Mediawatch

Some local election hopefuls are already pitching policies publicly. Are media checking them out before putting them in the news? Also: an Aussie once in charge of our papers talks about where the media is heading - and a play about authoritarian over-reach in 1950s America echoes what’s happening now. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Coverage of the aggro in LA; media feel the heat from advocacy ads, why David Seymour snubs Morning Report, the controversy created by dangerous combat-type cash prize contests Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Sinead Boucher, owner and CEO of Stuff, discusses recent strategic shifts in New Zealand media, particularly the merger with Trade Me and NZME's leadership overhaul. She dives into the implications of these partnerships for journalism quality and editorial independence. The conversation touches on the challenges of media funding and growth opportunities amid shareholder pressures. They also explore public reactions to risky sports, including a hilarious segment on the thrills of cheese racing, revealing the fine line between glory and danger.

Stuff/Trade me marriage, NZME settles board stoush. Also - teething troubles at the Herald’s new show, the pivot to video - and the power of the edit in politics. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The state of climate change reporting in a changed political climate - and a time when the media have their own existential emergency. Also - how the Run It Straight went from social media phenomenon to national news media controversy. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The Herald's new streaming news show, RNZ National listeners tuning out, David Seymour's political past under the spotlight. On Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Emile Donovan Nights this week on RNZ National - the Herald's new streaming news show, RNZ National listeners tuning out, and David Seymour's political past under the spotlight.This Midweek Mediawatch also discusses developments in the bid to reshape the board of NZME, whose shareholders vote on that on June 3.One of those nominated for a proposed editorial board at NZME, lawyer Philip Crump, sparked debate among journalists recently with 'Six Challenges Undermining Media Trust' on Substack.That sparked a critical LinkedIn response from NBR journalist Tim Hunter, in which he highlighted Crump’s claim that descriptive words used by journalists can be “cheap shots.”“Often these labels are abused and reveal the biases of the journalist deploying them rather than enlightening the reader. Over time, these cheap shots can erode the value of the masthead," Crump wrote on Substack.He cited the example of “embattled” to describe a politician, but in this Midweek Mediawatch that was misinterpreted.To correct the record, Philip Crump did not suggest that using the word "embattled" could erode trust or indicate bias on the part of a journalist. He said it could legitimately add colour and provide meaningful context.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The media make a big deal of the Budget every year, even though the big money’s already been announced. But what was in it for the media this year? Also: vanguard vs the rearguard on AI in the media; political push-back on social media and more bad language - and the perils of cold-calling folks live on air. Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ websiteThe media make a drama out of Budget Day every year, even though the big plot twists have been revealed in advance and big bits of the backstory aren’t in the script. How did the critics rate this one? And what was in it for the media themselves?There’s a vanguard in the media that wants to embrace the latest digital technology - and rearguard that resists it. Will the media ever see eye to eye on AI?Also: political bids to push back social media, more bad behaviour in politics - and bad language in the wake of the ‘c-bomb’ affair.In this episode:Budget coverageWhat was in the Budget for the media? And what got cut?The BBC’s Laura Ellis on the media’s split over AI.Learn more:Mediawatch: How a Budget is covered | RNZ NewsGuests:Laura Ellis - BBC head of technology forecastingIf 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

After days being berated for deploying the c-word, Andrea Vance was named political journalist of the year. Meanwhile Stuff took on Stuff, and Winston Peters' pre-Budget announcement went off the rails at a railway station Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Laura Ellis, Head of Technology Forecasting for the BBC, shares her insights on pay equity legislation and the media's role in political discourse. She discusses how a controversial comment shifted focus away from serious issues like pay equity. The chat also dives deep into the BBC's use of AI in journalism, examining both its innovative applications and the ethical challenges it presents. From enhancing advertising to ensuring participant anonymity, the conversation highlights how AI is reshaping news and factual programming.

Midweek - Sunday Star Times C-bomb dropped on ministers rocks the House, and the issue that sparked it - gender pay equity. Also - the government's move to ban social media for under-16s got big backing this week - and the possible truce in the NZME boardroom battle. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details