- The Cabinet reshuffle dominated the news tonight, with the big winner being Darren Hughes, a new Minister outside Cabinet, who managed to get interviewed on One, 3, and Prime. Not bad for the new Deputy Leader of the House. Everyone decided it was fairly cautious, although TV One pulled out all of the stops, sending Simon Dallow down to Wellington to chat to Guyon Espiner face-to-face in the Debating Chamber. Quite sad really.
- The tougher dog control laws got a fair amount of coverage - a good start for Nanaia Mahuta, but Auckland International Airport's decision to turn down the Canadians only managed to see the light on Prime (and Checkpoint).
- The big story of the night that snuck into the Prime and 3 bulletins (and a few ZB ones), was the fact that dead didymo cells were found in the Tongariro. This is the end?
- While Campbell had a nice chat with an Austarlian consumer advocate over multi-nationals and their shoddy goods, Sainsbury chewed the fat with the PM over her Cabinet reshuffle, before moving on to his hard-hitting story on curry.
Good night.
Wednesday, 31 October 2007
Tuesday, 30 October 2007
The Day in Review Oct 30
- Not much consensus tonight with our famour broadcasters. The most common story in the opening bulletins tonight was speculation on Trevor Mallard's future in Cabinet and his anger management support. Hannah Hodson on TV One had a cringe-worthy moment of asking a typically banal question as she tried to get to the bottom of this hard-hitting expose on a man torn between his love for work and his new lady love only to receive "No comment."
- The crash on State Highway 1 got some traction.
- Not surprisingly, so did the media outlets' rallying together to try and publish the names of some of the people picked up in the terror raids. On which, One had a good story about a Swiss chap who was arrested, and has been beaten up twice while in jail. His lawyer's none too impressed, and Justice and Corrections are trying to make sure they don't get in any trouble. Gitmo comparisons were made.
- The announcement of the Commissioners of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Auckland's Governance didn't get the blanket coverage it received earlier in the day, although Richard Lews of Destiny NZ's support for the family of an alleged murderer was well-received by our crime journos.
- In the duel of current affairs, Campbell was the staunch defender of the Maui Dolphin, while Sainsbury held a panel discussion on the Suppression of Terrorism Act.
- Quiet pick tonight was Lorelei Mason's story on One News about the Ministry of Health's defence of its MENZB immunisation campaign following a Norwegian doco criticising the vaccine.
Good night.
- The crash on State Highway 1 got some traction.
- Not surprisingly, so did the media outlets' rallying together to try and publish the names of some of the people picked up in the terror raids. On which, One had a good story about a Swiss chap who was arrested, and has been beaten up twice while in jail. His lawyer's none too impressed, and Justice and Corrections are trying to make sure they don't get in any trouble. Gitmo comparisons were made.
- The announcement of the Commissioners of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Auckland's Governance didn't get the blanket coverage it received earlier in the day, although Richard Lews of Destiny NZ's support for the family of an alleged murderer was well-received by our crime journos.
- In the duel of current affairs, Campbell was the staunch defender of the Maui Dolphin, while Sainsbury held a panel discussion on the Suppression of Terrorism Act.
- Quiet pick tonight was Lorelei Mason's story on One News about the Ministry of Health's defence of its MENZB immunisation campaign following a Norwegian doco criticising the vaccine.
Good night.
Monday, 29 October 2007
The Day in Review Oct 29
- Leading our bulletins this evening, the big two took on terrorism - again. This time, the fact that the police had asked the Solicitor General to advise on whether they could prosecute under the Suppression of Terrorism Act. One went with an interview of Marama, the latest lass to be granted bail while facing firearms charges. 3 proffered Tariana Turia's take, followed by Mini-Garner's explanation of what the legislation meant, and that this was a test case (in a 37 second soundbite). One followed this up with the war of words between Winston Peters and Pita Sharples (more of which we will see later).
- The Honourable Mr. Mallard's position in Cabinet was story number two, with Garner Major giving us his take on 3 before Guyon gave us the lowdown later on (collusion to avoid the head-on?). Both agreed Mallard's a dead duck (not my fault, the same lame joke's been pushed on us by all outlets).
- The firearm incident resulting in two injured soldiers in Afghanistan saw all three televisual providers (Prime led with it).
- Outside of the Irish President's visit, a home invasion, and the Royal blackmail plot, the pick tonight was 3's on-going coverage of the anglers' access trial. The jury's out, and farmers are watching (although it doesn't appear as though any journos are).
- Both Sainsbury and Campbell had Pita and Peters going head-to-head with their respective rhetoric - although John managed to get them on live, and then keep them for an extra segment (Sainsbury had to make do with vox populi leading into a replayed debate).
Nothing extra, good night.
- The Honourable Mr. Mallard's position in Cabinet was story number two, with Garner Major giving us his take on 3 before Guyon gave us the lowdown later on (collusion to avoid the head-on?). Both agreed Mallard's a dead duck (not my fault, the same lame joke's been pushed on us by all outlets).
- The firearm incident resulting in two injured soldiers in Afghanistan saw all three televisual providers (Prime led with it).
- Outside of the Irish President's visit, a home invasion, and the Royal blackmail plot, the pick tonight was 3's on-going coverage of the anglers' access trial. The jury's out, and farmers are watching (although it doesn't appear as though any journos are).
- Both Sainsbury and Campbell had Pita and Peters going head-to-head with their respective rhetoric - although John managed to get them on live, and then keep them for an extra segment (Sainsbury had to make do with vox populi leading into a replayed debate).
Nothing extra, good night.
Thursday, 25 October 2007
The Day in Review Oct 25
- Tau and Trev were top of the news today. Fairly good coverage all round, although the top picks are: Barry Soper's recreation on Prime, footage of Trev calling Tau out in the House from the Parliamentary Service's cameras on One, and 3's access to Tau's supporting txt from Dr. Don Brash. All wonderful examples of NZ's press gallery. Everyone agreed Trev would probably stay in Cabinet, but get a stern reprimand (and demotion).
- Malibu's still burning and so is the story.
- The ongoing Tame Iti story continues to have legs.
- The schoolgirl in Christchurch who was blown under a bus by a gust of wind got wide coverage. - As did the resignation of the last oncologist at Wellington Hospital (Campbell went with that one - a tragic story).
- 3 had a good scoop, with Mini Garner reporting on a Labour Party plot to put up a candidate against David Benson Pope. Much more interesting than the Stoush in the House. And Prime actually covered the Guvmint's (at the behest of the Green's) plan to have an Ombudsman investigate the prison system. The Honourable Mr. Burton looked awfully uncomfortable sitting next to Nandor.
- The Wireless had fun with Trev and Tau too, but was slightly more interested in the dressing down (of sorts) Dr. Cullen received in Dr. Bollard's statement on the OCR.
- Campbell was on the oncology route, while Sainsbury was on the proifteers in the leaky buildings industry, chatting to Bob Clarkson.
- My moment tonight was TV One's breaking news that Tokelau had decided to remain a colony after 6.30pm. Checkpoint broke it before 6, and even 3 had it opening its second segment. For shame.
Good night.
- Malibu's still burning and so is the story.
- The ongoing Tame Iti story continues to have legs.
- The schoolgirl in Christchurch who was blown under a bus by a gust of wind got wide coverage. - As did the resignation of the last oncologist at Wellington Hospital (Campbell went with that one - a tragic story).
- 3 had a good scoop, with Mini Garner reporting on a Labour Party plot to put up a candidate against David Benson Pope. Much more interesting than the Stoush in the House. And Prime actually covered the Guvmint's (at the behest of the Green's) plan to have an Ombudsman investigate the prison system. The Honourable Mr. Burton looked awfully uncomfortable sitting next to Nandor.
