Mediawatch Bitter butter battle, Saudi cash chaging the picture for sport on screen
Jul 27, 2025
Liam Dann, the business editor at the New Zealand Herald, teams up with Adam Leventhal, a correspondent for The Athletic and the author of 'At What Cost? Saudi Arabia and Soccer'. They dive into the surprising political uproar over rising butter prices, questioning if the media is missing bigger economic issues. They also discuss the competitive sports broadcasting landscape in New Zealand, and the groundbreaking influence of Saudi investments reshaping global sports dynamics, particularly in football. Human rights concerns amidst this financial surge add a complex layer to the conversation.
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Butter Prices Trigger Cultural Reaction
- The butter price spike is a cultural trigger in New Zealand due to dairy's iconic status, causing strong emotional reactions.
- Despite the attention, the actual financial impact on families is relatively small, about $4 extra weekly.
Fonterra CEO Dodges Butter Questions
- Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell faced persistent media questioning about butter prices during meetings around Parliament.
- Despite repeated inquiries, he deferred detailed responses pending discussions with the finance minister.
Butter Price Media Cycle Explained
- Media and politicians mutually amplify butter price coverage driven by public interest and engagement analytics.
- This cycle makes complex economic issues oversimplified for media and political convenience.