Today Fm
Today FM turned off - and erased
Why did MediaWorks kill a network launched with heavy hype only a year ago - which was also the source of news for half the country's commercial stations? The major media company also scrubbed the… Audio
PM’s exit speculation goes another round
Pundits and presenters aired excitable opinions about the possibility - or probability according to some - that Jacinda Ardern would quit while she was ahead before the next election. It's a re-run of… Audio
Chaotic politics sparks crude comebacks - and decency dilemmas
The political turmoil in the UK sparked some spectacular emotional reactions - and language not normally fit for broadcast. Meanwhile, one radio host here was pondering just what words should be used… Audio
Hard stats and new voices enter the 'youth crime spike' coverage
Two new pieces of reporting have added context and depth to the headlines blaring about a youth crime wave. Audio
QE2, queues and cultural cues
A long Anglican church service bookended by mostly-military parades became possibly the most-watched event in media history this week. But many media outlets struggled with what the Queen’s funeral… Audio
The Week in Detail: Reserve Bank, Ukraine, and the Pacific
The Detail podcast brings you the issues behind the news every weekday. Here's what we covered this week. Audio
Interview invitations fall on PM's deaf ears
Today FM’s Tova O’Brien said recently - tongue in cheek - it was easier to get President Zelenskiy in Ukraine on her show than our own leader. Her colleague Lloyd Burr got no response when he wanted… Audio
Political post-mortems - and lessons from the past
Has the media focus on political failings become just too intense? A new book lifting the lid on the National Party in opposition has revealed more about the struggles, scandals and scraps that… Video, Audio
Mediawatch: A government in the gun over accidental generosity
The government came under fire over some misdirected cost of living payments this week, but the more enduring story might be who didn't get paid, rather than who did. Audio
Roe v Wade ruling triggers intense media reaction
Some said the US Supreme Court’s controversial ruling on abortion was none of our business, because we don’t have the same legal or political set-up, let alone its religious cleavages and cultural… Audio
Mediawatch for 3 April 2022
Pushback against the upswing of political nastiness; NZME undermines collective bid to confront tech titans; Today FM's Dallas Gurney . Audio
Today FM's Gurney: Dallas cowboy - or talk radio saviour?
Before its launch, the boss of new talk station Today FM promised a new approach eschewing anger and antagonism just for the sake of engagement. The first fortnight's been a mix of some of that - as… Audio
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
Mediawatch for 27 March 2022
Covid countermeasures canned amid chorus of commentators urging us to 'open up'; new talk station offers new approach - but also same old bluster; new TV channels add entertainment options. Audio
Midweek Mediawatch: An anti-vax PR blitz?
In this week's edition of Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about a good start for Tova O'Brien and a not-so-good one for Duncan Garner on new talk station Today FM - and the… Audio
A soothing scroll through Today FM's opinion section
Today FM is set to take on Newstalk ZB in a battle for talk radio supremacy. But in contrast to its controversy-courting crosstown rival, its website is demonstrating a surprisingly tranquil approach… Audio
Midweek Mediawatch: Tova O'Brien barred from starting Today on time
In this week's Midweek Mediawatch Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about the employment dispute keeping Tova O'Brien off the air and creating bad blood between broadcasters. Also - non-commercial RNZ… Audio