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 - job cuts & a strike, members benefits, soundtracks in news
The big debates are done, but the election onslaught rolls on - even on YouTube in the sauna. Also: Stuff urged to scrap regional news cuts, TVNZ staff walk out - and sentimental soundtracks in the news. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Gang angst and law & order red meat, ban social media or fix it?
Law and order was under the radar this election, until candidates campaigning at gang events hit the headlines. Also: both big parties want to ban social media for U-16s. A tech expert in the ‘NZ of the North’ says he has a better way. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Midweek - election debate deluge, gang scandal get legs, jobs on the line
Almost all-election almost all-the-time as voting nears. Also, the gang visit scandal, Parents Alliance examined - and more journalists' jobs on the line.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Pitching for parents, education in the election, mascot mess
Education became a hot topic as political parties pitched their election pledges at parents this week - and a new advocacy group pushed the issue in the media. Also: Australia pushes social media jeopardy back onto platforms & a sheep mascot scandal goes global. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Midweek - debates & stalemates, culture war comparison, bring back KiwiBuck, BS ok?
Election debates keep on coming, platforming the 'major' and 'minor' leaders. Could a costings unit cut back the scraps? Also: did Nights and Hayden Donnell's Kiwibank scoop give Jon Oliver the wrong idea about NZ radio? Do our culture wars rate, and is BS OK on air? Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Who wants to be a billionaire, reality TV check, award-wining oil scoop
A random election debate question about extreme wealth struck a chord this week. Also: a local reporter’s role in an award-winning Reuters investigation of illicit oil shipping, and a new RNZ series runs the rule over reality TV.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Midweek - the campaign content pile-up picks up pace
The debates, the political panels, the interviews and ads and interactive innovations are all cranking up in intensity as general election voting looms. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Overhangs hang over election, RNZ’s next chief, Phil Gifford
As the election campaign got underway officially, media seized on arguments about overhangs and vote-splitting dividing both sides. Also: RNZ’s next boss unveiled, and the light touch and depth of the late Phil Gifford.In this episode:1:06 Election campaigns kick off with a storm of slogans, swearing, disputed tax attacks & a TV poll complicating the picture.10:12 Debates on left and right abo
Midweek - New RNZ chief, election 2026 is launched . . . officially
RNZ's named its next CEO as Jason Winstanley, a current Newstalk ZB stalwart. If you can't beat them, hire them? Also: official election launch parties kickstart a campaign already well under way - and Colin can't sew. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Hager headlines, putting down the watchdog, regional news cuts, propaganda & pie prices
Critics complained there was no smoking gun. Supporters said it shone a light on a sinister spiderweb. How did the media handle Dirty Work? Also: journalism jobs at risk in the regions, the plan to scrap the broadcasting watchdog, propaganda & pie prices Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Midweek - Hagerpalooza, preppers' delight, Seymour on Report
What mark has Nicky Hager's 'Dirty Work' made 24 hours after a rock gig-like launch? Also - TVNZ doco spotlights Kiwi preppers, & Deputy PM buries his boycott of Morning Report Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Phillips report & the full story, retail politics
The fugitive Tom Phillips was huge news when the hunt for him ended tragically a year ago - and again with this week’s official report. But can our media tell the full story even now? Also: a new media lab with a journalist-in-residence - and retail politics colliding with the politics of retail. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Midweek - Phillips report, CRL mania, election event angst, mascot wars
The Phillips report the media have been waiting for. Also: CRL is go, media mascot v mascot, live election event tension & the hyrox horrorGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Political food fights, pondering the passing of journalism
The media seized on the politics of food this week, when the Greens floated state-owned supermarkets and 1News lifted the lid on emergency food grant refusals. Also: who pays when journalism dies? And does it really matter if it does?Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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
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