Year in Review 2025: Mark Jennings

Every year, StopPress catches up with a group of industry leaders from across Aotearoa to talk about the year that was. From the highlights and the lowlights to their favourite foods, fruits and Christmas traditions, they give us a little insight into 2025 as well as a look forward to 2026.

Mark Jennings is co-editor of Newsroom.

What was your highlight, lowlight and the most interesting thing that happened to you at work this year?

A highlight has been seeing our podcast teams do very well. We won three of the major categories at the recent podcast awards with The Boy in the Water, Powder Keg and The Detail. 

There have been no particular lowlights. The number of paying subscribers continued to grow in 2025 and, given we are in the middle of a cost of living crisis, we found that interesting (and very heartening).   

What has been the biggest change that you’ve seen across media and news in 2025?

Internationally, it has been the continued rise of platforms like YouTube and the increasing use of AI in mainstream media. Locally we have seen more paywalls go up and existing ones tightened. Podcasting continued to grow but might be nearing a peak.

What trends did you follow in 2025 and how will these shape your work in 2026?

We keep a close eye on the level of public trust in the media. It has stabilised recently but we are very focused on being transparent about what we do, how we do it and why we do it.

How has AI impacted your work this year?

We certainly spent alot of time thinking about it and trying to work out how it can be used in a positive way. We don’t use it for editorial but it is already having a beneficial impact on our business operations.

Why is the media important, and how can people continue to support their local outlets?

Traditional media outlets are still the best place for in-depth coverage of stories and probably always will be. Paying for a subscription (usually less than a one flat white per week) is by far the best way to support local journalism.

Quick fire five:

Your favourite work of the year?

I really liked our series (by Jill Herron) on the impact feral deer, cats and other pests are having on NZ’s landscapes and biodiversity. It was different to the normal fare of politics, economics and business failures.

What is your signature dish?

Greek-style slow-cooked lamb (tasty but easy)

Best in real life experience you had this year?

A three week trip to Vietnam and Taiwan. Great people, Great food, Great scenery.

Best film to watch at Christmas?

Joyeux Noel (It is about Christmas on the Western Front in World War 1).

Your favourite Christmas tradition?

Walking up Franklin Road and admiring the effort residents put into their Christmas light displays.

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