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

An episode of [Mediawatch](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/208012372), 18 Jul 2026, 40 min.

Audio: https://flex.acast.com/media.rnztools.nz/rnz-kete-oro-prod/video/private/ac_mp3,af_48000,br_192k,f_mp3,fl_attachment/v1784374309/audio/mwatch/mwatch-20260719-0900-paul_henrys_political_unveiling_sam_neill_stops_the_news.mp3

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 hook local news readers. Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ website In this episode: 1:19 Sam Neill’s death shocked the media, but his depth and range were duly honoured. 13:46 The stage-managed Paul Henry announcement prompted a full-on media frenzy, followed by scepticism about his commitment. 25:48 Hosking misses the mark on political poll. 27:47 Stuff rejigs Neighbourly to push back at platforms. 30:00 Stuff’s masthead chief Joanna Norris on the NeighbourlyNews.co.nz plan Follow Mediawatch and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or any podcast app to make sure you never miss an episode. Find more RNZ Podcasts at the new section of the RNZ website at rnz.co.nz/podcasts Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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