Hal Crawford, former head of Newshub, dives into Australia's ambitious media regulations aiming to tackle big tech. He discusses the groundbreaking social media ban for those under 16, reflecting on societal concerns. The conversation highlights bipartisan support for legislation and the pressing challenges of misinformation. Crawford also critiques the News Media Bargaining Code and explores local content quotas amidst the rise of generative AI. This dynamic dialogue sheds light on the contrasting approaches Australia and New Zealand take toward media regulation.

Madeleine Chapman, Editor of The Spinoff, and Amber Easby, its CEO, discuss the organization's critical challenges stemming from a stagnant ad market and reduced public funding. They highlight the need for community support through a membership model to sustain journalistic integrity. The conversation dives into the impacts of financial struggles on content creation, alongside encouraging audience engagement as a solution. Personal experiences and evolving media landscapes are shared, emphasizing a hopeful connection with the audience for future resilience.

Job losses at a major New Zealand media outlet cast a shadow over the industry, sparking discussions about the need for adaptation. Despite rising audience numbers, funding remains elusive, creating a paradox for organizations. The hosts express solidarity with affected colleagues and emphasize community support. An upcoming announcement promises to clarify the organization's mission and reveal ways to assist during these challenging times.

A solo reflection dives into the shifting media landscape in New Zealand, contrasting vibrant past industry gatherings with today's challenges. It highlights the troubling decline of traditional media amid corporate changes and layoffs. The rise of digital platforms raises concerns over local journalism's integrity. Urgent calls for legislative reforms stress the need to protect journalism. The impact of social media on news is explored, emphasizing the importance of engaging listeners in shaping the future of media.

Kristy McGregor was an Australian with no experience in media before founding Shepherdess, a magazine dedicated to the life and experience of rural women. However she proved a total natural, and has developed it into one of the most fascinating and instructive startups in New Zealand media. What started as a print magazine now encompasses a festival and a TV show, all made by women working part-time and hundreds of kilometres apart. She stopped by The Fold, heavily pregnant on a business trip, to tell Duncan Greive her remarkable story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Glen Kyne, a media commentator and expert on the New Zealand media landscape, dives into the recent upheaval at TVNZ, including proposed job cuts and the shift of news to a content unit. He also unpacks the drama surrounding podcast star Frances Cook and her former employer, NZME, shedding light on the evolving relationship between legacy media and digital platforms. They discuss how political influences and the upcoming election could reshape the media landscape, raising concerns about the power dynamics between traditional media and new content creators.

Anna Rawhiti-Connell, Head of Audience at The Spinoff, delves into the fallout from Jeff Bezos' non-endorsement move at the Washington Post, revealing its implications for media accountability in New Zealand. She discusses TVNZ's pivot back from closing 1News.co.nz, addressing the troubling signals from smaller publishers like Crux and NZ Geographic. The conversation also highlights significant leadership changes at Stuff, illuminating the broader struggles and transformations within the New Zealand media landscape.

Alex Casey, a longtime co-host of Real Pod and contributor to The Spinoff, dives into the creation of the Top 100 NZ TV shows list. She shares the motivations and challenges of assembling the list, highlighting the need for diverse perspectives and cultural representation. The discussion touches on the evolution of New Zealand television and its emotional resonance, as well as the impact of streaming platforms on viewership. Casey also emphasizes the significance of local shows in shaping collective memories and community engagement.

Glen Kyne, a media and entertainment expert, dives into the recent strategic win for Sky with the addition of Max to its Neon platform, discussing how it impacts the New Zealand streaming landscape. He explores the competitive edge gained by taking a potential rival off the table and the associated risks. The conversation also touches on Amazon's new ad tier launch and its implications for TVNZ and Three. Additionally, they discuss the shock resignation of NZ Rugby's commercial head and its effect on broadcasting negotiations.

Hamish McKenzie, co-founder of Substack and a key player in US media, discusses Substack's bold evolution from paid newsletters to a multifaceted creator platform. He delves into the launch of live streaming, competitive dynamics with social media giants, and the significance of creator autonomy. The conversation highlights Substack's potential for transforming the creator economy while confronting challenges in content moderation and traditional media relationships. Expect insights on fostering healthy discourse and the future of journalism.