Hard News by Russell Brown

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Hard News: After the Charter

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  • FletcherB,

    You'd have six dollars now, Russ....

    West Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 893 posts Report Reply

  • Paul Williams,

    Peter's summed up my view/experience. I recall the radio-only Hard News, it might've been different, but then I know I was too. I enjoy the mix of content and the different discussions that it stimulates.

    Sydney • Since Nov 2006 • 2273 posts Report Reply

  • Sam F,

    I recall the radio-only Hard News, it might've been different, but then I know I was too.

    Pretty much what I was thinking. Given how long Hard News has been around now I'd be worried if it hadn't changed much over the time I've been following it (seven or eight years now, in various forms?).

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 1611 posts Report Reply

  • James Green,

    If I had a dollar for everyone who told me after the recording that Coleman reminded them of Key, I'd have ... five dollars.

    I probably won't rewatch it, but I'm pretty sure it said gummint for government, and along with some of his jibes at academics, it seemed like a kind of othering that I think Key appears to use, to contrast themselves with the rather more academic former administration.

    Limerick, Ireland • Since Nov 2006 • 703 posts Report Reply

  • Geoff Lealand,

    a whole lot of slightly past it, backslapping insiders who are resting on their laurels

    I am not sure what Tom wants us to be slapping instead. The thing about Hard News--and it has been quite an education for me--is that is has revealed a whole new intellectual community to me. I usually move amongst academics, who think they know everything about everything. But this ain't so--there are times on Hard News (and PA generally) when I am in awe of the breadth of knowledge and intelligence of analysis.

    So there, Tom!

    Screen & Media Studies, U… • Since Oct 2007 • 2562 posts Report Reply

  • Paul Williams,

    But this ain't so--there are times on Hard News (and PA generally) when I am in awe of the breadth of knowledge and intelligence of analysis.

    That's frequently the case for me too Geoff. PAS, all the writers and the community of commenters, is a truly remarkable collection of voices.

    In one sense, I suppose it's gratifying that people feel such a sense of ownership, but it's my blog. I'm proud of what we're doing with the TV show and I enjoy having people discuss the issues it raises here -- and I'm massively proud of what my autistic son is doing right now.

    Maybe it says something about my interests/issues, but I'd quickly grow bored of a diet of politics, media and tech only. I've got a young family, so I find that the discussions about your's (David's, Jolisa's and others' too) just as interesting.

    I notice Craig's been a bit quiet of late, I trust all is well? Though I frequently disagree, I do love your writing Craig.

    Sydney • Since Nov 2006 • 2273 posts Report Reply

  • Lucy Stewart,

    If I had a dollar for everyone who told me after the recording that Coleman reminded them of Key, I'd have ... five dollars.

    But would you give it to charity?

    Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 2105 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown,

    Maybe it says something about my interests/issues, but I'd quickly grow bored of a diet of politics, media and tech only.

    Paul Litterick wrote a nice post this year about people who blog only about politics. It'd drive me nuts, frankly. I do consciously try and mix it up, especially on Fridays. How abut those LED sheep, eh?

    And in other news, 'River Deep, Mountain High' is outpacing 'This Is Your Lucky Night', 88 downloads to 79.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • Joe Wylie,

    How abut those LED sheep, eh?

    Made my week.

    flat earth • Since Jan 2007 • 4593 posts Report Reply

  • Hilary Stace,

    I think I understand a little of your frustration Tom. We seem to be being assaulted on all sides with attacks on Aotearoa/NZ as we have known it for the last few years whether it is concern for the environment, NZ's foreign aid, disability support, ACC, public services, public health, public transport, commitment to public anything really. The speed reminds me of the darkest days of the Rogernomics/Ruthanasia 'there is no alternative' policy juggernaut. And during that time it was very hard to hear any dissenting media voices to TINA.

    On the other hand the personal is political - so keeping the conversations and discussions going on many levels through sites such as this will keep us grounded (sane even?) in the reality, achievements and quirkinesses of our own lives, families and communities.

    Any by the way I cheered Media7 last night. A real political discussion. A minister fronts (that seems rare these days) and is asked real questions by people who know the issues, and there is more than 30 seconds without ads to do it. No media superstars. No trivia.

    I think Russell ran it all brilliantly and I hope he manages to get more Key clones or mavericks to front and defend their portfolio decisions.

    Wgtn • Since Jun 2008 • 3229 posts Report Reply

  • Kumara Republic,

    While Hard News isn't 100% perfect, it's still one of a handful of oases in an intellectual Sahara. Nonetheless I do think it can be harnessed more often as an outlet for real action, as the S92 Blackout illustrated.

    The odds seem daunting in the face of an anti-intellectual tsunami. Al Capone seemed unstoppable back in the 1920s, but the chink in his armour was the IRS.

