The Fold What’s going on with Māori news media?
Oct 27, 2025
Liam Rātana, editor of The Spinoff Ātea and a commentator on Māori media, dives into the recent upheavals in the Māori news landscape. He discusses the funding cuts to iconic shows like Te Karere and The Hui, explaining how shifting audience preferences towards digital platforms have shifted the funding focus. Rātana highlights the rise of agile regional providers targeting younger viewers and reveals innovative strategies using local content to engage audiences. With a looming fiscal cliff, he emphasizes the need for transformation in how news is delivered to Māori communities.
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Distinct Public-Cultural Remit
- Māori media’s funding and remit shape it differently from mainstream outlets, prioritising language and culture.
- That dual remit forces a balance between serving fluent Māori speakers and wider audiences for sustainability.
Linear News Is Losing Funding Advantage
- Longstanding linear shows like Te Kārere faced cuts because funders now prefer digital-first formats.
- The shift penalises bulletins that haven’t moved quickly into social and realtime publishing.
Regional Viral Scoop Example
- Okaha News broke a regional story by filming on a phone and uploading immediately to socials.
- The clip went viral and was rapidly picked up by larger outlets, showing digital-first reach.