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Artwork for Mediawatch

Mediawatch

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

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

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 newshoun... more

YouTube

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 deta... more

YouTube

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 Medi... more

YouTube

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

YouTube

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Anna Harcourt
Former head of content at Re News (TVNZ's youth service)
Re News / TVNZ
Episode: Managing the sugar-free Budget message, TVNZ youth service dies young
Baz Macdonald
Journalist and documentary filmmaker
Re News / TVNZ
Episode: Managing the sugar-free Budget message, TVNZ youth service dies young
Dr. Lewis Tennant
Senior lecturer, AUT
Auckland University of Technology
Episode: Public servants cut deep, RNZ boss flags exit, AI for programmes & podcasts
Mikey Sherman
Former political editor, TVNZ
TVNZ
Episode: Politicians vs media getting personal, live sport habits, cockroach radio, MMP maths
Brent Edwards
Political editor, NBR
NBR
Episode: Politicians vs media getting personal, live sport habits, cockroach radio, MMP maths
Melody Robinson
TVNZ's head of sport and partnerships
TVNZ
Episode: Midweek - Sherman pile-on and pile-up, TVNZ's big sport play, football frenzies
David Seymour
Deputy Prime Minister and ACT Party leader
ACT Party
Episode: Putting down the broadcast watchdog, deputy PM lashes RNZ & TVNZ
Hamish McKenzie
Substack co-founder
Substack
Episode: India FTA & butter chicken blurts, TVNZ’s political pressure, stadium rocks rugby
Bill McCormick
General Manager of Papa Toi Toi Rugby Club
Papa Toi Toi Rugby Club
Episode: India FTA & butter chicken blurts, TVNZ’s political pressure, stadium rocks rugby

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 346 ratings
  • Great podcast

    Love this podcast

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Jason the Evangelist
    Australia4 days 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
#230
New Zealand/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#39
New Zealand/News

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Public servants cut deep, RNZ boss flags exit, AI for programmes & podcasts
Q: How should creators balance AI use with platform policies and editorial integrity?
Creators should use AI for bounded, non-editorial tasks and offline, rigorous traditional research for factual content, ensuring transparency and adherence to each platform's policies.
Public servants cut deep, RNZ boss flags exit, AI for programmes & podcasts
Q: Is AI coming for my job?
The guest suggests AI will increasingly assist rather than replace, particularly for repetitive tasks, but human expertise remains essential for research depth, storytelling, and final quality control.
Politicians vs media getting personal, live sport habits, cockroach radio, MMP maths
Q: How has the relationship between government and media evolved in this election year?
The hosts and guests suggest it has become more tense and scrutinized, with politicians willing to publicly challenge media, while journalists push back and seek access, sometimes exploiting interview formats like podcasts to gain depth.
India FTA & butter chicken blurts, TVNZ’s political pressure, stadium rocks rugby
Q: How did the media perform in covering the India FTA given the lack of public access to the full text?
Overall, the panelists felt the NZ media did a reasonable job given the opacity, but lamented the lack of Indian-side coverage and context, which limited understanding of the deal's broader implications.
The polls that pressure politics, Country Calendar’s Coro Street-level staying power
Q: Do you think the media is manufacturing or amplifying political narratives around polls?
The host pushes back, and Luxon suggests it's a difficult dynamic, but ultimately it rests on media decisions and the public conversation, not on a single source of truth.

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. Gone By Lunchtime
2. The Detail
3. Cross Party Lines
4. Saturday Morning
5. Sunday Morning

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.

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What guests have appeared on Mediawatch?

Recent guests on Mediawatch include:

1. Anna Harcourt
2. Baz Macdonald
3. Dr. Lewis Tennant
4. Mikey Sherman
5. Brent Edwards
6. Melody Robinson
7. David Seymour
8. Hamish McKenzie

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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