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Geoff Robinson presents a look at the history and development of Radio New Zealand news and current affairs. Includes Professor James Shelley's speech on being appointed the first Director of Broadcasting.
Other archival audio excerpts:
- Derek Bail (an early compiler of news) describes the process of choosing items from the BBC shortwave broadcasts for local broadcasts.
- Neville Chamberlain on the ultimatum to Germany which heralded the start of World War II.
- Winston Churchill: excerpt of war speech "We shall fight on the beaches.."
- Arch Curry: excerpt of report from the Battle of Cassino.
- Prime Minister Sidney Holland: excerpt of the 'law and order' broadcast during the 1951 waterfront dispute.
- Prime Minister Keith Holyoake: Hillary Everest announcement.
- Edmund Hillary: excerpt of BBC interview on returning to Britain.
- The Queen's 1953 Christmas message mentioning the Tangiwai disaster.
- In 1954 a newsreel service was established by the Broadcasting Service and plans for a news service were set in place, including an independent code of practice.
- Jim Hartstonge recalls government control over news, and the wish by broadcasters for an independent service which finally happened when the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation was created in 1962.
- Bruce Broadhead, one of the early radio news journalists, recalls the first programmes.
- Beverley Wakem recalls early current affairs coverage. She joined the Talks Department in the 1960s. Extended actuality of coverage of the Wahine disaster [Dick Wauchop reports].
- Geoffrey Whitehead talks about coming to New Zealand from the BBC in 1974 to start what would become Morning Report. Actuality of the first programme on 1 April 1975 hosted by Joe Cote. He talks about the BBC opinion that the morning news programme wouldn't work in New Zealand.
- Air New Zealand Erebus DC10 crash coverage from Morning Report - Jim Sullivan hosts.
- Baz Hart, Editor of news during the 1981 Springbok Tour, recalls how tough it was for journalists. Actuality of James Weir at the Molesworth St protests.
- Newstalk ZB starts. Actuality of Paul Holmes and Philip Sherry.
- Peter Fry talks about changes in news-reading style over the years 1960s - 1990s.
- Jim Hartstonge and Geoffrey Whitehead on the advantages of radio.