Guyon Espiner, an investigative journalist since 1994, discusses the impact of alcohol, challenges in journalism, the relationship between alcohol and creativity, and declining trust in media. They also delve into drug regulation, Paul Holmes' showmanship, and the fragmentation of news consumption.
Alcohol played a significant role in shaping the speaker's identity and social interactions during their early years.
Perseverance and a supportive editor played a crucial role in the speaker's journey to becoming a journalist.
The prevalence of a heavy drinking culture in the media industry, particularly at TVNZ, is highlighted by the speaker's anecdotes and experiences.
Deep dives
The influence of alcohol in the early years of the author's life
In the podcast episode, the speaker discusses how alcohol played a significant role in their identity during their early years. They explain that drinking was considered a way to prove masculinity and was intertwined with social interactions and various life events. The speaker emphasizes that although alcohol did not define their entire life, it played a considerable part in shaping their identity and social activities.
The challenges of entering the journalism field
The speaker shares their personal experience of entering the journalism field in the early 1990s, highlighting the competitive nature of the industry and the difficulty in finding jobs. They discuss how they pursued their passion for journalism despite facing multiple rejections and job trials. The speaker acknowledges the impact of perseverance and mentions the specific editor who believed in them and gave them an opportunity in the press gallery, sparking their interest in politics.
The culture of alcohol in the media industry
The speaker reflects on the heavy drinking culture prevalent in the media industry, particularly in their experience working at TVNZ. They describe instances of excessive drinking and the party culture that was encouraged. The speaker shares anecdotes of events and moments that demonstrated the drinking culture within their workplace, highlighting the contrast between the perception of alcohol as a source of bonding and the potential risks it poses.
The fear of giving up alcohol and societal expectations
The speaker discusses their own fear of giving up alcohol and the perceived social consequences of not drinking. They recount their experience of attending social events where they had made the decision to stop drinking, and the challenges they faced in navigating social interactions in an alcohol-centric environment. The speaker reflects on the pressure to conform to societal expectations and the weight of others' expectations in relation to their decision.
Regulation and control in alcohol consumption
The speaker explores the concept of minimum unit pricing and its potential role in controlling alcohol consumption. They discuss the impact of price on consumption patterns and suggest that minimum unit pricing could be a way to discourage excessive drinking by making cheaper alcohol less accessible. However, they acknowledge the valid counter-arguments regarding the potential harm it may cause to individuals who are economically disadvantaged. They highlight the need for careful consideration of regulations and policies to strike a balance between public health concerns and personal freedoms.
In this episode I interview Guyon Espiner, Investigative Journalist who has been working in the media industry since 1994 in newspapers, websites, radio and TV.
He is also the author of The Drinking Game, an incisive analysis of how our drinking culture is influenced by the government, media and big business.
Tune in as controversial writer and podcast host, Damien Grant, interviews a wide selection of interesting and entertaining individuals, authors, business people, politicians and anyone else actually willing to talk to him.