- The Wireless had fun with Trev and Tau too, but was slightly more interested in the dressing down (of sorts) Dr. Cullen received in Dr. Bollard's statement on the OCR.
- Campbell was on the oncology route, while Sainsbury was on the proifteers in the leaky buildings industry, chatting to Bob Clarkson.
- My moment tonight was TV One's breaking news that Tokelau had decided to remain a colony after 6.30pm. Checkpoint broke it before 6, and even 3 had it opening its second segment. For shame.
Good night.
Wednesday, 24 October 2007
The Day in Review Oct 24
- According to TV One and TV3, the fires of Malibu was still the most important news story of the day in New Zealand.
- Not so with Prime, which led with Dr. Skilling's report from the NZ Institute encouraging New Zealand to pull back from Kyoto. One agreed this was a big story, putting Dr. Skilling in their opening segment (he manages to get around quite well) - although it focused on the to-ing and fro-ing between the Guvmint and the Opposition rather than the actual story.
- The other big local story that received the consensus of all of our visual broadcasters was the Parliamentary Debate on the Suppression of Terrorism Act. Not much was actually said (that would involve too much explanation of what it actually is), but everyone wanted to ensure they were on top of it. Except me.
- 3 pulled one out of left-field with their second story on the conviction of the pounamu thieves being convicted. Checkpoint picked up on it too, but you expect that. Mark Solomon, Chair of Ngai Tahu, was well-chuffed.
- While 3 gave a paid advertisement to Meridian Energy's new enviro-friendly HQ on the Wellington Waterfront, One went with the Stagecoach story. While the bus company was happy to pay out a sum of money to the family of a chap run down by a driver, it was unwilling to apologise. Legal action is likely.
- Later on our current affairs due, while Mark Sainsbury did an old story from Campbell (the case of the disputed burial plot), John was talking to Scott Opticon of Auckland University and Assistant Police Commissioner Jon White about the legality of the road blocks in Ruatoki. Tough times for law enforcement agencies.
- My moment of "Why did you do that?" belongs to David Baldwin, Chief Executive of Contact Energy, for taking an interview with Mary Wilson. Always a rough ask at the best of times, but admitting to having brown asbestos at the plant you've closed when Mary knows it's the most dangerous type and you don't is one of those cringe-worthy seconds that seem to last for hours.
Good night.
- Not so with Prime, which led with Dr. Skilling's report from the NZ Institute encouraging New Zealand to pull back from Kyoto. One agreed this was a big story, putting Dr. Skilling in their opening segment (he manages to get around quite well) - although it focused on the to-ing and fro-ing between the Guvmint and the Opposition rather than the actual story.
- The other big local story that received the consensus of all of our visual broadcasters was the Parliamentary Debate on the Suppression of Terrorism Act. Not much was actually said (that would involve too much explanation of what it actually is), but everyone wanted to ensure they were on top of it. Except me.
- 3 pulled one out of left-field with their second story on the conviction of the pounamu thieves being convicted. Checkpoint picked up on it too, but you expect that. Mark Solomon, Chair of Ngai Tahu, was well-chuffed.
- While 3 gave a paid advertisement to Meridian Energy's new enviro-friendly HQ on the Wellington Waterfront, One went with the Stagecoach story. While the bus company was happy to pay out a sum of money to the family of a chap run down by a driver, it was unwilling to apologise. Legal action is likely.
- Later on our current affairs due, while Mark Sainsbury did an old story from Campbell (the case of the disputed burial plot), John was talking to Scott Opticon of Auckland University and Assistant Police Commissioner Jon White about the legality of the road blocks in Ruatoki. Tough times for law enforcement agencies.
- My moment of "Why did you do that?" belongs to David Baldwin, Chief Executive of Contact Energy, for taking an interview with Mary Wilson. Always a rough ask at the best of times, but admitting to having brown asbestos at the plant you've closed when Mary knows it's the most dangerous type and you don't is one of those cringe-worthy seconds that seem to last for hours.
Good night.
Tuesday, 23 October 2007
The Day in Review Oct 23
- 3 bucked the trend tonight, opening with the double tragedy of mother and baby dying during breast feeding. Sadly bizarre.
- Everyone else then focused on the wild winds in the deep South and Hawke's Bay. Every conceivable angle was covered, mainly because there wasn't anything else to talk about today.
- The fires in Malibu backed it up, proving my point really.
- Unifying themes throughout the opening segments were the Glassie court appearances, home detention for two Wellington boy racers, and the house attack in Manukau.
- Prime introduced David Benson Pope's ongoing Labour Party sideshow first, with Barry Soper speculating on the Cabinet reshuffle next, before Guyon Espiner and Garner Major battled it out in their respective second segments. Much of a muchness really - Jones, Street, Parker, Cosgrove all mentioned for higher honours.
- A lil' more on the terror raids, with a chap receiving bail in Auckland, and more condemnation from the Maori Party, but not too much.
- The Wireless continued the theme, although I did note that their 5pm news bulletins picked up on NZ Football canning its effort to host the Oceania Champs due to the Guvmint's stance on Fiji. Oh, and they broke the story that Marky Mark was going to replace Ryan Gosling in the Loverly Bones next year.
- While Campbell gave us tips on how to manage our overflowing in-boxes after a long weekend and refrain from reacting hastily with an e-mail message, Sainsbury was talking to Greg O'Connor and Paul Mabey QC about bail. Current affairs versus infotainment - you decide.
- Too tough to pick a low moment, although the lack of any coverage on One about the access to land trial (two anglers were allegedly shot at by an angry farmer) was a doozy to miss. Oh, and having Karen explain away the weather patters as part of the lead story isn't really necessary.
Good night.
- Everyone else then focused on the wild winds in the deep South and Hawke's Bay. Every conceivable angle was covered, mainly because there wasn't anything else to talk about today.
- The fires in Malibu backed it up, proving my point really.
- Unifying themes throughout the opening segments were the Glassie court appearances, home detention for two Wellington boy racers, and the house attack in Manukau.
- Prime introduced David Benson Pope's ongoing Labour Party sideshow first, with Barry Soper speculating on the Cabinet reshuffle next, before Guyon Espiner and Garner Major battled it out in their respective second segments. Much of a muchness really - Jones, Street, Parker, Cosgrove all mentioned for higher honours.
- A lil' more on the terror raids, with a chap receiving bail in Auckland, and more condemnation from the Maori Party, but not too much.
- The Wireless continued the theme, although I did note that their 5pm news bulletins picked up on NZ Football canning its effort to host the Oceania Champs due to the Guvmint's stance on Fiji. Oh, and they broke the story that Marky Mark was going to replace Ryan Gosling in the Loverly Bones next year.
- While Campbell gave us tips on how to manage our overflowing in-boxes after a long weekend and refrain from reacting hastily with an e-mail message, Sainsbury was talking to Greg O'Connor and Paul Mabey QC about bail. Current affairs versus infotainment - you decide.
- Too tough to pick a low moment, although the lack of any coverage on One about the access to land trial (two anglers were allegedly shot at by an angry farmer) was a doozy to miss. Oh, and having Karen explain away the weather patters as part of the lead story isn't really necessary.
Good night.
Friday, 19 October 2007
The Day in Review Oct 19
- Karachi was on the lips of every newsreader on TV3 and One News tonight. Both had correspondents live from Pakistan, although I must note neither used NZ's fine Asia correspondent Charlotte Glennie (maybe she's still here following the Asia NZ conference last weekend).
