Mediawatch

Nicola Coburn, former editor of the Marlborough Express, shares insights on the challenges local newspapers face as they transition online-only. She reflects on the significance of the Express's closure after 160 years and what it signifies for local journalism's future. The conversation also touches on the sensitive media coverage surrounding the crisis in Gaza and the complexities of new payment policies like the ban on surcharges. Coburn highlights the importance of community support for sustaining local news amidst these evolving dynamics.

Pressure goes on The Platform over a tweet from its founder, the government gets the media to cover an announcement of an announcement, and a polling company chief puts out a question on a whim - with interesting results.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Liam Dann, the business editor at the New Zealand Herald, teams up with Adam Leventhal, a correspondent for The Athletic and the author of 'At What Cost? Saudi Arabia and Soccer'. They dive into the surprising political uproar over rising butter prices, questioning if the media is missing bigger economic issues. They also discuss the competitive sports broadcasting landscape in New Zealand, and the groundbreaking influence of Saudi investments reshaping global sports dynamics, particularly in football. Human rights concerns amidst this financial surge add a complex layer to the conversation.

Sky buys Three for $1. Also - a shake-up sport on screen, some commentary classics, the Frenchification of Emile Donovan - and was Wrexham FC in Welly the real thing? Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Claire Robinson, an expert in political communication and author of 'Promises Promises, 80 Years of Wooing New Zealand Voters', discusses how politicians are increasingly using multimedia tools to engage with the media and the public. She delves into the impact of rising media campaigns on political decisions, particularly post-COVID, highlighting innovative strategies like superhero-themed advocacy. Robinson also critiques the ethical implications of public funding for political messaging and examines the changing landscape of political communication in a digital world.

A media frenzy over Ray Chung's lurid email about Wellington mayor Tory Whanau, Stuff retracts a story about AI blood testing, and a former newsreader enters the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The backers of the second official inquiry into the Covid response say it’s crucial for preparing us for the next pandemic - but the media mostly zeroed in on whether big-name politicians would show up. Also: TVNZ checking itself for bias, a fresh flurry of media French-ification; and do we need to brace for more ‘fiscal hole’ fury in Election 2026? Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ websiteIn this episode:1:22 The backers of the second Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Covid-19 response said it was crucial to learning lessons for the future, as well as allowing people to have a say. But the media mostly zeroed in on whether big-name politicians would show up at hearings that are still six weeks away.17:03 Remember in the campaign for the last election - and the one before that - how the big political parties made big claims in the media about billion dollar-deep holes in each others’ policies? We might have to brace for more in 2026.32:50 TVNZ says it’s planning to check itself for bias. But why - and why now?37:21 A fresh flurry of French-ification in our media inspired by Les Bleus on tour.Learn more:https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/mediawatch/566737/mediawatch-pandemic-probe-media-focus-flipped-to-politiciansGuests: Dan Brunskill, economics reporter for Interest.co.nzIf you have any thoughts for us - or ideas for us to follow up - get in touch. E-mail mediawatch@rnz.co.nz. You’ll also find us @MediawatchNZ on X.Follow Mediawatch and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or any podcast app to make sure you never miss an episode.Find more RNZ Podcasts at the new section of the RNZ website at rnz.co.nz/podcastsGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The closure of more local newspapers, further fallout for the BBC and the ABC over editorial handling of Gaza, senior RNZ exec resigns - and peacock persecution. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Mediawatch looks at a sudden slew of stuff on screen about life at the coal face in health, hospitals and hospices. Is the up close and personal approach also political? Speaking of political . . . bosses at two big broadcasters have ended up in the gun this week over other peoples’ opinions about Israel and Gaza - and political leaders line up the media for more criticism. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A new podcast questions the 'lone wolf' narrative around the Christchurch terror attack, Newsroom asks some hard questions about the state housing sell-off, Stuff's TradeMe deal gets finalised - ZB's Hosking clashes with education minister on 'Māorification'Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details