Undermining journalism?
Introduction
Trust and confidence in journalism in New Zealand will likely be a recurring theme for AWNZ.
It goes without saying that the media is an essential institution within our democracy. Journalists shine light on politicians, holding them accountable and speaking truth to power.
Undermining journalism is equally critical within the autocratic playbook. This is exemplified by the fake news narrative that has been promoted by Trump and MAGA from the get go.
The position is nuanced, for a range of reasons:
The age old tension between politicians and the press.
Like politicians, journalists need to be held accountable.
Some mainstream media outlets are partisan - for example, Fox News in America.
Even with non-partisan outlets, powerful owners can influence editorial direction - for example, Jeff Bezos and the storied Washington Post - see article here.
A degree of unconscious bias in inevitable in even the best newsrooms with the best editorial processes.
The need to distinguish between an outlet’s news function and opinion function. The former should be fact based and objective but the latter need not be.
The dichotomy between mainstream media and alternative media. The latter is the Wild West and covers the full gamut - objective and responsible, covertly partisan, overtly partisan and actively promoting misinformation. Some of the most egregious outlets purport to be the truth tellers.
In the current environment we need to be vigilant for when politicians cross the line from legitimately pushing back on journalists to unjustifiably undermining them. This will often be a matter of judgment and opinion. A few recent examples are discussed below.
Hipkins and NZME
On 2 July 2025, Labour Party leader and former Prime Minister Chris Hipkins accused NZME of not reporting on ram raids because its “Tory owners” wished to favour the National Party - listen here. NZME pushed back strongly and Hipkins has provided no evidence of editorial interference.
In our opinion this is irresponsible behaviour from Hipkins. We are entitled to expect more from a politician of his seniority and one who aspires to become Prime Minister for a second term.
Peters and RNZ
In a recent interview, NZ First leader and former Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters accused RNZ of favouring the left and referred to cutting off public funding - listen here.
In our opinion, this is straight out of the the autocratic playbook and the threat to funding is particularly irresponsible. We can see nothing in Corin Dann’s line of questioning that suggests bias or any other lack of professionalism.
Seymour and Campbell
In June 2025, ACT leader and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour was interviewed by John Campbell - watch here.
In the wide-ranging interview Seymour outlined his concerns with parts of the media and his response. He articulated a number of specific concerns with RNZ’s Morning Report and indicated that he would not appear on that show but maintained a good relationship with other parts of RNZ. He also articulated a concern about selective editing, with his response being to post full interviews online.
In our opinion, Seymour’s approach is a legitimate challenge to media. We do not know whether his concerns are well founded but he is articulating those concerns clearly and adopting a proportionate and transparent response to them.