1 00:00:05,519 --> 00:00:05,920 Speaker 1: Kiotra. 2 00:00:06,040 --> 00:00:08,960 Speaker 2: I'm Chelsea Daniels and This is the Front Page, a 3 00:00:09,039 --> 00:00:17,160 Speaker 2: daily podcast presented by The New Zealand Herald. From takeovers 4 00:00:17,200 --> 00:00:21,400 Speaker 2: and sales to mergers and disputes, twenty twenty six is 5 00:00:21,480 --> 00:00:22,360 Speaker 2: lining up to be. 6 00:00:22,400 --> 00:00:24,800 Speaker 1: Quite the year for the media world. 7 00:00:25,000 --> 00:00:28,560 Speaker 2: We might just start seeing some of the biggest changes 8 00:00:28,680 --> 00:00:33,440 Speaker 2: in New Zealand media ownership in decades. Well that's according 9 00:00:33,520 --> 00:00:36,920 Speaker 2: to The Herald's media insider Shane Curry. 10 00:00:37,479 --> 00:00:38,800 Speaker 1: Last year, Carrey. 11 00:00:38,560 --> 00:00:42,120 Speaker 2: Predicted that at least one major media platform would close, 12 00:00:42,520 --> 00:00:46,280 Speaker 2: a very high profile TV broadcaster would leave their position, 13 00:00:46,800 --> 00:00:50,680 Speaker 2: and that an interesting new shareholder would emerge at enz 14 00:00:50,920 --> 00:00:55,400 Speaker 2: met all became true. But what has he foreseen As 15 00:00:55,440 --> 00:00:58,280 Speaker 2: he peers into his crystal ball ahead of this year? 16 00:00:58,640 --> 00:01:01,160 Speaker 2: He joins us now on the Front Page to talk 17 00:01:01,240 --> 00:01:05,800 Speaker 2: everything ratings, advertising, broadcasting and who will come out on 18 00:01:05,959 --> 00:01:13,280 Speaker 2: top come election time. First off, Shane, let's take a 19 00:01:13,319 --> 00:01:15,319 Speaker 2: look at your twenty twenty five predictions. 20 00:01:15,319 --> 00:01:17,640 Speaker 1: You actually got a fair fe right bad eyes, you 21 00:01:17,680 --> 00:01:18,680 Speaker 1: know what you're talking about. 22 00:01:18,760 --> 00:01:21,320 Speaker 3: Oh, I surprised myself a little bit in terms of 23 00:01:21,640 --> 00:01:24,080 Speaker 3: just some of the predictions. I thought I'd get about 24 00:01:24,080 --> 00:01:28,080 Speaker 3: a quarter of them right, because a lot of them 25 00:01:28,120 --> 00:01:30,959 Speaker 3: were out there in terms of some of the ownership 26 00:01:31,000 --> 00:01:34,000 Speaker 3: predictions and so forth. But as it turned out, yeah, 27 00:01:34,080 --> 00:01:36,960 Speaker 3: almost up to eighty percent correct, which was chuffed about 28 00:01:37,080 --> 00:01:41,039 Speaker 3: and made the point that's slightly better than Scott Robertson's 29 00:01:41,040 --> 00:01:45,160 Speaker 3: all black records. No, I certainly, you know, it was 30 00:01:45,200 --> 00:01:47,480 Speaker 3: a year of big change and we've seen that in 31 00:01:47,520 --> 00:01:50,200 Speaker 3: the media industry of course over the last five years, 32 00:01:50,560 --> 00:01:55,440 Speaker 3: particularly since COVID it's disrupted the business models that and 33 00:01:55,600 --> 00:01:57,880 Speaker 3: you know a number of other global factors as well, 34 00:01:58,400 --> 00:02:00,720 Speaker 3: and so last year I think we saw a little 35 00:02:00,760 --> 00:02:05,000 Speaker 3: bit of consolidation, certainly some ownership changes, but as I've said, 36 00:02:05,080 --> 00:02:08,000 Speaker 3: for the year ahead, I expect that to accelerate. 37 00:02:08,440 --> 00:02:11,720 Speaker 2: Yeah, and in terms of that, what are your predictions 38 00:02:11,720 --> 00:02:14,840 Speaker 2: in terms of that shuffle or musical chairs. 39 00:02:15,040 --> 00:02:17,519 Speaker 3: Yeah, we've got a big year ahead obviously on a 40 00:02:17,600 --> 00:02:20,600 Speaker 3: number of fronts. The election will be a framework for 41 00:02:20,840 --> 00:02:25,760 Speaker 3: not just potential new policies and what we might see 42 00:02:25,760 --> 00:02:27,840 Speaker 3: in the media sector, but the way that the media 43 00:02:27,880 --> 00:02:30,160 Speaker 3: companies themselves are covering the election. We'll see a lot 44 00:02:30,160 --> 00:02:33,120 Speaker 3: of new talent, a lot of new platforms that emerge 45 00:02:33,160 --> 00:02:35,520 Speaker 3: early in the year, and so that's going to be 46 00:02:35,520 --> 00:02:38,640 Speaker 3: interesting to see how they perform, and particularly as we 47 00:02:38,680 --> 00:02:41,280 Speaker 3: build up to an election later in the year. But 48 00:02:41,320 --> 00:02:44,280 Speaker 3: the other big factor is the improving economy, and I 49 00:02:44,400 --> 00:02:47,920 Speaker 3: suspect that that will absolutely help the media companies in 50 00:02:48,000 --> 00:02:53,040 Speaker 3: terms of their outlook, their confidence and investment and just 51 00:02:53,080 --> 00:02:55,519 Speaker 3: what they do tackle in the next six months to 52 00:02:56,040 --> 00:02:58,520 Speaker 3: twelve months. And I think we'll see a lot more 53 00:02:58,560 --> 00:03:01,959 Speaker 3: confidence Chelsea in the way that they collaborate with each other, 54 00:03:02,360 --> 00:03:05,240 Speaker 3: but also around ownership changes and in my predictions for 55 00:03:05,280 --> 00:03:07,040 Speaker 3: the year ahead. I've said just about all of the 56 00:03:07,040 --> 00:03:11,520 Speaker 3: big six media companies are ripe for potential takeover or 57 00:03:11,600 --> 00:03:15,360 Speaker 3: new owners or new shareholders, and that you know, we 58 00:03:15,360 --> 00:03:18,560 Speaker 3: can go through some of those absolutely, but yeah, I 59 00:03:18,560 --> 00:03:22,680 Speaker 3: think they're all, you know, ripe, as I say, for acquisition. 