This article discusses the use of radio after major earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 2010 and 2011. It draws on archival sources to retrospectively research post-quake audiences in the terms people used during and soon after the earthquakes through personal narratives and Twitter. Retrospective narratives of earthquake experiences affirm the value of radio for communicating the scale of disaster and comforting listeners during dislocation from safe home spaces. In the narratives radio is often compared with television, which signifies electricity supply and associated comfort but also visually confirms the city’s destruction. Twitter provides insights into radio use from within the disaster period, but its more global reach facilitates reflection on online and international radio from outside the disaster-affected area. This research demonstrates the value of archival audience research, and finds that the combination of online radio and Twitter enables a new form of participatory disaster spectatorship from afar.
The cost of building a home in New Zealand's main cities has risen by 20 per cent since the Canterbury earthquakes.
After Christchurch's devastating earthquakes, whole areas of the city, particularly out East, are starting from scratch - Aranui is one of them. Today, Lianne Dalziel cut the ribbon on the suburb's new community centre.
Bruce Springsteen has announced dates for a New Zealand tour including a concert in Christchurch for the anniversary of the February 2011 earthquake.
New research says Canterbury would suffer severe damage in an Alpine Fault earthquake.
The insurance company, Tower, is confident that putting its costly and complex outstanding Canterbury earthquake claims into a separate company will allow the rest of the group to flourish.
Christchurch homeowners speak to Checkpoint about their battles with EQC, to have their homes repaired to "as new" standard, not "pre earthquake".
Christchurch businesses are calling on the council to keep the New Brighton pier open while earthquake repairs are completed.
Christchurch businesses are calling on the council to keep the New Brighton pier open while earthquake repairs are completed.
A new report has heavily criticised how the Ministry of Education handled the post-earthquake Christchurch school reshuffle nearly four years ago.
The insurance company, Tower, has strongly criticised the time it's taking to settle Canterbury earthquake claims and says the insurance system for handling such disasters is broken.
New research shows that if a major earthquake ruptures the Alpine Fault Christchurch is likely to suffer more intense damage than some areas closer to the fault.
Christchurch's earthquake rebuild authority, Regenerate Christchurch, has released a new report setting out a timeline for what to do with the land - but angry residents are calling for action.
The new Cabinet is reportedly considering a rebuild plan for the Christchurch Cathedral, damaged in the 2011 earthquake. Supporters of restoring the cathedral say the signs are promising.
The number of emergency psychiatric assessments in Christchurch has more than doubled since the earthquakes struck.
A class action taken by 40 Canterbury earthquake claimants against Southern Response heads to court tomorrow.
Worries about the mental health impacts of the Canterbury earthquakes dominated a fiery meeting at Parliament today.
Belinda McCammon tracks progress in Christchurch 5 years after the earthquake that killed 185 people
Christchurch's leading business group is criticising city council plans to slow down its earthquake rebuild programme. Conan Young reports.
After calls for an inquiry into Christchurch home repairs, Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee joins Checkpoint.
Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel has experienced her fair share of earthquakes as a resident, MP and then Mayor. She joins Checkpoint.
Firms can expect to pay more and wait longer to get goods delivered to their door following the North Canterbury earthquakes.
Repair work on Christchurch's iconic Town Hall, badly damaged in the earthquakes, has nearly hit the halfway mark.
Farmers in North Canterbury say the earthquake is another blow to a region which has battled drought and volatile lamb and dairy markets
Karen Brown reports from Chch, where there seems to be no end in sight for the mental health problems caused by the earthquakes
Forty Christchurch homeowners have headed back to court, as they seek to take a class action against earthquake insurer Southern Response.
The High Court has said 40 Christchurch homeowners wanting to take a class action against earthquake insurer Southern Response can move forward with their claim.
Two Kaikoura residents have been airlifted to Christchurch for medical treatment following the earthquake. Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says health services are managing.
A backpackers with pod-styled units has opened near Christchurch Airport as the city continues to struggle with budget accommodation following the 2011 earthquake.
Christchurch council has asked its residents to tell it if earthquake repairs haven't been done so it can accurately assess their property's value.