- We had more on the terror suspects with 11 people having bail hearings today... no-one got it. The 1000-strong hikoi got some decent coverage, but Mary Wilson and Checkpoint went slightly overboard - there are other things happening RNZ. Kudos to Guyon Espiner on One for citing the fact that the SIS helped direct the operation.
- Steve Maharey's announcement that he was resigning from Parliament next year got good coverage, and I did like Sia Aston's note that the Opposition was being gracious by not cracking any 'jumping ship' jokes.
- Biggest buried story was on One - the mistrial in Christchurch after the head juror in a child abuse case rang up a witness and thanked him for his evidence. Justice waits another year.
- Campbell had an exclusive interview with a trainee at one of Tame's camps. Fiery rhetoric - IRA balaclava and all. Close Up had Paul Henry leading with a little girl who was fed up with New Zealand's potty mouths. Oliver Driver and Wendyl Nissen made up the panel to discuss the issue.
- Despite my praise for Sia earlier, she really showed her true colours (and lack of true political journo hack-ness) by citing the National Party as those who labelled outgoing Maharey as smarmy. Anyone who's anyone knows that John Tamihere (JT to his friends) was the one who (with Ian Wishart's help) coined that phrase. Alas for Major Garner going on holiday early.
Good night.
- We had more on the terror suspects with 11 people having bail hearings today... no-one got it. The 1000-strong hikoi got some decent coverage, but Mary Wilson and Checkpoint went slightly overboard - there are other things happening RNZ. Kudos to Guyon Espiner on One for citing the fact that the SIS helped direct the operation.
- Steve Maharey's announcement that he was resigning from Parliament next year got good coverage, and I did like Sia Aston's note that the Opposition was being gracious by not cracking any 'jumping ship' jokes.
- Biggest buried story was on One - the mistrial in Christchurch after the head juror in a child abuse case rang up a witness and thanked him for his evidence. Justice waits another year.
- Campbell had an exclusive interview with a trainee at one of Tame's camps. Fiery rhetoric - IRA balaclava and all. Close Up had Paul Henry leading with a little girl who was fed up with New Zealand's potty mouths. Oliver Driver and Wendyl Nissen made up the panel to discuss the issue.
- Despite my praise for Sia earlier, she really showed her true colours (and lack of true political journo hack-ness) by citing the National Party as those who labelled outgoing Maharey as smarmy. Anyone who's anyone knows that John Tamihere (JT to his friends) was the one who (with Ian Wishart's help) coined that phrase. Alas for Major Garner going on holiday early.
Good night.
Thursday, 18 October 2007
The Day in Review Oct 18
- Consensus non grata tonight for the networks. Prime opened with the DomPost's story on the SIS gaining access to the US Government's Terrorist Database, and Keith Locke's fears that refugees could be stifled when attempting to seek sanctuary in New Zealand. Nowhere else did this story run (the spooks are everywhere).
- 3 opened with an advertising campaign for The Joneses - best PR money can buy when you've got the Associate Minister of Justice backing you over the self-regulatory body. NewstalkZB and RNZ were also over this one. I don't suppose REINZ has many friends. One waited until no-one was watching before they slipped it in (or saw that 3 led it and thought they'd better do so).
- One, on the other hand, opened with the rising petrol prices ahead of Labour Weekend (not that that's ever happened before). Reps from BP, Gull, and the AA battled it out in their soundbites, with Gull taking the high road waiting until after the weekend before raising prices. Prime went with the AA in their opening piece, and 3 did their's too, but nothing could compare to Rawdon Christie taking a leaf out of the BBC handbook on broadcasting for beginners, and satnding by a computer graphic of the Middle East, explaining away why Turkey was escalating its blah blah blah. Normally you have to wait until BBC World for that kind of coverage. Oh, and David Young also took the opportunity to point out that the price hike would likely be inflationary in the lead up to the Reserve Bank's announcement on the OCR next week.
- Everyone leaped on the day's remarks by Dr. Pita Sharples of the Maori Party that the terror raids would set back race relations 100 years. Both One and 3 interviewed a couple of organic farmers in Taupo who were most unimpressed with their questioning by the police. While everyone agreed that the nearly all Parliamentarians were distancing themselves from any concrete comment (even Trotskyite Locke), Major Garner managed to have a superb interview with Minister of Maori Affairs Parekura Horomia, who in a rare move, was caught in a concrete statement that he did not believe Tame Iti was a terrorist. Political posturing ahead of the Cabinet reshuffle or just not quick on his feet? Well done Duncan.
- The MSD report on the well-being of New Zealanders got some good traction, as did the condemnation of the police force for sponsoring schoolboy rugby ("They shouldn't have to advertise"), but two goodies were back-to-back on One: NRL clubs antsy about being kept out of the loop over the rape allegations against the Kiwis (the Tigers in particular), and the Christchurch school putting locks on the toilets to prevent errant children from smoking in them (Libertarians of the world unite!).
- Campbell and Close Up had another duel, with Campbell playing a recorded interview with Dr. Sharples, while Sainsbury had Tame Iti's son and grand-daughter. Nothing really interesting.
- Insipid moment of the night had to go to Rawdon, but I did like Amanda Gillies' attempt to get a who's who of activists at a meeting in Auckland: Minto, Oosterman, um, ah, yeah.
Good night.
- 3 opened with an advertising campaign for The Joneses - best PR money can buy when you've got the Associate Minister of Justice backing you over the self-regulatory body. NewstalkZB and RNZ were also over this one. I don't suppose REINZ has many friends. One waited until no-one was watching before they slipped it in (or saw that 3 led it and thought they'd better do so).
- One, on the other hand, opened with the rising petrol prices ahead of Labour Weekend (not that that's ever happened before). Reps from BP, Gull, and the AA battled it out in their soundbites, with Gull taking the high road waiting until after the weekend before raising prices. Prime went with the AA in their opening piece, and 3 did their's too, but nothing could compare to Rawdon Christie taking a leaf out of the BBC handbook on broadcasting for beginners, and satnding by a computer graphic of the Middle East, explaining away why Turkey was escalating its blah blah blah. Normally you have to wait until BBC World for that kind of coverage. Oh, and David Young also took the opportunity to point out that the price hike would likely be inflationary in the lead up to the Reserve Bank's announcement on the OCR next week.
- Everyone leaped on the day's remarks by Dr. Pita Sharples of the Maori Party that the terror raids would set back race relations 100 years. Both One and 3 interviewed a couple of organic farmers in Taupo who were most unimpressed with their questioning by the police. While everyone agreed that the nearly all Parliamentarians were distancing themselves from any concrete comment (even Trotskyite Locke), Major Garner managed to have a superb interview with Minister of Maori Affairs Parekura Horomia, who in a rare move, was caught in a concrete statement that he did not believe Tame Iti was a terrorist. Political posturing ahead of the Cabinet reshuffle or just not quick on his feet? Well done Duncan.
- The MSD report on the well-being of New Zealanders got some good traction, as did the condemnation of the police force for sponsoring schoolboy rugby ("They shouldn't have to advertise"), but two goodies were back-to-back on One: NRL clubs antsy about being kept out of the loop over the rape allegations against the Kiwis (the Tigers in particular), and the Christchurch school putting locks on the toilets to prevent errant children from smoking in them (Libertarians of the world unite!).
- Campbell and Close Up had another duel, with Campbell playing a recorded interview with Dr. Sharples, while Sainsbury had Tame Iti's son and grand-daughter. Nothing really interesting.
- Insipid moment of the night had to go to Rawdon, but I did like Amanda Gillies' attempt to get a who's who of activists at a meeting in Auckland: Minto, Oosterman, um, ah, yeah.
Good night.
