Maybe tomorrow I will feel like blogging something original. Maybe. In the meantime, here's something I wrote in February.
Radio NZ Is Making Do
Radio New Zealand bosses yesterday assured a parliamentary select committee that the broadcaster would cope with the ongoing funding freeze.
Showing posts with label Radio New Zealand. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Radio New Zealand. Show all posts
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Collins Lawsuit: What On Earth Is She Thinking?
The decision by Judith Collins to sue Trevor Mallard, Andrew Little and Radio New Zealand for defamation must be leaving her National Party colleagues shaking their heads.
It is a highly risky move, because if Collins backs down or loses her case, it will potentially destroy her ministerial career.
The ACC scandal seems to be growing bigger and bigger. It's too early to say that the stink rising up from this mess will bring the government down, but it has the potential to do considerable harm to National.
It it also astounding that Collins would sue a media outlet over this matter. If she and her colleagues had any self-awareness, they would understand that since the "teapot tape" affair the media have turned against John Key's government. Regardless of Collins' real motives behind the lawsuit against Radio New Zealand, her actions are bound to be viewed as just another example of National trying to silence the media.
I'm not the defamation law guy (I'm sure Mr Price or Mr Edwards will be along soon), but it's not entirely clear to me that anything defamatory has been said by either Mallard or Little about Collins. On the other hand, given Collins' litigious frame of mind, I'm not inclined to repeat anything they said that could potentially be construed as defamatory.
Additionally, the defendants will have potential defences available to them. Moreover, Mallard and Little might use the absolute privilege afforded to legal proceedings as a means of throwing more muck at Collins.
And if Collins wins, what then? I'm not convinced she'll get an apology from Mallard or Little, and it's unclear whether she would get a substantial damages award over remarks that seem largely innocuous.
Even if Collins wins she may lose.
It is a highly risky move, because if Collins backs down or loses her case, it will potentially destroy her ministerial career.
The ACC scandal seems to be growing bigger and bigger. It's too early to say that the stink rising up from this mess will bring the government down, but it has the potential to do considerable harm to National.
It it also astounding that Collins would sue a media outlet over this matter. If she and her colleagues had any self-awareness, they would understand that since the "teapot tape" affair the media have turned against John Key's government. Regardless of Collins' real motives behind the lawsuit against Radio New Zealand, her actions are bound to be viewed as just another example of National trying to silence the media.
I'm not the defamation law guy (I'm sure Mr Price or Mr Edwards will be along soon), but it's not entirely clear to me that anything defamatory has been said by either Mallard or Little about Collins. On the other hand, given Collins' litigious frame of mind, I'm not inclined to repeat anything they said that could potentially be construed as defamatory.
Additionally, the defendants will have potential defences available to them. Moreover, Mallard and Little might use the absolute privilege afforded to legal proceedings as a means of throwing more muck at Collins.
And if Collins wins, what then? I'm not convinced she'll get an apology from Mallard or Little, and it's unclear whether she would get a substantial damages award over remarks that seem largely innocuous.
Even if Collins wins she may lose.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Radio NZ Is Making Do
Radio New Zealand bosses yesterday assured a parliamentary select committee that the broadcaster would cope with the ongoing funding freeze.
The broadcaster’s chairman Richard Griffin and chief executive Peter Cavanagh were appearing before the Commerce Select Committee.
Radio New Zealand’s funding was frozen for five years in 2008, but Mr Cavanagh told committee members that he was confident the organisation would make do.
He told the committee that the broadcaster was committed to providing quality public broadcasting, but well understood the constrained financial environment public sector organisations had to operate within.
“We are a lean and mean fighting machine,” said Mr Cavanagh.
Mr Cavanagh said every effort had been made to cut costs and reduce wastage, while maintaining programming standards and quality.
“Some of it’s the simple stuff, where we can make easy savings. For example, the Auckland office’s one tea-bag can be shared with the Wellington office.
“People also sometimes need reminding about the need to make the most of resources and to reduce waste. It’s so easy to forget that A4 paper has two white sides. So for that matter does toilet paper.”
