Mediawatch

The deadly disaster in the north was sparked by weather which was extreme - but no longer unexpected. Media mapped out how it happened and lapses in the response, but copped criticism reporting the role of politics and climate change. Also: NBR's copyright crusade, business news in 2026 - and great sporting headlines.
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How media reported the Mauao disaster and devastation elsewhere - and political counter-claims at a time of tragedy. Also morning news shake-up ahead, netball's media and money problems, and the art of the solo promo.
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How should media handle the mixed messages on the economy as politicians and pressure groups push policy and public opinion? Also: The fall of The House of Du Val, TVNZ’s courtroom dramas, unsettling summer weather forecasts, a clickbait debate about summer breaks & a vibecheck for Wellywood.

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1:11 Summer weather rage-bait
6:02 Wellywood premiere rekindles good times - before director warns it could be end times for blockbusters
10:18 Media drive debate about anti-productive summer break - all based on social media opinion.
13:31 Pre-Christmas economic stats gave a mixed picture of our economy this week, as pundits and pressure groups push policy and public opinion. And that Willis- Richardson right-wing rumble is off.
20:55 Maria Slade on her BusinessDesk investigation ‘Fall of the House of Du Val’
24:45 Financial state of the media in 2025
26:40 Judge dismisses Talleys case against TVNZ, which faced another defamation case this week backed by NZME’s billionaire director James Grenon.
Guests: Maria Slade, property editor at BusinessDesk
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Colin Peacock and Emile Donovan hand out Mediawatch’s not-very-prestigious and not-at-all coveted annual awards - such as best leading of the media by the nose; worst live media event, and the Billy Connolly Trophy for breaking news about a single animal.

Colin Peacock and Emile Donovan hand out Mediawatch’s not-very-prestigious and not-at-all coveted annual awards - best leading of the media by the nose; worst live media event - and the Billy Connolly Trophy for breaking news about a single animal.

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The finance minister's pushed back at PR campaign that made news even before it began. The impact of online advocacy on our politics and news was also aired at two conferences this week. A visiting veteran from the US talks about ‘left v right’ and polarisation of trust in the news.
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