Mediawatch

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 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 Our trust 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.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

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

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

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

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

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? 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.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 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 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 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.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

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 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 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 EdmondFollow 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

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

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

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

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

'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

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 Immigration as a political wedge issue around the world4:55 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, BusinessDeskFollow 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

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

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

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

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

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

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 and extreme weather test media | RNZ NewsIn 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 headlinesGuests: Hamish McNichol, co-editor of NBRFollow 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

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

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 premiere rekindles good times - before director warns it could be end times for blockbusters10:18 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 202526:40 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 BusinessDeskFollow 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

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

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

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

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 Mediwatch - in case you misused it12:37 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 / RabbleFollow 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

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

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 websiteGuests: Bernard HickeyFollow 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 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

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 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 NewsGuests: Troy Baisden, James FrankhamFollow 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 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 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