Radio, Talkback
I think I may have to give up listening to talk back radio, because I am so concerned at the influence that most presenters have in expressing their personal opinions. With some listeners there seems to be an acceptance that because a certain presenter, such as John McDonald on Morning talkback, gives out a PERSONAL opinion of a particular issue that the opinion expressed is Gospel. The presenters then proceed to barely acknowledge the views of callers who oppose that opinion and give time to those callers who do agree and approve of the presenter's opinion.
It was rumoured that at the start of the Covid epidemic, that the Government paid an enormous sum to media outlets to actively promote anti Covid vaccinations and very circumspectly promote official dogma. I am not influenced by these talk back presenters, but some might be. Most presenters are extremely biased over many important issues and pass on this bias to listeners. The format of afternoon talk back with Simon and James is better because they discuss an issue and their opinions often differ, so undecided listeners can perhaps hear both sides of an issue, and also the afternoon programme is more relaxed and the presenters more personable.
Some presenters are notorious for cutting off callers who disagree with them thus only the braver callers ring in to offer a differing opinion to that of the show host. ALSO please please bring back Tony Amos for Saturday's 'In My Day" programme which I listen to whilst toiling in Gym and later on in bed before nodding off. Miles Davis would be excellent as well. And no I don't spend hours listening solely to radio talk back, but it is background whilst doing other things. Often gets switched in annoyance. Radio is good if only used to inform of a situation or particular issue, and invite callers to ring with talkback, but it is just too easy for some listeners to be swayed by personal opinions of the presenters. I do however really enjoy the catchy advert for The Tyre General, must be the same agency which does the Brakes advert.
Take care folks and keep warm.......
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.6% Yes
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13.2% No
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1.2% Other - I'll share below
Railing planters
To gain extra growing space, make and hang these easy-to-build planters on almost any wooden fence or deck railing. Use Resene FX Blackboard Paint so you can easily identify what plants are in each. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.