Tāhono Media

Formation

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 Tāhono Media 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;
• (c) support communities and media to co-create responses. A press release launched the constellation to the public.

2022

In 2022 the group undertook a research project on media representation, where 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 research showed positive changes, but still many 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 Tāhono-Media-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.

2023

In 2023 we held webinar with media to build on prior media consultations to learn about existing resources developed by media; and to identify support needs. Further discussions with Stuff NZ led to Tāhono Media group members contributing to training materials that Stuff then rolled out with its staff, and the delivery of Te Matarau workshops. Stuff invited Tāhono to be part of a panel discussion at Te Matarau, a Stuff-sponsored Media wānanga.

2024

In 2024 the group convened in person for the first time, with a focus on activating the solid history that the group had developed and held for two years.