From takeovers and sales to mergers and disputes, 2026 is lining up to be quite the year for the media world.

We might just start seeing some of the biggest changes in New Zealand media ownership in decades – well, that’s according to the Herald’s Media Insider Shayne Currie.

Last year, Currie predicted that at least one major media platform would close, a very high-profile TV broadcaster would leave their position, and that an “interesting new shareholder” would emerge at NZME – all became true.

But, what has he foreseen as he peers into his crystal ball ahead of this year?

Currie joins us now on The Front Page to talk everything ratings, advertising, broadcasting, and who will come out on top come election time.

Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee

From takeovers and sales to mergers and disputes, 2026 is lining up to be quite the year for the media world.
We might just start seeing some of the biggest changes in New Zealand media ownership in decades &ndash; well, that&rsquo;s according to the Herald&rsquo;s Media Insider Shayne Currie.
Last year, Currie predicted that at least one major media platform would close, a very high-profile TV broadcaster would leave their position, and that an &ldquo;interesting new shareholder&rdquo; would emerge at NZME &ndash; all became true.
But, what has he foreseen as he peers into his crystal ball ahead of this year?
Currie joins us now on The Front Page to talk everything ratings, advertising, broadcasting, and who will come out on top come election time.
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Host: Chelsea Daniels Editor/Producer: Richard Martin Producer: Jane Yee

Go beyond the headlines with The Front Page, the New Zealand Herald’s daily news podcast. Each weekday Chelsea Daniels unpacks the stories shaping Aotearoa, from what’s happening in our own backyard to global events shaping our future.

Every episode we speak to leaders, experts, reporters, and those living the story, so you get the full picture. 

Subscribe now so you never miss an episode.

Go beyond the headlines with The Front Page, the New Zealand Herald&rsquo;s daily news podcast. Each weekday Chelsea Daniels unpacks the stories shaping Aotearoa, from what&rsquo;s happening in our own backyard to global events shaping our future.
Every episode we speak to leaders, experts, reporters, and those living the story, so you get the full picture.&nbsp;
Subscribe now so you never miss an episode.

Every day, The Front Page takes you behind the scenes of the biggest story from the New Zealand Herald. Hosted by Damien Venuto

The Front Page

Go beyond the headlines with The Front Page, the New Zealand Herald’s daily news analysis podcast. Each weekday Chelsea Daniels unpacks the stories shaping Aotearoa, from what’s happening in our own backyard to global events shaping our future. Every episode we speak to leaders, experts, reporters, and those living the story, so you get the full picture. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode.

Go beyond the headlines with The Front Page, the New Zealand Herald&rsquo;s daily news analysis podcast. Each weekday Chelsea Daniels unpacks the stories shaping Aotearoa, from what&rsquo;s happening in our own backyard to global events shaping our future. Every episode we speak to leaders, experts, reporters, and those living the story, so you get the full picture. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode.

Talent and takeovers: Media giants face year of sales, mergers and battles

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/8b0025bb-2491-4b79-a9a5-b3d200305160/transcript