Summarised by Centrist
Graham Adams says some of the most influential journalists in New Zealand loathe and fear the new National-led government.
Adams writes that journalists’ hold dear strong beliefs on certain issues. Namely, “that the Treaty is a “partnership”; everyone must take buses and ride bicycles more often lest we all die in a mass global boiling event; and that men can become women by merely twitching their noses (or stitching their genitals),” he says.
These journalists are unwilling to accept the election results that brought the new government to power, and their reactions to the coalition agreements are angry and outraged.
He cites specific instances of journalists expressing their discontent with the new government, including broadcaster John Campbell’s who is incredulous that climate change is more important to him than the majority who voted for the new Government. Adams also takes journalist Mihingarangi Forbes’ claims to task that the Treaty is “under attack”.
Adams suggests that mainstream journalists in New Zealand need to better understand and engage with what’s really happening in NZ, as their influence on public opinion may be waning in the face of increasing scrutiny and criticism from independent media sources.
