Mediawatch

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 a dogged solo Southland newshound.

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

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 episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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 more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ website
In this episode:
1:05 How the government managed expectations of a sugar-free Budget 2026 via the media - while media zeroed in on treats and entitlements enjoyed by MPs.
10:36 Budget 2026 cut the budgets of public media, though Māori media funding was boosted to ward off a ‘fiscal cliff.’
13:21 TVNZ’s closing its award-winning news service for youth Re:News after nine successful years.
17:20 Former head of content Anna Harcourt on what Re:News achieved, what will be missed when it’s gone and how to get news to younger Kiwis.
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

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

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 rnz.co.nz for more details