Sam Neill's shock death jolted our media - but they admirably honoured his depth and range. Paul Henry and Count Binface candidacies captivates media, court news in podcast form.

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The biggest survey of news habits says more people now pick social media platforms than actual news media for news. And more of us are watching news on them rather than reading it. Also: claims that point-scoring, headline-hungry politicians undermine trust in news.

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Who pays the big bill for a 'wholly unsuccessful' defamation case? Also: Facebook whistleblower still gagged and NRL, NPC, FIFA on TV - but will Kiwis warm to AI rugby fans?

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The government wants more listeners, more efficiency and greater public trust from RNZ’s new chair and board. How will he respond, and what will change? Also: Opportunity’s backlash, and political tax tussles on social media.

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Latest lid-lifting Gloriavale doco draws criticism - and viewers worldwide. Also: new Post leader upgrades its leaders, World Cup losers & winners, Mediawatch's alarming update.

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The media seized on the prospect of a new political party as ‘queenmaker’ - mostly off the back of one poll. Also: the outgoing editor of The Post Tracy Watkins on big changes under new leadership and in her 40+ years in journalism.

Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ website

In this episode:

00:56 TV shows ‘big two’ support on the slide while minor parties prosper.

03:10 Media pump up Opportunity’s chances

13:30 The Post and Sunday Star-Times rings the changes under new leadership

17:48 Outgoing editor Tracy Watkins on her ‘pivot’ from The Post to PR, and 40 years in journalism.

21:30 How new editor Matthew Hooton and printing in Christchurch will change The Post

29:46 Criticising crisis-hit Wellington, and championing it

32:00: Tracey Watkins on minor parties on the up - and Opportunity overkill

36:00 Midweek - Scots score soccer soft power, sports chants good and bad, revamps and relaunches

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Find more RNZ Podcasts at the new section of the RNZ website at rnz.co.nz/podcasts

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A huge few days of sport preoccupied the media - including singing Scots' masterclass of social media soft power. Also, revamps and relaunches at RNZ, Herald and Stuff, a new news-ish podcast from The Spinoff - and an alarming moment on Mediawatch.

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Politicians are already pumping out counter-claims about the costs of each other’s election-year policies, frustrating citizens and the media. Is there a better way? Also: media minister under scrutiny at Parliament - and reviving Metro at a tough time for publishing.

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The All Whites are punching above their media weight at the World Cup. Also: the hoo-hah sparked by The Post picking Matthew Hooton as editor, more RNZ changes flagged, Supernanny's sweary backing for social media ban

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TVNZ's screening the FIFA World Cup and UFC, but for the first time Kiwis will have to pay them to see it all. Also: HBO becomes the latest streamer seeking subscribers here - and will our homegrown TV platform Freeview stay 100% free?

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