My media: Mike Puru, TV presenter

Former paperboy from Gore turned television presenter at TV2's Flipside, with a nightly radio show on The Edge.

Television

I watch Holmes, One News and, to be honest, I watch Mai Time for a bit of information and to make sure I'm cross-sectioned. It's a bit sad, but I watch most New Zealand documentaries that are made - that's what you get to do, to get this type of job. And the Letterman show on Prime, not Mike King's show but the authentic version.

There's something about working in this industry, you tend to watch anything that's made. You keep your eye on all current affairs - 20/20, 60 Minutes, Inside New Zealand. They can spark ideas for stories.

Newspapers

I certainly read the Herald every day. My Mum in Gore sends me the Southland Times every now and again. I hardly read any of the locals. Auckland's so big that if you tried reading all 20 or so, you'd be reading all day.

I read both Sunday papers. It's my favourite ritual on Sunday mornings. One just to see if I'm in the gossip column, the other for information. I also read Express.

Magazines

I read Rip It Up, Tearaway, North and South - God, I sound so old. To be honest, I would have a flick through Cleo because I'm a male and Cleo will sometimes let me understand a little more about how the female, especially the younger female, thinks. And for the free lipstick - just joking. I would read GQ each month, and we get into the office each week Woman's Weekly, Who, Woman's Day, New World - no, that's a supermarket. New Idea. I would not really read them, just look at the pictures.

Books

I'm not a very big book reader. I don't read books for pleasure. I would much rather watch the DVD. I've read books about how to manage media, and about things like the Aramoana killing. And Allen Carr's Easy Way To Stop Smoking.

Radio

I work for The Edge radio station, that's quite a good vehicle to keep my finger on the pulse in terms of concerts and visiting acts, what's hot and what's not. I listen to George FM but not because of their stimulating conversation, more because of their music, to relax to.

Internet

I surf Stuff every day to keep up with the other newspapers, and Ananova every day, just to see. And nme.com. They would be my main three.

Inspiration

I was at the red carpet premiere for The Lord of the Rings doing some work, and it was so cool. Everyone was there to pat everyone on the back. And I was really moved by what Sean Astin said.

He said the world at the moment is a pretty rough place, and New Zealand is a beacon of hope, not only for New Zealand but for the world.

I remember looking at [co-host] Evie, and it made me realise I have a cool job I love, and I live in a very cool country. The world is a very complex place, and a lot of us are in a place where we can try to make it better.

Another thing that really moved me was reading about Coral Burrows. It's been quite harrowing. I hate reading about death. If 35 people die in a crash in the US, I'm sad. But one person dies here, like a 16-year-old in a car crash, and it breaks my heart. If it's drink-driving or something, I think: Why didn't you listen to that voice break I did, saying don't do that.

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