The Wire with Sara

Another packed Thursday Wire, with host Stewart Sowman-Lund and producers Justin and Deb. 

This week:

Stewart speaks to Broadcasting Minister Kris Faafoi abut TVNZ’s tumbling profits.

After that, The Spinoff’s Duncan Grieve breaks down speculation about a mega-merger that could maybe save our media industry.

Then, Justice Minister Andrew Little pops by for his weekly chat. Today we’re talking liquor trading laws, and foreign donations.

Plus, Neighbourhood Watch with our correspondent Zoe. We’re talking Alan Jones’ history of offensive comments, and a step forward for the Aussie Trans community. 

And finally, Justin’s here with a quick recap about the current state of British Parliament.

All that plus Poll Position and a whole heap more - it's The Thursday Wire! 

Stewart talks to Broadcast Minister Kris Faafoi about TVNZ's falling full-year net profit.

Manukau ward councillor Efeso Collins and other South Auckland community members are calling for a return of youth worker funding after an increase in gang violence. Funding cuts to crime prevention programmes have left youth in the area severely lacking in mentors able to give them a healthy direction in life. Councillor Collins spoke to reporter William Boyd about the lack of support and the negative effects that has had on South Auckland. William started off by asking what youth workers do to help.

This week on the Wednesday Wire:

On Dear Science with AUT’s Marcus Jones we talk deforestation in Brazil as the Amazon fires continue, harnessing solar energy and optimism and life expectancy

We have Fletcher Tabuteau, deputy leader of the NZ First party this week talking about National’s economic policy document, the commerce commission's report on fuel prices and the forthcoming Infrastructure Commission

William Boyd is joining us as a Wire producer on Wednesdays and his first piece is speaking to councillor Efeso Collins about the need for youth workers in South Auckland

Finally, Tuwhenuaroa spoke to the head of the Mental Health Foundation Shaun Robinson about the most recent chief coroner’s report regarding NZ’s high suicide rates