Magic Talk
New talk station offers new approach - but also same old bluster
MediaWorks launched its latest talk radio network this week - Today FM - promising a constructive approach in contrast with its predecessors and its rivals. It sounds like an upgrade, but there’s… Audio
MediaWorks reveals plan to ditch Magic Talk, launch new talk brand
MediaWorks has revealed a lineup of familiar names for its new talk radio station, which is set to take over from Magic Talk early next year.
Coming up
Alert level angst not leveling off on radio
Another Monday, another review of alert level condition for Auckland and other areas this week - along with ample evidence in the media that the change can’t come soon enough for Aucklanders who are… Audio
MediaWorks refresh fires up fans of outgoing veteran
In the midst of a bid to move away from its troubled internal culture, MediaWorks hired new people for news and talk radio this week. But the sudden retirement of controversial veteran host Peter… Audio
MediaWorks admits 'organisational failure' over racist radio broadcast
MediaWorks has admitted a racist on-air exchange between John Banks and a caller on Magic Talk breached broadcasting standards - and it represented an "organisational and editorial failure".
Mediawatch Update: more Magic Talk change
Magic Talk has been on Mediawatch's radar for the last few weeks, and today the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Grant Roberston, has decided to pull out of his weekly chat with the… Audio
Midweek Mediawatch: Hayden Donnell
Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. Tonight: No more Sean Plunket on Magic Talk and Fran O'Sullivan's opinion piece "Time to look beyond the grievances' in the New Zealand Herald. Audio
Talkback toxicity problem bigger than Banks, say critics
After the sacking of John Banks for racist blurts on air last week, critics are questioning the health of today’s talkback radio. It pulls a crowd and airs important issues, but can the bosses and the… Audio
Banks’ blurts bring boot from broadcaster
MediaWorks has replaced former politician John Banks as a talkback host and apologised for his comments condemning "stone age" Maori culture and warning "these people will be coming through your… Audio
Midweek Mediawatch: A nation united
On this week's Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about a couple of slip-ups at the Herald, a run-in between Magic Talk and the WHO and another 1pm press conference question that… Audio
Conspiracy talk on talk radio
Amid concern about conspiratorial thinking destabilising our politics, Magic Talk’s Peter Williams this week raised the possibility the PM knew more than she was letting on when adjourning… Audio
Radio ‘roadblock’ interview sparks racism complaints
A confrontational radio interview about iwi-run roadside checkpoints this week prompted complaints of racism. Broadcaster Sean Plunket condemned one iwi’s actions as “separatism,” asked an iwi leader… Audio
Climate scepticism boosted by broadcasters
Forty years ago this week a milestone meeting of scientists led to the first comprehensive report on climate change science. Four decades later, media outlets around the world - including Stuff - have… Video, Audio
Jordan Peterson's NZ tour sparks strong reactions
A recent visit by controversial Canadian author Jordan Peterson got lots of attention from the NZ media – even before he arrived and spoke here. But not much that preceded Peterson's visit helped to… Video, Audio