Mr Griffin said the biggest challenge was in ensuring staff remained motivated and felt rewarded for their efforts.
“It’s true we haven’t been able to give pay rises in recent years,” said Mr Griffin. “But we’re responding well to the needs of our staff. We recently moved to pay people in bags of potatoes and rice, because that way we could be sure our workers had enough to eat and didn’t come to work too emaciated.
“In 2011 we introduced a bonus system, to incentivise staff to perform. Staff members who achieve their annual targets receive a pat on the back, while standout performers receive a 'good work' or 'well done that man' remark from their superiors.
“At the end of last year we were also able to give staff a Christmas bonus. We were delighted to inform them that when they returned from their holidays there was a better than even chance they would still have a job.
“Our Auckland staff are also fortunate that the City Mission is located just across the road from their offices.”
Mr Cavanagh assured members of the select committee that Radio New Zealand remained committed to providing the highest quality and broadest range of programming.
He accepted that budgetary constraints would force a reduction in the number of documentaries and pre-produced shows aired by the broadcaster. Instead there would be a greater emphasis on live interviews and commentary from the studio. But the overall quality of the network’s output would remain high.
Radio New Zealand would also have to look realistically at different ways of raising revenue, but in a way that was tasteful and preserved the integrity of the Radio New Zealand name.
“We’re making changes to some of our most iconic shows, but in a sensitive and respectful way. So Nine till Noon will now be The State Insurance Five till Noon, and Jim Mora’s Afternoons will be renamed The Panel of One, in which David Farrar will offer his views on opinions of the day and read posts and comments from his influential blogsite Kiwiblog.
“This will free up Jim Mora to man the Auckland reception desk and answer the phones, thereby saving thousands of dollars.”
Mr Cavanagh said the organisation was learning to be smarter and more innovative in the way it utilised its resources. He cited Radio New Zealand Concert as an example.
“Next month we will be breaking new ground by offering listeners a tribute to the American composer John Cage.
“2012 is the sixtieth anniversary of Cage’s famous work 4’33". So to celebrate we’re going to play it back to back until the end of the year.”
Mr Griffin refused to address comments by Labour committee members that the ongoing budget freeze was evidence of National’s contempt for public broadcasting.
“I don’t want to be drawn into a political debate. But I would like to ask you, Mr Cosgrove, whether you have finished with that tea bag on the side of your saucer. The Christchurch office lost their one during last February’s quake.”
The broadcaster’s chairman Richard Griffin and chief executive Peter Cavanagh were appearing before the Commerce Select Committee.
Radio New Zealand’s funding was frozen for five years in 2008, but Mr Cavanagh told committee members that he was confident the organisation would make do.
He told the committee that the broadcaster was committed to providing quality public broadcasting, but well understood the constrained financial environment public sector organisations had to operate within.
“We are a lean and mean fighting machine,” said Mr Cavanagh.
Mr Cavanagh said every effort had been made to cut costs and reduce wastage, while maintaining programming standards and quality.
“Some of it’s the simple stuff, where we can make easy savings. For example, the Auckland office’s one tea-bag can be shared with the Wellington office.
“People also sometimes need reminding about the need to make the most of resources and to reduce waste. It’s so easy to forget that A4 paper has two white sides. So for that matter does toilet paper.”
Mr Griffin said the biggest challenge was in ensuring staff remained motivated and felt rewarded for their efforts.
“It’s true we haven’t been able to give pay rises in recent years,” said Mr Griffin. “But we’re responding well to the needs of our staff. We recently moved to pay people in bags of potatoes and rice, because that way we could be sure our workers had enough to eat and didn’t come to work too emaciated.
“In 2011 we introduced a bonus system, to incentivise staff to perform. Staff members who achieve their annual targets receive a pat on the back, while standout performers receive a 'good work' or 'well done that man' remark from their superiors.
“At the end of last year we were also able to give staff a Christmas bonus. We were delighted to inform them that when they returned from their holidays there was a better than even chance they would still have a job.
“Our Auckland staff are also fortunate that the City Mission is located just across the road from their offices.”
