The Wellington media landscape is shaped by a diverse group of influential media owners, each with unique approaches to news and content. From traditional print to digital-first platforms, these leaders define how the capital city and New Zealand at large consume media. Below is a look at the prominent figures in Wellington’s media scene.

1. Michael Boggs – CEO of NZME

Michael Boggs leads NZME, one of New Zealand’s largest media organisations, which owns prominent titles like The New Zealand Herald. NZME has a broad portfolio across radio, digital, and print, with Boggs playing a key role in its digital transformation. His leadership focuses on adapting to a rapidly changing media environment while ensuring profitability, primarily through digital subscriptions and integrated media solutions.

2. Sinead Boucher – Owner of Stuff

Sinead Boucher is a pivotal figure in New Zealand’s media industry. As the owner of Stuff, she is renowned for her bold decision to purchase the company for just NZ$1 from its Australian owners in 2020. Under her leadership, Stuff has moved towards greater editorial independence, with initiatives focusing on sustainability and public interest journalism. Boucher also advocates for technology giants like Google and Meta to compensate media companies for the use of their content, a battle she continues to champion.

3. Todd Scott – CEO of NBR

Todd Scott, owner and CEO of The National Business Review (NBR), is known for his unconventional leadership style. His vision for the NBR centres around a digital-only future, with significant investments in multimedia content such as podcasts and video, although these ventures have seen mixed success. Scott is known for his candid social media presence and outspoken views on the role of advertising in media, positioning the NBR as a leading voice in business journalism.

4. Tracey Watkins – Editor of The Post

As the editor of The Post, Tracey Watkins plays a crucial role in Wellington’s print media landscape. With extensive experience in political journalism, Watkins steers The Post to offer in-depth analysis and robust reporting on national and local issues. Under her leadership, the newspaper continues to be a key source of information, particularly on political developments in the capital.

5. Graham Bloxham – ONE NETWORK Wellington Live

Graham Bloxham heads ONE NETWORK, which owns the popular Wellington Live platform. Wellington Live has become a significant player in local media, boasting a large social media presence with millions of followers. The platform is known for its real-time updates, traffic reports, and community engagement, making it a go-to source for local news and happenings. Bloxham’s focus on “snackable” content delivered quickly across various digital platforms has resonated strongly with Wellingtonians.

6. Paul Thompson – CEO of Radio New Zealand (RNZ)

Paul Thompson leads Radio New Zealand, the country’s public broadcaster. Under his stewardship, RNZ has maintained its focus on high-quality, independent journalism. Thompson has overseen efforts to expand the broadcaster’s digital presence, ensuring that RNZ remains relevant in a media environment where digital consumption is increasing rapidly. His commitment to public service media ensures RNZ continues to offer in-depth, balanced news coverage.

7. Jordan Williams – Taxpayers’ Union

Jordan Williams is the head of the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union, a political advocacy group that frequently interacts with media through its campaigns. While not a traditional media owner, Williams influences public discourse through the union’s media appearances and online presence. His group is known for promoting fiscal conservatism and holding government spending to account, making him an important figure in political journalism.

8. Scoop Foundation – Scoop Media

The Scoop Foundation operates Scoop Media, an independent news platform known for its focus on public interest journalism. It promotes transparency and provides an alternative voice in New Zealand’s media landscape. The foundation’s commitment to non-commercial news reporting ensures that a wide range of voices and issues are represented, often those overlooked by larger media outlets.

9. Charles Ward – Vic Deals

Charles Ward owns Vic Deals, a well-known Wellington-based platform that started as a student-driven marketplace but has since evolved into a major community hub. Though not a traditional media outlet, Vic Deals wields significant influence in the local digital space, with its platform serving as both a marketplace and a venue for local discussions and recommendations.

Conclusion

Wellington’s media scene is diverse, with leaders across various formats from traditional print to social-driven platforms. Each of these media owners has helped shape the way information is consumed, providing both national and local perspectives. Their approaches, while different, underline the importance of innovation in a rapidly evolving media landscape.