60 00:03:22,280 --> 00:03:24,919 Speaker 1: Which is the ripest I think we'll see. 61 00:03:24,960 --> 00:03:27,760 Speaker 3: Sky TV Actually, you know, a lot of analysts and 62 00:03:27,760 --> 00:03:31,040 Speaker 3: a media commentator such as myself, we do see SkyTV 63 00:03:31,160 --> 00:03:34,840 Speaker 3: as being undervalued. It's obviously had a big twelve months 64 00:03:34,840 --> 00:03:38,040 Speaker 3: with the acquisition of TV three or three from Warner 65 00:03:38,040 --> 00:03:42,720 Speaker 3: Brothers Discovery. They acquired that mid twenty twenty five for 66 00:03:42,800 --> 00:03:45,560 Speaker 3: one dollar and a debt free deal, and so Sky 67 00:03:45,720 --> 00:03:49,520 Speaker 3: in the next few months, you'll see them moving towards 68 00:03:49,800 --> 00:03:54,200 Speaker 3: having that company now that brought together to big media businesses, 69 00:03:54,720 --> 00:03:57,360 Speaker 3: and so I suspect we'll see a lot of operational 70 00:03:57,440 --> 00:03:59,760 Speaker 3: change there in the next few months and a lot 71 00:03:59,800 --> 00:04:02,280 Speaker 3: of investor interest. It's publicly listed at the moment on 72 00:04:02,320 --> 00:04:05,280 Speaker 3: the NZX, but lots of rumors that were coming to 73 00:04:05,320 --> 00:04:09,040 Speaker 3: the four in twenty twenty five that private equity would 74 00:04:09,080 --> 00:04:14,440 Speaker 3: be interested, potential new deals, potential new investments coming together 75 00:04:14,480 --> 00:04:17,760 Speaker 3: in the background. Nothing of course, has firmed up as 76 00:04:17,800 --> 00:04:22,320 Speaker 3: of yet, but I do suspect that SkyTV will be 77 00:04:22,360 --> 00:04:25,040 Speaker 3: top of the list for a lot of potential new investors. 78 00:04:25,560 --> 00:04:28,440 Speaker 3: The one at the other end of the equation, but 79 00:04:28,520 --> 00:04:30,240 Speaker 3: equally right is TV and ZED. 80 00:04:30,760 --> 00:04:30,960 Speaker 2: Now. 81 00:04:31,080 --> 00:04:33,960 Speaker 3: The government, the National Government has said no asset sales 82 00:04:33,960 --> 00:04:36,240 Speaker 3: this term, but as we get closer to the election, 83 00:04:36,320 --> 00:04:39,719 Speaker 3: we may well see the National Party take it to 84 00:04:39,760 --> 00:04:42,200 Speaker 3: the electorate and say, you know, asset sales for us 85 00:04:42,360 --> 00:04:45,159 Speaker 3: is a policy item, an a gender item for the 86 00:04:45,160 --> 00:04:47,520 Speaker 3: next three years. And I suspect if that happens that 87 00:04:47,560 --> 00:04:51,280 Speaker 3: TV and Z will absolutely be amongst some of the contenders. 88 00:04:51,279 --> 00:04:53,800 Speaker 3: And there are a number of frameworks that could exist 89 00:04:53,880 --> 00:04:57,680 Speaker 3: for a future way that TV and Z has owned. 90 00:04:57,960 --> 00:05:00,479 Speaker 3: One option is the Air New Zealand model, which of 91 00:05:00,520 --> 00:05:03,040 Speaker 3: course at the moment is just over fifty percent government 92 00:05:03,080 --> 00:05:06,400 Speaker 3: owned but also publicly listed. And so TVNZ could either 93 00:05:06,480 --> 00:05:09,039 Speaker 3: be falling under that model or we might see some 94 00:05:09,080 --> 00:05:11,679 Speaker 3: private ownership come into that company. 95 00:05:12,040 --> 00:05:16,480 Speaker 2: Yeah, and of course investors into New Zealand media companies. 96 00:05:16,560 --> 00:05:18,640 Speaker 1: You know, it did happen last year as well. 97 00:05:19,400 --> 00:05:23,279 Speaker 2: Between Jim Grennan's potential and zed me bed this year 98 00:05:23,320 --> 00:05:25,720 Speaker 2: you reckon and trade me as interest and stuff digital. 99 00:05:26,279 --> 00:05:29,080 Speaker 1: Out of the two, what do you see unfolding? First? 100 00:05:29,360 --> 00:05:34,080 Speaker 3: Yeah, I'm probably a little less confident in those predictions that. 101 00:05:34,520 --> 00:05:36,719 Speaker 3: So Jim Greenan at the moment owns eighteen point five 102 00:05:36,720 --> 00:05:38,360 Speaker 3: percent of ends in ME and of course that hit 103 00:05:38,400 --> 00:05:42,599 Speaker 3: the headlines big time this time last year, and so 104 00:05:42,720 --> 00:05:44,839 Speaker 3: he slowly acquired more and more shares. Now if he 105 00:05:44,880 --> 00:05:47,520 Speaker 3: wants to go over the twenty percent threshold, that then 106 00:05:47,560 --> 00:05:49,920 Speaker 3: invokes a lot of the Takeovers Panel kind of and 107 00:05:50,000 --> 00:05:53,720 Speaker 3: Takeover's code requirements. So there's a few more hurdles there 108 00:05:54,200 --> 00:05:58,720 Speaker 3: in terms of taking potential future acquisitions to other shareholders 109 00:05:58,720 --> 00:06:01,160 Speaker 3: of ends in ME. So that is potential I've got, 110 00:06:01,960 --> 00:06:04,000 Speaker 3: you know, From what I know of Jim Greenan, he 111 00:06:04,040 --> 00:06:07,120 Speaker 3: obviously owns our company. So it's been a very interesting 112 00:06:07,160 --> 00:06:12,160 Speaker 3: way a period of observing just what's unfolded in the 113 00:06:12,240 --> 00:06:14,560 Speaker 3: last twelve months here. I've got no inside knowledge in 114 00:06:14,640 --> 00:06:17,680 Speaker 3: terms of whether or not he will want to go 115 00:06:17,720 --> 00:06:19,400 Speaker 3: over that twenty percent, but what I do know of 116 00:06:19,480 --> 00:06:24,440 Speaker 3: him is obviously very clear about his intentions with media. 