Mediawatch FBI-NZ; paywave politics, media's Gaza dilemma, MEX folds after 160 years
Aug 2, 2025
Nicola Coburn, former editor of the Marlborough Express, shares insights on the challenges local newspapers face as they transition online-only. She reflects on the significance of the Express's closure after 160 years and what it signifies for local journalism's future. The conversation also touches on the sensitive media coverage surrounding the crisis in Gaza and the complexities of new payment policies like the ban on surcharges. Coburn highlights the importance of community support for sustaining local news amidst these evolving dynamics.
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PayWave Ban vs Cost Shifting
- Banning PayWave surcharges may increase contactless use but risks costs being passed to consumers via price hikes.
- Regulatory timing gave government PR advantage over Commerce Commission's expected fee reductions.
Media Starvation Reflects Gaza Crisis
- The worsening starvation and media deprivation in Gaza highlight the crisis's impact beyond politics.
- Journalists on the ground struggle to report as they themselves face severe shortages and hardships.
Media's Tipping Point on 'Genocide'
- Media cautiously face using "genocide" for Gaza due to evidentiary weight and political acceptance requirements.
- Adoption signals a grave shift in international political discourse and media framing of the conflict.