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Mediawatch

by RNZ

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.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Oct 14, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

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

    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 platforms & a sheep mascot scandal goes global. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz…

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

    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 radio? Do our culture wars rate, and is BS OK on air? Go to this episode on…

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

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

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

    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

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

    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 Gifford. In this episode: 1:06 Election campaigns kick off with a storm of slogans,...

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

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

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

    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 broadcasting watchdog, propaganda & pie prices Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more...

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

    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 details

  9. Phillips report & the full story, retail politics

    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 journalist-in-residence - and retail politics colliding with the politics of retail....

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

    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

  11. Political food fights, pondering the passing of journalism

    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 matter if it does? Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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

    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 for more details

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

    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 up, but not always generating light. Read more about this episode of…

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

    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

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

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

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

    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

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

    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. Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on...

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

    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 more details

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

    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...

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

    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 rnz.co.nz for more details

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

    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…

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

    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

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

    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 the dancefloor. Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ website In...

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

    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 details

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

    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 makers to make a living here? Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the…

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

    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

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

    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...

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

    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 more details

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

    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, headline-hungry politicians undermine trust in news. Go to this episode on…

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

    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 details

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

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

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

    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 more details

  33. Opportunity knocks, The Post’s Tracy Watkins

    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 in journalism. Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ website In...

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

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

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

    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 - and reviving Metro at a tough time for publishing. Go to this episode on...

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

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

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

    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 Freeview stay 100% free? Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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

    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

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

    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...

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

    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

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

    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…

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

    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

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

    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

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

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

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

    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, radio is a cockroach (and cheap) and an MMP maths fail. Go to this episode on...

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

    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

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

    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, but the Deputy PM has sounded off about RNZ, TVNZ and its outgoing political...

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

    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

  49. India FTA & butter chicken blurts, TVNZ’s political pressure, stadium rocks rugby

    Our FTA with India’s a big deal, but how did our media deal with blurts from opponents - as well as our changing place in a fast-changing world? Also: TVNZ under political pressure - and a new stadium spark rugby joy while the Warriors spark worry. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

  50. Midweek - Political tension at TVNZ, PM skips Breakfast, the power of noise & silence

    TVNZ's political editor under scrutiny - as PM skips Breakfast. Also: Piers Morgan vs Russell Brand in pauses & York City vs Rochdale full noise. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

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.

HOSTED BY

RNZ

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Mediawatch have?

Mediawatch currently has 300 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Mediawatch about?

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.

How often does Mediawatch release new episodes?

Mediawatch publishes regularly with 300 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

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You can listen to Mediawatch on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Mediawatch?

Mediawatch is created and hosted by RNZ.
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