You’ve been Robbed: Questions about us for the minister
It's not very often I have to turn the camera inward, toward my own industry, but in these very uncertain times for media outlets it has become inevitable. In the past two weeks, both Newshub and TVNZ have faced closure and cuts respectively.
But still, there is a job to do, and that is to inform the public of the very real issues facing not just the media sector, but those fighting through the cost of living crisis, Government spending cuts, or business struggles.
Journalists still have to tell the story and inform people, even when it is about themselves, without getting caught up in their personal circumstances. Having to ask ministers on the 'bridge run' questions about their own companies, and ultimately their own job prospects, must be a very strange feeling. You can see the concern on their faces too. This photo was taken on Thursday, as news of TVNZ cutbacks were being understood.
Media institutions are obviously in a bit of trouble, a lot of people regard news delivery as a given, something that will be around. And it needs to be: it keeps the powerful in check, it helps the marginalised tell their stories, and helps build a shared sense of community.
The output of real news is, however, rather expensive to produce. For instance, these words I write have probably passed through at least three or four people (Mainly to make sure I don't sound like a complete idiot). It takes many people to produce accurate information – sadly the number of people who are doing this work are shrinking.