5 July, 2016

NEWS RELEASE

E tū says media merger must include protection for jobs and news quality

E tū is calling on Fairfax and NZME to protect the existing resources for local news gathering if their proposed merger proceeds.

E tū’s submission to the Commerce Commission on the merger argues for the preservation of news quality in the public interest.

The submission says any merger could reduce competition and debase public debate if there are no guarantees on continuing news-gathering resources.

It also argues the rationale behind the merger opposes the public interest, unless the companies can say how quality will be maintained.

E tū’s National Media Organiser, Paul Tolich says the future of a free and independent news media is at stake, both in terms of news-gathering and editorial independence.

The submission calls for existing news teams to be protected in the event of a merger including the two parliamentary press gallery teams.

It also suggests a role for the New Zealand Press Council as the watchdog and the judge on matters of editorial independence.

Paul says cuts to the number of sub-editors has already resulted in a decline in news quality noticed by the public and the fear is the same will happen to any new, merged entity.

He says further cuts to jobs and the diversity of news cover will not serve the public interest.

“What we want is to protect local news coverage. The terms of reference for submissions on the merger include what’s in the public interest and we want to protect the integrity of local news. ”

The submission says merger advocates argue that other media, including global news outlets such as Google, as well as blogs and local media will provide adequate competition if the merger goes ahead.

But it says global media don’t cover local news, and a merger would leave local news coverage in the hands of just a few serious competitors.

“Only by the continuation of local news coverage will New Zealanders know what’s happening in their own backyard. Our submission calls for guarantees that existing domestic reporting will be nurtured and protected”, says Paul.

ENDS

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