The Otago Daily Times got a boost this week when British band Coldplay took out 15 cryptic ads to promote its new album. Meanwhile, our biggest publisher of papers is giving away ad space to reward clever campaigns like that. But are creative ads really the ones that cut through with readers?

The Otago Daily Times got a boost this week when British band Coldplay took out 15 cryptic ads to promote its new album. Meanwhile, our biggest publisher of papers is giving away ad space to reward clever campaigns like that. But are creative ads really the ones that cut through with readers?

Newspapers have been shrinking for years along with the advertising that pays the bills - but travel is bucking the trend in a big way. Ads for tours and trips often make up the majority of the ads in the paper and the income is crucial. But does this compromise commitments to sustainability?

Newspapers have been shrinking for years along with the advertising that pays the bills - but travel is bucking the trend in a big way. Ads for tours and trips often make up the majority of the ads in the paper and the income is crucial. But does this compromise commitments to sustainability?

Air New Zealand hands out lollies before landing. This week its handouts to the media softened bad news for passengers about more engine trouble for its Dreamliners.

Air New Zealand hands out lollies before landing. This week its handouts to the media softened bad news for passengers about more engine trouble for its Dreamliners.

On Mediawatch: Air New Zealand's engine trouble; travel bucks the trend bringing in big bucks for papers; Coldplay cracked it, but do clever newspaper ads really cut through?

On Mediawatch: Air New Zealand's engine trouble; travel bucks the trend bringing in big bucks for papers; Coldplay cracked it, but do clever newspaper ads really cut through?

Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about Stuff Circuit's latest headline-making investigation, big calls on our 'dying' small towns; a long-serving young MP making us feel old, and mean - and whatever happened to the old NZBC?

Mediawatch's weekly catch-up with Lately. Colin Peacock talks to Karyn Hay about Stuff Circuit's latest headline-making investigation, big calls on our 'dying' small towns; a long-serving young MP making us feel old, and mean - and whatever happened to the old NZBC?