The average audience across the month of August 2010 shows that ONE News had 205,190 viewers aged 18-49 watching the main 6pm bulletin every evening compared to 198,650 viewers in the same age group watching 3 News. July data showed ONE and 3 News were neck and neck with ONE News just slightly behind in TV3’s own target demographic.

The last time ONE News beat 3 News in 18-49 age group was in August 2008 (during the Beijing Olympics).

Total viewership data for all news and current affairs television programmes during August on FTA is detailed below.

ONE News Midday: 132,610
3 News at Twelve: 30,100
ONE News @ 4:30: 106,080
ONE News: 671,030
3 News: 376,020
Close Up: 525,430
Campbell Live: 252,660
Tonight: 183,520
Nightline: 156,700

Source: Nielsen TAM (Measurement: All people 5 years and over – average audience nationwide)

- TVNZ

The Rock radio station had an exclusive interview with megastars Bono and The Edge from U2 that will air tomorrow at 7.30am. This has been the only New Zealand interview to promote The U2 360° Tour that will come to Auckland on 25 November this year.

In a live studio link up, Roger Farrelly from The Morning Rumble spoke to the pair about The U2 360° Tour and their impending New Zealand visit. They discuss how Bono’s back is holding up after they postponed shows in May for his emergency spinal surgery, and what kiwi’s can expect to hear at Mt Smart in November which includes 4 new songs that haven’t yet been released.

The duo also spoke of their love of NZ and their past experiences in this country. Bono remembers “I jumped naked off a bridge in Queenstown, it was a bungy jump and I then mooned, which is the sort of thing I would have only done in my twenty’s”.

The interview finished off with a hint at the inclusion of New Zealand inspired ‘One Tree Hill’ on the set list. “If I was a betting man, I would guess the odds would be pretty high that we will do One Tree Hill” says The Edge.

To hear the full interview with Bono and The Edge from U2, listen to The Rock tomorrow morning at 7.30am or head to www.therock.net.nz.

- MediaWorks

Starring one of Australia’s most famous drag queens Joyce Maynge, this video was made for less than $500 and everyone volunteered their time.

Watch below:

Glee screens on the TEN Network in Australia, and TV3 in New Zealand.

Announcing the appointment, Group Managing Director Sussan Turner said she was delighted this important appointment came from within the organisation.

“We conducted an international search for this key executive appointment, and it is excellent we have been able to promote someone from within our existing pool of very talented managers,” she said.

“Roger came through a rigorous recruitment process with flying colours. His technical skills, strategic ability, leadership strength and his respect from within the industry were all important factors in his appointment,” said Ms Turner.

“He thoroughly understands the MediaWorks culture, and his appointment will make for a seamless transition,” she said.

Mr Randle will oversee all technology requirements for MediaWorks across the radio, TV and Interactive divisions of the Company.

“In the years ahead strength in the technology arena will be a critical success factor for all media companies. I know with Roger in this leadership role we are well positioned for the future,” she said.

Mr Randle has been with MediaWorks since 2001, and has been TV Engineering Manager since 2004. He has enjoyed a 20 year career in the broadcast and I.T. industry, commencing in the UK before relocating to New Zealand where he worked for Fisher & Paykell and Panasonic New Zealand prior to joining MediaWorks.

Roger Randle said he is excited about his appointment, and the opportunity to work with such a talented and innovative technology team.

“I have absolute faith in their abilities, and look forward to working alongside the team to meet MediaWorks’ evolving technology needs,” Mr Randle said.

Roger Randle’s appointment is effective immediately, as he steps into the role replacing industry veteran John Allen who announced he was stepping down from his position two months ago. Mr Allen will continue to work with MediaWorks in a consulting role.

- MediaWorks

Things became really entertaining when TVNZ’s Ruth Wynn-Williams started warming up for her One News at 4.30 live cross.

“Oh ****, Um” she said just moments after Dan News started monitoring the stream.