117 00:06:24,480 --> 00:06:28,239 Speaker 3: He's been very vocal with shareholders last year in terms 118 00:06:28,240 --> 00:06:30,880 Speaker 3: of the desire he wants to see in terms of 119 00:06:30,960 --> 00:06:33,640 Speaker 3: improvement and the performance of ends ed Me. So I 120 00:06:33,640 --> 00:06:35,360 Speaker 3: don't think he's sitting still. I don't think the board 121 00:06:35,360 --> 00:06:38,040 Speaker 3: of endsed Me is sitting still. They've made very public 122 00:06:38,080 --> 00:06:40,240 Speaker 3: statements about where they see the business heading and the 123 00:06:40,279 --> 00:06:44,400 Speaker 3: operating e bitars forecast to be higher than originally expected. 124 00:06:44,480 --> 00:06:48,960 Speaker 3: So there's been improvements in the financial performance there already. 125 00:06:49,279 --> 00:06:52,599 Speaker 3: So both ended me and then on stuff Digital, which 126 00:06:52,600 --> 00:06:55,680 Speaker 3: of course was acquired fifty percent of stuff Digital was 127 00:06:55,720 --> 00:06:59,919 Speaker 3: acquired by trade me again midyear last year, and the 128 00:07:00,000 --> 00:07:03,080 Speaker 3: potentials there is that another investor comes in, she made 129 00:07:03,120 --> 00:07:06,719 Speaker 3: Batcher may well be considering her future options, whether she 130 00:07:06,839 --> 00:07:09,359 Speaker 3: keeps her fifty percent steak or where the trade Me 131 00:07:09,480 --> 00:07:12,560 Speaker 3: does you know take the whole business that will come 132 00:07:12,600 --> 00:07:15,720 Speaker 3: down to its own private equity owners. Still a lot 133 00:07:15,720 --> 00:07:18,200 Speaker 3: of discussion points, as I say, slightly less confident on 134 00:07:18,240 --> 00:07:22,840 Speaker 3: those two in terms of where I see SkyTV TVNZ 135 00:07:23,200 --> 00:07:25,320 Speaker 3: and media Works is the other big one Chelsea. 136 00:07:25,440 --> 00:07:28,480 Speaker 2: Where I was going to say a big shout and 137 00:07:28,600 --> 00:07:30,680 Speaker 2: when I saw that in your list, So media Works 138 00:07:30,760 --> 00:07:35,400 Speaker 2: radio stations sale to an Australian radio operator. It's one 139 00:07:35,400 --> 00:07:37,600 Speaker 2: of those things that I wouldn't have thought straight off 140 00:07:37,600 --> 00:07:39,200 Speaker 2: the bat, off the radar, but when you see it 141 00:07:39,240 --> 00:07:41,240 Speaker 2: written down and you have a little thing. 142 00:07:41,200 --> 00:07:44,320 Speaker 1: About it, it's got potential absolutely. 143 00:07:44,440 --> 00:07:47,360 Speaker 3: So media Works has split into two companies now in 144 00:07:47,360 --> 00:07:50,560 Speaker 3: New Zealand, we've got QMS, which is the outdoor advertising 145 00:07:50,600 --> 00:07:53,000 Speaker 3: company and they won the big contract for Auckland Trainsport 146 00:07:53,080 --> 00:07:55,120 Speaker 3: last year, so they are riding a high. And then 147 00:07:55,160 --> 00:07:58,800 Speaker 3: the radio stations have been retained under the media Works brand. 148 00:07:59,200 --> 00:08:01,880 Speaker 3: Now both of those companies, both QMS and media Works 149 00:08:01,920 --> 00:08:05,040 Speaker 3: are most definitely on the block. Anything's for sale at 150 00:08:05,080 --> 00:08:08,120 Speaker 3: the right price, of course, but those two they will 151 00:08:08,160 --> 00:08:11,560 Speaker 3: be their owners are in the market in Australasia and 152 00:08:11,720 --> 00:08:14,920 Speaker 3: probably further Afield looking for owners, and so I do 153 00:08:14,960 --> 00:08:18,920 Speaker 3: suspect that there will be maneuvers, particularly for QMS, the 154 00:08:18,960 --> 00:08:23,640 Speaker 3: outdoor advertising company in this market, in the next few months. 155 00:08:23,680 --> 00:08:28,880 Speaker 3: And nine Australia, the big media company that once owned stuff, 156 00:08:29,880 --> 00:08:39,400 Speaker 3: is certainly looking very closely at QMS. From what I understand, we're. 157 00:08:39,160 --> 00:08:43,120 Speaker 4: Never going to run the organization focused on getting one 158 00:08:43,160 --> 00:08:45,320 Speaker 4: of our services, or one of our platforms or one 159 00:08:45,320 --> 00:08:47,920 Speaker 4: of our radio stations to a certain number as an 160 00:08:48,000 --> 00:08:51,040 Speaker 4: end in itself. So for me, the focus is more 161 00:08:51,080 --> 00:08:55,000 Speaker 4: on delivering our charter and being different in playing our 162 00:08:55,120 --> 00:08:58,559 Speaker 4: unique role in the market. Our audience engagement and relevance 163 00:08:59,120 --> 00:09:01,600 Speaker 4: is one measure of how you're going, and obviously we've 164 00:09:01,640 --> 00:09:03,920 Speaker 4: got some work to do there, but we do need 165 00:09:03,960 --> 00:09:06,400 Speaker 4: to keep faith with the fact that we're a public 166 00:09:06,400 --> 00:09:11,920 Speaker 4: media organization. Our job is around reliable, comprehensive news, making 167 00:09:11,960 --> 00:09:17,040 Speaker 4: sure we're representing all of our tator's cultures and perspectives 168 00:09:17,640 --> 00:09:20,600 Speaker 4: and delivering to that kind of sense of national identity 169 00:09:20,640 --> 00:09:21,280 Speaker 4: and cohesion. 170 00:09:23,640 --> 00:09:27,360 Speaker 1: So our and z operational performance hit the headlines late 171 00:09:27,440 --> 00:09:27,920 Speaker 1: last year. 172 00:09:28,080 --> 00:09:32,319 Speaker 2: Salaries sared apparently, and the broadcast are admitted further savings 173 00:09:32,400 --> 00:09:35,960 Speaker 2: will need to be made. You reckon they'll cop intense 174 00:09:36,040 --> 00:09:38,760 Speaker 2: scrutiny from the Treasury and Government over the way it's 175 00:09:38,800 --> 00:09:41,440 Speaker 2: been managing the taxpayer funded budget. 176 00:09:41,679 --> 00:09:42,679 Speaker 1: What could this entail? 