Mediawatch

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

An entire generation's grown up with little regulation of their digital world. But this week there was a sudden surge of political concern about social media for teens. Also: NZ Rugby’s in the red even though its income from TV's topped $100m. But netball’s got no broadcaster beyond this year for its top comp. Is it a warning for sports that need TV money to pay players? Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A new compromise candidate emerges to lead NZME - along with some undisclosed outsourcing. Also: 1News scoop about Erica Stanford's emails draws fire from talk radio, a politics podcast podcast's sudden self-destruction - and NZ climbs media freedom ladder by default. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Media assumptions about election outcomes were upended in Canberra and Canada this week - and guessing the result of upcoming ones in Wellington and the Vatican suddenly seem risky. Is picking political winners now a fool’s game? Also: cranky calls for military service based on bad stats - and the latest on that bitter boardroom battle at NZME. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A controversial documentary series by TVNZ’s John Campbell - which didn’t quite kick off like it was meant to. Also: 'Peoples Pope' farewelled, US media's annual White House party fall flat. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The health sector throws up stories of serious crisis almost daily, but journalists find hard data hard to get. Also: media freedom worries increasing around the world - and Winston Peters' 'threat' to RNZ. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Pope Francis's death prompts breaking news weirdness, Winston Peters butts heads with RNZ, identical Aussie twins go viral with synchronised eye-witness account, a Wellington councilor's on-the-record outburst - and a housing headline excluding renters Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details