Mediawatch

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 twitch about media, big tech and tax.
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In this episode:
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00:48 Politicians twitch over taxing big tech - and why media policy’s rarely a priority for political parties with an eye on elections.
10:02: The Empire Strikes Back? The latest WATA? survey shows ‘old’ local media more popular with more Kiwis, while previously fast-rising online offshore offerings are in retreat.
17:30 NZ on Air chief exec Cameron Harland says 2026 WATA? shows Kiwi media habits maturing into a balance of free vs paid, local vs global platforms. How does that influence where NZOA spends $100m a year of our money on content?
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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
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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 getting heavy hitters together to talk policy.
In this episode:
1:23 The media didn’t make up the move against the PM this week - but the made a lot of it, any many picked the wrong victor
14:13 Election debates are usually hotly contested - but not yet this time, so far
24:00 Pat Brittenden on the Big Hairy News debates around the country, persuading politicians to take part - and indie media eating the MSM’s lunch
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

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.
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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 unexpected local story from ‘spycops’ revelations in the UK.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details