Labour’s new leader and asks two news bosses if it's gone over the top.
Mediawatch asks TVNZ's news boss why he's picked a person guaranteed to raise questions about balance and bias as the moderator for important election debates.
New last-minute leaders for Labour have changed the story of the upcoming election for the media. But did they make a drama out of those opinion polls which forced the issue in the first place?
The Ardern ascent set the news agenda this past week, even if it was in part due to unwanted questions about babies. How long will the honeymoon last and how long will “new car smell” linger?
As the usual suspects take up ever more air time ahead of the election, is it time New Zealand took up the suggestion of Canadian author and activist Naomi Klein and put time limits on our "professional pundits”?
An abusive, career-ending tirade unleashed by Donald Trump’s former communications director recently was certainly newsworthy. But the media struggled to report the full fury of his outburst while also keeping it clean for the audience.
Making a drama of Labour leadership crisis; the 'Jacinda effect' in the media; omnipresent pundits; reporting the unreportable Mooch.
A new podcast about the Bain family murders has been a big hit, following in the footsteps of popular ones about unsolved crimes overseas. Is it journalism - or entertainment? And why are we so keen on podcasts about old cold cases and true crimes?
Expat business expert Andre Spicer served up a summer story of bureaucracy-gone-mad in the UK which went down a treat for the media there this week - and then all around the world, including here.
New podcast proves public appetite for old, cold cases of murder; more investigative initiatives; business journalists bail out of journalism awards; expat quenches media thirst for commonsense.
The National Business Review has pulled out of the national awards for business journalism because it says the sponsor vetoed one of its reporter's entries. Others have followed suit and put the awards future in doubt.
A recording allegedly made in secret was the downfall of scandal-struck MP Todd Barclay, who has vanished from public view. Now another recording has rescued the reputation of a reporter accused of throwing her weight around trying to track him down.
The New Zealand Herald's current campaign on youth suicide is one of the most sustained and substantial media initiatives of recent times. Mediawatch asks the prime movers of 'Break the Silence' about reporting sensitive stuff in a high-profile way - and how the Herald deploys the country’s biggest investigative reporting team.
Is it okay for journalist to join a political party just to report on what it’s up to behind the scenes?
Shooting the messenger hunting for the MP gone MIA; the Herald's big push to 'break the silence' surrounding suicide; an unconventional account from a convention
Mediawatch looks back on a century and a half of investigative journalism with veteran journalists Jim Tucker and Rebecca Macfie and James Hollings the editor of the soon to be released A Moral Truth: 150 years of investigative journalism in New Zealand.
Heard the one about the Aussie comedian, the Tongan teenager and the New Zealand TV channel? No-one’s laughing now after Maori TV's top brass stepped in to dump a controversial comedy after one episode.
The feats of Kiwi sportswomen around the world recently have been hard to spot in sports sections bulging with blokes. Mediawatch asks two front-rank female sports journalists: is that down to bias in the media, or what people actually want? And why are the media getting behind women’s sport across the ditch more than they seem to be here?