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Mediawatch

Summertime - and the living’s uneasy for media

Feb 1, 2025
Discover the challenges of keeping Kiwis engaged during the summer news drought and how local institutions are coping. Delve into the struggles faced by talkback radio hosts in filling airtime and the ridicule of local political coverage. The discussion also sheds light on the media's response to Trump's inauguration amidst rising misinformation. Explore New Zealand's media landscape grappling with funding cuts and diversity issues. Plus, enjoy a humorous take on the infamous Marmite and Chip Sandwich and its cultural implications.
33:17

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The podcast explores the challenges media faces during the summer news drought, highlighting difficulties in keeping audiences engaged amidst minimal substantial news.
  • Discussion of controversial media actions, particularly involving Barry Soper's criticism of election legitimacy, underscores the need for accountability and accurate reporting in journalism.

Deep dives

Media Drought During the Holiday Season

The podcast reflects on the holiday media landscape, particularly during the Christmas season when significant news tends to dry up. Discussing Newstalk ZB's political editor, Jason Walls, the episode highlights his struggles to keep the talkback session engaging amid a lack of substantial newsworthy topics. While Walls attempted to maintain a festive atmosphere, he expressed frustration over local councils, such as Invercargill's, cutting costs by eliminating holiday decorations. This commentary sheds light on how even lighthearted media moments can expose underlying issues in local governance and budgeting.

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