News Media New Zealand On the Edge of a Precipice

The news media industry is in an acute state of flux. What was once focused on was print media's imminent demise; but digital disruption now poses an even more immediate risk. Social media platforms have altered how people consume and distribute news; while public funding cuts to journalism mean journalists often work toward an increasingly limited audience.

New Zealand enjoys an expansive and dynamic news media, comprising multiple daily newspapers; two national broadcasters; a variety of TV news and current affairs programs; as well as online sources like The Spinoff, Stuff and NZME. All these news outlets play an invaluable role in society by providing accurate information while holding powerful entities accountable.

But in 2024 they face an even greater challenge, one which some within the industry consider existential. A popular phrase within media circles is: "we are at the edge of a precipice". Many see a sense that one or more large media companies could face financial crises that lead to closure, liquidation or sale offs.

This crisis is caused by digital platforms and their revenue-cutting impact on traditional news media, but has also been compounded by misinformation and disinformation spreading rapidly, cheaply and effectively through social media channels.

New Zealand's main news media companies are feeling the strain. morning news Newshub restructure saw more than 200 jobs lose out across its platforms; and last week Warner Brothers Discovery announced it will close down their New Zealand news operation by June, thus cutting dozens of additional positions. Both TVNZ and RNZ have reduced production levels with lighter shows produced; or ones supported through integrated advertising being created instead.

This phenomenon can be found globally, yet New Zealand stands out as an especially acute case due to our highly concentrated news media landscape. While its size might seem inconsequential at first glance, its effects are having significant ramifications on society.

JMAD is taking steps to respond to this crisis by exploring the role of trust in news media New Zealand, with an ambitious research project exploring this subject utilizing comparative data from JMAD's Trust in News in New Zealand survey in 2020 and the Reuters Digital News Report 2019 across 38 countries.

On Wednesday 10 April at AUT's City Campus in Auckland, Dr. Merja Myllylahti of JMAD, Kirsty Cameron from Newshub and Haley Jones from RNZ will participate in a panel event that is free to attend and can be registered for here.