New Zealand History Scandal sheet confidential: voyages around NZ Truth (1977-2008)
Oct 15, 2012
Redmer Yska, a historian and author, shares his fascinating journey with NZ Truth, a prominent newspaper he reported for over three decades. He discusses the paper’s evolution from a socialist voice to a conservative one, detailing its impact on national politics. Redmer reveals his investigative work exposing scams and cults, while painting a vivid picture of the newsroom culture. He also uncovers the paper's connections to capital punishment reporting and Cold War propaganda, shedding light on its controversial legacy and the challenges faced while writing its history.
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Unexpected Biographer Journey
- Redmer Yska unexpectedly became the chronicler of NZ Truth despite mixed feelings from working there.
- He describes his time as harrowing and likens writing its history to recovered memory therapy.
Truth's National Influence
- Truth rose from a crude import to a national print giant with mass readership mid-century.
- At its height it shaped public opinion like a national newspaper and rivalled modern TV news influence.
Wretched Newsroom Memories
- Yska recounts working at Truth in 1977 amid a smoky newsroom and declining circulation.
- He watched editors like Russell Galt champion smear tactics against unions, students, and communists.
