Mediawatch

The big debates are done, but the election onslaught rolls on - even on YouTube in the sauna. Also: Stuff urged to scrap regional news cuts, TVNZ staff walk out - and sentimental soundtracks in the news. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Law and order was under the radar this election, until candidates campaigning at gang events hit the headlines. Also: both big parties want to ban social media for U-16s. A tech expert in the ‘NZ of the North’ says he has a better way. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Almost all-election almost all-the-time as voting nears. Also, the gang visit scandal, Parents Alliance examined - and more journalists' jobs on the line.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Education became a hot topic as political parties pitched their election pledges at parents this week - and a new advocacy group pushed the issue in the media. Also: Australia pushes social media jeopardy back onto platforms & a sheep mascot scandal goes global. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Colin Peacock, a New Zealand journalist and RNZ media commentator, joins a lively discussion on election debates, political stalemates and whether independent costings could sharpen campaign scrutiny. They explore New Zealand’s distinctive culture wars, the international afterlife of KiwiBank’s sheep mascot, John Oliver’s take on local radio, and whether “bullshit” belongs on air.

Reuters correspondent Lucy Kramer, who covers New Zealand economics and politics, discusses her award-winning investigation into illicit oil shipping and Auckland’s insurance links. Journalist and producer Phil Vine and documentary maker Dylan Reeve unpack reality TV’s manufactured authenticity, editing and ethics. Plus, election debates, billionaire bluster and the media’s appetite for provocation.

Colin Peacock, a New Zealand media commentator specialising in journalism and political broadcasting, surveys the election campaign’s escalating media frenzy. He examines the growing parade of debates, choreographed campaign moments, rapid-fire claims and undecided voter formats. He also explores Vote Compass, policy deep dives, long-form podcast avoidance, cross-ideological interviews and NBR’s copyright dispute with government agencies.

Brent Impey, RNZ board chair and former MediaWorks chief, discusses the appointment of Jason Winstanley as RNZ’s next leader. The conversation explores audience growth, digital expertise, impartiality and how RNZ can recover listeners without becoming Newstalk ZB. Also covered: election slogans, disputed tax claims, strategic voting and overhangs, plus a warm tribute to broadcaster Phil Gifford.

Colin Peacock, a New Zealand media analyst and longtime Mediawatch contributor, discusses RNZ’s appointment of commercial-radio veteran Jason Winstanley as CEO. They explore the tension between Newstalk ZB-style audience tactics and RNZ’s public charter, alongside cuts and pressure on audiences. The conversation also covers election campaign launches, emotional political theatre, falling support for major parties, TVNZ’s new political vodcast, and Christopher Luxon’s Q&A avoidance.

A look at the media storm surrounding Nicky Hager’s Dirty Work, from disputed allegations and sexual harassment claims to a wider web of political influence. Plus, the proposed abolition of the broadcasting watchdog, shrinking regional newsrooms, Chinese propaganda concerns, and the debate over New Zealand’s rising pie prices.