Wednesday, 17 October 2007
The Day in Review Oct 17
- Stop all the presses. Hold all the phones. Tame Iti's bail was declined. It gets worse, but I'll get to that.
- 3 bucked the trend with its opening, opting instead for an exclusive with Customs over the types of weapons getting into Utopia. Everything from claymores to M-60s to tommy-guns. I can deal with the latter (kind of takes me back to Prohibition times), but the first two? Michael Morrah gave us the lowdown, pointing out that it was unlikely there was a link between this weaponry and terror camps (someone should let Mark Jennings know you're not meant to let the public in on their ignorance).
- One and Prime jumped on the terror bandwagon tonight - a story that never seems to end (or change). We had Tame, we had the support in Wellington for the detainees, we had Paul Buchanan giving an explanation of what terror is (he's no long a Former Lecturer at Auckland University, rather, he's been given the austere title Former Advisor to the CIA). 3, held off, just keeping to Tame later on in the opening bulletin.
- The Government's crackdown on youth binge drinking came in at number two for 3 and One, with Sia Aston and Kris Faafoi giving us a rundown of what the Government's planning to do. Most people are saying not much or nothing new.
- Kudos to 3 (and RNZ) for putting Lloyd Jones coming up short at the Bookers in at number 3; even if it did say "oh well, at least the book's selling a lot". Poor form to One for relegating it to the end of the second segment.
- One did do well in reporting on Geneva Finance and its pending failure, although Owen Poland couldn't quite land an interview.
- More kudos to 3 for going with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs' report into formaldehyde disputing Target's research. Ed Connolly at The Warehouse was well chuffed.
- Campbell and Close Up had a head-to-head battle with anorexia leading their openings. John followed that up with a drawn-out interview on breast cancer that didn't capture me too much, although I had to admit I couldn't really watch Damien O'Connor explain away the guvmint's youth drinking thing for too long.
- Prime and 3 are joint winners tonight for sharing a moment of utter filth: Mike King has no place in making any comment whatsoever. None. Especially when it's him pontificating on how the arrests in Ruatoki are about this Government trying to do some Maori bashing to get up in the polls. There were much wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Good night.
- 3 bucked the trend with its opening, opting instead for an exclusive with Customs over the types of weapons getting into Utopia. Everything from claymores to M-60s to tommy-guns. I can deal with the latter (kind of takes me back to Prohibition times), but the first two? Michael Morrah gave us the lowdown, pointing out that it was unlikely there was a link between this weaponry and terror camps (someone should let Mark Jennings know you're not meant to let the public in on their ignorance).
- One and Prime jumped on the terror bandwagon tonight - a story that never seems to end (or change). We had Tame, we had the support in Wellington for the detainees, we had Paul Buchanan giving an explanation of what terror is (he's no long a Former Lecturer at Auckland University, rather, he's been given the austere title Former Advisor to the CIA). 3, held off, just keeping to Tame later on in the opening bulletin.
- The Government's crackdown on youth binge drinking came in at number two for 3 and One, with Sia Aston and Kris Faafoi giving us a rundown of what the Government's planning to do. Most people are saying not much or nothing new.
- Kudos to 3 (and RNZ) for putting Lloyd Jones coming up short at the Bookers in at number 3; even if it did say "oh well, at least the book's selling a lot". Poor form to One for relegating it to the end of the second segment.
- One did do well in reporting on Geneva Finance and its pending failure, although Owen Poland couldn't quite land an interview.
- More kudos to 3 for going with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs' report into formaldehyde disputing Target's research. Ed Connolly at The Warehouse was well chuffed.
- Campbell and Close Up had a head-to-head battle with anorexia leading their openings. John followed that up with a drawn-out interview on breast cancer that didn't capture me too much, although I had to admit I couldn't really watch Damien O'Connor explain away the guvmint's youth drinking thing for too long.
- Prime and 3 are joint winners tonight for sharing a moment of utter filth: Mike King has no place in making any comment whatsoever. None. Especially when it's him pontificating on how the arrests in Ruatoki are about this Government trying to do some Maori bashing to get up in the polls. There were much wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Good night.
Tuesday, 16 October 2007
The Day in Review Oct 16
- Another day was encompassed by our terror camps in the Ureweras. Even the Times got in on the act, as Campbell was keen to point out. Again, everyone opened with it, and ran with it, and tried to cover every conceivable aspect of it. Lisa Owen was all over Jamie Lockett's court case, coming back to us after the weather to let us know that the High Court had rescinded his bail (although she didn't get to interview him for Close Up). 3 opened with the bail hearing of Tame Iti, then went on to visit a training camp, where they didn't find any weapons. Fran Mold, sorry, Francesca, told us that the Maori Party wasn't happy with the whole ordeal, raising their issues in Parliament; as did Garner Major. 3 also pointed out that TradeMe was the site where the groups purchased most of their goods. Protests are-a-coming. I'd read Bomber if I were you.
- Tucked behind this biggie was rape allegations against four Kiwis following their drubbing by the Kangaroos. The NZRL hasn't commented yet.
- There was also an earthquake in the South Island.
- Dr. Cullen's talking down tax-cuts (for a change) in the face of the Howard and Costello act.
- And Contact's entered the wind game, announcing it will build it in Waikato. Well, 3 let us know before the half-hour was up.
- Oh, and Barbara Dreaver let us know that the PM was the only dignitary not formally announced at the Pacific Forum.
- Close Up and Campbell did all they could on the big story - Close Up stooping to an interview with Frances Mountier of the Save the Happy Valley Coalition (so she got asked a few questions by a few cops, it's not like they left her to get run down by a train, which I'm sure Dr. Elder would quite like to see), so I'm not going to elaborate. Really.
- Moment of gut-wrenching agony - not Lisa Owen's breaking news, but 3 with its report on the reaction of Ruatoki locals to the harsh brutality of the Auckland police in making their arrests. Not the story in and of itself, but its announcement of the rule of tyranny in Utopia - (I'm paraphrasing) - "One unnamed freedom fighter said the whole situation had been blown out of proportion." Too much of The Clean for that one.
Good night.
- Tucked behind this biggie was rape allegations against four Kiwis following their drubbing by the Kangaroos. The NZRL hasn't commented yet.
- There was also an earthquake in the South Island.
- Dr. Cullen's talking down tax-cuts (for a change) in the face of the Howard and Costello act.
- And Contact's entered the wind game, announcing it will build it in Waikato. Well, 3 let us know before the half-hour was up.
- Oh, and Barbara Dreaver let us know that the PM was the only dignitary not formally announced at the Pacific Forum.
- Close Up and Campbell did all they could on the big story - Close Up stooping to an interview with Frances Mountier of the Save the Happy Valley Coalition (so she got asked a few questions by a few cops, it's not like they left her to get run down by a train, which I'm sure Dr. Elder would quite like to see), so I'm not going to elaborate. Really.
- Moment of gut-wrenching agony - not Lisa Owen's breaking news, but 3 with its report on the reaction of Ruatoki locals to the harsh brutality of the Auckland police in making their arrests. Not the story in and of itself, but its announcement of the rule of tyranny in Utopia - (I'm paraphrasing) - "One unnamed freedom fighter said the whole situation had been blown out of proportion." Too much of The Clean for that one.
Good night.