Mr Cavanagh assured members of the select committee that Radio New Zealand remained committed to providing the highest quality and broadest range of programming.
He accepted that budgetary constraints would force a reduction in the number of documentaries and pre-produced shows aired by the broadcaster. Instead there would be a greater emphasis on live interviews and commentary from the studio. But the overall quality of the network’s output would remain high.
Radio New Zealand would also have to look realistically at different ways of raising revenue, but in a way that was tasteful and preserved the integrity of the Radio New Zealand name.
“We’re making changes to some of our most iconic shows, but in a sensitive and respectful way. So Nine till Noon will now be The State Insurance Five till Noon, and Jim Mora’s Afternoons will be renamed The Panel of One, in which David Farrar will offer his views on opinions of the day and read posts and comments from his influential blogsite Kiwiblog.
“This will free up Jim Mora to man the Auckland reception desk and answer the phones, thereby saving thousands of dollars.”
Mr Cavanagh said the organisation was learning to be smarter and more innovative in the way it utilised its resources. He cited Radio New Zealand Concert as an example.
“Next month we will be breaking new ground by offering listeners a tribute to the American composer John Cage.
“2012 is the sixtieth anniversary of Cage’s famous work 4’33". So to celebrate we’re going to play it back to back until the end of the year.”
Mr Griffin refused to address comments by Labour committee members that the ongoing budget freeze was evidence of National’s contempt for public broadcasting.
“I don’t want to be drawn into a political debate. But I would like to ask you, Mr Cosgrove, whether you have finished with that tea bag on the side of your saucer. The Christchurch office lost their one during last February’s quake.”
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
On The Bradbury Ban
I know I ought to have an opinion on the Bomber Bradbury ban on Radio NZ, especially as I have been on the Panel myself a few times (including once with Mr Bradbury). But I can't get worked up over the decision.
On the one hand, Bradbury's hyperbolic windbaggery doesn't really fit well with what the show is about. On the other, people generally know what they are getting with Bradbury, and he has been on the Panel many times.
Did he cross the line this time? Was it one time too many? I don't know. But I find it difficult to believe that RNZ has been pressured by the government to silence him. If I were John Key I'd be wanting Bradbury on air more often.
On the one hand, Bradbury's hyperbolic windbaggery doesn't really fit well with what the show is about. On the other, people generally know what they are getting with Bradbury, and he has been on the Panel many times.
Did he cross the line this time? Was it one time too many? I don't know. But I find it difficult to believe that RNZ has been pressured by the government to silence him. If I were John Key I'd be wanting Bradbury on air more often.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
New Morning Report Appointment Signals Change In Direction
Radio New Zealand has announced the appointment of a replacement on Morning Report for Sean Plunket.
Michael Laws was announced as the new co-presenter of the show, effective from early January.
Mr Laws will be based in Radio New Zealand’s Whanganui studio.
The move is being regarded as a change in direction for the public broadcasting organisation. Mr Laws has been widely criticised by many people for expressing outrageous opinions on his current Radio Live show, and in his weekly newspaper column.
Radio New Zealand CEO Peter Cavanagh said that Laws would bring a new perspective to the show.
“We felt that after a number of years of doing the same thing it was time to introduce a bit of edginess,” said Mr Cavanagh.
“If there’s one thing Michael Laws brings it’s edginess. We’re hoping he will help to engage our listeners a bit more. By that I mean infuriate and outrage. People love a bit of controversy over their breakfast cereal.”
Mr Cavanagh refused to confirm widespread speculation that Paul Henry had been offered the job before Mr Laws.
Laws is no stranger to radio. He has a weekday talkshow with Radio Live that has several dozen regular listeners.
Laws said he was excited by the change.
“It’s about time someone stepped in and smacked a few heads together,” said Mr Laws. “What a sad tired institution Radio NZ is. A more pompous and irrelevant collection of tiresome liberals and onanists I’ve never met.
“And that sad sack Geoff Robinson’s been there for a million years. For God’s sake, man, are you even still alive?”
