Monday - Friday 5am-6:30am

Everything you need to know before you head off into the world, First Light is all about news, analysis and commentary that will give you an edge at the start of your day. 

Leading journalist Rachel Smalley talks to newsmakers and business leaders from around the globe, reflecting the latest news from overnight 5am-6:30am each weekday.

Monday - Friday 5am-6:30am
Everything you need to know before you head off into the world, First Light is all about news, analysis and commentary that will give you an edge at the start of your day.&nbsp;
Leading journalist Rachel Smalley talks to newsmakers and business leaders from around the globe, reflecting the latest news from overnight 5am-6:30am each weekday.

First Light with Rachel Smalley

Interviews and news from the dawn of First Light every weekday morning, 5.00am - 6.30am on Today FM

Interviews and news from the dawn of First Light every weekday morning, 5.00am - 6.30am on Today FM

First Light's View from the Top

View from the Top: UBCO CEO Katherine Sandford

Opinion: I was fossicking around in the written Parliamentary questions this week, and I came across a question written by National MP Erica Stanford, to Dr Ayesha Verrall, the Health Minister.

Here’s the question:

4635 (2023). Erica Stanford to the Minister of Health (08 Mar 2023): "Did Pharmac contact MediaWorks in December stating that they would not speak to any MediaWorks journalists indefinitely, and if so, why was this decision made by Pharmac, and does this meet the Ministers expectations?"

Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall (Minister of Health) replied: I am advised that Pharmac paused media interviews with MediaWorks while Pharmac was in debate with MediaWorks over the accuracy of its reporting on a topic.

No, Minister. That is not what happened. Pharmac has misled you. That is not correct.

Here is what happened.

Opinion: I was fossicking around in the written Parliamentary questions this week, and I came across a question written by National MP Erica Stanford, to Dr Ayesha Verrall, the Health Minister.
Here’s the question:
4635 (2023). Erica Stanford to the Minister of Health (08 Mar 2023): "Did Pharmac contact MediaWorks in December stating that they would not speak to any MediaWorks journalists indefinitely, and if so, why was this decision made by Pharmac, and does this meet the Ministers expectations?"
Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall (Minister of Health) replied: I am advised that Pharmac paused media interviews with MediaWorks while Pharmac was in debate with MediaWorks over the accuracy of its reporting on a topic.
No, Minister. That is not what happened. Pharmac has misled you. That is not correct.
Here is what happened.

View from the Top: UBCO CEO Katherine Sandford

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