Monday, 15 October 2007
The Day in Review Oct 15
- Today, all of our broadcasters could go no further than the raids around the country that were covered under the Suppression of Terrorism Act. Everyone tried to outdo the rest. Prime kicked it all off (where excluding Neil Waka for obvious reasons) with pics from 3 and Barry Soper's sober musings on the issue. One had Fran Mold opening their piece, with a threat to the Prime Minister bandied about. Lisa Owen took the hard details, telling us about Hemi Lockett's charge amongst other things. They tried going to Ruatoki direct, but had to wait until after their first ad break before getting a link that worked. 3 took a more sensational approach - not quite quoting 'Apocalypse Now' but really really wanting to (that's a thinly veiled reference to napalm; sorry kids). Garner Major let us know that H1 had been informed of the threat a week earlier, and that her office was aware of the situation several weeks ago. 3 also focused on the raid in the Wellington hippy house on Abel Smith and Willis. They also had an indepth piece on Tame Iti - well, wouldn't you? (All I can think of is Paul Thomas' 'Guerilla Season' and the Aotearoa People's Army - great book.)
- The second segment (yes, TV One and TV3 followed RNZ's lead in having a lead story last longer than 10 minutes) only had the upcoming Oz election in common. 3 had Banksie calling the Guvmint's bluff, while One went with the real estate agent's disciplinary hearing. There were other things, but they were mainly international (including the Brethren conspiracy in Australia).
- Top story went to 3 with Dr. Keith Turner of Meridian warning that the national grid could fail because Transpower turned off an interisland line. Good scoop.
- Close Up and Campbell went with the raids of terror, fighting over who could get Howard Broad first (Sainsbury did, so John had to talk to Tame Iti's lawyer - yikes).
- Nothing too insipid tonight (I'm excluding Banksie), so we'll go with a well done to the Kiwi boys who drive around in a circle for the Sheik's pleasure. And Jonny Reid really is a driver's name.
Good night.
- The second segment (yes, TV One and TV3 followed RNZ's lead in having a lead story last longer than 10 minutes) only had the upcoming Oz election in common. 3 had Banksie calling the Guvmint's bluff, while One went with the real estate agent's disciplinary hearing. There were other things, but they were mainly international (including the Brethren conspiracy in Australia).
- Top story went to 3 with Dr. Keith Turner of Meridian warning that the national grid could fail because Transpower turned off an interisland line. Good scoop.
- Close Up and Campbell went with the raids of terror, fighting over who could get Howard Broad first (Sainsbury did, so John had to talk to Tame Iti's lawyer - yikes).
- Nothing too insipid tonight (I'm excluding Banksie), so we'll go with a well done to the Kiwi boys who drive around in a circle for the Sheik's pleasure. And Jonny Reid really is a driver's name.
Good night.
Thursday, 11 October 2007
The Day in Review Oct 11
- Rugby and energy were today's hot topics on the telly. 3 led with the obvious one - the Government's energy policy, with Sia Aston giving us a blow-by-blow account of what's good for us. They backed it up with a nice piece on Genesis Energy's ongoing battle with Greenpeace in the Court of Appeal over its Rodney plant that was to use fossil fuels (a no-no under the new strategy). When One got around to talking about it, Guyon Espiner gave us his third rendition of the strategy, letting Kris Faafoi run through how it was going to miprove the quality of NZ's substandard housing (something every student post-2030 will appreciate).
- One gave us Dougie first. His web-address (it didn't have much on Narm Hewitt); the $30k bar tab (explained away by numerous All Blacks); management's knowledge of the incident prior to landing and their umming and ahhing over what to do. 3 did the same really. You can't go wrong when an All Black does.
- The crackdown on motorists in South Auckland got a nice piece of coverage on both channels, with One asking the pointed question "is this a revenue gathering exercise?"
- 3 had a nice little piece on the Yellow Pages Group blocking internet access to the White Pages for some groups for fear they are using it for direct marketing. The AA was one of these groups, and our man Doug Wilson was none too pleased.
- 3 also had a good piece on a new study that found people will be willing to pay higher prices for their BZP when it's made illegal, forgoing the BZP-free party pills that will be readily available to the public... oh, they didn't take that into account. Hmmm. Well, there's going to be a black market for BZP, and these pills will probably be laced with things harder than sheep drench. So parents beware.
- One had a brief run on research finding that while police recruits did require some babysitting before graduation, once they were on the beat, they performed their jobs adequately. Maybe they had been listening to Mary Wilson grill the Minister, Annette King earlier in the day.
- The rest of our news was mainly international. Absolutely bizarre.
- The Wireless continued to go with the real estate agent furore, the police graduate research, and a little on A1 milk. Nandor had a good spot on Larry Williams branding John Howard as a racist over his stance against the Bali Bombers' pending execution. I'm sure he could have found a better example than that.
- Close Up went with a woman who was still waiting for breast reconstruction surgery after being bumped off the list three times; Campbell had a wonderful piece on budgeting that I caught the first 20 seconds of before flipping back.
- Insipid brilliance of the evening goes to Barry Soper, Political Editor Extraordinaire, who on Prime News interviewed (separately) the Prime Minister and the Leader of Opposition on their understanding of what the game of rugby means to New Zealanders. Inspired.
Good night.
- One gave us Dougie first. His web-address (it didn't have much on Narm Hewitt); the $30k bar tab (explained away by numerous All Blacks); management's knowledge of the incident prior to landing and their umming and ahhing over what to do. 3 did the same really. You can't go wrong when an All Black does.
- The crackdown on motorists in South Auckland got a nice piece of coverage on both channels, with One asking the pointed question "is this a revenue gathering exercise?"
- 3 had a nice little piece on the Yellow Pages Group blocking internet access to the White Pages for some groups for fear they are using it for direct marketing. The AA was one of these groups, and our man Doug Wilson was none too pleased.
- 3 also had a good piece on a new study that found people will be willing to pay higher prices for their BZP when it's made illegal, forgoing the BZP-free party pills that will be readily available to the public... oh, they didn't take that into account. Hmmm. Well, there's going to be a black market for BZP, and these pills will probably be laced with things harder than sheep drench. So parents beware.
- One had a brief run on research finding that while police recruits did require some babysitting before graduation, once they were on the beat, they performed their jobs adequately. Maybe they had been listening to Mary Wilson grill the Minister, Annette King earlier in the day.
- The rest of our news was mainly international. Absolutely bizarre.
- The Wireless continued to go with the real estate agent furore, the police graduate research, and a little on A1 milk. Nandor had a good spot on Larry Williams branding John Howard as a racist over his stance against the Bali Bombers' pending execution. I'm sure he could have found a better example than that.
- Close Up went with a woman who was still waiting for breast reconstruction surgery after being bumped off the list three times; Campbell had a wonderful piece on budgeting that I caught the first 20 seconds of before flipping back.
- Insipid brilliance of the evening goes to Barry Soper, Political Editor Extraordinaire, who on Prime News interviewed (separately) the Prime Minister and the Leader of Opposition on their understanding of what the game of rugby means to New Zealanders. Inspired.
Good night.
Tuesday, 9 October 2007
The Day in Review Oct 9
- Without the All Blacks dictating what to say, our fearless broadcasters didn't have any unity tonight. The only common stories in One and 3's starting line-ups were the ongoing saga of the Glassies (Nia's mum was charged with manslaughter), the siege in Ohope (which didn't lead on either channel), and feelgood story Steve Williams (Tiger's caddy) donating a million to Starship's Cancer Ward. Sheesh.
- 3 opened with Qantas's announcement that it was upgrading services to cater for the business traveller. One didn't touch.
- One led with a troika of health stories: the trial of a new radiotherapy cancer treatment; a breakthrough in chemotherapy in Oz; and a lung cancer patient in the BoP who's had her operation cancelled three times. On the last one, Francesca Mold managed to through a little name-calling in the House between Pete Hodgson and Tony Ryall, but nothing substantial.