Radio New Zealand CEO Peter Cavanagh said some other changes would be introduced to the show from the start of next year.
“We want to engage more with our listeners, and we believe that turning Morning Report into an interactive talkback show will allow us to do that.“
Current host Geoff Robinson is said to be unhappy with the appointment, and furious that he was not consulted. But insiders have said the move to introduce Laws is a deliberate attempt by Radio New Zealand management to get rid of Robinson.
Insiders say that Robinson is considered a liability by Radio New Zealand management. He has had a long and fractious relationship with the show's producers, and his on-air temper tantrums have become more and more bizarre and frequent.
Last week Robinson interrupted an interview with the CTU’s Helen Kelly to launch a scathing verbal assault on the entire union movement. In an expletive-laden speech Robinson urged listeners to “round up your local unionist and bludgeon him to death. Kill him! Smash him until his brains drip slowly from his ears and eyes!”
In 2009 the Broadcasting Standards Authority found that Robinson breached broadcasting standards when he told listeners that Prime Minister John Key was “a walking talking demon who must be exorcised from the body politic by any means necessary, including by violent bloody revolution.”
If Robinson is forced out, Newstalk ZB’s Leighton Smith is tipped to take over as co-presenter.
Media commentator, internet entrepreneur and convicted murderer Bertrand Sackey said that a Laws-Smith Morning Report would be a “dream ticket.”
“It’s just the combination of controversy and unimaginative conservatism the airwaves are crying out for,” said Mr Sackey.
“People have had enough of analysis and debate. Nuance is for effete liberals who don’t like to get their hands dirty. Laws and Smith would really shake things up.”
Michael Laws was announced as the new co-presenter of the show, effective from early January.
Mr Laws will be based in Radio New Zealand’s Whanganui studio.
The move is being regarded as a change in direction for the public broadcasting organisation. Mr Laws has been widely criticised by many people for expressing outrageous opinions on his current Radio Live show, and in his weekly newspaper column.
Radio New Zealand CEO Peter Cavanagh said that Laws would bring a new perspective to the show.
“We felt that after a number of years of doing the same thing it was time to introduce a bit of edginess,” said Mr Cavanagh.
“If there’s one thing Michael Laws brings it’s edginess. We’re hoping he will help to engage our listeners a bit more. By that I mean infuriate and outrage. People love a bit of controversy over their breakfast cereal.”
Mr Cavanagh refused to confirm widespread speculation that Paul Henry had been offered the job before Mr Laws.
Laws is no stranger to radio. He has a weekday talkshow with Radio Live that has several dozen regular listeners.
Laws said he was excited by the change.
“It’s about time someone stepped in and smacked a few heads together,” said Mr Laws. “What a sad tired institution Radio NZ is. A more pompous and irrelevant collection of tiresome liberals and onanists I’ve never met.
“And that sad sack Geoff Robinson’s been there for a million years. For God’s sake, man, are you even still alive?”
Radio New Zealand CEO Peter Cavanagh said some other changes would be introduced to the show from the start of next year.
“We want to engage more with our listeners, and we believe that turning Morning Report into an interactive talkback show will allow us to do that.“
Current host Geoff Robinson is said to be unhappy with the appointment, and furious that he was not consulted. But insiders have said the move to introduce Laws is a deliberate attempt by Radio New Zealand management to get rid of Robinson.
Insiders say that Robinson is considered a liability by Radio New Zealand management. He has had a long and fractious relationship with the show's producers, and his on-air temper tantrums have become more and more bizarre and frequent.
Last week Robinson interrupted an interview with the CTU’s Helen Kelly to launch a scathing verbal assault on the entire union movement. In an expletive-laden speech Robinson urged listeners to “round up your local unionist and bludgeon him to death. Kill him! Smash him until his brains drip slowly from his ears and eyes!”
In 2009 the Broadcasting Standards Authority found that Robinson breached broadcasting standards when he told listeners that Prime Minister John Key was “a walking talking demon who must be exorcised from the body politic by any means necessary, including by violent bloody revolution.”
