
Mediawatch
Mediawatch examines media coverage in detail, offering insights for those interested in news and media professionals. It provides a critical look at how news is reported and the issues surrounding journalism.
Episodes

Midweek - TVNZ's next news chief, cartoons & mascots, Sky sorry again
TVNZ takes Stuff exec for next news chief - next year, the legacy of a long-serving cartoonist, mascots make a marketing comeback, Sky TV offside again with fans again for live foul-up
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Political head-to-heads hot up, are prediction markets legit news?
Odds from Polymarket are popping up in our news, even though it's illegal here. But are prediction markets a legit source of news anyway? Also: head-to-head clashes between politicians, and with presenters, are heating up, but not always generating light.Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ websiteIn this episode:1:10 Media picking apart political bickering over delayed fuel tax.5

Midweek - plane crazy, animal ads & monkey mascots, debate update
Was the Capetown flyover a PR masterstroke or disaster? Also - netball's bounceback, animal ads & monkey media mascots and an election debate update. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Parties pull plug on social media for teens, sports boosts broadcasters, Dolly dies
The two big political parties want to pull the plug on social media for teens. But will ‘fast-following’ Australia work? Also: TV broadcasters cite soccer in boosted financials - and Dolly’s death triggers sadness. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Midweek - rugby hype & outage outrage, ratings & results, Whakaata Māori
Media amp up the 'Great Rugby Rivalry'. Also: RNZ ratings, NZME results, Whakaata Māori changes, Raw Politics returns. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Political twitch on taxing big tech, Kiwis' media maturing?
It’s a full time job these days working out who the audience is, what they want and if they might get it elsewhere. What does the the biggest survey yet of Kiwis' media habits tell them about us? Also: politicians twitch about media, big tech and tax. Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ websiteIn this episode:Follow Mediawatch and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or any podcast

Midweek - RNZ shrinks as web stats soar, alt-media . . . & old-media?
RNZ could shed 10 percent of staff in a year - as its digital audience hits new heights. Also - a round-up of political alt-media and old-media action, including Jackson v GarnerGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Luxon repeats defeat of foes, indie operator fires up election debates
A single Herald story sparked a political drama and a media frenzy could have toppled the PM, but didn't . . . again. Also: the big TV election debates have yet to be set yet this time. But one indie outlet is already getting heavy hitters together to talk policy.In this episode:1:23 The media didn’t make up the move against the PM this week - but the made a lot of it, any many picked the wrong vi

Midweek - Luxon’s ructions, MediaWorks sold, crossing the line online, audience maturity
PM still standing after repeat defeat of foes. Also: MediaWorks sold offshore, commentator heads for court over claims made online, are NZ media audiences maturing? And Tangy Fruits were lame. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Massaging the facts, uncovering undercover cops, acting up in schools
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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Midweek - FIFA fail, Luxon comms flub, Comm Games wins, ex-minister's memoir
Huge scoop derails FIFA plot, Commonwealth Games weighed up, Luxon's comms under scrutiny again, Kiri Allan's memoirGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Political policy pile-ups, TikTok’s impact, gigs get gross
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. Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ websiteIn this episode:00:55 Policies on parental leave, Pharmac funding and AI data centres were all mixed up i

Midweek - Stuff cuts, Nash exits & podcast profits, funflation & gigs gone to sh*t
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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Political dignity deficits, Long Story Short & paying for podcasts
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? Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ websiteIn this episode:00:54 Coverage of Nash’s text going public - and other political dignity defic

Midweek - FIFA v golf, Argie aggro, more war, McGruers of Marton
World Cup v golf, Argentina v The World, US v Iran, Israel v Palestine- and a teary tribute to a Marton mainstay. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Paul Henry’s unveiling, Sam Neill stops the news, Stuff’s new local plan
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. Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ websiteIn this episode:1:19 Sam Neill’s death shocked the media, but his depth and range were duly honou

Midweek - Sam Neill's depth & range, Henry & Binface capture media, podcasting the courts
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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Platforms overtake news outlets, politics & media undermining trust
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.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Midweek - big defamation bill, NRL, FIFA, NPC & AI fake fans, Trump's red card reversal
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? Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

RNZ chair’s hot seat, Opportunity’s backlash, political tax tussles
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.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Midweek - Gloriavale on screen again, editorials upgraded, World Cup pile-on, Mediawatch alarm update
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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Opportunity knocks, The Post’s Tracy Watkins
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.Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ websiteIn this episode:00:56 TV shows ‘big two’ support on the slide while minor parties prosper.03:10 Media pump

Midweek - Sports songs & Scots' social media soft power, revamps & relaunches
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.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Unpacking political quibbling about policy costs, media minister under scrutiny, re-booting Metro
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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Midweek - Football fantasy, Hooton hoo-hah, more RNZ changes, sweary Supernanny
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 banGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

TVNZ goes pay-per-view, HBO sets up & Freeview goes ‘next gen’
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?Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Midweek - Top voxpops & eye-witnesses, TVNZ's costly claim, Metro rides again, more attribution angst
Who'll pay for a 'wholly unsuccessful' defamation case against TVNZ? Also: Metro rides again, more attribution angst & a ferry good eye witnessGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Crime coverage gains recognition - and respect, 500-up for Southland stalwart
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.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Midweek - anti-nuke angst, gagging, rich list resistance, youth news fails
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.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Managing the sugar-free Budget message, TVNZ youth service dies young
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 websiteIn this episode:1:05 How the government managed expectations of a sugar-free Budget 2026 via the media - while media zeroed in