- One also ran the piece on Winston Peters' office receiving a paper from CTAG regarding the Air NZ charter flights to Iraq. Winston was most unimpressed, and not really owning up to much. Guyon gloated, then segued on to the Nat Attack regarding the Ingram Report (anyone remember that?), not that it went very far. 3 didn't touch Winnie, although Mini-Garner did do a piece on the Nat Attack in the second stanza.
- All quiet on the tele's front. The Wireless was mainly interested in the Glassies and the stand-off, and Winston to a degree.
- Close Up went with the drunk vandals who left a couple of kids in hospital, and all ended up in jail. Campbo had Hamster from Top Gear plugging his book.
- Insipid moment was the oddness of it all. It's as though there's enough news for two.
Good night.
- 3 opened with Qantas's announcement that it was upgrading services to cater for the business traveller. One didn't touch.
- One led with a troika of health stories: the trial of a new radiotherapy cancer treatment; a breakthrough in chemotherapy in Oz; and a lung cancer patient in the BoP who's had her operation cancelled three times. On the last one, Francesca Mold managed to through a little name-calling in the House between Pete Hodgson and Tony Ryall, but nothing substantial.
- One also ran the piece on Winston Peters' office receiving a paper from CTAG regarding the Air NZ charter flights to Iraq. Winston was most unimpressed, and not really owning up to much. Guyon gloated, then segued on to the Nat Attack regarding the Ingram Report (anyone remember that?), not that it went very far. 3 didn't touch Winnie, although Mini-Garner did do a piece on the Nat Attack in the second stanza.
- All quiet on the tele's front. The Wireless was mainly interested in the Glassies and the stand-off, and Winston to a degree.
- Close Up went with the drunk vandals who left a couple of kids in hospital, and all ended up in jail. Campbo had Hamster from Top Gear plugging his book.
- Insipid moment was the oddness of it all. It's as though there's enough news for two.
Good night.
Monday, 8 October 2007
The Day in Review Oct 8
- There was one story tonight - the All Blacks and all the possible permutations of their loss. 3 led with Graham Henry's press conference and the NZRU saying he'd be gone by Christmas lunchtime. One gave us the workds of the players. Of course we had the public's response on both channels, as well as the wider social implications (domestic violence, a perceived downturn in the economy (which has only ever occurred after we won in '87)).
- Story number two (aside from the shooting spree in the States) was Chris Kahui signing a memorandum of understanding that he would not be released on bail until all of its issues were ironed out.
- On One, we found out that emergency services had been stretched by bad weather.
- 3 (eventually), we found out an Air Force jet was hit by lightening in Oz, and the mothballed Skyhawks were going to be wrapped in Gladwrap and parked on the footy field. The eradicator of Political Correctness, Dr Wayne Mapp, pointed out that this probably meant the deal to sell them had fallen through.
- Best hidden story went to One, with its Special Report at 6.30pm by David Young on Australian equity firms buying up Kiwi companies and selling them off piece by piece for a profit. In an about-turn, they pointed out their competitor as a company that had been bought by Aussies.
- Laurie Mains and David Moffet on Close Up. Henry on Campbell. Anything interesting? No.
- Insipid story of the eve goes to TV One. I care not that Pam Anderson has married Rick Solomon. Well, maybe a little, but only in an ironic sense of voyeurism.
Good night.
- Story number two (aside from the shooting spree in the States) was Chris Kahui signing a memorandum of understanding that he would not be released on bail until all of its issues were ironed out.
- On One, we found out that emergency services had been stretched by bad weather.
- 3 (eventually), we found out an Air Force jet was hit by lightening in Oz, and the mothballed Skyhawks were going to be wrapped in Gladwrap and parked on the footy field. The eradicator of Political Correctness, Dr Wayne Mapp, pointed out that this probably meant the deal to sell them had fallen through.
- Best hidden story went to One, with its Special Report at 6.30pm by David Young on Australian equity firms buying up Kiwi companies and selling them off piece by piece for a profit. In an about-turn, they pointed out their competitor as a company that had been bought by Aussies.
- Laurie Mains and David Moffet on Close Up. Henry on Campbell. Anything interesting? No.
- Insipid story of the eve goes to TV One. I care not that Pam Anderson has married Rick Solomon. Well, maybe a little, but only in an ironic sense of voyeurism.
Good night.
Friday, 5 October 2007
The Day in Review Oct 5
- Oddly enough, all every broadcaster could lead with tonight was Taito. (I wonder if he'll retain the honourable title if he gets convicted?) The High Court determined that Mr. Field can be charged with 15 counts of corruption as an MP. Test case season really. One ran through the details, and then had the politically astute Hannah Hodson explain the ramifications of the case. 3 tried to handle it properly with comment on the ruling, comment from Mini Garner, and another piece outside Mr. Field's house before playing an interview with the Member.
- Number two for all was John Dewar. Sentenced to four-and-a-half years. Louise Nicholas was awfully chuffed. Dewar, not so much.
- One followed up on the fireball at Mount Maunganui, using journalist extraordinaire, Lisa Owen on location. 3 wasn't overly fussed.
- The Pike family's press conference updating their son's condition got some traction (it is Friday after all).
- Passchendaele got some good props, with all and sundry stating that the PM wants to give the issue a bit more going over. Only Prime pointed out that some All Blacks attended the commemorations. Hmm.
- Close Up had That Guy (alongside a couple of rugby supremos) talking about the Rugby World Cup (do go and have a look at That Guy's World Cup), while Campbell had a cautionary tale about the dangers of Auckland at night, and how the police were unable to crack down on the mean streets of Uptown.
- My moment came not from this evening, but from Maggie Barry this morning in her chat to Carl Nixon. Surely Radio New Zealand National Programme does not have to be so sycophantic in its treatment of New Zealand writers? Surely it doesn't have to discuss the minutiate of their lives and how every moment they spent in the eighth summer of their lives on their great uncle's sheep farm shearing ewes has symbolic reverance in every short story they ever wrote from age nine? Surely they can leave that for Campbell? Surely? (I may or may not be using hyperbole.)
Good Night.
- Number two for all was John Dewar. Sentenced to four-and-a-half years. Louise Nicholas was awfully chuffed. Dewar, not so much.
- One followed up on the fireball at Mount Maunganui, using journalist extraordinaire, Lisa Owen on location. 3 wasn't overly fussed.
- The Pike family's press conference updating their son's condition got some traction (it is Friday after all).
- Passchendaele got some good props, with all and sundry stating that the PM wants to give the issue a bit more going over. Only Prime pointed out that some All Blacks attended the commemorations. Hmm.
- Close Up had That Guy (alongside a couple of rugby supremos) talking about the Rugby World Cup (do go and have a look at That Guy's World Cup), while Campbell had a cautionary tale about the dangers of Auckland at night, and how the police were unable to crack down on the mean streets of Uptown.
- My moment came not from this evening, but from Maggie Barry this morning in her chat to Carl Nixon. Surely Radio New Zealand National Programme does not have to be so sycophantic in its treatment of New Zealand writers? Surely it doesn't have to discuss the minutiate of their lives and how every moment they spent in the eighth summer of their lives on their great uncle's sheep farm shearing ewes has symbolic reverance in every short story they ever wrote from age nine? Surely they can leave that for Campbell? Surely? (I may or may not be using hyperbole.)
Good Night.
Thursday, 4 October 2007
The Day in Review Oct 4
- The major story of the evening for the broadcasters was Pumpkin's custody, which went in favour of her nan, seeing her return to China. Even the Wireless got in on the act. Justice Peter Boshier, Principal Family Court Judge, used a loophole (much like TV3), to allow the heavy media exposure to the story.