If Robinson is forced out, Newstalk ZB’s Leighton Smith is tipped to take over as co-presenter.
Media commentator, internet entrepreneur and convicted murderer Bertrand Sackey said that a Laws-Smith Morning Report would be a “dream ticket.”
“It’s just the combination of controversy and unimaginative conservatism the airwaves are crying out for,” said Mr Sackey.
“People have had enough of analysis and debate. Nuance is for effete liberals who don’t like to get their hands dirty. Laws and Smith would really shake things up.”
Friday, October 8, 2010
I'm On The Panel Today
I'm on the Panel today at 4pm on Radio NZ National, together with Bomber Bradbury.
Tune in if you want to hear a compelling and provocative blogger telling it how it is and sticking it to the Man. Oh, and I'll be on too.
Tune in if you want to hear a compelling and provocative blogger telling it how it is and sticking it to the Man. Oh, and I'll be on too.
Friday, April 16, 2010
On The Panel Today
I'm on The Panel today at 4pm on Jim Mora's Afternoons show on Radio NZ.
They keep asking me back! Maybe someone's trying to sabotage Radio NZ from within??
They keep asking me back! Maybe someone's trying to sabotage Radio NZ from within??
Friday, February 19, 2010
Next Week On Radio New Zealand National
The Highlights
Monday: On Morning Report, Sean and Geoff get down with the cast of Survivor Christchurch, the fantastic new TV3 reality show. And they ask the star of the show about rumours of the on-screen romance between him and teammate Jennifer. And don’t miss the latest instalment of Ten Worst Dates, bought to you by Nivea skincare.
Tuesday: Jim Mora will be pumping out some heavy beats, popping tabs, and spinning a crate of vinyl to keep you moving through the afternoon.
Wednesday: Bryan Crump opens up the phone lines. Have something important you want to say? Or just want to ramble aimlessly about the price of milk and young people? Call us!
Thursday: Today is no-repeat Thursday. So sit back and relax while we play all the hits of the 60s, 70s, 80s and more 80s, knowing that while you’ve heard them too many times already, you won’t hear them twice today.
Friday: We’re giving away 100 copies of Lady Gaga’s new album. Call to win when you hear her song.
Saturday: Kim Hill catches us up with all the gossip. Brad and Angelina, Tom and Katie, Kim has all the dirt!
Sunday: Chris Laidlaw makes the draw for our fabulous Hollywood prize package. You could be flying with a friend to see the world premier of the film, The Secret Sausage, based on the latest Dan Brown book.
Monday: On Morning Report, Sean and Geoff get down with the cast of Survivor Christchurch, the fantastic new TV3 reality show. And they ask the star of the show about rumours of the on-screen romance between him and teammate Jennifer. And don’t miss the latest instalment of Ten Worst Dates, bought to you by Nivea skincare.
Tuesday: Jim Mora will be pumping out some heavy beats, popping tabs, and spinning a crate of vinyl to keep you moving through the afternoon.
Wednesday: Bryan Crump opens up the phone lines. Have something important you want to say? Or just want to ramble aimlessly about the price of milk and young people? Call us!
Thursday: Today is no-repeat Thursday. So sit back and relax while we play all the hits of the 60s, 70s, 80s and more 80s, knowing that while you’ve heard them too many times already, you won’t hear them twice today.
Friday: We’re giving away 100 copies of Lady Gaga’s new album. Call to win when you hear her song.
Saturday: Kim Hill catches us up with all the gossip. Brad and Angelina, Tom and Katie, Kim has all the dirt!
Sunday: Chris Laidlaw makes the draw for our fabulous Hollywood prize package. You could be flying with a friend to see the world premier of the film, The Secret Sausage, based on the latest Dan Brown book.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Why Kill Radio NZ?
Try as Broadcasting Minister Jonathan Coleman might to dance around the issue, imposing a funding freeze on Radio NZ is a cut in real terms. It's a cut in the same way that if you work the same job for five years and don't get a pay rise in that time, you're much worse off. Inflation has eaten away at the value of your wage.
