Mediawatch

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

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'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

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 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

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

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 on treats and entitlements enjoyed by MPs.10:36 Budget 2026 cut the budgets of public media, though Māori media funding was boosted to ward off a ‘fiscal cliff.'13:21 TVNZ's closing its award-winning news service for youth Re:News after nine successful years.17:20 Former head of content Anna Harcourt on what Re:News achieved, what will be missed when it's gone and how to get news to younger Kiwis.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

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

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

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: 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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