Mediawatch Pay equity, dead c-word strategy & c-bomb fallout, AI in BBC news
May 17, 2025
Laura Ellis, Head of Technology Forecasting for the BBC, shares her insights on pay equity legislation and the media's role in political discourse. She discusses how a controversial comment shifted focus away from serious issues like pay equity. The chat also dives deep into the BBC's use of AI in journalism, examining both its innovative applications and the ethical challenges it presents. From enhancing advertising to ensuring participant anonymity, the conversation highlights how AI is reshaping news and factual programming.
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Pay Equity Sparks Political Debate
- Pay equity legislation changes sparked long-lasting political and media debate in New Zealand, dominating headlines for weeks.
- The government changed laws under urgency without select committee scrutiny, frustrating opposition and public alike.
Unusual Job Comparisons Explained
- Pay equity compares jobs of different types but equal value, revealing structural undervaluation of women's work.
- Comparators may seem odd but are necessary when similar male-dominated roles don't exist nearby.
Politics Distracts From Pay Facts
- Political parties clashed over pay equity claims with accusations of lying, distracting from the core facts.
- Media tried to clarify that women will get pay rises but smaller and slower than expected under new laws.