Analysis: In a fragmented media environment, which firms will get to broadcast potentially game-changing election debates – and who hosts? Inside the bidding war. Westpac pulls new brand campaign; Stuff fails in bid for MediaWorks; Newstalk ZB turns 100 - hear from Hosking and the hosts; Will Traitors NZ return?
Jack Tame, for TVNZ, Ryan Bridge for NZ Herald/Three/Newstalk ZB, and Patrick Gower for Stuff all appear to be frontrunners.
The Prime Minister’s office is expected to decide, in the next week or two, just when and where Luxon debates Hipkins. Several factors are likely to be considered, including potential audience size, dates, logistics and the moderator.
As is now the normal process, the opposition leader will be ready to debate the PM whenever and wherever the PM’s office chooses.
In 2023, then TVNZ political editor Jessica Mutch McKay hosted two head-to-head leader debates on TVNZ. Whether the state broadcaster gets two debates this time around is a big question.
In the absence of a political editor, TVNZ is understood to have selected Tame as its debate moderator, with Tova O’Brien possibly being lined up to host the multi-party leaders’ debate to which NZ First, Act, the Greens, Te Pāti Māori, and - yes - The Opportunity Party (TOP) on account of their recent 1News/Verian poll performance will be invited.
TVNZ is spoiled for choice when it comes to deciding a moderator. Tame is the country’s best long-form TV interviewer, while O’Brien is one of the country’s most probing political inquisitors.
She now co-hosts Breakfast - Luxon pulled out of his weekly spot on the show several weeks after O’Brien started this year.
Sky TV, meanwhile, now owns Three (TV3) and has separate contracts with NZME for the Ryan Bridge Today breakfast show and with Stuff for the daily 6pm news bulletin.
Another big question, then, is who Sky uses for its specialist election coverage.
It is understood that it has a bob each way – turning to NZME and Bridge for a proposed election debate between Luxon and Hipkins and to Stuff for its election night coverage, hosted by Gower and Samantha Hayes, on November 7.
A leaders’ debate hosted by the popular Bridge on the NZ Herald website and Three, and potentially simulcast on Newstalk ZB, would likely be an attractive drawcard for the PM’s office.
Gower, meanwhile, hosted the liveliest election debate of the 2023 campaign - for Newshub/Three. He is now an independent contractor, but remains closely aligned with Stuff.
Stuff/The Press have in recent campaigns hosted a South Island-based leaders’ debate, although the 2023 edition was canned after Hipkins fell ill with Covid and a new date could not be agreed. It would seem likely, however, that any Gower-hosted debate would be nationally focused.
Part of the PM office’s considerations will be how the debates align, calendar-wise, with other set-piece content.
Mike Hosking will host separate, specialist Newstalk ZB breakfast shows for each of the two major party leaders in the fortnight before the election, while the likes of John Campbell and Ingrid Hipkiss for RNZ, O’Brien (TVNZ), Heather du Plessis-Allan (ZB) and Jenna Lynch (Stuff/Three) will also all figure large in election coverage and planning.
Over the past three years, the media landscape has changed dramatically – most notably, the demise of Three’s Newshub.
We’ve also seen the steady rise of independent media channels over the past decade or so – from medium-sized businesses such as Newsroom and The Spinoff to other more politically aligned platforms.
While none of these is expected to host a 1-1 leaders’ debate between Luxon and Hipkins, political strategists inside the various parties would be unwise to rule out appearances on the likes of platforms such as – on the right – Sean Plunket’s The Platform and Cameron Slater’s The Good Oil podcast and – on the left – Martyn Bradbury’s The Daily Blog and the Big Hairy Network, led by Pat Brittenden.
‘We take into account a number of factors’
A spokesman for the PM’s office said: “We are currently working through a number of election debate requests and will be confirming with organisers shortly. As is always the case, we take into account a number of factors including audience reach and logistics like dates and times.”
A spokeswoman for TVNZ said: “TVNZ is planning to host three leaders’ debates, including a multi-party debate. A rural debate on Q+A with Jack Tame will air in September, and more election specials may be scheduled.”
She said more details would be released closer to the time.
