6th August 2026 @ 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Overview
What does it take to get your story picked up? Join us for a candid panel discussion with key editorial leaders from NZME, Stuff, TVNZ and RNZ to find out what they are really looking for. This is an opportunity to hear directly from the people making the decisions and gain practical insights to help strengthen your media strategy.
The discussion will explore:
- What makes a story newsworthy in today’s media environment
- How audience data, digital platforms and algorithms influence editorial decisions
- The role of conflict, controversy and constructive journalism in news coverage
- How shrinking newsrooms are changing editorial priorities
- What editors want from PR professionals and how the media relationship is evolving
- Why earned media still matters in an age of owned and paid channels
There will be a virtual stream for members outside of Auckland and the link will be sent out closer to the time.
A quick favour from PRINZ: Our complimentary tickets are provided exclusively for PRINZ members. As places are limited, we’d really appreciate it if you only booked a ticket if you genuinely intend to attend. If your plans change, please let us know so we can offer your place to another member. Thank you for helping us make these events accessible to as many members as possible.
Your panellists are..
Keith Lynch
Keith Lynch is Editor-in-Chief of Stuff Digital, where he leads New Zealand’s largest digital newsroom.
Keith has led the Stuff newsroom for the past three years, overseeing significant transformation and a range of high profile investigations. He is very interested in creative, original storytelling and how newsrooms can stay relevant with the advent of generative AI.
Originally from Ireland and now based in Christchurch, Keith also welcomes all questions about golf.
Nadia Tolich
Nadia Tolich is TVNZ’s Chief News and Content Officer, where she leads the teams shaping New Zealand’s most compelling news and entertainment content — including 1News, Shortland Street, Celebrity Treasure Island and most recently, the FIFA World Cup. She’s passionate about storytelling that matters to New Zealanders and the journalists and creators who bring those stories to life. Prior to TVNZ, Nadia held senior leadership roles at Stuff Digital, including ThreeNews, the NZ Herald and Newstalk ZB.
Mark Stevens,
Chief News Officer, RNZ
Mark Stevens is a former Head of News for Stuff. His 29-year-long media career has seen him rise from reporting ranks to executive management roles at Stuff, as well as sitting on the board of several media industry bodies.
Murray Kirkness
Chief Content Officer (Publishing), NZME
Murray Kirkness has been Chief Content Officer (Publishing) since June 2023, a role encompassing the NZME Editor-in-Chief position.
Murray leads NZME’s editorial team of about 270 people nationwide to deliver high-quality, trusted news and content across multiple channels. Murray’s role includes growing the company’s various digital subscription platforms such as Herald Premium and BusinessDesk, and responsibilities across radio news and print publications including the NZ Herald and NZME’s regional newspapers.
He has worked in newsrooms across New Zealand and Australia.
Moderator – Erin Jamieson
Erin Jamieson, FPRINZ is a multi-award-winning communications practitioner and co-founder of national public relations company Convergence Communications & Marketing. She has more than 30 years’ experience in public relations, marketing and strategic communications.
Erin began her career in radio before moving into communications roles in Australia, where she worked with global brands including Moët & Chandon and Jack Daniel’s, before moving to New Zealand. Since co-founding Convergence 26 years ago, she has advised organisations across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors on strategic communications, reputation management, crisis response, stakeholder engagement and media relations.
Having worked with newsrooms and journalists throughout her career, Erin brings a practical understanding of how the media and communications industries work together. Her experience helping organisations earn coverage, manage issues and communicate effectively makes her well placed to moderate this discussion on what makes the news in today’s rapidly changing media environment.
