The Fold

The longest-tenured leader in New Zealand media joins Duncan Greive on The Fold for a frank discussion about the state of RNZ. They discuss the sharp decline in radio ratings which prompted him to commission a brutal report from former RNZ news boss Richard Sutherland, while also addressing the growth of digital news and lifestyle content. They also address RNZ’s Auckland problem, the strength of Newstalk ZB and whether RNZ really needs a statement hire, or just to deploy its talent on air. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duncan Greive goes solo to dig into some fascinating recent media stories. The details of the Sky-NZ Rugby deal give all parties a chance to plausibly claim a win. The Sutherland report into RNZ National is one of the most challenging and interesting of its type in years. Two of the country’s biggest Substackers have left the platform. And Paramount looks to be building a manosphere streamer with a gigantic UFC deal for the US. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duncan Greive is joined by Phil Eastwood, GM of JCDecaux NZ, and Paul Maher, chair of OOHMAA, to discuss the rise and rise of out-of-home media. Once a backwater of the industry, it’s now the only locally operated sector showing robust growth. Partly a result of digital screens, partly a response to the hyper-saturation of ads in digital contexts, out-of-home has become what Eastwood calls “the last true broadcast medium”. This episode is in partnership with JCDecaux. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join renowned singer-songwriter Neil Finn, the creative force behind Crowded House and Split Enz, as he delves into the internet's broken promises and his ambitious community projects like MUFGAL. He reflects on the early utopia of the internet, shares his unique experiences with live streaming, and discusses why he distanced himself from social media. Finn critiques algorithmic systems and AI's threats to music while advocating for independent platforms. This conversation sparks joy and insights about building community through music and creativity.

Glen Kyne joins Duncan Greive on The Fold to discuss the shock revelation that NZ on Air will support Celebrity Treasure Island and The Traitors NZ’s return to our screens. They assess the potential moral hazard, the function those shows perform for networks, and the more profound challenges lurking down the road. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gareth Shute, a music writer and historian, discusses his new book, 'Songs From the Shaky Isles', offering a comprehensive overview of New Zealand's pop music history. He highlights the transformative influence of television and commercial radio on music production and artist exposure. Shute dives into the significance of Māori show bands and the emergence of a vibrant counterculture in the 60s and 70s. He also tackles the challenges artists face in gaining international recognition today, especially in the streaming era.

Eugene Healey is an academic and brand strategist based in Melbourne, and a sharp critic of clumsy attempts from brands to play social justice activists. He's traveling back to New Zealand to speak at the Comms Council's Media Spotlight event, and joins Duncan Greive on The Fold to discuss the unintended consequences of advertising's woke years, and explain why brands should only show up for a community if they're truly committed to the bit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anna Rawhiti-Connell joins Duncan Greive on The Fold to discuss the way social media conspiracy theories have started to dominate the institutional media in the US, and ask what the local equivalents might be. They also talk about Lucy Blakiston from Shit You Should Care About's signing to venerable Hollywood talent agency WME, and The Spinoff's buzzy new social-first news show Now You Know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Glen Kyne joins Duncan Greive on an emergency edition of The Fold to discuss Sky's move to buy the New Zealand assets of Discovery NZ, including Three and ThreeNow. They discuss the price, what it does for Sky, how Three will evolve and how it changes the game for TVNZ. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Glen Kyne returns to The Fold to dig into another incredible quarter for Netflix – and ask whether its run is over or it has more headroom. They also chat about what's next for Substack after its US$100m raise, the end of the Auckland Transport saga and break down the Beacon Awards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices