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.

Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn about a mini-drama involving Sean Plunket, a revolt in the Washington Post newsroom, a Buzzfeed pioneer joining the MSM, and coronavirus coverage going bats.

Hayden Donnell talks to Karyn about a mini-drama involving Sean Plunket, a revolt in the Washington Post newsroom, a Buzzfeed pioneer joining the MSM, and coronavirus coverage going bats.

It was no surprise the Sussexes’ sudden decision to retreat from royalty and quit the kingdom fired up the hyperactive UK media - especially as they cited press pestering as a major reason. But half a world away, ours were in a frenzy over it too.   ​

It was no surprise the Sussexes’ sudden decision to retreat from royalty and quit the kingdom fired up the hyperactive UK media - especially as they cited press pestering as a major reason. But half a world away, ours were in a frenzy over it too.   ​

The Christmas / New Year news drought leaves media desperate for stories and talking points, often scraping social media for content and conflict. Mediawatch looks at some of the stuff that rose from the bottom of the barrel to plug gaps since New Year’s Day.

The Christmas / New Year news drought leaves media desperate for stories and talking points, often scraping social media for content and conflict. Mediawatch looks at some of the stuff that rose from the bottom of the barrel to plug gaps since New Year’s Day.

Digging deep and scraping social media to fill the summer news void; royals' retreat sparks right royal media pile-on; pre-empting the Facebook trolls.

Digging deep and scraping social media to fill the summer news void; royals' retreat sparks right royal media pile-on; pre-empting the Facebook trolls.

Prompted by crass comments in response to an online story about plus-size popstar Lizzo, the Herald warned its Facebook followers to stop and followed up with similar warnings on other stories. Is it possible to pre-empt the bad reader responses which can spoil the media's social feeds?