Podcasts · News

Mediawatch

RNZ

300 episodes

There's never a shortage of opinions on the media but Mediawatch looks at it all in detail for those keen to know more about the news - as well as those who work in media.

Episodes page 1 of 6

  1. Gang angst and law & order red meat, ban social media or fix it?

    · 39 min · Episode 1156

    Law and order was under the radar this election, until candidates campaigning at gang events hit the headlines. Also: both big parties want to ban social media for U-16s. A tech expert in the ‘NZ of the North’ says he…

  2. Midweek - election debate deluge, gang scandal get legs, jobs on the line

    · 23 min · Episode 1155

    Almost all-election almost all-the-time as voting nears. Also, the gang visit scandal, Parents Alliance examined - and more journalists' jobs on the line. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

  3. Pitching for parents, education in the election, mascot mess

    · 37 min · Episode 1154

    Education became a hot topic as political parties pitched their election pledges at parents this week - and a new advocacy group pushed the issue in the media. Also: Australia pushes social media jeopardy back onto…

  4. Midweek - debates & stalemates, culture war comparison, bring back KiwiBuck, BS ok?

    · 22 min · Episode 1153

    Election debates keep on coming, platforming the 'major' and 'minor' leaders. Could a costings unit cut back the scraps? Also: did Nights and Hayden Donnell's Kiwibank scoop give Jon Oliver the wrong idea about NZ…

  5. Who wants to be a billionaire, reality TV check, award-wining oil scoop

    · 47 min · Episode 1152

    A random election debate question about extreme wealth struck a chord this week. Also: a local reporter’s role in an award-winning Reuters investigation of illicit oil shipping, and a new RNZ series runs the rule over…

  6. Midweek - the campaign content pile-up picks up pace

    · 26 min · Episode 1151

    The debates, the political panels, the interviews and ads and interactive innovations are all cranking up in intensity as general election voting looms. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

  7. Overhangs hang over election, RNZ’s next chief, Phil Gifford

    · 39 min · Episode 1150

    As the election campaign got underway officially, media seized on arguments about overhangs and vote-splitting dividing both sides. Also: RNZ’s next boss unveiled, and the light touch and depth of the late Phil…

  8. Midweek - New RNZ chief, election 2026 is launched . . . officially

    · 20 min · Episode 1149

    RNZ's named its next CEO as Jason Winstanley, a current Newstalk ZB stalwart. If you can't beat them, hire them? Also: official election launch parties kickstart a campaign already well under way - and Colin can't sew.…

  9. Hager headlines, putting down the watchdog, regional news cuts, propaganda & pie prices

    · 38 min · Episode 1148

    Critics complained there was no smoking gun. Supporters said it shone a light on a sinister spiderweb. How did the media handle Dirty Work? Also: journalism jobs at risk in the regions, the plan to scrap the…

  10. Midweek - Hagerpalooza, preppers' delight, Seymour on Report

    · 26 min · Episode 1147

    What mark has Nicky Hager's 'Dirty Work' made 24 hours after a rock gig-like launch? Also - TVNZ doco spotlights Kiwi preppers, & Deputy PM buries his boycott of Morning Report Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more…

  11. Phillips report & the full story, retail politics

    · 37 min · Episode 1146

    The fugitive Tom Phillips was huge news when the hunt for him ended tragically a year ago - and again with this week’s official report. But can our media tell the full story even now? Also: a new media lab with a…

  12. Midweek - Phillips report, CRL mania, election event angst, mascot wars

    · 24 min · Episode 1145

    The Phillips report the media have been waiting for. Also: CRL is go, media mascot v mascot, live election event tension & the hyrox horror Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

  13. Political food fights, pondering the passing of journalism

    · 35 min · Episode 1144

    The media seized on the politics of food this week, when the Greens floated state-owned supermarkets and 1News lifted the lid on emergency food grant refusals. Also: who pays when journalism dies? And does it really…

  14. Midweek - TVNZ's next news chief, cartoons & mascots, Sky sorry again

    · 24 min · Episode 1143

    TVNZ takes Stuff exec for next news chief - next year, the legacy of a long-serving cartoonist, mascots make a marketing comeback, Sky TV offside again with fans again for live foul-up Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz…

  15. Political head-to-heads hot up, are prediction markets legit news?

    · 37 min · Episode 1142

    Odds from Polymarket are popping up in our news, even though it's illegal here. But are prediction markets a legit source of news anyway? Also: head-to-head clashes between politicians, and with presenters, are heating…

  16. Midweek - plane crazy, animal ads & monkey mascots, debate update

    · 22 min · Episode 1141

    Was the Capetown flyover a PR masterstroke or disaster? Also - netball's bounceback, animal ads & monkey media mascots and an election debate update. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

  17. Parties pull plug on social media for teens, sports boosts broadcasters, Dolly dies

    · 34 min · Episode 1140

    The two big political parties want to pull the plug on social media for teens. But will ‘fast-following’ Australia work? Also: TV broadcasters cite soccer in boosted financials - and Dolly’s death triggers sadness. Go…

