Mediawatch Bitter butter battle, Saudi cash chaging the picture for sport on screen
Jul 27, 2025
Liam Dann, the business editor at the New Zealand Herald, teams up with Adam Leventhal, a correspondent for The Athletic and the author of 'At What Cost? Saudi Arabia and Soccer'. They dive into the surprising political uproar over rising butter prices, questioning if the media is missing bigger economic issues. They also discuss the competitive sports broadcasting landscape in New Zealand, and the groundbreaking influence of Saudi investments reshaping global sports dynamics, particularly in football. Human rights concerns amidst this financial surge add a complex layer to the conversation.
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Fonterra CEO Dodges Butter Questions
- Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell faced persistent media questioning about butter prices during meetings around Parliament.
- Despite repeated inquiries, he deferred detailed responses pending discussions with the finance minister.
Political Posturing on Butter Prices
- The government's meeting with Fonterra was routine but strategically marketed as a 'please explain' on butter prices.
- Political messaging was more about appearing serious on cost issues than having direct pricing control.
Sky Strengthens Sports Broadcasting Hold
- Sky TV’s acquisition of TV3 strengthens its dominance in sports broadcasting landscape in New Zealand.
- TVNZ is still bidding for key sports rights like FIFA World Cup, signaling a contested marketplace.