A spokeswoman for Sky TV said they were looking forward “to delivering comprehensive coverage of the upcoming election”, including through Ryan Bridge Today, Herald Now Business, and Three News.
“Election night on Three will be produced in partnership with Stuff, powered by Three News ... we’re continuing to finalise our wider election programming and will share details once they’re confirmed.”
A spokeswoman for NZME said: “Our election coverage plans are still being finalised, but we’ll be sure to let you know once things are confirmed. Naturally, our audiences can expect comprehensive, insightful and up-to-the minute coverage across all our platforms throughout the campaign.”
Stuff has been approached for comment.
TOP’s in at TVNZ
The Opportunity Party (TOP) will be invited to the TVNZ “multi-party debate” because of its most recent performance in the broadcaster’s Verian poll.
A TVNZ spokeswoman outlined the broadcaster’s criteria for inclusion in its planned multi-party debate: leaders of parties currently represented in parliament; and/or leaders of registered parties not represented in parliament that score 3% in at least one of the 1News/Verian public polls up to six months prior to the debate; and/or leaders of registered parties where the party has been represented in either of the past two parliaments.
TOP recorded a party vote percentage of 4.6% in the most recent 1News/Verian poll in late June, meaning it has met the 3%-within-six-months threshold.
“The final shape for the multi-party debate has yet to be confirmed,” the TVNZ spokeswoman said.
“We’ll share more details about our debates and election night coverage closer to the time, including the strong team involved in our coverage.”
Westpac’s new brand campaign paused
Westpac announced its new advertising agency partnership with a fair amount of fanfare back in March - creating a bespoke business to look after its multimillion-dollar New Zealand marketing account.
After four years, it parted ways with several Publicis-owned agencies – including Spark Foundry and Saatchi & Saatchi – to line up with another global advertising firm, Omnicom, to create its own specialist agency, Goldilocks.
And, as the bank told me yesterday, Goldilocks and Westpac initially launched an effective brand campaign for the Westpac Rescue Chopper Appeal, “which was well-received by the public and contributed to a record annual fundraising total of nearly $2m for our nationwide network of rescue helicopters”.
So a great launch pad for a new partnership. However, since then, there’s been some turbulence.
Speculation has been swirling in the advertising industry that a major Westpac brand campaign has been pulled, after being reviewed at the highest levels of the bank.
Media Insider understands the brand campaign was devised, filmed and produced and ready for take-off, before a C-suite decision to ground it.
“Over the past six months we’ve shot some work that hasn’t aired yet,” said a Westpac spokesman, in response to direct questions.
“We have prioritised some other work to respond to what we’ve heard from customers. We are excited to roll that out in the near future.”
What’s not clear is whether there’s a confirmed new timeline for a brand campaign and whether the one that has been produced will eventually be released - perhaps with changes, or pulled altogether.
I went back to the bank to ask them further questions on why it’s been delayed.
“The decision to hit pause was made by the CMO following internal feedback, but we can’t go further into detail.”
News tip? Feedback? Email Media Insider shayne.currie@nzme.co.nz
Stuff misses out on MediaWorks
News publisher Stuff has failed in a bid to acquire radio firm MediaWorks, according to an Australian report.
Stuff – whose bid for the radio company was only rumoured and had been kept under public wraps until now – was advised this week that it had been unsuccessful, according to The Capital Brief business website.
Acquiring MediaWorks would have given Stuff a major new weapon in its commercial arsenal - a suite of popular music radio stations upon which to build revenue and partnerships.
MediaWorks, under chief executive Wendy Palmer, operates top-rating stations such as The Breeze, More FM, The Rock and Mai FM.
Palmer and Stuff have been contacted for comment.
The Capital Brief said the sale of MediaWorks by its private equity owner, Quadrant, now appeared to be down to two bidders – Lachlan Murdoch’s Nova and publicly listed SEN, whose major shareholder is Craig Hutchison.
Murdoch is the son of media tycoon Rupert Murdoch and the successor to his media empire. He is the chairman of News Corp.
Stuff restructure update
Stuff has extended, by two days, the period for staff to give feedback to its plans to cut its digital newsroom staff, say sources.
