Aaron Smale, an award-winning investigative journalist recognized for his work on state care abuse, discusses his puzzling exclusion from a crucial Crown apology event. He dives into the implications of New Zealand Media and Entertainment's plan to shutter 14 local papers, sparking concerns about community coverage. The conversation highlights the struggle for media accountability, the emotional weight of historical injustices, and the overarching challenges facing local journalism in an era of financial strain.