Education became a hot topic as political parties pitched their election pledges at parents this week - and a new advocacy group pushed the issue in the media. Also: Australia pushes social media jeopardy back onto platforms & a sheep mascot scandal goes global.

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

What mark has Nicky Hager's 'Dirty Work' made 24 hours after a rock gig-like launch? Also - TVNZ doco spotlights Kiwi preppers, & Deputy PM buries his boycott of Morning Report

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Critics complained there was no smoking gun. Supporters said it shone a light on a sinister spiderweb. How did the media handle Dirty Work? Also: journalism jobs at risk in the regions, the plan to scrap the broadcasting watchdog, propaganda & pie prices

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Election debates keep on coming, platforming the 'major' and 'minor' leaders. Could a costings unit cut back the scraps? Also: did Nights and Hayden Donnell's Kiwibank scoop give Jon Oliver the wrong idea about NZ radio? Do our culture wars rate, and is BS OK on air?

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

RNZ's named its next CEO as Jason Winstanley, a current Newstalk ZB stalwart. If you can't beat them, hire them? Also: official election launch parties kickstart a campaign already well under way - and Colin can't sew.

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

As the election campaign got underway officially, media seized on arguments about overhangs and vote-splitting dividing both sides. Also: RNZ’s next boss unveiled, and the light touch and depth of the late Phil Gifford.

In this episode:

1:06 Election campaigns kick off with a storm of slogans, swearing, disputed tax attacks & a TV poll complicating the picture.

10:12 Debates on left and right about engineering an overhang.

14:36 Who is the next boss at RNZ, Jason Winstanley?

19:50 RNZ board chair Brent Impey on the announcement - and his track record at top-rating Newstalk ZB.

32:02 Remembering Phil Gifford - and the ‘Loosehead Len’ legacy

Follow Mediawatch and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or any podcast app to make sure you never miss an episode.

Find more RNZ Podcasts at the new section of the RNZ website at rnz.co.nz/podcasts

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A random election debate question about extreme wealth struck a chord this week. Also: a local reporter’s role in an award-winning Reuters investigation of illicit oil shipping, and a new RNZ series runs the rule over reality TV.

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The debates, the political panels, the interviews and ads and interactive innovations are all cranking up in intensity as general election voting looms.

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details