  18. Midweek - rugby hype & outage outrage, ratings & results, Whakaata Māori

    · 21 min · Episode 1139

    Media amp up the 'Great Rugby Rivalry'. Also: RNZ ratings, NZME results, Whakaata Māori changes, Raw Politics returns. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

  19. Political twitch on taxing big tech, Kiwis' media maturing?

    · 37 min · Episode 1138

    It’s a full time job these days working out who the audience is, what they want and if they might get it elsewhere. What does the the biggest survey yet of Kiwis' media habits tell them about us? Also: politicians…

  20. Midweek - RNZ shrinks as web stats soar, alt-media . . . & old-media?

    · 25 min · Episode 1137

    RNZ could shed 10 percent of staff in a year - as its digital audience hits new heights. Also - a round-up of political alt-media and old-media action, including Jackson v Garner Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for…

  21. Luxon repeats defeat of foes, indie operator fires up election debates

    · 39 min · Episode 1136

    A single Herald story sparked a political drama and a media frenzy could have toppled the PM, but didn't . . . again. Also: the big TV election debates have yet to be set yet this time. But one indie outlet is already…

  22. Midweek - Luxon’s ructions, MediaWorks sold, crossing the line online, audience maturity

    · 24 min · Episode 1135

    PM still standing after repeat defeat of foes. Also: MediaWorks sold offshore, commentator heads for court over claims made online, are NZ media audiences maturing? And Tangy Fruits were lame. Go to this episode on…

  23. Massaging the facts, uncovering undercover cops, acting up in schools

    · 38 min · Episode 1134

    How did a single media inquiry stop a multi-million-dollar health programme for prisons? Also: political parties competing for media attention on their election policies; politicians talking s*** - literally; and an…

  24. Midweek - FIFA fail, Luxon comms flub, Comm Games wins, ex-minister's memoir

    · 24 min · Episode 1133

    Huge scoop derails FIFA plot, Commonwealth Games weighed up, Luxon's comms under scrutiny again, Kiri Allan's memoir Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

  25. Political policy pile-ups, TikTok’s impact, gigs get gross

    · 34 min · Episode 1132

    Sunday’s no longer a day of rest in politics, as parties pump out policies to set the media agenda. Also: TikTok’s economic impact claims - and what the app is good for in business and politics; reports of diapers on…

  26. Midweek - Stuff cuts, Nash exits & podcast profits, funflation & gigs gone to sh*t

    · 25 min · Episode 1131

    What might new cuts at Stuff mean? Also - political candidates and a 'prominent sportsperson' suffer the spotlight, fun-flation & the unfortunate consequences at live gigs. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more…

  27. Political dignity deficits, Long Story Short & paying for podcasts

    · 39 min · Episode 1130

    One sexist text to a podcasting politico had National gnashing their teeth, but it wasn’t the only political dignity deficit in the news this week. Also: are podcasts popular enough for people to pay enough for the…

  28. Midweek - FIFA v golf, Argie aggro, more war, McGruers of Marton

    · 21 min · Episode 1129

    World Cup v golf, Argentina v The World, US v Iran, Israel v Palestine- and a teary tribute to a Marton mainstay. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

  29. Paul Henry’s unveiling, Sam Neill stops the news, Stuff’s new local plan

    · 40 min · Episode 1128

    ACT’s unveiling of Paul Henry triggered a media frenzy - and claims the shock jock might shirk the work it takes to make it in politics. Also: how Sam Neill’s shock death stopped the news & Stuff’s new digital bid to…

  30. Midweek - Sam Neill's depth & range, Henry & Binface capture media, podcasting the courts

    · 27 min · Episode 1127

    Sam Neill's shock death jolted our media - but they admirably honoured his depth and range. Paul Henry and Count Binface candidacies captivates media, court news in podcast form. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for…

  31. Platforms overtake news outlets, politics & media undermining trust

    · 44 min · Episode 1126

    The biggest survey of news habits says more people now pick social media platforms than actual news media for news. And more of us are watching news on them rather than reading it. Also: claims that point-scoring,…

  32. Midweek - big defamation bill, NRL, FIFA, NPC & AI fake fans, Trump's red card reversal

    · 26 min · Episode 1125

    Who pays the big bill for a 'wholly unsuccessful' defamation case? Also: Facebook whistleblower still gagged and NRL, NPC, FIFA on TV - but will Kiwis warm to AI rugby fans? Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more…

  33. RNZ chair’s hot seat, Opportunity’s backlash, political tax tussles

    · 36 min · Episode 1124

    The government wants more listeners, more efficiency and greater public trust from RNZ’s new chair and board. How will he respond, and what will change? Also: Opportunity’s backlash, and political tax tussles on social…

  34. Midweek - Gloriavale on screen again, editorials upgraded, World Cup pile-on, Mediawatch alarm update

    · 28 min · Episode 1123

    Latest lid-lifting Gloriavale doco draws criticism - and viewers worldwide. Also: new Post leader upgrades its leaders, World Cup losers & winners, Mediawatch's alarming update. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for…

