After a long slow leak the dam has finally burst for Sky Television and its pay TV monopoly.

MediaWorks will be weighing up ratings for outrageous TV against advertiser concerns about the Joe Irvine humiliation.

The sacking of Natalia Kills and Willy Moon is the latest in a run of damaging reality TV errors for Mediaworks executive Julie Christie, writes John Drinnan.

Leading telecommunications company Spark actively considered becoming the cornerstone sponsor of the new Paul Henry breakfast show, but has pulled out, writes John Drinnan.

SkyCity's new advertising campaign takes the warm and cuddly approach in stressing the company's community links, writes John Drinnan. At the same time, it is developing a reputation as an aggressive player with media.

The Prime News deal announced last week has warmed the relationship between Sky TV and MediaWorks at a time when the traditional media sector is being polarised into two camps.

State radio is conducting a softly-softly review of Radio NZ Concert, but it seems to be more about presentation than content.

Sky Television has delayed the launch of its Neon subscription video on demand service because of "technical glitches".

The year is approaching its end with uncertainty over the future shape of the two big media corporates - MediaWorks, owner of TV3, and NZME., owner of the Herald,

Public relations is back in the news, with controversy over Iain Rennie and the State Services Commission's "loose" handling of the press conference for departing Cera boss Roger Sutton.

TVNZ and MediaWorks programme launches over the past fortnight have set the scene for reality TV clashes next year, writes John Drinnan.

Six months into his role as chief executive of the Maori Television Service, Paora Maxwell has revealed he is looking at a fresh strategy for the broadcaster.

The subscription video-on-demand service Neon is the brightest light in the new Sky TV product lineup announced last week. The new service will offer movies, and TV shows such as Girls, Fargo and True Blood.

MediaWorks chief executive Mark Weldon will be hoping the new Paul Henry double breakfast show helps the company find new investors, writes John Drinnan.

The Totalisator Agency Board's new broadcasting general manager, Craig Norenbergs, wants tweeters following the horses.

Sky News Australia is aiming to expand its New Zealand operations. But it is holding intense discussions with its customer in this country - Sky Television - about who will end up covering the increased costs.

Public relations business needs a little PR itself, as Dirty Politics raises questions about industry practices.

SkyCity Entertainment is tidying up its corporate image, now it has hundreds of extra poker machines firmly in its sights, writes John Drinnan.

Lightbox will launch towards the end of this month, bringing much needed competition to pay TV.

Mike O'Donnell's departure from Trade Me is a milestone for the listed auction site, as it works to maintain its dominance.

Julie Christie has sold off the Living and Food channels to Discovery Networks, leaving MediaWorks staff with the prospect that she might apply for the soon-to-be-vacant chief executive's role.

Auckland Transport mounts lively ad campaign, then undermines it by using shuttle vans to help staff get around instead of public transport.

State TV bosses point proudly to improved ratings, but signs are, that after a succession of problems, TVNZ journalist morale is numbed, says John Drinnan.

The state broadcaster has confirmed it is planning another restructure of news and current affairs, writes John Drinnan. Some positions are expected to be disestablished, and an announcement is imminent.

An annual outlook on the media and entertainment industry says we're in a new era, where Kiwi consumers no longer differentiate between the traditional and the digital., writes John Drinnan.

Television New Zealand is adamant the scrapping of up to 12 journalists' jobs because of cuts at 20/20 is not linked to an expensive makeover, writes John Drinnan.