RNZ’s planning a new music brand based in Auckland to hook younger people. But RNZ Concert will make way for it on FM and be reduced to an automated service with no human hosts. That has sparked a backlash from Concert's fans - and a confusing response from the government. Mediawatch asks the broadcasting minister and RNZ's top brass about the new music plan.

In the biggest overhaul of its music services in years, RNZ is planning to gut its classical music station RNZ Concert and replace it on FM radio with music for a younger audience as part of a new multimedia music brand. Mediawatch asks RNZ chief executive Paul Thompson and music content director Willy Macalister to explain the move.

In the biggest overhaul of its music services in years, RNZ is planning to gut its classical music station RNZ Concert and replace it on FM radio with music for a younger audience as part of a new multimedia music brand. Mediawatch asks RNZ chief executive Paul Thompson and music content director Willy Macalister to explain the move.

Cabinet has approved the idea of a new public service outfit to replace state-owned RNZ and TVNZ by 2023 - but they want more details from the broadcasting minister. So does the public and the rest of the media.

Cabinet has approved the idea of a new public service outfit to replace state-owned RNZ and TVNZ by 2023 - but they want more details from the broadcasting minister. So does the public and the rest of the media.

Organised broadcast radio is 100 years old this year - and it's not just alive, but still kicking pretty hard. Some say surviving and even outliving other media and technological changes make it the 'cockroach' of the world' mass media. What's the secret to survival - and its future?

Organised broadcast radio is 100 years old this year - and it's not just alive, but still kicking pretty hard. Some say surviving and even outliving other media and technological changes make it the 'cockroach' of the world' mass media. What's the secret to survival - and its future?

Gordon McLauchlan - who died this week - cast a critical eye on New Zealand’s life (“boring”) and people (“smiling zombies”). He also zeroed in on our media and PR industry with wisdom gained during a long career in both.

Gordon McLauchlan - who died this week - cast a critical eye on New Zealand’s life (“boring”) and people (“smiling zombies”). He also zeroed in on our media and PR industry with wisdom gained during a long career in both.

Super Rugby kicked off earlier than ever before last Friday under the slogan 'Rugby Recoded'. Last year Sky TV broke the bank to retain the live rights but critics claim the competition's profile has slumped here while Fox Sports is cutting back in Australia and and pulling out altogether next year.