Mediawatch

RNZ
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Sep 6, 2025 • 31min

Exaggerating Amazon, end of the ‘foreign ban,’ RNZ flags change in music and arts

Amazon investing billions and creating hundreds of jobs in tech here made breathless headlines earlier this week. But it turned out to be old news - and less than previously announced. How did that happen? Also: how the media handled the end of the ban on foreigners buying flash homes here - and more changes at RNZ.Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ websiteIn this episode:00:50 The PM and Amazon teamed up to announce billions of dollars invested and hundreds of jobs created here. Great news - but old news.17:55 RNZ’s proposing changes to music, arts and culture coverage which would cut back production of some radio programmes - and close the youth-focused digital platform Tahi.25:15 How the media handled the end of the ban on foreign buyers - or should that be overseas active investors? - picking up high end homes hereLearn more:Guests: Peter FowlerIf 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
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Sep 3, 2025 • 21min

Midweek - Friday night lights-out, harsh spotlight, bolt from the boot

Reserve Bank chair's after-hours exit fails to blunt media interest, harsh spotlight on new political candidate, the farmer who survived a bolt from the boot, political reporter returns - and the return of The Mish. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Aug 30, 2025 • 48min

RNZ’s bid to stop the National slide, minding your Ps & Cs

Paul Thompson, Chief Executive and Editor-in-Chief of RNZ, dives into the network's strategies to win back listeners following a critical review. He reveals how RNZ is tackling audience engagement and adapting to digital trends, especially in response to declining radio listenership. Thompson discusses the importance of nurturing meaningful journalism while balancing community interests and growing a diverse audience. He also addresses recent media controversies, emphasizing the challenges of maintaining editorial standards amid shifting public perceptions.
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Aug 27, 2025 • 29min

Midweek: TVNZ starts charging, NZME loses cash, RNZ gains listeners

TVNZ launches its first paid-for product, NZME announces a $400k loss and the composition of its new editorial board - and RNZ's listenership snakes upward for the first time since 2022.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Aug 23, 2025 • 43min

Image problems, clawing cash back from AI crawlers, gentle political whispers

One woman became the unwilling face of a political cause she strongly opposed because her image was for sale online - and one outlet faked photos of a whanau to 'protect its mana.' What are the ethics of stock images? Also - 'gentle whispers' of political succession, and can the media claw back cash from AI crawling their content online? Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ websiteIn this episode:00:15 ‘Gentle whispers’ heard - and a tangerine suit seen - half a world away sparked speculation in the media this week about a spill for the PM and a succession for his finance minister.06:22 Image problems - and the ethics of stock photography: one woman became the face of a political campaign she strongly opposed because her photo was for sale in a stock library - and a media outlet used AI to create a fake whanau for a piece about poverty.23:05 Will a new bid to charge AI for crawling the web for content mean the media might be able - at last - to claw back cash from those harvest their stuff online? If so - how can it be done? Turns out it’s complicated . . .Learn more:Guests: Corey Fuimaono, Tanmay DesaiIf 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
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Aug 20, 2025 • 24min

Midweek: RNZ's radio plan, conflict of interest complaint, ugly ad

RNZ's strategy to stop the loss of radio listeners sparks a strong reaction from pundits - and the listeners. Also - a political party proves a point using the official complaints process- and irritating ads for insurance. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Aug 16, 2025 • 42min

Statehood stoush, poll ’predictions,’ RNZ’s loss of listeners, do media deliver what Kiwis expect?

How the media handled controversy over recognising Palestine - two political opinion polls in a day. Also: RNZ prepping out a plan to stop the loss of listeners as a former news chief tells the top brass to make big changes and - do Kiwis believe the media deliver what they promise?Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ websiteIn this episode:1:16 The intense debate in the media this week over Palestinian statehood, sidetracked by party political rows about our government going slow on it - and a chorus of claims in the media that was just a gesture anyway.16:18 How the media handled two political opinion polls in one day ‘predicting’ the next election outcome.21:52 RNZ’s prepping a plan to try and claw back listeners lost by RNZ National - and a blunt review from its former news boss urges the top brass to make big changes.27:13 Do New Zealanders think our media deliver what they promise? We ask the brains behind some new data on that - Storm Day from Accenture Song - and if it can help the media get the audience onside.Learn more:Guests: Storm DayIf 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
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Aug 13, 2025 • 26min

Midweek: Assassinations in Gaza, poll chaos, ad backlash

A crew of Al Jazeera journalists are assassinated in Gaza, two political polls in a day fire up the media, and an ad from Hobson's Pledge prompts a backlash - and a debate about ethical use of photos. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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Aug 9, 2025 • 31min

NCEA not achieved, Trump’s tariff ‘surprise,’ magazines on the block

Tim Burrows, the owner of Unmade and host of ABC Radio's MediaLand, dives into pressing media issues. He discusses the recent discussions around NCEA, questioning its effectiveness in modern education. The surprise tariffs from Trump on New Zealand exports raise eyebrows, revealing economic concerns. Additionally, the podcast explores the challenges facing local magazines, reflecting on their struggle with online transitions and potential private equity interest. Burrows offers insights into the future landscape of media amidst these evolving dynamics.
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Aug 6, 2025 • 20min

Midweek: Reality TV on the public purse, RNZ tweaks, Donnell goneburger, french lesson

Public purse picking up part of the bill for local reality TV, RNZ tweaks Morning Report, Hayden Donnell goneburger from Mediawatch, Colin taught a French lesson.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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