AUCKLAND, Today: The Spinoff’s rolling out a fresh explainer series called Now You Know—short, sharp videos serving up the news young Kiwis actually care about, right where they scroll the most.
Each week, three new videos will drop on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook. You’ll also find them on thespinoff.co.nz, just in case you want to dig deeper.
Toby Manhire, the series’ executive producer, says it’s all about keeping up with how younger people get their news. “Over half of 18–24 year olds and 50% of 25–34 year olds now identify social media and video networks as their main source of news in the United States, with similar trends globally.”
And even though the Reuters Institute didn’t include NZ in its latest report, Toby reckons the trend’s mirrored here too.
Anna Rawhiti-Connell, The Spinoff’s head of audience, backs that up. “NZ On Air’s 2024 Where the Audiences Are survey showed global video sharing platforms reach 90% of 15–24-year-olds.
“t’s great to have NZ On Air support for work that is aimed at reaching underserved audiences.” – Rawhiti-Connell
“Rather than viewing this shift with concern, we see it as an opportunity to meet people where they are. For The Spinoff, serving different audiences isn’t an or, but an and.”
NZ On Air is backing the project, helping bring news to younger audiences in a way that actually resonates. “It’s great to have NZ On Air support for work that is aimed at reaching underserved audiences,” said Rawhiti-Connell.
“This funding allows us to create content that serves young New Zealanders in the formats and platforms they prefer.”
Comedian and writer Robbie Nicol—yep, the guy from White Man Behind A Desk—will be scripting and fronting many of the vids. “I wanted to be involved because there’s a real need for reliable, accessible news content that speaks to young people in formats they actually engage with.
“This series is about breaking down complex issues in ways that are both informative and genuinely useful.”
The goal? Serve up trusted, digestible news for the 18–24 crowd without shutting anyone else out. It’s all part of The Spinoff’s push to keep digital storytelling fresh, accessible and relevant.
CREDITS
Video journalist: Robbie Nicol
Producer: Jin Fellet
Editor: Isaiah Tour
Executive Producers: Sophie Dowson, Toby Manhire, Anna Rawhiti-Connell
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