177 00:09:43,040 --> 00:09:46,160 Speaker 3: Yeah, they most certainly are under more scrutiny and that's 178 00:09:46,240 --> 00:09:49,200 Speaker 3: become clear in documents that were released under the Official 179 00:09:49,240 --> 00:09:52,640 Speaker 3: Information Act late last year in which Treasury has urged 180 00:09:53,080 --> 00:09:55,520 Speaker 3: the ministers this year holding ministers to make sure that 181 00:09:56,360 --> 00:09:59,439 Speaker 3: the Board of r INZ is holding the executive to account. 182 00:10:00,160 --> 00:10:03,199 Speaker 3: Arn ED received a funding boost under the previous Labor 183 00:10:03,240 --> 00:10:05,439 Speaker 3: government and what we saw last year was the National 184 00:10:05,920 --> 00:10:08,600 Speaker 3: Lead Coalition pull some of that funding budget back by 185 00:10:08,640 --> 00:10:11,559 Speaker 3: almost five million dollars a year. And so what that 186 00:10:11,640 --> 00:10:13,400 Speaker 3: has meant is ARENZ had to go back to its 187 00:10:13,440 --> 00:10:16,400 Speaker 3: books introduce a little more discipline in the coming four 188 00:10:16,480 --> 00:10:20,600 Speaker 3: years on its own operational budget, and Treasury and other 189 00:10:20,800 --> 00:10:23,720 Speaker 3: government departments want to make sure that rn Z is 190 00:10:23,720 --> 00:10:26,760 Speaker 3: on track for that. We'll see a really interesting change 191 00:10:26,800 --> 00:10:28,920 Speaker 3: mid year this year with arn ZED and that the 192 00:10:28,920 --> 00:10:33,360 Speaker 3: board will almost be cleaned out and will have the 193 00:10:33,480 --> 00:10:37,040 Speaker 3: National Coalition basically have all of its appointees in place. 194 00:10:37,480 --> 00:10:41,000 Speaker 3: And that's because the tenures for the chair Jim Either 195 00:10:41,480 --> 00:10:43,959 Speaker 3: and two of the leading directors come up for renewal, 196 00:10:44,320 --> 00:10:47,040 Speaker 3: and they've been there for two or three terms and 197 00:10:47,080 --> 00:10:49,959 Speaker 3: so it's not normal that anyway that they would continue 198 00:10:50,000 --> 00:10:52,720 Speaker 3: on after that kind of period. And so we'll see 199 00:10:52,760 --> 00:10:56,199 Speaker 3: probably three new directors and a new including a new 200 00:10:56,280 --> 00:10:59,280 Speaker 3: chair coming on board. I suspect the new chair will 201 00:10:59,320 --> 00:11:03,200 Speaker 3: be Brenton Pea, who is currently on the board as 202 00:11:03,200 --> 00:11:06,240 Speaker 3: a director. He was appointed a couple of years ago, 203 00:11:07,120 --> 00:11:11,240 Speaker 3: and he is a very strong commercial radio background and 204 00:11:11,280 --> 00:11:14,760 Speaker 3: a very strong business background, and I suspect we'll see 205 00:11:15,200 --> 00:11:17,800 Speaker 3: a change in direction, if you like, for r in 206 00:11:17,920 --> 00:11:21,040 Speaker 3: zed a lot more. I guess that will come to 207 00:11:21,080 --> 00:11:22,840 Speaker 3: the fore after June. 208 00:11:22,880 --> 00:11:27,280 Speaker 2: Well, speaking of aren Z, a major battle to look 209 00:11:27,320 --> 00:11:29,920 Speaker 2: out for this year. Obviously we've got the election, but 210 00:11:29,960 --> 00:11:32,360 Speaker 2: I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about the Kings 211 00:11:32,400 --> 00:11:36,199 Speaker 2: of breakfast, Mike Hosking on Z B. You've now got 212 00:11:36,280 --> 00:11:37,040 Speaker 2: John Campbell on. 213 00:11:37,240 --> 00:11:41,000 Speaker 1: R and Z. How do you think ratings go because. 214 00:11:40,760 --> 00:11:44,640 Speaker 2: Mike dominates the mornings, right, you see those surveys number one, 215 00:11:45,200 --> 00:11:47,040 Speaker 2: you know, time and time and time again. 216 00:11:47,559 --> 00:11:50,079 Speaker 1: How much of that can John take away? 217 00:11:50,200 --> 00:11:54,440 Speaker 3: Really that's a fascinating question, and it really will be 218 00:11:54,559 --> 00:11:56,800 Speaker 3: you know, as you get into the weeds of just 219 00:11:57,080 --> 00:11:59,480 Speaker 3: you know what is unfolding in New Zealand media in 220 00:11:59,520 --> 00:12:02,360 Speaker 3: the next time months. The ratings battle for radio at 221 00:12:02,440 --> 00:12:05,400 Speaker 3: breakfast time is a big one. You're right to ask 222 00:12:05,440 --> 00:12:08,439 Speaker 3: that question. News Talks dB has a vary, what I 223 00:12:08,480 --> 00:12:12,040 Speaker 3: would say, rusted on audience who are intensely loyal to 224 00:12:12,160 --> 00:12:14,840 Speaker 3: my costking and the talent throughout the day we see 225 00:12:14,880 --> 00:12:19,840 Speaker 3: it across twenty four hours. Essentially, are in Z has 226 00:12:19,880 --> 00:12:22,800 Speaker 3: had its own struggles in the audio space, but will 227 00:12:22,800 --> 00:12:25,880 Speaker 3: be confident and optimistic that the upticks that it's seen 228 00:12:25,960 --> 00:12:29,120 Speaker 3: in the recent two surveys will continue, especially with John 229 00:12:29,160 --> 00:12:32,600 Speaker 3: Campbell coming on board. I don't think necessarily that arn 230 00:12:32,679 --> 00:12:35,520 Speaker 3: Z with John Campbell as the new co host of 231 00:12:35,600 --> 00:12:38,560 Speaker 3: Morning Report will steal too much audience away from News 232 00:12:38,559 --> 00:12:41,840 Speaker 3: Talks dB. But what we might see is a further 233 00:12:41,960 --> 00:12:46,280 Speaker 3: uptick for R and Z in terms of audiences who 234 00:12:46,320 --> 00:12:49,439 Speaker 3: might have been there previously but and are curious about 235 00:12:49,440 --> 00:12:53,040 Speaker 3: how John performs. Especially an election year, you know he'll 236 00:12:53,080 --> 00:12:56,720 Speaker 3: be under as much scrutiny from media commentators as some 237 00:12:56,760 --> 00:12:59,840 