In the first episode of Hacks and Flaks, host Petrie Hosken explores the art of the political interview. 

How does a politician prepare for a potential roasting on live TV? What are the signs that an interviewer thinks they're the star? And has the public become jaded with the traditional mauling of politicians by TV journalists? 

To Help Petrie dissect the delicate interplay between the public's right to know and the dark art of political and corporate spin are regular panellists and former Prime Ministerial advisors Giles Kenningham and Andrew MacDougall. 

From their careers as flaks, Andrew and Giles share insights on how they deal with the fallout of a bad interview, how deals are struck with journalists to ensure a positive outcome for both parties, and whether the art of political interview can survive in a world driven by social media.

EMAIL: [email protected]

PRESENTER - Petrie Hosken 

PANEL - Giles Kenningham & Andrew MacDougall

Produced by Amanda Redman

Brought to you by Trafalgar Strategy

Welcome to Hacks and Flaks, the only series where you'll get the inside scoop on how journalist hacks and the flaks of government and business work behind the scenes to decide which stories you'll be reading with your morning coffee and perhaps more importantly, how they keep certain headlines off the front pages. 

What happens if a public figure is the subject of a salacious story? When does a scandal make or break a career? And how do you really know what is, or isn't fake news?

All these subjects and a whole lot more will be explored by host Petrie Hosken and a regular panel of hacks and flaks, ready to spill the beans, and tell us how the sausage gets made. 

EMAIL: [email protected]

Host: Petrie Hosken

Panel: Giles Kenningham, Andrew MacDougall and Mick Booker.

Produced by Amanda Redman

Brought to you by Trafalgar Strategy