  35. Opportunity knocks, The Post’s Tracy Watkins

    · 38 min · Episode 1122

    The media seized on the prospect of a new political party as ‘queenmaker’ - mostly off the back of one poll. Also: the outgoing editor of The Post Tracy Watkins on big changes under new leadership and in her 40+ years…

  36. Midweek - Sports songs & Scots' social media soft power, revamps & relaunches

    · 28 min · Episode 1121

    A huge few days of sport preoccupied the media - including singing Scots' masterclass of social media soft power. Also, revamps and relaunches at RNZ, Herald and Stuff, a new news-ish podcast from The Spinoff - and an…

  37. Unpacking political quibbling about policy costs, media minister under scrutiny, re-booting Metro

    · 43 min · Episode 1120

    Politicians are already pumping out counter-claims about the costs of each other’s election-year policies, frustrating citizens and the media. Is there a better way? Also: media minister under scrutiny at Parliament -…

  38. Midweek - Football fantasy, Hooton hoo-hah, more RNZ changes, sweary Supernanny

    · 26 min · Episode 1119

    The All Whites are punching above their media weight at the World Cup. Also: the hoo-hah sparked by The Post picking Matthew Hooton as editor, more RNZ changes flagged, Supernanny's sweary backing for social media ban…

  39. TVNZ goes pay-per-view, HBO sets up & Freeview goes ‘next gen’

    · 42 min · Episode 1118

    TVNZ's screening the FIFA World Cup and UFC, but for the first time Kiwis will have to pay them to see it all. Also: HBO becomes the latest streamer seeking subscribers here - and will our homegrown TV platform…

  40. Midweek - Top voxpops & eye-witnesses, TVNZ's costly claim, Metro rides again, more attribution angst

    · 21 min · Episode 1117

    Who'll pay for a 'wholly unsuccessful' defamation case against TVNZ? Also: Metro rides again, more attribution angst & a ferry good eye witness Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

  41. Crime coverage gains recognition - and respect, 500-up for Southland stalwart

    · 39 min · Episode 1116

    Crime coverage was heavily criticised in the past as too tabloid. Now it's getting greater respect and recognition. Mediawatch asks RNZ’s award-winning crime correspondent Sam Sherwood what’s changed. Also: 500-up for…

  42. Midweek - anti-nuke angst, gagging, rich list resistance, youth news fails

    · 25 min · Episode 1115

    How one freelancer prompted a 'freeloader' claim that propelled our anti-nuke policy into the news. Also: two efforts to gag the media, NBR puts up 'rich list' resistance, NZ's dismal youth news history. Go to this…

  43. Managing the sugar-free Budget message, TVNZ youth service dies young

    · 34 min · Episode 1114

    How media managed the message of a 'sugar-free' Budget, and highlighted entitlements for MPs. Also what the Budget might mean for our media, and why an award-winning youth service closed down for good this week. Read…

  44. Midweek - Awards and honours, future of papers, journalism by numbers, Dame Jools

    · 24 min · Episode 1113

    Awards in tense times between politics & media, RNZ's ratings, pondering papers' future, journalism by numbers - and the death of Dame Jools Topp. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

  45. Public servants cut deep, RNZ boss flags exit, AI for programmes & podcasts

    · 44 min · Episode 1112

    Media-weigh up cuts to public service and claims AI can fill the gap. Also: RNZ's long-serving boss flags his exit amid political calls for change, AI for programme-makers and podcasters. Go to this episode on…

  46. Midweek - mayors mouth off, end of the golden weather page

    · 23 min · Episode 1111

    Two mayors mouth off and get a little loose in long-form chats - and a former one blasts the media in a Waitangi Tribunal inquiry. Also: Stuff papers dump the weather page- and some talkback callers aren't happy. Go…

  47. Politicians vs media getting personal, live sport habits, cockroach radio, MMP maths

    · 44 min · Episode 1110

    Politicians vs media: the worst it’s ever been, and getting worse? Or just more of the butting heads between the powerful and the press we’ve always had? Also: live sport’s not just a TV and radio game these days,…

  48. Midweek - Sherman pile-on and pile-up, TVNZ's big sport play, football frenzies

    · 22 min · Episode 1109

    Maiki Sherman's exits sparks a pile-on and a pile-up of opinions. Also: TVNZ's bold sports plays, frenzied football finales. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

  49. Putting down the broadcast watchdog, deputy PM lashes RNZ & TVNZ

    · 44 min · Episode 1108

    The government wants to scrap the BSA and fill the accountability void with self-regulation. Would that work? Would standards suffer? Will it happen at all? Also: ministers must not interfere in public broadcasters,…

  50. Midweek - BSA binned, Voyager sinned, Tame's empty chair & Brown's beefs

    · 23 min · Episode 1107

    Government moves to bin the BSA, Voyager awards bin sponsor, Jack Tame's empty chair & Wayne Brown says 'don't go there' Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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