New Tova political podcast: ‘Fearless, frank and free’

AUCKLAND, Today: Leading political journalist Tova O’Brien is jumping back behind the mic to host a “whip-smart” new podcast. Stuff Digital MD Nadia Tolich said: The weekly show, named Tova, will share impactful stories and unique perspectives that get people talking.

“Tova joined Stuff as chief political correspondent in July. She will be bold and independent, delivered with her wicked sense of humour.

“Tova will deliver agenda-setting weekly discussions and debates on all the things that matter to New Zealanders. 

“As one of our country’s pre-eminent political experts, Tova’s courageous, tenacious conversations will be unmissable and unmatched. It is going to be essential listening in the lead-up to the election and beyond.

“The show will leverage Stuff’s audience of almost 3.4 million per month.”

“In her previous role as Newshub’s political editor, she guided the Parliamentary team through the tumultuous 2020 election, six National Party leaders and the highs and lows of the Government’s Covid-19 response.

“More recently as Today FM’s breakfast show host, she travelled to Ukraine for an exclusive interview with President Volodymyr Zelensky resulting in a primetime doco that helped her win Broadcast Reporter of the Year (News) at the Voyager Media Awards for the second year in a row.”

Now an integral member of the Stuff whānau, O’Brien said: “I’m excited to work for an independent, Kiwi-owned news organisation with a reputation for leading journalism. The show will leverage Stuff’s audience of almost 3.4 million per month, including New Zealand’s largest news site.

“Everything we do, everything that impacts our lives is influenced by politics. We want to talk about the things that matter to you – their meaning and relevance – and talk to the people who can make a difference.”

Tova launches Thursday
Tova launches on Thursday 7 September with new episodes released weekly. Listeners can find the podcast on Stuff.co.nz, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast platforms.

• stuff.co.nz/tova