It's interesting how little money the Government is prepared to make available to Radio NZ, when it is happy to throw money at Team New Zealand, the Rugby World Cup and other pet projects.
John Key probably isn't a National Radio kind of guy - I'd pick he's probably more of a Radio Hauraki listener. But commercial radio is largely a brain-free zone, which is why we need Radio NZ. As patchy as the content of Radio NZ National can sometimes be, its coverage of news and current affairs is probably the best of any media organisation in this country. Morning Report and Checkpoint are always top notch.
So what's behind this? Simple ignorance? Does Steven Joyce (a commercial radio man) now see a chance to kill off his nemesis? Or is it something even more sinister? Perhaps having a broadcaster that is not afraid to ask hard questions on serious issues (rather than getting excited over what uranium shares John Key owns), doesn't suit this government.
It's interesting how little money the Government is prepared to make available to Radio NZ, when it is happy to throw money at Team New Zealand, the Rugby World Cup and other pet projects.
John Key probably isn't a National Radio kind of guy - I'd pick he's probably more of a Radio Hauraki listener. But commercial radio is largely a brain-free zone, which is why we need Radio NZ. As patchy as the content of Radio NZ National can sometimes be, its coverage of news and current affairs is probably the best of any media organisation in this country. Morning Report and Checkpoint are always top notch.
So what's behind this? Simple ignorance? Does Steven Joyce (a commercial radio man) now see a chance to kill off his nemesis? Or is it something even more sinister? Perhaps having a broadcaster that is not afraid to ask hard questions on serious issues (rather than getting excited over what uranium shares John Key owns), doesn't suit this government.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Is Radio NZ Doomed?
I listen to both Morning Report and Checkpoint on my radio as I commute. I find them to be generally the most reliable and comprehensive news reports to be had. My other choices at that time of day are frankly grim: I can listen to a pack of DJs acting like children and making poo jokes, or there's NewsTalk trying to sell me investment property or computer services. Radio Live is sometimes bearable.
However, all of the commercial channels are infested with advertising. I don't need annoying jingles in my head when I'm trying to navigate through traffic.
So the radio in my car is pretty much stuck on Radio NZ National.
Many on the Right believe Radio New Zealand to be a hotbed of anti-gummit commies or wet liberals. Politicians on the Right who get a pasting from the likes of Sean Plunket or Mary Wilson often put their treatment down to this supposed bias. I have no doubt that it is a secret desire of many in government to sell Radio New Zealand, or at least destroy it.
Of course, the we-won't-sell promise given by Key makes it difficult to simply flick this asset off. So strangling it to death seems the next-best option.
By refusing to make more money available to an already under-funded organisation, Key and co may be hoping some of Radio NZ's talent simply moves off. It costs money to keep so many journalists and presenters employed. A pay freeze is effectively a pay-cut in real terms, when inflation is taken into account. If roles are available elsewhere the more experienced and employable of Radio NZ's staff may simply move on to other jobs. The loser will be Radio NZ and its listeners.
And who would gain from such a scenario? Ask yourself.
However, all of the commercial channels are infested with advertising. I don't need annoying jingles in my head when I'm trying to navigate through traffic.
So the radio in my car is pretty much stuck on Radio NZ National.
Many on the Right believe Radio New Zealand to be a hotbed of anti-gummit commies or wet liberals. Politicians on the Right who get a pasting from the likes of Sean Plunket or Mary Wilson often put their treatment down to this supposed bias. I have no doubt that it is a secret desire of many in government to sell Radio New Zealand, or at least destroy it.
Of course, the we-won't-sell promise given by Key makes it difficult to simply flick this asset off. So strangling it to death seems the next-best option.
By refusing to make more money available to an already under-funded organisation, Key and co may be hoping some of Radio NZ's talent simply moves off. It costs money to keep so many journalists and presenters employed. A pay freeze is effectively a pay-cut in real terms, when inflation is taken into account. If roles are available elsewhere the more experienced and employable of Radio NZ's staff may simply move on to other jobs. The loser will be Radio NZ and its listeners.
And who would gain from such a scenario? Ask yourself.
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