Speaker 3: of the politicians are in terms of election year. Overall, 238 00:13:00,360 --> 00:13:03,240 Speaker 3: I think both z B and aaron Z will see 239 00:13:03,240 --> 00:13:06,000 Speaker 3: a ratings boost as a result of this being a 240 00:13:06,120 --> 00:13:09,280 Speaker 3: very newsy year, there will be a lot of interest 241 00:13:09,320 --> 00:13:12,480 Speaker 3: in the election, especially closer to the end of the year. 242 00:13:13,280 --> 00:13:17,840 Speaker 3: What will be equally interesting is just which politicians choose 243 00:13:18,080 --> 00:13:20,439 Speaker 3: to go to Aaron z and or News Talk ZB 244 00:13:20,480 --> 00:13:24,080 Speaker 3: because we've been starting to see in recent years decisions 245 00:13:24,160 --> 00:13:26,760 Speaker 3: being led by some of their teams that they won't 246 00:13:26,760 --> 00:13:29,480 Speaker 3: appear on certain shows, which I think is a real shame. 247 00:13:29,559 --> 00:13:32,959 Speaker 3: I think, you know, I think if you're a politician 248 00:13:34,360 --> 00:13:38,079 Speaker 3: of any from any side of the political divide, you 249 00:13:38,080 --> 00:13:40,800 Speaker 3: should be fronting up on as many shows as possible, 250 00:13:41,840 --> 00:13:44,280 Speaker 3: And of course, you know, with the podcast now coming 251 00:13:44,320 --> 00:13:47,720 Speaker 3: to the fore, that's an equal opportunity for them as 252 00:13:47,760 --> 00:13:53,120 Speaker 3: well to front up. I think any functioning democracy needs 253 00:13:53,160 --> 00:13:56,520 Speaker 3: the politicians to be answering the hard questions and not 254 00:13:56,600 --> 00:13:59,160 Speaker 3: just choosing sort of the shows that they think they 255 00:13:59,200 --> 00:14:02,240 Speaker 3: might get an easier ride. And I think it works 256 00:14:02,240 --> 00:14:04,319 Speaker 3: for the politicians as well. Some of the people that 257 00:14:04,360 --> 00:14:07,840 Speaker 3: are talking to they'll be locked in voters, the voters 258 00:14:07,840 --> 00:14:09,720 Speaker 3: they really want to pick up at the undecideds, and 259 00:14:09,760 --> 00:14:12,800 Speaker 3: they'll be listening to a range of platforms and watching 260 00:14:12,840 --> 00:14:16,440 Speaker 3: a range of shows. So hopefully we might see some 261 00:14:16,520 --> 00:14:20,680 Speaker 3: sort of you know, some more kind of fronting up 262 00:14:21,320 --> 00:14:23,760 Speaker 3: one to one debates on different shows. 263 00:14:24,320 --> 00:14:27,400 Speaker 2: And in terms of Breakfast as well, it's not only 264 00:14:28,240 --> 00:14:32,000 Speaker 2: ear lobes that are in contention, but eyeballs. I suppose 265 00:14:32,640 --> 00:14:35,760 Speaker 2: to use the weirdest analogy I could think of. So 266 00:14:35,800 --> 00:14:39,120 Speaker 2: we're getting ready for a full new whole year with 267 00:14:39,200 --> 00:14:43,560 Speaker 2: Herald now. Ryan Bridge on the Herald, which you reckon, 268 00:14:43,640 --> 00:14:46,840 Speaker 2: will confirm a deal with Sky to screen on three 269 00:14:46,880 --> 00:14:50,480 Speaker 2: now potentially, and then that'll gear up nicely because we've 270 00:14:50,520 --> 00:14:52,720 Speaker 2: got a battle out with the new TV and Z 271 00:14:52,840 --> 00:14:56,760 Speaker 2: Breakfast most Toro Brian, right, I think is an amazing pick, 272 00:14:57,120 --> 00:14:58,880 Speaker 2: especially leading into an election year. 273 00:14:59,040 --> 00:15:01,440 Speaker 3: That's right, Ain, You're right. I think that battle will 274 00:15:01,440 --> 00:15:04,280 Speaker 3: play out on digital as much as the traditional channels. 275 00:15:04,280 --> 00:15:08,240 Speaker 3: Of course, Herold now is a digital proposition, and so 276 00:15:08,320 --> 00:15:11,360 Speaker 3: TV and Z recognizing I guess that you know we 277 00:15:11,440 --> 00:15:14,360 Speaker 3: are in a big election year, masterful move by getting 278 00:15:14,640 --> 00:15:18,200 Speaker 3: Toba O'Brien in as the new Breakfast co host. So 279 00:15:18,280 --> 00:15:21,560 Speaker 3: she will bring a new edge to that show for sure, 280 00:15:22,080 --> 00:15:25,800 Speaker 3: and she's up against an equally you know, Ryan Bridge, 281 00:15:26,640 --> 00:15:29,760 Speaker 3: a great interviewer as well, so that's a fascinating battle. 282 00:15:30,160 --> 00:15:33,360 Speaker 3: But again, it might not just be a battle between 283 00:15:33,400 --> 00:15:36,120 Speaker 3: seven and nine am each morning. I think where the 284 00:15:36,160 --> 00:15:39,480 Speaker 3: different audiences come in is through social media. The way 285 00:15:39,520 --> 00:15:42,000 Speaker 3: that those shows are sliced and diced in the case 286 00:15:42,040 --> 00:15:44,080 Speaker 3: of herold now in zed hero dot co dot MZ 287 00:15:44,520 --> 00:15:46,600 Speaker 3: and in the case of Breakfast for one US dot 288 00:15:46,640 --> 00:15:49,080 Speaker 3: co and for TV and Z Plus. So it's how 289 00:15:49,120 --> 00:15:52,720 Speaker 3: they amplify that content and those interviews that will be 290 00:15:52,800 --> 00:15:55,680 Speaker 3: equally as important for them in terms of the ratings battle. 