Mediawatch

How the epic broadcast to mark a new epoch in te ao Māori was made at Tūrangawaewae Marae, media focus on small stuff in big bucks plan for roads; 'Toast-gate' prompts a backlash and a u-turn on maternity ward snacks. As one Māori monarch was farewelled and a new one appointed this week, it was all aired in the longest multimedia coverage of any event in this country’s history. Mediawatch looks at how this was done - and asks if the Kiingitanga’s relationship with digital-age media might change under new management.Read all about it on rnz.co.nz here As billions were rolled out for roads in a new national transport plan - which also rolls back the sums spent on other transport - some journalists questioned how this will work and who will bear the high costs, But other coverage followed the lead of the minister, highlighting stuff that hardly makes a dent in the billion dollar budget.Read all about it on rnz.co.nz hereAlso this week: how reported penny-pinchning cuts to post-birth snacks in maternity wards forced a backlash - and two minsters declared the move toast within hours.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Holding ministers to account - but also amplifying their spending statements without scrutiny; two editors in Asia holding the line on media freedom; update on advocacy ad angst.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Colin Peacock talks to Emile Donovan about a lid-lifting Sunday paper scoop about gun crime - and a minister in the spotlight over gun law reform. Also - Australian media go rogue on Raygun, and more Newshub TV talent scooped up by Stuff. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Mediawatch looks at how the news media are using artificial intelligence these days. What is AI technology good for? What is it bad at? And do media need to be ready for the fake AI content that's undermining news? Also: further fallout from a controversial advert run by The New Zealand Herald.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Hayden Donnell talks to Emile Donovan about the Herald backing away from running another ad from Hobson's Pledge, a question going begging in the coverage of the government's benefit sanctions announcement - and a cynical PR move by the All Blacks.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Mediawatch looks back at the media in the middle of political rows about race relations - and why Maori journalists want an apology over a controversial advocacy ad in the Herald. Also: how social media amplified anger over the riots in the UK - and boxing at the Olympics. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Colin Peacock talks to Todd Zaner about reactions to the revelation the Herald used AI to write editorials - and what was revealed by coverage of the National Party's AGM last weekend. Also: some standout Olympic media moments and unexpected acapella jingles. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Mediawatch looks at a controversy over the use of AI artificial intellgince the New Zealand Herald - and asks if readers should be told when AI technology creates news content. Also: how the media jumped the gun over our lack of medals at the Olympics - and an unconvincing complaint about the All Blacks spurning our media. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Hayden Donnell talks to Emile Donovan about the Herald using AI for an editorial - and he delves into the disappointment over our lacklustre Olympic medal count so far. Also - peeling back layers of health bureaucracy and a very personal challenge to a reality TV show. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Mediawatch looks at how the media reacted to the Abuse in State Care report - and the role the media played in bringing the issue to light. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details