Farewell to The Nation
December 14th, 2012 at 2:00 pm by David FarrarUPDATE: The story is false. NZ on Air is funding The Nation in 2013. This is not a good look for a news site whose tag line is “Informed, Influential, Indispensable”
NZ Inc reports:
Meanwhile, news spread last night that The Nation has missed out on funding for 2013 from New Zealand on Air’s Platinum Fund. The Nation is the flagship of Richard Harman’s Frontpage stable. Under Harman, The Nation produced comprehensive current affairs stories as well as the big interviews. It also cemented host Rachel Smalley as a force to be reckoned with.
The Nation’s competitor – TVNZ’s Q&A – is expected to resume again next year but without founding host Paul Holmes who has retired for health reasons and also without producer Tim Watkin who wants his weekends back. No news yet on Holmes replacement but Watkin is expected to move to a new role at TVNZ.
This is a real shame. I have enjoyed having two in depth current affairs and politics shows on TV. They have their distinctive styles and I especially enjoyed the Ralston and Edwards segment on the media on The Nation. I also think Rachel Smalley had matured into an excellent interviewer.
It will be interesting to see what Q+A does next year with a new host and producer.
Related posts:
- Both Q+A and The Nation to return
- Slater on The Nation
- The Nation China Special June 9-10 2012
- The Nation 23 June 2012
December 14th, 2012 at 2:01 pm
It hasn’t been cancelled…
Vote:December 14th, 2012 at 2:14 pm
Rachel Smalley @Rachel_Smalley
It’s always best to check one’s facts. @TheNationTV3 has not been axed. You’re welcome, and we’ll see you in 2013.
Vote:December 14th, 2012 at 2:29 pm
Well that is a shame. More taxpayer’s money to be spent by the government on things taxpayers do not want.
Vote:December 14th, 2012 at 2:37 pm
I consider Rachel Smalley to be far more neutral and objective than the usually loud mouthed lefties on Q&A.
Vote:December 14th, 2012 at 2:48 pm
Unfortunately it has not been cancelled.
Vote:December 14th, 2012 at 2:50 pm
I agree, Smalley is very good, onThe Nation and on Firstline which is far more watchable than the TV1 equivalent.
Here’s confirmation:
There were rumours floating around Facebook and Twitter but the rumours of the death of The Nation were premature.
Vote:December 14th, 2012 at 4:12 pm
Is a news source claiming it’s “influential” the same as a person who puts on their CV that they’re a “social influencer”?
Vote:December 14th, 2012 at 5:19 pm
Smalley would be the only NZ talking head who could seamlessly fit into a BBC current affairs role…not that they are the arbiters of all truth but for professional current affairs presenting…and presentation, there is none better than the Beeb.
She’s not quite to the level of interviewer/interrogator that Kim Hill is but for mine she is the best on the goggle box, easily.
Vote:December 14th, 2012 at 7:47 pm
I don’t think Smalley is that good, not since seeing Key carve her changing positions up not that long ago.
Vote:December 14th, 2012 at 8:48 pm
Nobody watches ‘The Nation’ whe Rachel is presenting, they just watch her. Sad bunch of masterbaters.
Vote:Key did have his way with her, and she was most embarrased, as was TV3. Now on the other hand if there is a leftie guest then Rachel says nothing – just suggests the direction.
TV3 leftie bullshit at it’s worst