The Platform

The Platform is a New Zealand right-wing, "anti-woke" online radio station, founded by former MagicTalk broadcaster Sean Plunket in September 2021. The company is owned by the Wright family and Plunket. Notable hosts include Plunket, sports broadcaster Martin Devlin, and Otago Regional Council member Michael Laws. Content and hosts The Platform describes itself as an "independent media site" giving listeners "unbiased coverage commentary and opinion and the chance to have your say on the issues that affect you." The station claims to be independent of government funding and political interference. The Platform promotes itself as an alternative to "taxpayer-funded media" and so-called "woke culture warriors" whom it accuses of seeking to "stifle debate and suffocate democracy. It is listed on the New Zealand Companies Office's website as a recorded media and publishing company based in the Wellington suburb of Te Aro. The Platform hosts have included founder and veteran broadcaster Sean Plunket, former Newstalk ZB sports broadcaster Martin Devlin, former National Party Member of Parliament (MP) and Otago Regional Council member Michael Laws, and former ACT Party leader Rodney Hide. As of February 2022, Plunket hosted the breakfast slot from 6am to 9am; Laws hosted the 9am to 12pm slot, Leanne Malcolm hosted the 12pm to 3pm slot, and Devlin hosted the 3pm to 6pm slot. In addition, former National Party press secretary Ani O'Brien served as The Platform digital engagement editor until a workplace dispute with Plunket. Notable guests have included columnist Chris Trotter, blogger Martyn "Bomber" Bradbury, former National Party leader Don Brash, former Dominion Post editor Karl du Fresne, ACT Party leader David Seymour, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, Labour Party Member of Parliament (MP) and Prime Minister of New Zealand Chris Hipkins, former Labour MP Michael Bassett, Counterspin Media founder and right-wing activist Kelvyn Alp, Voices for Freedom spokesperson Alia Brand, anti-vaccine influencer Chantelle Baker, former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, and Team New Zealand sailor Grant Dalton.