    The southernmost capital … • Since Nov 2006 • 5446 posts Report Reply

  • Steve Reeves,

    Agree with Hilary--and, please, can we have Paula Bennett? She is minister for, what, four ministries? I want to know what she thinks about the portfolios she runs, why she thinks it, what she sees as the future for them...

    Near Donny Park, Hamilton… • Since Apr 2007 • 94 posts Report Reply

  • Barbara,

    Like Steve I agree with Hilary. And again like Steve I would like to now what Paula Bennett thinks. The portfolios she holds have the ability to impact upon the lives of some of the most vulnerable in our community, it would be good to get an honest account of her views.

    Sandringham • Since Mar 2008 • 33 posts Report Reply

  • Barbara,

    sorry now = know. I need to preview.

    Sandringham • Since Mar 2008 • 33 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown,

    Agree with Hilary--and, please, can we have Paula Bennett? She is minister for, what, four ministries? I want to know what she thinks about the portfolios she runs, why she thinks it, what she sees as the future for them...

    And, to be honest, I don't think she's been acquitting herself very well when she actually does have to answer serious questions.

    It's all very well for Coleman to mock "academics" (I may occasionally have done that myself) but there's a point where it becomes anti-intellectual. They need to start paying attention to data.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • Kumara Republic,

    It's all very well for Coleman to mock "academics" (I may occasionally have done that myself) but there's a point where it becomes anti-intellectual. They need to start paying attention to data.

    Sounds like the "these guys take pride in being ignorant" level of anti-intellectual...

    The southernmost capital … • Since Nov 2006 • 5446 posts Report Reply

  • Logan O'Callahan,

    In another case of follow thy leader, according to at least one other cabinet minister National is the gummint of New Zillun.

    If only that were true.

    Since Apr 2008 • 70 posts Report Reply

  • Islander,

    Mmmm, chewable, good for breath & teeth - I'd go there.

    Big O, Mahitahi, Te Wahi … • Since Feb 2007 • 5643 posts Report Reply

  • Mark Harris,

    I only watched half of it, sorry. Coleman was pissing me off enough - it's one thing to front but to have nothing to say when you do is futile. But when you put his vacuousness in the same room as Edwards' ego - too much for me, I'm afraid.

    I'm trying to find a way to sleep through to 2011...

    Waikanae • Since Jul 2008 • 1343 posts Report Reply

  • Sacha,

    I got the impression the Minister thinks he has some mechanism to tell TVNZ what time to screen things. Like some sort of, well, Charter perhaps.

    Ak • Since May 2008 • 19745 posts Report Reply

  • Sacha,

    Not that I'm saying the current system has worked particularly well. An enjoyably spirited defense by the panel though.

    Ak • Since May 2008 • 19745 posts Report Reply

  • Simon Bennett,

    I'm not a National supporter in any shape or form, but I work in TV production, and what Jonathan Coleman was saying made quite a bit of sense to me.

    Sidestepping what 'quality' programming actually is, lets use an example of a series of hour-long in-depth documentaries or current affairs programmes. How do we get these onto Primetime? NZOA issues a call for expressions of interest in broadcasting said series. The networks then tender for the funding. A condition of funding is timeslot. I'm sure various other conditions could be applied to make sure the proposed series meets specific 'charter' objectives. I think it likely that networks will compete to secure the gig. For heaven's sake, no-one would want the competitor to secure the funding.

    However, if one network were to deem said series to be too commercially risky to commit to in prime-time, it would only take the success of the competitor, for them to be hungry for the next opportunity. Network TV works that way.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 174 posts Report Reply

  • Hilary Stace,

    Just a comment about programming. Just turned on TV7 by chance a little while ago after visitors left. There happened to be screening a brilliant NZ made documentary on autism. It's a few years old (c 2003?) and I know some of the people featured have got a little older, but it was still world class. Had Temple Grandin demonstrating her famous squeeze machine, an aspie marriage, wonderful Jen Birch describing her love of libraries and her understanding of chooks, even Tony Attwood doing some diagnosing. And showed real families and real kids. And only interrupted by the brief TV7 promos - no ads.

    So why don't we have this sort of thing on prime time free to air any more, and well publicised? And will there be future funding for such factual, informative and sensible docos?

    Wgtn • Since Jun 2008 • 3229 posts Report Reply

  • Paul Williams,

    And, to be honest, I don't think she's been acquitting herself very well when she actually does have to answer serious questions.

    Can't comment on this from distance, but I worry Bennett's a sacrificial lamb. I can't quite work out the tactic, but her Ministerial load's huge for even an experienced Minister. I knew Paula vaguely before her political career took off, she struck me as bright and pretty wise to the world. If she fails, does a kinder, softer National fail too?

    Sydney • Since Nov 2006 • 2273 posts Report Reply

  • Sacha,

    Simon, that sounds reasonable from here. Any idea why the three panellists disagreed so vehemently? Did it not work last time it was tried, or overseas?

    Ak • Since May 2008 • 19745 posts Report Reply

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