Māori journalists have concerns over uncertain media landscape following Newshub’s demise

TV Broadcaster Oriini Kaipara.

The Independent Māori Journalists Association, Kawea Te Rongo, is “extremely concerned” about the future of journalism in Aotearoa, particularly the impacts on Māori media following Newshub’s announced closure.

“As the wider industry faces uncertainty, we are worried this will have further impacts on Māori media and Journalism,” said Kawea Te Rongo co-chair Ripeka Timutimu (Tūhoe, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui) said.

“We have always had to pivot – adaptation is not new for us – but as our numbers and platforms dwindle, the number of Māori in the sector does too, having wider implications on the stories, narratives and diversity of coverage.”

Oriini Kaipara (Ngāti Awa, Tūhoe, Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Rangitihi), a Kawea Te Rongo executive member and former Whakaata Māori and Newshub presenter, said she was deeply saddened by the news.

“This is a huge shock and deeply concerning,” Kaipara said.

“I’m gutted. Newshub isn’t just a news service but a very large whānau made up of past and present kaimahi who, I have no doubt, will be feeling the weight of this decision.”

MediaWorks TV3, which launched Newshub in 2016, has had an important role in growing many Māori in the sector, said Mihingarangi Forbes (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Paoa).

Māni Dunlop. Photo / RNZ

The Kawea Te Rongo member and prominent journalist said the network was “wonderful” for Māori.

“TV3 has been a wonderful kōhanga for many practitioners in the Māori media and journalism sector. From its very early days, the leadership recognised that Māori in the newsroom, whether in front or behind the camera, offered something different and unique to storytelling and story development,” said Forbes.

Mihingarangi Forbes.

“In the mid-2000s, it opened its news library to Whakataa Māori and formed a sharing partnership; many reporters and producers have crossed back and forth for experience.

“In 2017, Newshub opened up space for The Hui, its first ever Māori current affairs show and more recently Newshub supported the Te Rito journalism project training young cadets and supporting them into the industry.”

Kawea Te Rongo co-chair Māni Dunlop (Ngāpuhi) said the organisation is calling on government and industry stakeholders to start looking at sustainable solutions that will help future-proof news and current affairs in Aotearoa.

“We hope to be a part of constructive and robust discussions for any sector-led solutions going forward, with an expectation they will be innovative, Tiriti-focused, and reflect the work of so many incredible people in the sector, impacted directly today, who have significantly contributed to creating a credible and reliable fourth estate in Aotearoa while having to face so much turmoil in recent years,” Dunlop said.