Workers originally had until 5pm on Wednesday to provide feedback – this has been extended to 5pm today.
Stuff management is due to review the feedback over the coming week, with a decision expected by mid-August, and implementation a month later.
It is understood Stuff plans to cut a net eight roles from specific newsroom teams in its Stuff Digital business, as part of a range of proposals across several teams. In total, it is understood 17 roles are proposed to be disestablished, with some new roles to be created.
Jeffrey Epstein as Jack Frost?
We know that we live in a huge glasshouse here at the Herald - for example, we recently and briefly mixed up photos of two of our top pole vaulters in a social media post (sorry, Eliza).
But we reckon this social media oospie from RNZ leaves others in the, er, cold?
The public broadcaster inadvertently placed a wrong headline about the weather on a post about convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Said one social media commenter: “I mean I don’t mind the cold weather, or a cold snap… but if Jeffrey Epstein is taking over Jack Frost, I’m gonna say no."
And another: “I think it’s pretty hot where that guy’s gone.”
RNZ explains the error.
“A social media post on RNZ’s Facebook page inadvertently ran with the wrong headline,” an RNZ spokeswoman said. “This was identified and amended within 10 minutes.”
The Traitors NZ future
Reality show The Traitors NZ received almost $1.5m in public funding support from NZ on Air last year – but the Three show was missing from this week’s list of shows to receive taxpayer backing.
That’s despite another reality show, Celebrity Treasure Island, on the rival TVNZ network receiving a new round of funding.
Production company South Pacific Pictures says a fourth season of Traitors is still a strong possibility.
“We didn’t apply to this round for Traitors – but there is definite potential for a S4 given how well S3 performed,” said SPP chief executive Kelly Martin.
“We’re working through the timing and funding … basically it’s a ‘watch this space’ situation – and we’re confident you have not seen the last of Traitors NZ."
David Farrier on the front foot
Filmmaker, journalist, podcast host and writer David Farrier has gone on the front foot, releasing details of an Official Information Act request that someone-as-yet-unknown has made about taxpayer support for his film work.
On his Webworm site this week, Farrier – the man behind films such as Tickled and Mister Organ – revealed the NZ Film Commission had been in touch with him to say it had received and was responding to the OIA request.
“I replied saying, ‘This is all fine with me! Thanks for letting me know’,” Farrier wrote. “Then I figured ... why not just release this information myself?”
He headlined his piece, “The Shocking Truth about David Farrier”.
“Reading between the lines, someone wants this information so they can go, “Look at this terrible person who is using YOUR money to make this CRAP. This terrible Webworm hack who calls himself a JOURNALIST is literally making millions off your TAX MONEY what a JOKE.”
He speculated about who might have made the request.
And he revealed what the OIA requester will get back – $10,000 that he and producer Dylan Reeve received as development money for Tickled in 2014, followed by $257,000 to make the film. Then there was $5000 to help with someone else’s documentary.
In 2018, he received $20,000 development money for Mister Organ, followed by $750,000 to make the film.
“As of today, I haven’t applied for any further funding. Is there anything scandalous there? You tell me!”
Ani O’Brien departs The Campaign Company
Political commentator and writer Ani O’Brien has departed The Campaign Company to establish herself as an independent consultant - and to prepare for her most important role yet.
O’Brien told Media Insider she had resigned from her role about three weeks ago, just before she embarked on a nationwide speaking tour of 10 towns and cities, supported by the Free Speech Union (FSU).
That ‘Good Faith Yarns’ tour – marketed as an opportunity to debate issues openly – wrapped up in Nelson on Thursday night.
O’Brien said she had enjoyed the experience, meeting many Kiwis and sharing stages with the likes of Rob Campbell and Sir Ian Taylor along the way.
The FSU marketed the tour as a chance for issues to be debated openly.
“The Treaty. Free speech. The media. Growth and the cost of it. Who holds power, and who gets told to stay quiet,” it said in a social media post.
“No talking points, no shouting past each other. Just two or three people working through hard questions in public, in good faith. It’s the idea at the heart of everything we do: audi alteram partem, hear the other side.”