- Number two on the list was The Truth. That marvellous rag that now owes more to Deb Hill Cone during her days at the NBR than to its usual page 3 exposes. It named the Christchurch copper, much to the chagrin of the police force and Association. One opened with it, but 3 used the ominous words "TV3 has decied against naming the officer... for now. This decision will be reviewed if the officer is prosecuted.".
- 3 gets kudos this evening for returning to its status as a normal newscaster (obviously the added exposure threw them a little), and actually running a story on the Commerce Commission's decision that Powerco and Vector have been price gouging. Who would have thunk it? Paula Rebstock always seems to enjoy her time in the limelight.
- The PM's pending visit to Passchendaele received a fair amount of coverage. As did her meeting with the top EU peoples.
- Sideshow Cam appeared in court today, and his family and friends were at pains to explain that his behaviour (the mystery of the missing man) was out of character.
- One rounded out its opening with rugby. Is there anything else?
- 3 opened with the South African miners, but the story which really grabbed me was the pending collusion between police and ambulance comms, allowing greater interaction between the two to prevent another fatal mishap from occurring. Well done.
- Close Up followed the dog that couldn't be shot, speaking to a chap who pointed out that the police could have hit each other, while Campbell talked about rugby. Is there anything else?
- The Wireless got excited about The Joneses, up until 5pm, then it seemed like a dead duck.
- Moment of pure brilliance - One News - Story Four - Princess Di's inquest. Will I never get away from her?
Good night.
- Number two on the list was The Truth. That marvellous rag that now owes more to Deb Hill Cone during her days at the NBR than to its usual page 3 exposes. It named the Christchurch copper, much to the chagrin of the police force and Association. One opened with it, but 3 used the ominous words "TV3 has decied against naming the officer... for now. This decision will be reviewed if the officer is prosecuted.".
- 3 gets kudos this evening for returning to its status as a normal newscaster (obviously the added exposure threw them a little), and actually running a story on the Commerce Commission's decision that Powerco and Vector have been price gouging. Who would have thunk it? Paula Rebstock always seems to enjoy her time in the limelight.
- The PM's pending visit to Passchendaele received a fair amount of coverage. As did her meeting with the top EU peoples.
- Sideshow Cam appeared in court today, and his family and friends were at pains to explain that his behaviour (the mystery of the missing man) was out of character.
- One rounded out its opening with rugby. Is there anything else?
- 3 opened with the South African miners, but the story which really grabbed me was the pending collusion between police and ambulance comms, allowing greater interaction between the two to prevent another fatal mishap from occurring. Well done.
- Close Up followed the dog that couldn't be shot, speaking to a chap who pointed out that the police could have hit each other, while Campbell talked about rugby. Is there anything else?
- The Wireless got excited about The Joneses, up until 5pm, then it seemed like a dead duck.
- Moment of pure brilliance - One News - Story Four - Princess Di's inquest. Will I never get away from her?
Good night.
Wednesday, 3 October 2007
The Day in Review Oct 3
- Normally I keep my cringe-worthy moment for the end, but 3 called my bluff tonight, with its 'cats got its cream' moment in announcing how it was going to flout advertising legislation on Sunday mornings during the finals of the RWC. Normally I'd accept this as a news-worthy story, particularly, as was pointed out, because it's a test case. But calling 'perhaps the best sidestep of the Rugby World Cup'? To quote Brooke Howard Smith, 'Shame on you!'
- Not that One's opening piece was any better. Police defending theri actions to pepper a nasty canine with a hail of bullets in suburban Porirua. One was all about the police and guns, with its two subsequent stories on the AOS.
- The All Blacks got some good coverage on both biggies, mainly because they lost the coin toss to wear their black jersey.
- Once 3 got their act together and moved away from themselves, rugby, and the police, they got in first to talk about Chris Carter's displeasure with Housing NZ's investigation unit. Mini Garner gave the story, ending on the note that the Honourable Mr. Carter was confident improvements would be made. One didn't tell us about it until after the half hour mark, when everyone's gone to the kitchen before the sports news.
- One did give us an ongoing cry of foul by Simon Power on the Government's new bail rules; all due to a Chris named Kahui.
- The mystery of the missing man from Hastings was covered by both, before receiving an update near the half that he had been found. Case closed. Kind of.
- 3 jumped on the story of the urgent Waitangi Tribunal hearing called by a Maori woman whose Tongan husband was going to be deported. She claims he taonga. Former immigration minister and all-round good guy Tuariki Delamere is acting on her behalf (appropriately enough).
- 3 also ran with the story of The Joneses first, running it in their second segment. We like this one. A real estate agency that is hauled before the REINZ disciplinary tribunal for bringing the industry into disrepute. REINZ wasn't really commenting, as The Joneses allegedly said the industry was ripping people off. The Joneses have a flat fee, not the usual commission of other agents.
- Close Up went out to find stoned drivers, as the Guvmint's cracking down on these sorts. Campbell got in early to talk to the head of the investigation into the mystery of the missing man from Hastings that has been brought to a close, tying up loose ends, and gettting a nice feeling of a happy ending.
- The Wireless focussed on Housing NZ and the tabled transport policy document, although I did note that Rick Friesen didn't turn up on Larry Williams after Lazza noted in his opening piece that TV3 wasn't fooling anyone. A slip of the tongue perhaps.
Good night.
- Not that One's opening piece was any better. Police defending theri actions to pepper a nasty canine with a hail of bullets in suburban Porirua. One was all about the police and guns, with its two subsequent stories on the AOS.
- The All Blacks got some good coverage on both biggies, mainly because they lost the coin toss to wear their black jersey.
- Once 3 got their act together and moved away from themselves, rugby, and the police, they got in first to talk about Chris Carter's displeasure with Housing NZ's investigation unit. Mini Garner gave the story, ending on the note that the Honourable Mr. Carter was confident improvements would be made. One didn't tell us about it until after the half hour mark, when everyone's gone to the kitchen before the sports news.
- One did give us an ongoing cry of foul by Simon Power on the Government's new bail rules; all due to a Chris named Kahui.
- The mystery of the missing man from Hastings was covered by both, before receiving an update near the half that he had been found. Case closed. Kind of.
- 3 jumped on the story of the urgent Waitangi Tribunal hearing called by a Maori woman whose Tongan husband was going to be deported. She claims he taonga. Former immigration minister and all-round good guy Tuariki Delamere is acting on her behalf (appropriately enough).
- 3 also ran with the story of The Joneses first, running it in their second segment. We like this one. A real estate agency that is hauled before the REINZ disciplinary tribunal for bringing the industry into disrepute. REINZ wasn't really commenting, as The Joneses allegedly said the industry was ripping people off. The Joneses have a flat fee, not the usual commission of other agents.
- Close Up went out to find stoned drivers, as the Guvmint's cracking down on these sorts. Campbell got in early to talk to the head of the investigation into the mystery of the missing man from Hastings that has been brought to a close, tying up loose ends, and gettting a nice feeling of a happy ending.
- The Wireless focussed on Housing NZ and the tabled transport policy document, although I did note that Rick Friesen didn't turn up on Larry Williams after Lazza noted in his opening piece that TV3 wasn't fooling anyone. A slip of the tongue perhaps.
Good night.
Tuesday, 2 October 2007
The Day in Review Oct 2
- Kicking off our major two broadcasters tonight was the story of the night - Chris Kahui, alleged filicide, was granted bail. 3 put it down to the Government's new rules that are soft on bail, calling on stalwarts Scott Optican, Simon Power, and Garth McVicar to pass judgement. One went with the more lenient treatment, pointing out that Kahui had to wait until Tuesday when his guardian would be available to look after him. Prime kept this story until the end of its opending segment, putting forward things like the waterfront strike and the National Party's foreign policy.
