The media plays a large role in the life of the average citizen in terms of the information it relays. From 24 hour news channels, internet newscasts, online and hardcopy newspapers and radio there is not a time of day or night where a view point, debate or story is not being transmitted to us. In New Zealand ‘the evidence indicates that New Zealanders rely heavily on television for information and entertainment’ (Poihipi, 2007, p. 1) and by default a certain amount of how they view the world around them would be based on what they see, read or hear. Hargrave (2007, p. 5) states that ‘the way in which cultural diversity is delivered through such media can act as ‘glue’ for social cohesion as well as protecting national cultures and providing a mirror into one’s own culture and society. It can remove misconceptions and it can add to the understanding of the richness of the world’.
Conversely it can do the opposite.
Kia ora Luis- your research question is interesting. While it’s important to remember that all viewers and readers aren’t empty vessels unable to form their own opinions, I agree with your concern about negative framing of Maori in NZ media. I am currently researching media content on family and interpersonal violence in NZ print media and related web content. I am finding race framing that is disproportionate. Almost 9000 children were victims of physical abuse between 2000 and 2008, yet only 21 became "household names" in the media, according to research carried out by Merchant (2012). Just one-third of child deaths were reported in the press, and those reported were predominantly Maori cases. The Maori children who have died and their families are intensively covered and their photos are used time and time again. Such framing distorts public perceptions and encourages hostility towards Maori families and in particular Maori mothers.
Thank you Liz. Really appreciate your input to this question, the 4th Estate definately has a big sway. I am also in the process of completing a research proposal that looks at a number of areas within a New Zealand bicultural context and what I am seeing is that it seems the 'deck is stacked' against a fair outcome. I would be very interested in input from other Aotearoa Researchers
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