RNZ: Sunday Morning

Mediawatch asks why critics are carping about a new TV news programme before it has even screened, and looks at some recent news-making interviews: One which took its subject by surprise because he didn't know it was happening, one which actually never happened at all, and Oprah Winfrey's exclusive with back-pedalling cyclist Lance Armstrong.

Professor Patman talks about what's behind the rise of Islamist militants in Mali, and the critical response of the international community. Robert Patman is a Professor of International Relations at the Department of Politics, University of Otago.

Penny MacKay investigates if the retail High St can survive the pressure of electronic shopping

The issue of gun control in the United States following the Sandy Hook school shootings.

Sunday Morning's regular commentator on the US elections, Jon Johansson, is joined by Professor Paul Morris to discuss the year in politics, religion, culture and society and to take a punt on what we're likely to see in 2013.

The Treasury Christmas party guest list includes most of the major 'DtL targets from the past year - Winston Peters, NZ Cricket, Novopay, The PM, the Two Davids and more.

In the latest of occasional series where we talk to influential New Zealanders about the individuals, writers and thinkers who have influenced them, we speak to pioneering movie and TV producer John Barnett. There could hardly be a single New Zealander who hasn't enjoyed one of the many Kiwi culture-defining projects he's been involved with. These projects range from Fred Dagg and the National Business Review to Whale Rider and Outrageous Fortune, not to mention the hit Song Slice of Heaven and our longest running soap Shortland Street.

Mark Reason has been a sports journalist for 25 years. He writes for Fairfax Media and is a highly-respected commentator on rugby, the game, and the issues that surround it.

Mediawatch looks back at the media in 2012: the year an All Black tackled 'breastfeeding Nazis', Kim Dotcom rocked the government's cabbage boat, and fatty fast food, salty spreads, old biscuits and sugary musicals all took turns to hijack the headlines and much more.

Which charities give more bang for your buck? Australian Toby Ord says some charities are up to 1000 times more effective than others. Toby is a researcher in moral philosophy at Oxford University and founder of an organisation based there called Giving What We Can, whose members pledge to donate 10 percent of their income to the charities that they believe will most effectively help people living in poverty.

Insight goes to Taranki, Gisborne and Southland to consider there economic futures in the face of possible population declines.

The politics surrounding the origins of Christmas: Emperor Constantine and the Nicean Council, and a contemporary perspective from the Associate Priest from St Matthew's in the City, Clay Nelson.

Author of 'Our Harsh Logic - Israeli Soldiers' Testimonies from the Occupied Territories, 2000-2010' which gives a candid account of the treatment of Palestinian people by the Israeli military.

Crap FM's crazy morning crew are up to their old tricks doing the prank call routine on Mike's Mad Monday Morning show. Self indulgent, ego driven commercial radio at its best.

Ideas explores the acceptance and celebration of difference within the various states of mental health, and the affliction of chronic normalcy.