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 website

In 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 News

Guests: Paul Thompson

If 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.

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

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