Mediawatch

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 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 NewsGuests: Roger BoltonFollow 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/podcastsGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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

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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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 websiteIn 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? Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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 NOTESRead more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ websiteIn 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 KamoIf 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/podcastsGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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 TVGo 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 websiteIn 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 NewsGuests: Mark Crysell, Miriama KamoIf 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/podcastsGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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 NOTESRead more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ websiteIn 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 FowlerIf 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/podcastsGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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 websiteIn 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 hereLearn more:Guests: Peter FowlerIf 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/podcastsGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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 websiteIn 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 NewsGuests: Paul ThompsonIf 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/podcastsGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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 websiteIn 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 DesaiIf 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/podcastsGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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 websiteIn 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 DayIf 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/podcastsGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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 websiteIn 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 LeventhalIf 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/podcastsGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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? Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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 websiteIn 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-politiciansGuests: Dan Brunskill, economics reporter for Interest.co.nzIf 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/podcastsGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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'Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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? Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details