O’Brien confirmed she had left The Campaign Company – a firm that provides digital campaign services to political and commercial clients and is owned by Taxpayers Union executive director Jordan Williams – but also put to bed a rumour she was working for the New Zealand First Party.
She plans to work as a consultant – she didn’t want to say who might be on her client list, for confidentiality reasons – and is also planning a book about Dame Elizabeth Rata.
And she is also embarking on a new journey – becoming a mum - and throwing a lot of focus on that.
She and her partner are about to start trying for a child through fertility treatment. That is no small expense, and the pair have started a Givealittle page. “... every dollar raised will go towards fertility treatment and giving us the best chance of bringing a desperately wanted little person into the world,” O’Brien writes.
On her Substack page earlier this year, O’Brien broke details of the Maiki Sherman-Lloyd Burr verbal confrontation in Finance Minister Nicola Willis’ office in May 2025.
Newstalk ZB turns 100
In the media world, radio people cut a different jib – fiercely loyal to their brand, fiercely in love with the medium and - in most cases -fiercely sociable.
Why else do some of our biggest media stars (think Paul Holmes, Mike Hosking, Simon Barnett and many others) forgo the bright lights of television for the more intimate surrounds of a radio studio? It’s Mike and his mic – with a direct line to the audience and the outside world behind glass.
New Zealand’s most popular radio station, NZME-owned Newstalk ZB, officially turns 100 this Sunday.
“The truth is, ZB gets under your skin,” says NZME chief audio officer Jason Winstanley in an editorial in a special commemorative magazine to mark the centennial.
“Radio does that anyway, but ZB is different. You don’t just work there. You become part of something that has mattered to New Zealanders for generations. You feel the weight of that legacy when the country is going through something big – election nights, emergencies, breaking news, and in those moments when people turn to a familiar voice to make sense of what’s happening around them.”
Breakfast host Hosking agrees, in his own column.
“In a media landscape that has not only changed (and dramatically), the ZB story is one of consistency, careful planning, longevity and respect for the audience,” Hosking writes.
“We are profitable in an age of troubled bottom lines. We are critically acclaimed (station of the year six years in a row), and we have the largest audience in the industry.
“Most at ZB would be too modest to point out these aspects of the business, which is probably why they quietly achieve what they do.
“But, you know me! I like the facts, and no one beats us at the game of radio. It is not said with arrogance; it is said with pride, and it is achieved as the result of hard work. ZB is one of the great, if not the greatest, radio stories this country has seen.”
Mornings host Kerre Woodham says: “About six months after I’d started on 1ZB, I received a letter from a young widow who told me her husband had drowned at sea.
“He was a fisherman, she said, and she always knew the sea would get him, but she thought she’d have longer with him.
“She had young children, but she missed him so much, she didn’t know whether she had the strength to carry on.
“She wrote to me to tell me she was fine now and to thank me for helping her get through. She never rang, she said, but she always knew she could, and that helped her through the nights. I cried; my producer, Jimmy, cried, and she and her family have stayed with me forever. I hope they’re doing well. Sometimes it’s the people who don’t call who stay with you.”
And Drive host Heather du Plessis-Allan writes of two long-time listeners – Trevor and Paul.
“I cherish Paul’s continued correspondence. It reminds me it’s okay to strongly disagree with each other. It doesn’t have to be the end of the relationship. More of us could do with disagreeing more often and then getting the hell over it and getting on with life.
“I sort of hate calling Paul or Trevor or anyone else a ‘Newstalk ZB listener’. Everyone is obviously much more than that.
“They’re dads, mums, workers, mates, ratepayers; people with fascinating lives. It just happens that they choose to listen to Newstalk ZB and get stuck into the conversation. But it’s because of ZB that we’ve had the chance to meet. That’s the beauty of ZB. It gives us a place to have a chat. Sometimes an argument. Often a laugh.”
You can read more from the hosts - and others - and a full history of the station in the free, glossy magazine that is included with this week’s Herald on Sunday and in NZME regional newspapers on Monday.
Editor-at-large Shayne Currie is one of New Zealand’s most experienced senior journalists and media leaders. He has held executive and senior editorial roles at NZME, including managing editor, NZ Herald editor and Herald on Sunday editor and has a small shareholding in NZME.