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?

Dan Eaton is the author of No White Lies - a thriller involving a kidnapping, spies and dodgy journalism. He's also a former national affairs editor of The Press and the recently appointed director of National Security Policy at the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. Mediawatch asks him whether there's any overlap.

Dan Eaton is the author of No White Lies - a thriller involving a kidnapping, spies and dodgy journalism. He's also a former national affairs editor of The Press and the recently appointed director of National Security Policy at the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. Mediawatch asks him whether there's any overlap.

To pump up interest in its transport policy the National Party spoon-fed the media part of it: police fining cyclists who spurn cycleways. But the prospect of Bike Force Raptor backfired when callers to the nation's top-rating talkback poured scorn on the plan.

To pump up interest in its transport policy the National Party spoon-fed the media part of it: police fining cyclists who spurn cycleways. But the prospect of Bike Force Raptor backfired when callers to the nation's top-rating talkback poured scorn on the plan.

Mediawatch looks at political personalities who proved reporters wrong in 2019 - and as the summer silly season looms, we look back at the unexpected stars of the last one.

Talkback callers call out plan for 'Bike Force Raptor'; Dan Eaton - former reporter, now author and intelligence bigwig; Bridges and Peters vs media - and the unruly stars of last summer.

Talkback callers call out plan for 'Bike Force Raptor'; Dan Eaton - former reporter, now author and intelligence bigwig; Bridges and Peters vs media - and the unruly stars of last summer.

Mediawatch looks at political personalities who proved reporters wrong in 2019 - and as the summer silly season looms, we look back at the unexpected stars of the last one.

The media were in emergency mode once again this week when Whakaari / White Island erupted. They raised important questions about risks and rewards of tourism - and some got involved in the emotional push to recover the missing.