Russell Baillie is a journalist, music writer and media commentator.
The listener.co.nz is the website of the award-winning New Zealand Listener, which has been covering the political, cultural and literary life of Aotearoa New Zealand for 80 years with features on current events, politics, social issues, health, technology, arts, food, culture and entertainment.
![Spin doctors: Why Kiwis are joining the vinyl revival](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Spin doctors: Why Kiwis are joining the vinyl revival
Music is available at the touch of a button, but records are still on the rise.
![TV preview: Is this the new Country Calendar?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
TV preview: Is this the new Country Calendar?
New series Shepherdess puts focus on rural women.
![Russell Brown: Climate change denial is coping with the unthinkable](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Russell Brown: Climate change denial is coping with the unthinkable
It's hard to grasp: Earth’s hottest September on record and dolphins dying en masse.
![How broadcasters will be tackling election night and who’s on their guest lists](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
How broadcasters will be tackling election night and who’s on their guest lists
Your television and radio guide for election night.
![TV preview: Jay Blades - Learning to Read at 51](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
TV preview: Jay Blades - Learning to Read at 51
Repair Shop host opens up on learning disability.
![Russell Brown: The social media platform that looks a lot like Twitter, but isn’t](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Russell Brown: The social media platform that looks a lot like Twitter, but isn’t
Bluesky escapees found a place to chat without an incontinent troll marching in.
![Russell Brown: Holding on for an update to the IRD’s music playlist](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Russell Brown: Holding on for an update to the IRD’s music playlist
It's hard to imagine being on hold and not hearing Poi E, Sierra Leone and Welcome Home.
![Succession star shines in true scandal TV drama where man fakes his own death](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Succession star shines in true scandal TV drama where man fakes his own death
Writer has shaped the true story into a beguiling and entertaining TV yarn.
![Russell Brown: Fringe beliefs always find a home in politics](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Russell Brown: Fringe beliefs always find a home in politics
Trevor Loudon isn’t the only ZAP student to find a home with Act.
![Doco shines light on profound impact Dr Ranginui Walker had on NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Doco shines light on profound impact Dr Ranginui Walker had on NZ
Interviews with his children and grandchildren provide insight into family expectations.
![Former ABs to open up on their decision to leave the team in upcoming doco](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Former ABs to open up on their decision to leave the team in upcoming doco
New doco is quite a lot more than a World Cup primer or a player confessional.
![Why are there two shows where ex-All Blacks explain France to us?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Why are there two shows where ex-All Blacks explain France to us?
To find an ex-All Black these days, all you need do is reach for the remote.
![What TVNZ+’s move into sport means for fans on the couch](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
What TVNZ+’s move into sport means for fans on the couch
Spoiler: It doesn’t necessarily mean there’s more sport available on your television.
![Why comedian has joined Forest & Bird boss in new endangered species TV series](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Why comedian has joined Forest & Bird boss in new endangered species TV series
An upbeat programme about the gloomy subject of species loss, will it work?
![The man who rewired Kiwi rock](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
The man who rewired Kiwi rock
Doug Hood wired together much of the country’s left-field bands and music business.
![New history streaming platform has facts at your fingertips](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
New history streaming platform has facts at your fingertips
Well-told tales of bygone eras are back in vogue on platforms such as History Hit.
![BBC series follows post-war UK migrants down under](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
BBC series follows post-war UK migrants down under
Subplots turn what could have been a generational sweep into a family drama with frills.
![Couples Therapy NZ: Why Amanda Cox counsels couples on TV](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Couples Therapy NZ: Why Amanda Cox counsels couples on TV
The Auckland psychotherapist explains why she agreed to be on the reality show.
![Shortland Street’s newbies unmasked](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Shortland Street’s newbies unmasked
Who’s the new surgical team scrubbing in on the clinical soap?
![Match Fit: League Legends: TV series shows refreshing look at rugby league](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=791)
Match Fit: League Legends: TV series shows refreshing look at rugby league
Those wondering what the next season could bring - it turns out it’s gone to a new level.