The Media is Dead – Long Live the Media

As the crown passed from Elizabeth to Charles, so too will the media crown pass from Newshub to a new media monarchy.

With the imminent demise of Newshub, it is apposite to consider what will replace it. One key aspect of the future media landscape in smaller countries like New Zealand is the potential for growth in smaller, more nimble internet broadcasters and digital content creators. New Zealand-based internet broadcasters like The Platform, could see significant expansion in the coming years.

Smaller, independent digital media companies can often be more agile and responsive to local audience preferences and cultural trends compared to large, centralised media conglomerates. This will allow them to develop highly tailored content and experiences.

The relatively low cost of entry and distribution for internet-based media can enable a flourishing ecosystem of independent creators and small-scale broadcasters in smaller markets. These smaller players can more effectively cater to niche interests and underserved audience segments within their national or regional markets.

Newer internet-native media companies may experiment with innovative revenue models beyond traditional advertising, like subscriptions, crowdfunding, or creator economy-style monetisation. Smaller markets can provide opportunities for local creative talent to develop and showcase their skills on these independent digital platforms.

While the global streaming giants will certainly have a presence, the media future in New Zealand could see vibrant growth in homegrown, digitally native media companies that disrupt traditional industry dynamics.

This diversification of the media landscape, blending global and local players, will likely be an important trend shaping the media ecosystem in New Zealand over the next decade and beyond. The landscape of media consumption everywhere is undergoing a seismic shift. Legacy media giants, once the undisputed gatekeepers of information, are facing dwindling audiences and financial woes.

This decline presents a unique opportunity for New Zealand. From the ashes of the old guard, a new media ecosystem is poised to emerge, one that is more diverse, responsive, and brimming with creative potential.

The factors contributing to the decline of legacy media are numerous. The rise of the internet fractured the traditional model of news dissemination. Audiences, no longer reliant on a handful of news sources, can now access information from a multitude of online platforms. This fragmentation has led to a decline in advertising revenue, the lifeblood of traditional media.

 Additionally, the public's trust in mainstream media has eroded, with accusations of bias and a disconnect with the concerns of everyday people becoming increasingly common. The 2020 election survey by Auckland University found only 28 per cent of voters identified as left of centre and 43 per cent as right of centre, making journalists unrepresentative of New Zealand, particularly with their views on identity politics, multiculturalism, and other left-wing leanings. In fact, the research shows New Zealand journalists having extreme left views, with 20 per cent of journalists saying their political views are hard or extreme left, compared to 6 per cent of New Zealand adults. On the other side of the spectrum, only 1 percent of Kiwi journalists said their political views are hard or extreme right compared to 10 per cent of the adult population.

The media bias and opposition to the government voted into power by the majority of the electorate has demonstrated how much the personal views of mainstream journalists is biasing the news and is one of the greatest concerns for our democracy. Studies have found that journalists and editors in New Zealand tend to come from similar demographic and educational backgrounds, which could has certainly led to a lack of diversity in viewpoints. There are also concerns that the concentration of media ownership in the hands of a few large companies has prioritised certain narratives and perspectives.

In New Zealand, the struggles of legacy media are self-evident. Newspapers have seen circulation numbers plummet, and once-dominant television channels are now competing for viewers with a plethora of streaming services. This decline has a ripple effect, impacting the diversity of voices and perspectives presented in the media.

However, amidst this disruption lies an opportunity. The demise of legacy media opens the door for a more vibrant and representative media landscape to flourish in New Zealand. The decline of traditional media outlets creates space for independent journalists and media organisations to thrive. Unburdened by the constraints of large corporations, these independent voices can offer a more critical and diverse range of perspectives. In New Zealand, this is already happening with the rise of online publications like The Platform, Newsroom and The Spinoff, which focus on in-depth investigative journalism and local stories.

The internet has democratised content creation, empowering everyday citizens to become storytellers. Social media platforms allow individuals to share their experiences and perspectives directly with a wider audience. This citizen journalism can be a valuable source of information, particularly when it comes to underreported issues or events happening at the grassroots level.

Legacy media often catered to a narrow demographic, overlooking the voices of minority communities. The rise of new media platforms allows for more niche publications and online spaces that cater to specific interests and identities. This fosters a more inclusive media environment that reflects the rich tapestry of New Zealand society.

Unbound by the limitations of traditional media formats, a new media ecosystem will encourage experimentation and innovation. We are already seeing a rise in multimedia storytelling, interactive journalism, and the use of new technologies like virtual reality to engage audiences in new ways.

Newshub often prioritised national news, neglecting the stories that mattered to local communities. A new media landscape might empower local journalists and storytellers to shine a light on the issues and events that shape their communities. This hyperlocal focus can strengthen community engagement and foster a sense of belonging.

The transition to a new media landscape will not be without its challenges. Issues like misinformation and the sustainability of independent media all need to be addressed. However, the potential benefits for New Zealand are significant. A more diverse, responsive, and creatively rich media ecosystem can foster a more informed and engaged citizenry, strengthen local communities, and provide a platform for a wider range of voices to be heard.

The death of Newshub may seem like a loss, but for New Zealand, it can be the catalyst for a media revolution. By embracing the opportunities presented by the new media landscape, the country can create a media ecosystem that is truly representative of its people and stories.

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