Wynn-Williams continued, calling herself ‘Bobbette the Builder” in reference to her construction site outfit.

Once news of the online entertainment spread, One News’ Rawdon Christie tweeted @dannews saying “Pure unadulterated reality TV. Next time we’ll put a profligate swearer there to spice it up.”

Almost two minutes in to the video the reporter appears to be informed that her actions have been streamed live on the internet.

“Have I said something bad?” she asks.

Fantastic viewing One News and Ruth Wynn-Williams!

Watch below:

He has hosted the show for twenty three years, since 1987 and this year marks a half-century since he began his career in the radio industry.

“This is my decision, I’ve had an amazing time but feel I need to enjoy life without the pressure of a daily radio show. I would like to thank my listeners for the sustained support I’ve had”, said Justin.

“A consummate broadcaster, Justin will be remembered as one of New Zealand’s most successful personalities who has genuinely made an outstanding contribution” said John McElhinney chief executive of The Radio Network.

“Justin has been a fixture on Wellington’s airwaves for well over two decades and has been a key reason behind Newstalk ZB’s status as a market leader in talk radio”, said Rhys Nimmo, Wellington general manager of The Radio Network.

An announcement on Justin’s replacement will be made in the coming weeks.

“We are committed to continuing the show in its current form, with a Wellington host speaking with Wellingtonians about local issues”, said Newstalk ZB Wellington operations manager Jason Pine.

Justin won’t be lost to Wellington radio listeners and is currently in discussions about an ongoing role with Newstalk ZB.

“I’m still keen to be involved with the station and we’re in the process of working through those scenarios now”, he said.

Justin got his start in the radio industry as a clerical cadet at the New Zealand Broadcasting Service in 1960. He became an announcer for 2ZB in 1962, and was the inaugural host of the trail-blazing “Sunset Show” in 1963.

He left broadcasting in 1966 to take up a career in the textile industry. In November 1983 he returned and has been at 2ZB, now Newstalk ZB, ever since.

Justin’s last day in his current role will be Christmas Eve.

The reason being an “agreement in principle” that Mold will replace Kris Faafoi as Chief Press Secretary to Phil Goff.

Faafoi, also a former TVNZ reporter has recently put his hand up for the upcoming Mana by-election.

Further to speculation in this morning’s New Zealand Herald regarding John Campbell’s long-term relationship with TV3, the Company wishes to unequivocally stand by its host of the programme Campbell Live.

“John Campbell is an outstanding broadcaster and New Zealand’s leading television interviewer. He has been a part of TV3 for the last two decades. He is integral to the TV3 brand and family. We have no intention of changing that long standing and excellent relationship,” said MediaWorks Group Managing Director, Sussan Turner.

“We value John’s excellence, commitment, hard work and steadfast loyalty to TV3,” she said.

“We also believe Campbell Live is on top of its game editorially and is a demonstrably stronger show than its competition. Both John and Campbell Live are multiple finalists in the Qantas Television Awards – and this acknowledgement from the industry speaks volumes about the quality of the programme,” said Ms Turner.

“Previous media speculation about Campbell Live’s longevity declared it would be off-air by Easter. That was five months ago. Campbell Live still is and remains our 7pm programme on weeknights,” she said.

- MediaWorks

The Australian soap in its 25th year will be moved to Ten’s new digital channel called Eleven.

“Neighbours is an important and cherished member of the Network Ten family. We believe Neighbours is perfectly suited to Eleven’s audience strategy and will find a successful and enduring home on Eleven. We will round out the first 25 years with a bang, and give Australia’s most successful drama a new home to keep it vibrant in the schedule for the next 25.” said Chief of programming, David Mott.

Neighbours will remain in its 6.30pm timeslot on Eleven.

Other shows to feature on the channel include The Simpsons, Futurama, Dexter, Smallville, 90210, The Office and Supernatural.

Watch this video for more information on the new channel:

- Dan News