One opinion poll prompts intense political pushback; new report urges sweeping changes to media, law and funding - and fast; Wairoa Star closes after more than a century in print. One opinion poll prompts intense political pushback; new report urges sweeping changes to media, law and funding - and fast; Wairoa Star closes after more than a century in print. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Colin Peacock talks to Emile Donovan about an MP taken to task about his knowledge of the arts - and a TV producer taking on a funding agency in court. Also: a new political poll causes ructions; a century-old newspaper folds - and a spurned sportsman's great save on camera.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

New media minister rolls in after PM's surprise reshuffle; TV news and current affairs on the way down here, but highly competitive across the Tasman.Mediawatch this week looks at the sudden appointment of a new Minister of Media and Communications - and what went wrong for the outgoing one. Also - while our TV broadcasters are cutting back their news to the bare minimum, news is still lucrative for Australian TV networks - and it's so competitive they often end up in court. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Hayden Donnell talks to Emile Donovan about the departure of broadcasting minister Melissa Lee - and the arrival of the next one Paul Goldsmith. Also: a controversial TV interview with the Israeli ambassador - and some truly startling stuff in a Stuff illustration.In this week's edition of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Emile Donovan about the departure of broadcasting minister Melissa Lee - and the arrival of the next one Paul Goldsmith. Also: a controversial TV interview with the Israeli ambassador - and some truly startling stuff in a Stuff illustration.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Stuff is taking over Newshub's 6pm TV news. A bold move for an outfit that's never been a broadcaster before. Will it work? Also: Mediawatch talks to two editors about the latest survey showing another alarming slump in New Zealanders' trust in the news.On Mediawatch this week: Stuff is taking over Newshub's 6pm TV news. It's a bold move for an outfit that's never been a broadcaster before. How will it work? Also: Mediawatch talks to two editors about the latest evidence of another alarming slump in New Zealanders' trust in the news. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Colin Peacock talks to Emile Donovan about Stuff leaping into uncharted waters by taking on Newshub at 6. Also: TVNZ going 'beyond broadcasting,' NZ Post and NZME add to predictions of print's demise; recognition for a one-man band in Southland - and Colin's mistaken identity mix-up... again.Midweek Mediawatch - Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Nights. Midweek Mediawatch - Colin Peacock talks to Emile Donovan about Stuff leaping into uncharted waters by taking on Newshub at 6. Also: TVNZ going 'beyond broadcasting,' NZ Post and NZME add to predictions of print's demise; recognition for a one-man band in Southland - and Colin's mistaken identity mix-up . . .again. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Exploring the repercussions of TV news cuts and closure of NewsHub, challenges in news broadcasting revenue collapse, media's role in uncovering shady activities, challenges in the television industry, and public support for the Save Our Stories campaign.

Colin Peacock talks to Emile Donovan about an historic day - not in a good way. The confirmation of the closure of Newshub and more cuts confirmed at TVNZ means more than 300 journalists' jobs will go by midyear - and TV news and current affairs will shrivel. Also: the latest report on trust in the news media reveals a further decline - and listeners' questions about what it all means. Midweek Mediawatch - Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Nights. Colin Peacock talks to Emile Donovan about the confirmation of the closure of Newshub and more cuts confirmed at TVNZ. More than 300 journalists' jobs will go by midyear and TV news and current affairs will shrivel. Will another media company fill the Newshub void?Also: the latest report on trust in the news media reveals a further decline - and listeners' questions about what it all means. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

TVNZ has confirmed Fair Go - on air for 47 years - and news shows Midday and Tonight will cease next month. The future of Sunday will be confirmed tomorrow. Meanwhile a decision on alternatives to a proposal to close Newshub in June is expected tomorrow from its owner Warner Brothers Discovery. TVNZ has confirmed Fair Go - on air for 47 years - and news shows Midday and Tonight will cease next month. The future of Sunday will be confirmed tomorrow. Meanwhile a decision on alternatives to a proposal to close Newshub in June is expected tomorrow from its owner Warner Brothers Discovery. After meeting with staff today, TVNZ also said in a statement it is proposing "a new team to be established as part of its News and Current Affairs function, with a specific focus on long-form consumer and current affairs for TVNZ's digital platforms." If confirmed, TVNZ said this would be "an opportunity to continue reporting under the Fair Go brand and viewers would still be able to share their consumer concerns by writing to the Fair Go inbox. On Facebook, Fair Go staff told followers: "We've looked at a problem - and with TVNZ - we think we've found a solution." "While how you see our stories could change, it's important Fair Go still be there to fight for New Zealanders, so keep writing in and we'll update you when we can," the Facebook post said.After TVNZ announced in March 68 jobs and several programmes could be axed, O'Donnell said there were "no sacred cows." "The restructure is expected to be complete by early next month," the statement said, leaving the door open to further cuts in other areas of TVNZ production. TVNZ's online youth-focused arm Re:News was also told its staffing was likely to be cut in half. Its staff meets with TVNZ staff this afternoon. Sunday's staff meet management tomorrow and a final meeting to brief all TVNZ staff is expected mid-afternoon tomorrow. Last month TVNZ news reported the Fair Go team was bidding to keep the 47-year-old show on the screen.Staff at Newshub are expecting an to be told at 11am tomorrow if the service will close in June with the possible loss of up to 300 jobs. It has been reported that other media companies are interested in acquiring Newshub and continuing a scaled-down news service but no details of any negotitaions have been confirmed. Michael Wood, who has led negotiations for the journalists' union E tū, told RNZ today it would be " a challenging day at TVNZ."TVNZ told Mediawatch last Friday TVNZ's news teams have all provided feedback on the proposals relating to their area. …Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

We talk to an editor keeping an eye on where public money for public services ends up and the government's new political action plan gets the media's attention.This week Mediawatch talks to an editor keeping an eye on where public money for public services ends up. Also: how the Government's new political action plan got the media's attention this week - and how the long-standing problem of rebuilding schools suddenly hit the headlines.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details