Fresh Faces: New Zealand TV News Presenters

In general I don't hold out much hope for the mainstream media free-to-air TV news. However, two people in New Zealand that I can stand to watch are Jenny Suo who reads the news at 10:30pm on TV1, while Oriini Kaipara can often be seen reading the news at 4:30pm over on TV3. 

They don't get everything right, sometimes both mispronounce words. Recently, I heard Ms Kaipara refer to Hanmer Springs as Hamner Springs. That grated a little. Another common mistake presenters make is calling the Cawthron Institute, Cawthorn. Grr. But the two at least try to sound clear, and slow down to say each word. Quite often, these days presenters enunciate just a slurry of flubber, you'd be lucky to know what was being said. They must have their mouths full of marbles while speaking. So, with these two there is hope, we just need both channels to start reporting fact instead of government propaganda.

Edge TV, Get Better or Shut Down

Pity the New Zealand television viewer relying on free to air broadcasts. What they get served up is genuinely dreadful and Edge TV, the television arm of a radio station, is the worst on offer amongst a bad bunch.

Edge, I have a twelve year old who says they can do better than you, and you know what, that twelve year old isn't wrong. I remind this child that it is a bunch of eight year old children running the station, that's why it is so bad. I'm probably being a bit harsh on the abilities of those just eight years old.

Here's an idea, how about some variety, not those boring songs you insist on regurgitating. My twelve year old suggests Elvis Presley. Edge, did you not know the youngsters are into older stuff these days.

Mark Weldon

TV3 is going bust. Maybe not right now but it has to happen. The latest news is that Mark Weldon has resigned. He's the MediaWorks CEO. Weldon has been the architect of much of the malaise and his going could be a good thing, but it could also mean the organisation is in chaos. Time will tell no doubt.

Four is becoming Bravo. This couldn't get any worse. I don't want reality TV 24/7. MediaWorks have failed to convert its younger viewers into reliable viewers when they get older. They needed to work on that, not throw the baby out with the bath water (no pun intended).

TV3

What is going on over at TV3? They've now lost news co-anchor Hilary Barry.

TV3 news has always been better than TVNZ. Now their morning TV show, Paul Henry 6-9am which also features Barry, has made an impact. But the rest of the programming is dire to say the least. It looks like they're going bust.

Why can't TV3 make money? The radio side of MediaWorks is reported to be profitable, you'd think the television side of the company could manage that, hmm?

I have no idea but I'll sit and watch with interest.