In 2021, a review of the belonging research data prioritised media representation as a key theme. Sub-issues included media bias, stereotyping and censoring of voices; media fluency and cultural competence; and the role of social media both in creating democratic, information-sharing platforms and also contributing to on-line hate and division.
Over the next few months, regional hui were held with representatives from various communities as well as representatives from Māori Media, Journalist Media and Ethnic Media Hui representatives to clarify and shape the MAA project. A national Wayfinding hui brought together a small group to envision a path forward.
In 2022, the core group developed a ToR to define group membership and terms of engagement. The group agreed they wanted to (a) create opportunities for communities and their networks to lead the conversations and share stories of their lived experiences; (b) invite media into spaces to listen to these community stories; and (c) support communities and media to co-create responses. A press release launched the constellation to the public.
Media Representation Research: Diverse communities across the motu were asked three questions about their experiences of positive media representation; their experiences of false and misleading media representation; and what could be done to improve media representation. The findings identified examples of positive and inclusive coverage, e.g.
The 2020 Stuff Apology reflecting on its negative and biased coverage of Māori.
The widespread coverage of the first national Matariki holiday representing Aotearoa NZ and all its commitments in a moment of peace, reconciliation, and celebration: …a great example of media doing well and what this can look like at a national and local level – people getting together to celebrate.
The coverage of stories and community initiatives that are helping to build bridges between communities, actually appreciating ethnic contribution of ‘sharing is caring’.
The research also showed accounts of misrepresentation, where community groups have experienced negative impacts through sensational stories (“clickbait”, provoking division instead of cohesion); representation of a narrow spectrum of communities’ stories; false representation, furthering stereotypes and bias; and a large gap where communities were simply ignored.
These community conversations were analysed, and the resulting report served as the basis for conversations with media representatives and institutions across Aotearoa to boost media interest in the project.
In 2023, a MAA-led hui was held with media representatives to introduce the research findings. These conversations indicated a genuine media-interest in listening and learning how to work better with diverse communities.
Other activities during 2023 have included:
A webinar with media to build on prior media consultations to learn about existing resources developed by media; and to identify support needs.
A presentation and discussion with Stuff to deepen the discussion about the research findings, which led to MAA group members contributing to training materials that Stuff then rolled out with its staff.
Stuff invited MAA to be part of a panel discussion at Te Matarau, a Stuff-sponsored Media Wānanga. (This event further raised MAA’s credibility).
A literature review is being finalised of the patterns of diversity representation in national news media. The review will shine light on the relationship between coverage of issues of diversity in Aotearoa’s news media and New Zealanders’ attitudes towards minority groups.
Later in the year, MAA will host an in-person symposium with communities and media together and move into joint solution making.