- One followed this up with an update on the mystery of the missing Hastings' man. Apparently his bank was accessed. 3 had an in-depth investigation into the custody dispute that has resulted in teen pop icon Britney Spears losing her children to K-Fed.
- While 3 went on with Britters, One had a Fran, sorry, Francesca Mold Guyon Espiner tag-team attack on the Government's accusations that Macquarie was poised to profiteer on the National Party's move to have privately built and maintained schools. Labour-light John denied any accusation that he, or anyone in his party, had discussed anything with anyone in the wider business community.
- 3 righted their wrong by having a good discussion on the secret dealings between Meridian and Rio Tinto. Jeanette Fitzsimons, in her capacity as Government Energy Efficiency Spokesperson, had something to say, but Southlanders in general were pleased with the deal.
- Guyon followed up his tag-team effort by talking about the Nats' foreign policy release. I'd elaborate, but there wasn't much to go on.
- The Prime Minister's meeting with Gordon Brown got a nice piece of coverage on both sides of the box; but Andrew Potter was no match for the well-tied-one, Garner Major.
- Big ups for 3 in the form of their piece on the opening of the Buddhist temple in Flatbush. Tainted by the troubles in Myanmar, it's still good to see a widening of the news lens.
- Close Up went with TroubleYouths and YouTube; Campbell had a delightful chat with a worried father whose son has been missing for too long now... someone, maybe even the missing man, knows something, and they should come forward to ease a troubled mind.
- The Wireless was all over the place, but Paul Henry had a bright spot with his interview with Joan Withers, CEO of Fairfax, who is the last female CEO of a New Zealand company that is listed on the NZX... well, obviously they're going to be a New Zealand company because they're listed on the NZX. Nice piece of scripting there. (Ouch.)
- Insipidness has been covered. Although, I'll give extra points for doubling up with a Hollywood reporter giving Campbell the goss on Britters' misfortune. And using a correspondent in Beverly Hills to speculate on how she's feeling, and what will happen, and... you get the idea.
Good night.
- One followed this up with an update on the mystery of the missing Hastings' man. Apparently his bank was accessed. 3 had an in-depth investigation into the custody dispute that has resulted in teen pop icon Britney Spears losing her children to K-Fed.
- While 3 went on with Britters, One had a Fran, sorry, Francesca Mold Guyon Espiner tag-team attack on the Government's accusations that Macquarie was poised to profiteer on the National Party's move to have privately built and maintained schools. Labour-light John denied any accusation that he, or anyone in his party, had discussed anything with anyone in the wider business community.
- 3 righted their wrong by having a good discussion on the secret dealings between Meridian and Rio Tinto. Jeanette Fitzsimons, in her capacity as Government Energy Efficiency Spokesperson, had something to say, but Southlanders in general were pleased with the deal.
- Guyon followed up his tag-team effort by talking about the Nats' foreign policy release. I'd elaborate, but there wasn't much to go on.
- The Prime Minister's meeting with Gordon Brown got a nice piece of coverage on both sides of the box; but Andrew Potter was no match for the well-tied-one, Garner Major.
- Big ups for 3 in the form of their piece on the opening of the Buddhist temple in Flatbush. Tainted by the troubles in Myanmar, it's still good to see a widening of the news lens.
- Close Up went with TroubleYouths and YouTube; Campbell had a delightful chat with a worried father whose son has been missing for too long now... someone, maybe even the missing man, knows something, and they should come forward to ease a troubled mind.
- The Wireless was all over the place, but Paul Henry had a bright spot with his interview with Joan Withers, CEO of Fairfax, who is the last female CEO of a New Zealand company that is listed on the NZX... well, obviously they're going to be a New Zealand company because they're listed on the NZX. Nice piece of scripting there. (Ouch.)
- Insipidness has been covered. Although, I'll give extra points for doubling up with a Hollywood reporter giving Campbell the goss on Britters' misfortune. And using a correspondent in Beverly Hills to speculate on how she's feeling, and what will happen, and... you get the idea.
Good night.
Monday, 1 October 2007
The Day in Review Oct 1
- There wasn't much consensus on tonight's broadcasters, with Prime kicking us off with the latest crime stats, One starting the night with the mystery of the missing Hastings man and the burnt out car, and 3 opening with a preview of of the ongoing Pumpkin saga.
- One kept the mystery going with a report on a $75k reward for an old murder of a Japanese murder. 3 picked it upafter it's piece on Myanmar.
- Pumpkin's return (and the meeting to determine the wee girl's custody) got a fair hearing on the big two.
- One went on with the Government's condemnation of the National Party's proposal to allow public-private partnerships to build and maintain schools. The indignance of Steve Maharey was well-contrasted by John Key's simple assumption that New Zealand parents just want good facilities and don't care where they come from. Guyon Espiner pointed out that the Nats were picking the wrong battles to fight.
- Myanmar continues to unfold.
- While One wrapped up its opening with the Rugby World Cup (fitting, since Bernie was on board for Wendy Petrie), 3 went with a volcanic eruption off Yemen, and the climate scientists' research into the the shrinking Southern Alps.
- One had a Hannah Hodson special on the half-hour, breaking the story that there is opposition to the Government's Electoral Funding Bill from groups like Greenpeace. 3's hidden gem was a study into the needs and wants of dairy cows being conducted by AgResearch.
- Close Up had Louise Nicholas, Campbell had John Hart and Laurie Mains (not in the same room obviously).
- I'm guessing the news was, like me, struggling to come to grips with Daylight Saving. Thank you Mr. Dunne.
- The Wireless did more of the same, although it gave some credence to the failed negotiations between dock workers at the Port of Auckland and their employer which will see a waterfront strike. Where will the industrial anarchy end?
- While 3 could have claimed tonight's award for its moment of insipid brilliance with the cow study, opening (in essence) with the fact that Alinghi sailor Simon Daubney tested positive for cocaine, not cannabis, at the America's Cup has a strong claim on the supreme annual award for non-event of the decade.
Good night.
- One kept the mystery going with a report on a $75k reward for an old murder of a Japanese murder. 3 picked it upafter it's piece on Myanmar.
- Pumpkin's return (and the meeting to determine the wee girl's custody) got a fair hearing on the big two.
- One went on with the Government's condemnation of the National Party's proposal to allow public-private partnerships to build and maintain schools. The indignance of Steve Maharey was well-contrasted by John Key's simple assumption that New Zealand parents just want good facilities and don't care where they come from. Guyon Espiner pointed out that the Nats were picking the wrong battles to fight.
- Myanmar continues to unfold.
- While One wrapped up its opening with the Rugby World Cup (fitting, since Bernie was on board for Wendy Petrie), 3 went with a volcanic eruption off Yemen, and the climate scientists' research into the the shrinking Southern Alps.
- One had a Hannah Hodson special on the half-hour, breaking the story that there is opposition to the Government's Electoral Funding Bill from groups like Greenpeace. 3's hidden gem was a study into the needs and wants of dairy cows being conducted by AgResearch.
- Close Up had Louise Nicholas, Campbell had John Hart and Laurie Mains (not in the same room obviously).
- I'm guessing the news was, like me, struggling to come to grips with Daylight Saving. Thank you Mr. Dunne.
- The Wireless did more of the same, although it gave some credence to the failed negotiations between dock workers at the Port of Auckland and their employer which will see a waterfront strike. Where will the industrial anarchy end?
- While 3 could have claimed tonight's award for its moment of insipid brilliance with the cow study, opening (in essence) with the fact that Alinghi sailor Simon Daubney tested positive for cocaine, not cannabis, at the America's Cup has a strong claim on the supreme annual award for non-event of the decade.
Good night.
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