Angry attacks on the "mainstream" media are flooding social media feeds in the previously peaceful oasis of Aotearoa.
Why, demanded tweeters, are the biased media picking on the mayor of Wellington while ignoring other political misbehaviour?
Why was there so much coverage of billionaires on a mini-sub and not drowning migrants in the Mediterranean?
Why all the Ukraine coverage while ignoring other wars? What about the Palestinians?
Some critics are echoing the tactics of the Trumps and Putins of this world or are conspiracy theorists who are deep down the rabbit hole. But many are Kiwis who appear genuinely mystified about why some stories get more prominence than others.
Why does any of this matter? Because a successful society is built on trust. Distrust of the media, studies show, leads to divisiveness, which can quickly turn to violence.
Journalists have consistently failed to explain what we do. So for conspiracy theorists, media haters and the confused, here is a simple guide to media decision-making.
GRUESOME NUMBERS GAME
Students on my courses in London, Sydney, Melbourne and Dunedin were introduced to a mysterious concept called the news cycle. They had to follow a story across a day and a night and see how it was covered by the media.
I told them when I worked the midnight to 8am shift at the BBC in London, many of the stories were from Australia and New Zealand, but these stories did not make the day-shift bulletins.
This story is from the August 5-11 2023 edition of New Zealand Listener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 5-11 2023 edition of New Zealand Listener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
First-world problem
Harrowing tales of migrants attempting to enter the US highlight the political failure to fully tackle the problem.
Applying intelligence to AI
I call it the 'Terminator Effect', based on the premise that thinking machines took over the world.
Nazism rears its head
Smirky Höcke, with his penchant for waving with a suspiciously straight elbow and an open palm, won't get to be boss of either state.
Staying ahead of the game
Will the brave new world of bipartisanship that seems to be on offer with an Infrastructure Commission come to fruition?
Grasping the nettle
Broccoli is horrible. It smells, when being cooked, like cat pee.
Hangry? Eat breakfast
People who don't break their fast first thing in the morning report the least life satisfaction.
Chemical reaction
Nitrates in processed meats are well known to cause harm, but consumed from plant sources, their effect is quite different.
Me and my guitar
Australian guitarist Karin Schaupp sticks to the familiar for her Dunedin concerts.
Time is on my side
Age does not weary some of our much-loved musicians but what keeps them on the road?
The kids are not alright
Nuanced account details how China's blessed generation has been replaced by one consumed by fear and hopelessness.