Mediawatch
Reporter's ban from Crown apology; local papers on the block
Nov 16, 2024
Aaron Smale, an award-winning investigative journalist recognized for his work on state care abuse, discusses his puzzling exclusion from a crucial Crown apology event. He dives into the implications of New Zealand Media and Entertainment's plan to shutter 14 local papers, sparking concerns about community coverage. The conversation highlights the struggle for media accountability, the emotional weight of historical injustices, and the overarching challenges facing local journalism in an era of financial strain.
31:08
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Quick takeaways
- The planned closure of 14 local papers in New Zealand underscores the critical impact of declining revenues on community news representation.
- The temporary ban of journalist Aaron Smale from a national apology event highlights ongoing tensions between media scrutiny and governmental accountability in sensitive issues.
Deep dives
Closure of Local Newspapers
A major newspaper publisher plans to shut down 14 local papers across the North Island, significantly impacting towns that rely on these publications for local news coverage. The closures are attributed to declining advertising revenue and increased operating costs, leaving communities vulnerable to news deserts. Several long-standing local papers that have been in circulation for over a century face extinction, eliminating key sources of local governance and community stories. This situation reflects a broader trend in the media industry, where smaller publications have struggled to survive amid large-scale changes in audience engagement and funding.
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