

Mediawatch
RNZ
There's never a shortage of opinions on the media but Mediawatch looks at it all in detail for those keen to know more about the news - as well as those who work in media.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 15, 2025 • 21min
Midweek - Gaza ceasefire, Platform v watchdog, Metro moves, self-selected polls
Media coverage of the Gaza ceasefire, Platform's Plunket pushes back on broadcast watchdog, Metro magazine 'restructures' its full-time staff - and should self-selected polls be allowed in news? Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Oct 11, 2025 • 40min
Netball’s PR nightmare, online harm examined again
Netball’s a national sport - and it's natural the media want to know if something’s going wrong at the top. But have media made the game’s current coaching drama worse- at the worst possible time? Also - what to do about online harm was aired in a Parliamentary inquiry this week. But was the purpose of this to prevent regulation that could make it safer?
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Oct 8, 2025 • 21min
Midweek - Winston's window stoush, Māori news funding, RNZ ins-and-outs, Graham Bell
Row over Gaza protest targeting foreign minister's house gets political - and an actress is cut from an ad. Also: RNZ picks new audio chief as two stalwarts depart, Police Ten-7 star Graham Bell, quake clarification for Emile. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Oct 4, 2025 • 35min
Seismic shift on quake-prone properties; ‘Not now’ on Palestinian statehood, current affairs catch-up
Mark Crysell, a veteran TV journalist known for his role on the now-defunct Sunday show, joins the discussion alongside Miriama Kamo. They explore the recent changes in regulations for earthquake-prone buildings and the ensuing media praise, while highlighting potential pitfalls in the implementation. The conversation shifts to the contentious topic of Palestinian statehood, examining government hesitance and media reactions. Finally, they reflect on the drastic cuts to TV current affairs, the rise of online journalism, and why strong reporting is crucial for democracy.

Oct 1, 2025 • 22min
Midweek - Watchdog rules on coverage of teen tragedy, Black Fern feedback & US golf goofs
The Media Council rules RNZ lacked balance reporting the tragic tale of a transgender teen. Also - RNZ cuts arts and culture programming on air, more blowback on Black Ferns coverage claims and US golf fans shame themselves on TVGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Sep 27, 2025 • 36min
Short-term focus on long-term problems; Trump vs media; tackling taboo topics without grievance
Bad news about the economy piling up - and piling pressure on the politicians in charge of it. But are the media shining light in the right places? Also - Trump vs Kimmel and free speech, two stalwarts of TV current affairs promising to tackle taboo topics to increase the peace, not polarisation. Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ websiteIn this episode:1:04 A long look at how bad news about the economy has been piling up and piling pressure on the politicians in charge - even as things might actually be on the up and the long-term problems are being overlooked.15:36 Trump and MAGA and FCC v Kimmel and the media and free speech.19:10 Two stalwarts of TVNZ current affairs - Miriama Kamo and Mark Crysell are back with new online show - The Elephant - promising to tackle taboo topics but without grievance that’s often found online.Learn more: Mediawatch: Long-term problems, short-term coverage | RNZ NewsGuests: Mark Crysell, Miriama KamoIf 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

Sep 24, 2025 • 21min
Midweek - Trump vs comedy & free speech, TVNZ & RNZ's trust, Black Ferns blowback
Trump's aggression puts media on the back foot; good news for RNZ on public trust - and for TVNZ after a spot check for bias; blowback for the Black Ferns after lack of coverage claims; local current affairs and drama back on TV
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Sep 20, 2025 • 39min
News desert warning, pros & cons of property, Ferns falter, more Phillips fallout
Hardly a news bulletin or newspaper goes by without stuff about houses and property.
But what kind of coverage is it? And what effect does it have? Also - a former editor warns news deserts are creeping up on us, the Ferns falter - and media doing the right thing for the Phillips family. Social media? Not so much . . .
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Sep 17, 2025 • 17min
Midweek - Kirk's killing, rugby (over)reactions, more Phillips fallout
Charlie Kirk's killing prompts strong reactions - even at this distance; 'historic' beating for All Blacks - and more muted coverage of winning Black Ferns; more media fallout from the sad Marokopa saga. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Sep 13, 2025 • 37min
Fugitive family & public interest, Te Pāti Māori v MSM, AI news to save newsrooms?
In a thought-provoking discussion, guest Peter Fowler, a former RNZ journalist and founder of Voxpop, dives into the media's ethical dilemmas following the violent death of fugitive Tom Phillips. He shares insights on the complex balance between public interest and family privacy. The conversation also touches on Te Pāti Māori's emerging tensions with mainstream media, reflecting on their growing disengagement. Lastly, Fowler discusses the promising role of AI in journalism, suggesting it could revitalize struggling newsrooms while navigating challenges of accuracy and bias.