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This Is the F#$%ing News
Paddy Gower has spent decades telling New Zealanders' stories. Now, he's telling his.
Paddy Gower has never been afraid to stand up for what he believes in. From his teenage and university years where he learnt to defend himself from cruel bullying about his looks, to the pressure-cooker years he spent in the Press Gallery holding politicians to account, to advocating for the families of the Christchurch terrorist attacks and for sufferers of cystic fibrosis, he has scrapped and fought for the truth and justice for others.
This unrelenting drive has come at a cost—culminating in a serious alcohol addiction, anger issues at times, and bouts of anxiety and depression. Ironically, it was through his own work—a documentary about the outsized role that alcohol plays in many Kiwis' lives - that Paddy's wake-up moment came. It led him to quit the booze for good, a decision he has never regretted despite the knockbacks that kept coming, including the shock of the decision to close down the entire Newshub news division.
Funny, brutally honest and packed with amazing yarns and incredible stories from a huge and varied career, this is Paddy Gower, unleashed.
Paddy Gower has never been afraid to stand up for what he believes in. From his teenage and university years where he learnt to defend himself from cruel bullying about his looks, to the pressure-cooker years he spent in the Press Gallery holding politicians to account, to advocating for the families of the Christchurch terrorist attacks and for sufferers of cystic fibrosis, he has scrapped and fought for the truth and justice for others.
This unrelenting drive has come at a cost—culminating in a serious alcohol addiction, anger issues at times, and bouts of anxiety and depression. Ironically, it was through his own work—a documentary about the outsized role that alcohol plays in many Kiwis' lives - that Paddy's wake-up moment came. It led him to quit the booze for good, a decision he has never regretted despite the knockbacks that kept coming, including the shock of the decision to close down the entire Newshub news division.
Funny, brutally honest and packed with amazing yarns and incredible stories from a huge and varied career, this is Paddy Gower, unleashed.
Audible Audio
Published October 17, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 5, 2025
Great read, funny in parts and a great insight, very easy to read
November 7, 2025
This was quite a different read for me, but I really enjoyed it! I listened to the audiobook, which was narrated by Paddy himself, and it honestly opened my eyes to how the media works and how stories are portrayed especially within New Zealand politics. I loved hearing about all the wild antics he’s gotten up to over the years, and it made me appreciate his interviews even more. A really engaging and insightful listen!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews