The government got blamed for dropping the ball on Rugby Championship hosting last week by insisting on strict quarantine. This week it moved to make sure Bledisloe Cup games happen here, prompting claims of political opportunism. Sport and politics don't mix, the old slogan says  - but they do with political points at stake at election time.

The Herald recently lifted the lid on  divisions over a deal that’s allowed Sky TV to screen school-age sports since late last year. Critics claim it commodifies kids’ sports - and one high-profile sportscaster’s even threatened to disrupt broadcasts. But First XV rugby has been on Sky Sports for years so what’s the problem?

The Herald recently lifted the lid on  divisions over a deal that’s allowed Sky TV to screen school-age sports since late last year. Critics claim it commodifies kids’ sports - and one high-profile sportscaster’s even threatened to disrupt broadcasts. But First XV rugby has been on Sky Sports for years so what’s the problem?

This week the broadcasting watchdog upheld a complaint that comments about Covid-19 death rates by Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking were misleading - and highlighted “the importance of data literacy” in the media. It wasn't the only time the broadcaster had misread Covid-19 stats - and misled his listeners.

This week the broadcasting watchdog upheld a complaint that comments about Covid-19 death rates by Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking were misleading - and highlighted “the importance of data literacy” in the media. It wasn't the only time the broadcaster had misread Covid-19 stats - and misled his listeners.

Political football; school sport screening stoush still simmering; watchdog runs the numbers on Covid death claim; gentle Judith eclipses Crusher.

Political football; school sport screening stoush still simmering; watchdog runs the numbers on Covid death claim; gentle Judith eclipses Crusher.

When she became the National Party leader in July, many in the media reckoned combative Crusher Collins guaranteed a confrontational contest for Election 2020. Now some seem disappointed she's showing a softer side instead.

When she became the National Party leader in July, many in the media reckoned combative Crusher Collins guaranteed a confrontational contest for Election 2020. Now some seem disappointed she's showing a softer side instead.

On this week's Midweek Mediawatch, Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn Hay about who's responsible for Facebook comments, and how the media should cover peddlers of misinformation.