Getting behind the banner headlines to put news stories in context is about to get easier for New Zealanders. RNZ and NZ On Air have signed up Newsroom to make a daily podcast that will pick out the news that matters and explain it in detail and in context.
The Detail launches Monday 29th April, to help listeners understand the blur of push alerts, tweets and passing bulletins and to give them the background to the big news and issues. Released every weekday at 5am, The Detail will be delivered direct to your phone, computer or car, ready for your commute, workout, breakfast, dog walk … wherever and whenever you want it through the day.
Across the world, daily news podcasts have changed the way people consume and comprehend news. Made possible by the RNZ / NZ on Air Innovation Fund*, The Detail will mirror the success stories overseas, but with a distinctly New Zealand voice.
Drawing on the strength of both RNZ and Newsroom – and indeed New Zealand’s best journalists and experts across the board – The Detail will be led by the Newsroom’s Mark Jennings, Tim Murphy, and experienced radio producer Alexia Russell. Hosted by Sharon Brettkelly and Alex Ashton it will help New Zealanders understand what’s driving the top stories.
RNZ Executive Producer Podcasts and Series, Tim Watkin, says The Detail is the broadcaster’s biggest podcast investment to date and RNZ is delighted to partner with Newsroom for the initiative:
"Daily news podcasts the world over have been massive hits drawing in millions of listeners. They're changing news and adding real kick and craft to the way we tell stories and they've often been most popular with people who aren't traditional radio listeners. This will be quite different from what you hear on-air.”
Newsroom’s Mark Jennings agrees,
“Podcasts are one of the fastest growing media categories and we hope we can, in a less formal way, provide a bigger picture for younger listeners and anyone who is interested in the detail behind the big stories.”
“There are lots of people, particularly younger people, who now source news from non-traditional platforms. They are interested in news, but they don’t necessarily have the time to sit down and read extensively about a topic or subject. They also want to consume information while they are on the move or doing some other task.”
The Detail aims to clarify and explain the meaning behind the headlines, tapping into the knowledge of the best journalists and experts in their respective fields.
“Most daily news assumes a certain amount of working knowledge. These podcasts allow you to go deep into topics to explain the basics and give the real nitty-gritty detail of what's happening and why.
“That's why we called it The Detail" ... says Tim Watkin.
How to Listen / Download
The Detail: http://rnz.co.nz/the-detail
RNZ podcasts are available free.
On iPhones: Apple Podcasts, RadioPublic or Spotify.
On Android phones: RadioPublic or Stitcher.
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For further information:
*The RNZ/NZ On Air Innovation Fund was established with $6m from Budget 2018. For further information on projects supported by this fund read this earlier release.
Tim Watkin Executive Producer RNZ Podcasts and Series
Tim.watkin@rnz.co.nz 021 843 374
Alexia Russell, Producer, The Detail
Alexia.Russell@newsroom.co.nz 027 327 0619