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Mediawatch

RNZ
New Zealand
RNZ
TVNZ
NZME
Donald Trump
Wellington
Stuff
Artificial Intelligence
Broadcasting Standards Authority
Auckland
RNZ National
Media Ethics
Gaza
New Zealand Herald
Tom Phillips
Australia
Social Media
Media Bias
New Zealand Economy
AI In Journalism

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.

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes1017Founded20 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
News

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Artwork for Mediawatch

Latest Episodes

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 ‘spyco... more

YouTube

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

YouTube

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... more

YouTube

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

YouTube

Key Facts

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Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

Antony Young
Publisher, The Media Lab (Wellington)
The Media Lab
Episode: Political policy pile-ups, TikTok’s impact, gigs get gross
Adam Dudding
Long Story Short co-creator, journalist
Long Story Short (with Eugene Bingham)
Episode: Political dignity deficits, Long Story Short & paying for podcasts
Michael Holland
Reporter for Seven Sharp
Seven Sharp (TVNZ)
Episode: Midweek - FIFA v golf, Argie aggro, more war, McGruers of Marton
Joanna Norris
Head of masthead publishing at Stuff
Stuff
Episode: Paul Henry’s unveiling, Sam Neill stops the news, Stuff’s new local plan
Craig T. Robertson
Research fellow at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism; contributor to The New Zealander
Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism / University of Oxford
Episode: Platforms overtake news outlets, politics & media undermining trust
Brent Impey
Chair of RNZ, former chair of New Zealand Rugby, former MediaWorks CEO
RNZ
Episode: RNZ chair’s hot seat, Opportunity’s backlash, political tax tussles
Matthew Houghton
Incoming editor-in-chief of The Post and Sunday Star Times
The Post, Sunday Star Times
Episode: Opportunity knocks, The Post’s Tracy Watkins
Tracy Watkins
Outgoing editor of The Post and Sunday Star Times, moving to Business NZ as Director of Communications
The Post, Sunday Star Times, Business NZ
Episode: Opportunity knocks, The Post’s Tracy Watkins
Simon Farrell-Green
New publisher of Metro Magazine
Metro Magazine
Episode: Unpacking political quibbling about policy costs, media minister under scrutiny, re-booting Metro

Hosts

Colin Peacock
Host with extensive background in media analysis and reporting; frequent contributor on Mediawatch and related programs
Emile
Host of the show

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 348 ratings
  • Great podcast

    Love this podcast

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Jason the Evangelist
    Australia2 months ago
  • Mediawatch is my sanity check

    The composure of the hosts, in these trying media times, is praiseworthy.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Elby One
    New Zealanda year ago
  • My favourite RNZ show.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Scotty
    2 years ago
  • Regional news

    The programme today on news outlets in Whanganui was outstanding and so important. I’m a Wellingtonian looking forward to future programmes on more regional news outlets.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mediawatch fan
    New Zealand3 years ago
  • Ty and his family have a lot to tyytyy

    The first time you have a problem is if you’re going through something and you’re trying something new you need a

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    chef cut
    Australia3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

High-quality, insightful commentary with strong reporting and context.
The hosts provide clear, evidence-based media analysis that keeps politicians and outlets accountable.
Listeners appreciate the depth on NZ media regulation and trust issues.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#234
New Zealand/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#49
New Zealand/News

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Political policy pile-ups, TikTok’s impact, gigs get gross
Q: How does TikTok factor into the political advertising strategy for younger voters?
The guest suggests TikTok serves as an enabler, offering reach to younger audiences at a lower cost and providing a platform for parties with smaller advertising budgets to explain policies more deeply than traditional campaigns would allow.
Opportunity knocks, The Post’s Tracy Watkins
Q: What prompted Tracy Watkins to move from journalism to a lobbying role, and how does she frame that pivot?
She describes it as a mid-career pivot after 40 years, moving into a role adjacent to journalism where she can address long-term economic and policy issues, now working with Business NZ.
RNZ chair’s hot seat, Opportunity’s backlash, political tax tussles
Q: What are the most important priorities for RNZ under the new chair, Brent Impey?
Impey outlines four pillars: boosting audience numbers, building trust, growing digital reach, and making the news app the leading platform, with a focus on measured performance across all channels.
Crime coverage gains recognition - and respect, 500-up for Southland stalwart
Q: What changed in crime reporting to gain more public respect, and how has Substack affected your work as a regional journalist?
Crucial factors include more sustained, in-depth reporting, data-driven storytelling, and transparency about processes and sources. Substack provides a viable path to fund and publish hyperlocal journalism with direct subscriber support, enabling ongoing investigative work.
Crime coverage gains recognition - and respect, 500-up for Southland stalwart
Q: Do you think it's helpful for the public to understand how these things work between the police and the media?
Yes, it is helpful to understand the evolving dynamics and tensions between police and media, including how access to information, official channels, and documentary projects can influence reporting and public perception.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Mediawatch

What is Mediawatch about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A sharp, got-your-number take on media in New Zealand, with frequent emphasis on how newsrooms, regulators, and politicians interact with Each episode analyzes media ethics, regulatory shifts, ownership, and industry strategy through current events and high-profile debates. Expect candid discussions about press freedom, trust in news, and the evolving role of digital platforms, often contrasted with on-the-record moments from editors, reporters, and industry insiders. Notable strengths include a clear, evidence-driven approach, a knack for linking policy changes to everyday newsroom practice, and a willingness to critique both traditional outlets and new media players. Listeners seeking critical, policy-aware media analysis with practical i... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Mediawatch?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Mediawatch:

1. The Detail
2. Gone By Lunchtime
3. Cross Party Lines
4. Saturday Morning
5. At Large with Toby Manhire

How many episodes of Mediawatch are there?

Mediawatch launched 20 years ago and published 1017 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Mediawatch?

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What guests have appeared on Mediawatch?

Recent guests on Mediawatch include:

1. Antony Young
2. Adam Dudding
3. Michael Holland
4. Joanna Norris
5. Craig T. Robertson
6. Brent Impey
7. Matthew Houghton
8. Tracy Watkins

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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