291 00:15:55,720 --> 00:15:58,000 Speaker 3: But you know, audience is support for choice. It's a 292 00:15:58,040 --> 00:16:01,360 Speaker 3: great sign that the media companies are investing in new initiatives, 293 00:16:01,800 --> 00:16:05,520 Speaker 3: that we're seeing the talent moving around, and you know, 294 00:16:05,600 --> 00:16:08,280 Speaker 3: it's actually exciting that in an election year that we're 295 00:16:09,080 --> 00:16:12,320 Speaker 3: that we're starting to see some maneuvers like this, because 296 00:16:12,360 --> 00:16:15,120 Speaker 3: we hadn't seen it for you know, up until sort 297 00:16:15,160 --> 00:16:18,400 Speaker 3: of late last year. So it's really encouraging and it's 298 00:16:18,440 --> 00:16:20,360 Speaker 3: good to be reporting on some of these things rather 299 00:16:20,400 --> 00:16:22,520 Speaker 3: than you know, the cutbacks that we saw sort of 300 00:16:22,560 --> 00:16:24,560 Speaker 3: in twenty twenty three early twenty four. 301 00:16:24,840 --> 00:16:27,360 Speaker 2: Yeah, that's that was going to be my next next question. Actually, 302 00:16:27,400 --> 00:16:29,320 Speaker 2: will I still have a job within the next. 303 00:16:29,080 --> 00:16:31,840 Speaker 3: Twelve Well, I think we'll still see tight cost controls, 304 00:16:32,600 --> 00:16:35,520 Speaker 3: you know, but I think there'll be new platforms, and 305 00:16:35,520 --> 00:16:37,840 Speaker 3: in the front page is a classic kind of example 306 00:16:37,880 --> 00:16:40,360 Speaker 3: of new new platforms that have come on board to 307 00:16:40,440 --> 00:16:44,000 Speaker 3: address audience needs and demands, and so I think that's 308 00:16:44,040 --> 00:16:47,040 Speaker 3: really exciting. I think we're probably at a level now 309 00:16:47,360 --> 00:16:50,040 Speaker 3: for most of the major media companies where they'll be 310 00:16:50,040 --> 00:16:52,600 Speaker 3: happy with their operational cost space. There's a bit of 311 00:16:52,600 --> 00:16:54,560 Speaker 3: work to be done with Sky and having taken on 312 00:16:54,600 --> 00:16:56,880 Speaker 3: board TV three, but we shouldn't be naive that there 313 00:16:56,920 --> 00:16:59,400 Speaker 3: won't still be you know, cuts and that sort of thing. 314 00:16:59,440 --> 00:17:02,360 Speaker 3: That's part of the nature of the industry that we're in, 315 00:17:02,400 --> 00:17:06,680 Speaker 3: of course. But I'm absolutely as we start twenty twenty 316 00:17:06,680 --> 00:17:10,240 Speaker 3: six a lot more optimistic about the future and media 317 00:17:10,840 --> 00:17:14,840 Speaker 3: than say, what was unfolding in twenty twenty four, twenty 318 00:17:14,880 --> 00:17:15,440 Speaker 3: twenty three. 319 00:17:15,960 --> 00:17:19,080 Speaker 2: Yeah, so I'll be positive for now, but I won't 320 00:17:19,080 --> 00:17:20,520 Speaker 2: put a new car in a payment plan. 321 00:17:20,640 --> 00:17:21,520 Speaker 1: Hey. 322 00:17:27,280 --> 00:17:31,159 Speaker 5: I do think our acquisition of Discovery New Zealand is 323 00:17:31,160 --> 00:17:37,440 Speaker 5: an exciting opportunity for us to really celebrate creative storytelling, 324 00:17:38,040 --> 00:17:40,560 Speaker 5: to think about how we can collaborate on the costs 325 00:17:40,600 --> 00:17:42,479 Speaker 5: that are kind of behind the scenes in terms of 326 00:17:42,760 --> 00:17:47,680 Speaker 5: broadcasts and hub and resources and creating pathways for young 327 00:17:47,720 --> 00:17:52,280 Speaker 5: people to have roles in creating stories super important. So 328 00:17:52,880 --> 00:17:55,479 Speaker 5: I would hope that all of the companies that are 329 00:17:55,480 --> 00:17:57,200 Speaker 5: here now are here in five years. 330 00:17:58,320 --> 00:17:59,399 Speaker 1: We want to play our part. 331 00:18:01,800 --> 00:18:05,280 Speaker 2: So you've spoken to six media CEOs. You've asked them 332 00:18:05,400 --> 00:18:09,360 Speaker 2: the same questions and their predictions for the year ahead. 333 00:18:09,760 --> 00:18:12,520 Speaker 1: Were there any similarities and what were the major differences? 334 00:18:12,760 --> 00:18:15,800 Speaker 3: Yeah, great question, all six of them, and I was 335 00:18:15,840 --> 00:18:18,200 Speaker 3: thankful for them for taking the time to answer the 336 00:18:18,240 --> 00:18:22,960 Speaker 3: six questions. They're very upbeat and optimistic, so you would 337 00:18:22,960 --> 00:18:25,480 Speaker 3: expect that you wouldn't expect them to be coming out 338 00:18:25,840 --> 00:18:28,800 Speaker 3: all sort of doom and gloom and pessimistic. But they're 339 00:18:28,800 --> 00:18:31,200 Speaker 3: not polyannerish. They know that there are big challenges that 340 00:18:31,600 --> 00:18:35,440 Speaker 3: they're all confronting. They actually each have unique challenges. TV 341 00:18:35,520 --> 00:18:39,000 Speaker 3: and Z, for examples, embarking this year on its biggest 342 00:18:39,119 --> 00:18:42,320 Speaker 3: change in its business model in decades, and that it 343 00:18:42,359 --> 00:18:45,160 Speaker 3: will be introducing pay television and we'll see that through 344 00:18:45,400 --> 00:18:47,960 Speaker 3: subscriptions to the Football World Cup, which it has the 345 00:18:48,040 --> 00:18:50,520 Speaker 3: rights to from June. So it has a whole lot 346 00:18:50,560 --> 00:18:53,880 Speaker 3: of new digital technology that's coming on board, and so 347 00:18:54,000 --> 00:18:56,320 Speaker 3: it will be competing much more strongly with Sky for 348 00:18:56,400 --> 00:18:59,560 Speaker 3: sporting rights in the future, and I expect them and 349 00:19:00,080 --> 00:19:03,000 Speaker 3: I will be competing hardcore for the Rugby World Cup 350 00:19:03,080 --> 00:19:06,600 Speaker 3: rights in the future and that will start this year 351 00:19:07,800 --> 00:19:09,959 Speaker 3: with Sky and three. I've already mentioned that, you know, 352 00:19:10,000 --> 00:19:12,199 Speaker 3: they've got a challenge in terms of bringing together out 353 00:19:12,240 --> 00:19:14,880 Speaker 3: to media businesses and making sure that they match fit 354 00:19:15,640 --> 00:19:19,840 Speaker 3: for the next twelve months. For end Me, which owns 355 00:19:19,880 --> 00:19:22,640 Speaker 3: beyond just the Herald and News talks'b you know, it's 356 00:19:22,680 --> 00:19:26,120 Speaker 3: got a one roof property portal. Them announced a new 357 00:19:26,640 --> 00:19:30,560 Speaker 3: boss of One Roof just before we started recording this 358 00:19:30,600 --> 00:19:33,200 Speaker 3: podcast today, Chelsea, and that's James McAvoy. He's got a 359 00:19:33,240 --> 00:19:35,080 Speaker 3: strong not the actor. 