The Fold

Anna Rawhiti-Connell, a social media philosopher and contributor to The Spinoff, joins Duncan Greive to discuss significant shifts in social media. They dive into Meta’s controversial pivot towards a MAGA mindset and its implications for users and advertisers. The duo also tackles the uncertain future of TikTok in the U.S., analyzing its potential ban and privacy concerns. Lastly, they ponder Shayne Currie's predictions for New Zealand media in 2025, forecasting transformations amid evolving digital landscapes.

The Fold is taking a break over summer. We’ll be back soon with new episodes but, until then, here’s one of our favourites from 2024:In an effort to get out of his doom spiral, Duncan Greive takes a tour across the Tasman to see how our close neighbours are dealing with a similar set of challenges. From a social media ban, to local content quotas, to news bargaining, to an activist competition authority, Australia is a global leader, while New Zealand is nowhere to be found.In the first of two episodes focused on Australia, former Newshub boss Hal Crawford joins Duncan to discuss a raft of legislation aimed at big tech, which has either been proposed or passed – sometimes with bipartisan support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Fold is taking a break over summer. We’ll be back soon with new episodes but, until then, here’s one of our favourites from 2024:Glenn McDonald spent more than a decade with a very mysterious and specific job title: data alchemist at Spotify. It's possible – even likely – that no one on Earth knows as much about music streaming. He is in New Zealand for the Going Global music industry conference, and joins Duncan Greive on The Fold to talk about how Spotify does and doesn't work for artists, why Spotify doesn't stretch your listening habits, and what he really thinks about its big move into podcasting and audiobooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Fold is taking a break over summer. We’ll be back soon with new episodes but, until then, here’s one of our favourites from 2024:The 2024 edition of NZ on Air's Where are the Audiences is a bombshell – largely because so little has changed. The past decade has been characterised by a sharp and consistent rise in UGC, social and SVOD platforms, while local media has slid precipitously. This year that slide has arrested – and in some cases reversed.Duncan Greive is joined by The Spinoff's Ātea editor Liam Rātana, dissecting the findings as they take turns drafting their five favourite data points from WATA 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Fold is taking a break over summer. We’ll be back soon with new episodes but, until then, here’s one of our favourites from 2024:Friday July 4 marked the end of Newshub, an organisation that has been around for 35 years, and has a strong case as the most original and idiosyncratic newsroom this country has ever known. Sam Hayes and Mike McRoberts have more than 40 years’ combined experience at Three, and join Duncan Greive on The Fold to look back across the history of 3 News, and assess its singular culture and some crucial moments along the path to this sad goodbye. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Fold is taking a break over summer. We’ll be back soon with new episodes but, until then, here’s one of our favourites from 2024:Alec Kieft makes games for "YouTube for gaming" platform Roblox, including Break-In, a smash hit that has been played more than two billion times by 80 million people. The platform is wildly popular with pre-teens, and is widely considered the closest thing to an operating metaverse that exists in the world today. Kieft joins Duncan Greive on The Fold to explain what drives the culture and economy of this hidden world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Glen Kyne, a media commentator and expert on the New Zealand media landscape, joins Duncan Greive to dissect a tumultuous year for the industry. They dive into the collapse of major news organizations and the challenges faced by local production companies. The conversation explores the shift of TVNZ and WBD towards digital, the impact of advertising drops, and regional differences in media regulations. Glen shares predictions for 2025, emphasizing the need for reform and innovation in the media world.

Paul McIntyre, founder and publisher at MI3, dives into the intricate world of media buying. He discusses the shift from traditional advertising models and its impact on local content in Australia and New Zealand. The podcast highlights the cautionary tale of New Zealand’s stagnation as a warning for Australia's media landscape. McIntyre emphasizes the urgent need for regulatory changes and transparency in digital advertising, alongside the future challenges for journalism amid declining public trust and the rise of tech giants.

Liam Rātana, the Ātea editor at The Spinoff and a knowledgeable voice on Māori media, joins the discussion on the significant changes at Whakaata Māori. They delve into the decision to end the Te Ao Māori News bulletin while embracing a digital future. Rātana discusses the challenges Māori media face, from job losses to audience engagement in a post-COVID era. The conversation highlights the urgent need for innovation and adaptation in Māori journalism to sustain cultural narratives amidst evolving digital landscapes.

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.