Midweek - Awards and honours, future of papers, journalism by numbers, Dame Jools
Awards in tense times between politics & media, RNZ's ratings, pondering papers' future, journalism by numbers - and the death of Dame Jools Topp.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Public servants cut deep, RNZ boss flags exit, AI for programmes & podcasts
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.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Midweek - mayors mouth off, end of the golden weather page
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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Politicians vs media getting personal, live sport habits, cockroach radio, MMP maths
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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Midweek - Sherman pile-on and pile-up, TVNZ's big sport play, football frenzies
Maiki Sherman's exits sparks a pile-on and a pile-up of opinions. Also: TVNZ's bold sports plays, frenzied football finales. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Putting down the broadcast watchdog, deputy PM lashes RNZ & TVNZ
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.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Midweek - BSA binned, Voyager sinned, Tame's empty chair & Brown's beefs
Government moves to bin the BSA, Voyager awards bin sponsor, Jack Tame's empty chair & Wayne Brown says 'don't go there' Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

India FTA & butter chicken blurts, TVNZ’s political pressure, stadium rocks rugby
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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Midweek - Political tension at TVNZ, PM skips Breakfast, the power of noise & silence
TVNZ's political editor under scrutiny - as PM skips Breakfast. Also: Piers Morgan vs Russell Brand in pauses & York City vs Rochdale full noise.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

PM calls time on ‘soap opera’, Microsoft urges NZ to embrace AI, dodgy weather on TV
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.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Midweek - vote of confidence, TVNZ+ upgrade, dogs on screen
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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

News trust up after years of slumps, storm before the calm
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 websiteNew Zealanders' trust in news is up after years of slumpsIn this episo

Midweek - Breakfast battles, trust up, Welly woe, piggybacking on others' content
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.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Reporting Trump’s outrageous outbursts, Petrolhead & motoring media adapt to fuel fears
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? Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Midweek - Trump outburst outrage, Aussie soldier's fall from grace, Phillips doco revelations
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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Midweek - BSA extends reach, a bad week for Big Tech, breakfast with Tova and an easter chocolate ban.
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.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Who’s winning the war, where the ad money goes, Chathams spending scandal
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.Read more about Mediawatch on the RNZ websiteIn this episode:1:01 Who’s winning the war that’s fouling up the flow of our fuel? Dep

Midweek - media v Hegseth, TVNZ defamation win, SNL from USA to UK. peas piffle
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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Reporting shortages & petrol panic, privacy v the right to speak out
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?
Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ websiteIn this episode:00:50 How the media reacted to the p

Midweek - political leader obsession, Trump v BBC, athletics aesthetic reboot, feijoas are bad
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.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The polls that pressure politics, Country Calendar’s Coro Street-level staying power
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 websiteIn this episode:0:47 One poor poll result

Covid quibbling, Iranian opinion and history, ‘Peter Bassett’ update
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? Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

War in the Middle East, political criticism & influence concerns at home, PM still PM
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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Midweek - War breaks out in Iran; PM fluffs his lines; TVNZ's interference fears
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.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Govt moves on rough sleepers, reporting Wellington woes, mystery blogger
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’? Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Midweek - Andrew image explodes, goalie's grief goes global, The Press looks back, PM's soc-med scorn,
'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 scornGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Immigration issue amped up, ceiling for streaming, over-the-top umbrella
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? Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ websiteLearn more: Mediawatch: Immigration amping up in election year | RNZ NewsIn this episode:0:55 Immigr

Midweek - terrorist's identity conundrum, private functions go very public & AI on ice
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.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Infrastructure anxiety hits headlines again, AI slop feeds fake news flood
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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Midweek - WaPocalypse now, FLOTUS film flop, 'enshitification' outbursts, sweary hero
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' Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Bad language on the air & AI in our newsrooms
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 websiteIn this episode:1:32 More people worldwide are getting news from soc

Midweek - Epstein overdrive & icky encounters, more Mauao fallout, Luxon on camera, MediaWorks changes hands
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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Death, devastation and extreme weather test media, NBR copyright crusade confronts customers
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 websiteDeath, devastation

Midweek - Mauao tragedy under media lens, morning news shake-up, the art of the solo promo
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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Economic forecasts, weather forecasts, summer break clickbait, TVNZ courtroom dramas & a Wellywood vibecheck
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.
Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ website1:11 Summer weather rage-bait6:02 Wellywood

Midweek - the good, bad and weird of 2025
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 med

'Mother of all debates’ & right v left polarisation of news
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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Midweek: PMs hog the screen - but not ours, Coster at length, WBD-what a big deal
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.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The political push for a social media ban, flatpack fever infects media
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.Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ website0:50 How Ikea’s Auckland opening monopolised the media this week11:00 Midweek Mediwat

Midweek - Luxon rolls on but Dallow's done, intimate image exposure, RNZ boost, premature Xmas
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?Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Coup claims, Kiwisaver rev-up & do our media get the economy?
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

Midweek - Field family funeral, newspaper bounceback, highway chickens
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?Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

EV angst, NZ Geo confronts financial fragility
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 websiteIn this episode:1:06 For a while the EV market boomed with incent

Midweek - more Trump v BBC, Tararua tavern tensions, Emile's Irish slapdown
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

BBC under pressure from outside - and within
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 websiteIn this episode:0:45: How the media responded to the shock news tha

Midweek - Shocker coppers, BBC bloodbath, Te Pāti Māori meltdown
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.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Saving the marriage between journalism and the people, Duke of Yuck
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 NOTESRead more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ websiteIn this episode:0:58 The serious slide of New Zealanders’ trust

Midweek - Police v Stuff, Dame Noeline's media blitz, NBR bails up its own customers
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

OTT on CGT, punching below our weight on media freedom, big rejig in Māori news
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 websiteIn this episode:00:45 The media have been telli

Midweek - severe storms test media, netball keeps media at bay, AI gives voice to the dead
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