360 00:19:36,200 --> 00:19:39,520 Speaker 1: I did think that email game story got a bit excited. 361 00:19:39,560 --> 00:19:41,399 Speaker 3: Yes, but he's got a very strong background and a 362 00:19:41,400 --> 00:19:45,560 Speaker 3: lot of digital startups and including trade me. So you know, 363 00:19:46,640 --> 00:19:49,120 Speaker 3: inj ME sees a lot of value and potential growth 364 00:19:49,560 --> 00:19:52,119 Speaker 3: in one Roof and where that's heading in terms of 365 00:19:52,200 --> 00:19:55,800 Speaker 3: the real estate listenings. Then you've got QMS and media 366 00:19:55,840 --> 00:19:59,320 Speaker 3: works and we've talked about just the growth potential there 367 00:19:59,440 --> 00:20:03,080 Speaker 3: for the or advertising business. It's a really interesting sector 368 00:20:03,119 --> 00:20:06,520 Speaker 3: of media at the moment with the advent of digital billboards, 369 00:20:07,000 --> 00:20:09,399 Speaker 3: you know, there's a lot of revenue growth omitted the 370 00:20:09,480 --> 00:20:12,720 Speaker 3: off off a small base coming into that sector. And 371 00:20:12,760 --> 00:20:18,320 Speaker 3: then in the advertising industry, generally the agencies it's a 372 00:20:18,359 --> 00:20:22,800 Speaker 3: watch out, but the independent agencies are really starting to 373 00:20:22,960 --> 00:20:25,679 Speaker 3: make some inroads and gathering some big accounts. So I 374 00:20:25,680 --> 00:20:27,920 Speaker 3: think we'll see a lot of change in that area 375 00:20:27,960 --> 00:20:30,199 Speaker 3: as well. And for instance, as we speak, as we 376 00:20:30,240 --> 00:20:33,679 Speaker 3: record today, the likes of Westpact, the Warehouse Group, A 377 00:20:33,800 --> 00:20:36,480 Speaker 3: and Z, all of these accounts are up for grabs 378 00:20:37,440 --> 00:20:40,000 Speaker 3: in the early half of twenty twenty six, and so 379 00:20:40,280 --> 00:20:43,040 Speaker 3: these are all very lucrative accounts that have traditionally been 380 00:20:43,080 --> 00:20:47,480 Speaker 3: held by big agencies owned by global conglomerates. But I 381 00:20:47,480 --> 00:20:49,480 Speaker 3: think we'll start seeing some of the new Zealand and 382 00:20:49,560 --> 00:20:52,760 Speaker 3: independent agencies start to make some good inroads there. 383 00:20:52,920 --> 00:20:53,800 Speaker 1: Yeah, And I love. 384 00:20:53,680 --> 00:20:56,600 Speaker 2: The independent agencies as well because I see a lot 385 00:20:56,600 --> 00:20:58,960 Speaker 2: of them on my drive to work and they're so different. 386 00:20:59,560 --> 00:21:03,199 Speaker 2: So there's you know, billboards with vines or something on them, 387 00:21:03,280 --> 00:21:05,360 Speaker 2: and they're really visual in three D and they make 388 00:21:05,400 --> 00:21:06,119 Speaker 2: them really cool. 389 00:21:07,000 --> 00:21:09,040 Speaker 1: So I think that's a major note. 390 00:21:09,119 --> 00:21:11,960 Speaker 2: Like I've noticed the shift in that in the advertising 391 00:21:12,000 --> 00:21:14,040 Speaker 2: billboard space over the last couple of years. 392 00:21:14,080 --> 00:21:17,119 Speaker 3: Say, yeah, I think that creativity that we've obviously seen 393 00:21:17,200 --> 00:21:21,760 Speaker 3: on traditional channels through television, print, radio, that's now starting 394 00:21:21,800 --> 00:21:25,160 Speaker 3: to evolve much more strongly in digital and the creative agencies. 395 00:21:25,240 --> 00:21:27,640 Speaker 3: You know, they've been impacted hard in the last few years, 396 00:21:27,640 --> 00:21:31,040 Speaker 3: but those that you know, I think creativity that Kiwis 397 00:21:31,080 --> 00:21:34,960 Speaker 3: are renowned for is absolutely still present. And you know, 398 00:21:35,080 --> 00:21:37,840 Speaker 3: with AI, you know that's you know, we haven't talked 399 00:21:37,880 --> 00:21:40,480 Speaker 3: about AI yet, but AI is a major factor. It 400 00:21:40,480 --> 00:21:44,160 Speaker 3: came through very strongly in our CEO's questions. I think 401 00:21:44,200 --> 00:21:47,800 Speaker 3: there's a huge opportunity for media companies to not only 402 00:21:47,920 --> 00:21:52,320 Speaker 3: use AI, but to explain it to to audiences, to 403 00:21:53,280 --> 00:21:57,920 Speaker 3: clearly kind of outline the benefits of it, the challenges 404 00:21:57,920 --> 00:22:01,359 Speaker 3: of it. But I also see major opportunity for media 405 00:22:01,400 --> 00:22:06,359 Speaker 3: companies to promote the human side of things that you know, 406 00:22:06,400 --> 00:22:08,840 Speaker 3: we're not providing AI slop here so at my social 407 00:22:08,840 --> 00:22:11,320 Speaker 3: media channels at the moment, I you know, it's become 408 00:22:11,520 --> 00:22:13,280 Speaker 3: to the point now where I don't know what's real 409 00:22:13,320 --> 00:22:16,159 Speaker 3: and what's fake. Whereas I think the media companies have 410 00:22:16,200 --> 00:22:19,280 Speaker 3: an opportunity now to differentiate themselves from some of those 411 00:22:19,480 --> 00:22:23,960 Speaker 3: social media sites and say hey, this is authentic, real journalism. 412 00:22:24,000 --> 00:22:27,160 Speaker 3: It's been fact checked, and so I think we'll start 413 00:22:27,200 --> 00:22:30,520 Speaker 3: seeing a move back to This is my optimistic view, 414 00:22:30,520 --> 00:22:32,080 Speaker 3: that will start seeing a move back to some of 415 00:22:32,119 --> 00:22:36,679 Speaker 3: those platforms that audiences can trust. It's really important that 416 00:22:36,720 --> 00:22:40,120 Speaker 3: the media companies are staying focused on building trust levels 417 00:22:41,560 --> 00:22:44,720 Speaker 3: to help a functioning democracy, especially in an election year. 418 00:22:44,920 --> 00:22:48,719 Speaker 2: Yeah, I'm being incredibly transparent about the use of AI totally. 419 00:22:48,880 --> 00:22:52,120 Speaker 3: I mean it's totally. I mean it's an amazing tool. 420 00:22:52,280 --> 00:22:54,280 Speaker 3: I mean I use it every day in terms of, 421 00:22:54,480 --> 00:22:57,200 Speaker 3: you know, helping me with you know, from the very 422 00:22:57,200 --> 00:23:00,959 Speaker 3: basic We've had AI from long time in the newsroom 423 00:23:00,960 --> 00:23:05,000 Speaker 3: helping us with grammar and spell check and helping write 424 00:23:05,040 --> 00:23:08,800 Speaker 3: headlines and that sort of thing. But you're right being 425 00:23:08,800 --> 00:23:11,359 Speaker 3: absolutely clear as we are on our website just about 426 00:23:11,359 --> 00:23:14,399 Speaker 3: where we are using it and where there's where it's 427 00:23:14,400 --> 00:23:15,240 Speaker 3: a no go zone. 428 00:23:15,800 --> 00:23:18,320 Speaker 2: And in terms of your predictions for this year, I'll 429 00:23:18,600 --> 00:23:19,960 Speaker 2: finally ask you. 430 00:23:19,760 --> 00:23:21,480 Speaker 1: What is the wackiest prediction. 431 00:23:21,680 --> 00:23:23,719 Speaker 2: What is one of them that you wrote down and 432 00:23:23,760 --> 00:23:26,320 Speaker 2: you were like, oh, delete it, no, bring it back, 433 00:23:26,760 --> 00:23:27,720 Speaker 2: this is too wild. 434 00:23:28,160 --> 00:23:30,919 Speaker 3: Yeah, I think probably you know, a lot of them 435 00:23:30,920 --> 00:23:36,840 Speaker 3: are probably falling too that under that unbraideraya the cart 436 00:23:37,400 --> 00:23:39,280 Speaker 3: there are a lot, there are a lot And I think, 437 00:23:39,720 --> 00:23:42,880 Speaker 3: you know, with media, it's never a dull day. It's 438 00:23:42,920 --> 00:23:45,720 Speaker 3: a really exciting industry. Despite all of the challenges that 439 00:23:45,760 --> 00:23:48,840 Speaker 3: we face each day. I think probably, you know, I 440 00:23:48,840 --> 00:23:51,639 Speaker 3: think we'll still see a lot of talent change and 441 00:23:51,680 --> 00:23:55,639 Speaker 3: a lot of a lot of people moving between companies 442 00:23:55,680 --> 00:23:57,440 Speaker 3: and that sort of thing. So I think that that's 443 00:23:57,480 --> 00:24:00,920 Speaker 3: an exciting part of the industry as well. So yeah, 444 00:24:00,960 --> 00:24:03,879 Speaker 3: I think, you know, I watched the space in terms 445 00:24:04,000 --> 00:24:06,600 Speaker 3: of the likes of some of the are in Z changes, 446 00:24:07,200 --> 00:24:07,760 Speaker 3: TV and Z. 447 00:24:09,359 --> 00:24:09,719 Speaker 1: Stuff. 448 00:24:09,880 --> 00:24:13,280 Speaker 3: They've all, you know, everyone's now converged and so you know, 449 00:24:14,520 --> 00:24:17,080 Speaker 3: Chelsea have come from you know, that radio background, and 450 00:24:17,119 --> 00:24:20,879 Speaker 3: look at you. You're performing a show, hosting a show 451 00:24:20,920 --> 00:24:24,120 Speaker 3: now that goes out digitally. And so I think we'll 452 00:24:24,119 --> 00:24:25,919 Speaker 3: see a lot more of that kind of that talent 453 00:24:26,119 --> 00:24:30,880 Speaker 3: evolve across the industry more generally. But yeah, wacky as 454 00:24:30,880 --> 00:24:34,800 Speaker 3: sold as predictions, well, who's to say. I do think 455 00:24:35,400 --> 00:24:38,280 Speaker 3: it's not so much media. But someone said to me 456 00:24:38,400 --> 00:24:41,960 Speaker 3: today it is a sort of media aligned And someone 457 00:24:41,960 --> 00:24:46,200 Speaker 3: said to me today or yesterday actually, that they expect 458 00:24:46,200 --> 00:24:48,680 Speaker 3: to see Winston Peters to be the Prime Minister by 459 00:24:48,680 --> 00:24:52,399 Speaker 3: the end of the year. How's that for? That is 460 00:24:52,440 --> 00:24:54,920 Speaker 3: and the reason being that he will hold the cards. 461 00:24:55,640 --> 00:24:57,639 Speaker 1: He could be and he. 462 00:24:57,680 --> 00:24:59,359 Speaker 3: Could be the King maker, and he could then become 463 00:24:59,400 --> 00:25:03,680 Speaker 3: the King for receipt period under a coalition agreement by 464 00:25:03,760 --> 00:25:05,159 Speaker 3: all rank goodness me. 465 00:25:05,359 --> 00:25:06,879 Speaker 2: Well, I'll hold you to that. I'm not putting any 466 00:25:06,920 --> 00:25:11,960 Speaker 2: money down though. That's thanks for joining us, Shane. 467 00:25:11,880 --> 00:25:12,520 Speaker 3: Thanks Jos. 468 00:25:15,680 --> 00:25:18,919 Speaker 2: That's it for this episode of the Front Page. You 469 00:25:18,960 --> 00:25:22,840 Speaker 2: can read more about today's stories and extensive news coverage 470 00:25:22,880 --> 00:25:26,960 Speaker 2: at enzidherld dot co dot nz. The Front Page is 471 00:25:27,040 --> 00:25:28,920 Speaker 2: produced by Jane Ye. 472 00:25:28,600 --> 00:25:33,240 Speaker 1: And Richard Martin, who is also our editor. I'm Chelsea Daniels. 473 00:25:33,680 --> 00:25:36,879 Speaker 2: Subscribe to The Front Page on iHeartRadio or wherever you 474 00:25:36,920 --> 00:25:40,600 Speaker 2: get your podcasts, and tune in tomorrow for another look 475 00:25:40,680 --> 00:25:41,840 Speaker 2: behind the headlines.