Media perceptions of the EU in the UK and NZ

A lively debate on media perceptions of the EU, comparing New Zealand to the United Kingdom, was played out at the Europe House at Auckland University of Technology on 14 July 2016.

Held by the EU Delegation of New Zealand, over 30 academics and media representatives joined forces to share and discuss insights and options to help improve perceptions of the EU in New Zealand and bilateral relations. EU Deputy Chief of Mission, Eva Tvarozkova, opened the session by looking at the strong history of New Zealand-EU relations, which she highlighted have flourished in recent years - “Thanks to expanded co-operation and more strategic dialogue, our relations have moved beyond traditional trade relations to include the likes of security, climate change, government aid and increasingly science and technology, but many in New Zealand probably don’t appreciate this.” That is an issue.

Key misunderstandings of EU relations characterized by negative coverage in New Zealand emphasize differences, rather than the many similarities that exist. This was one of the key research findings on media perceptions of the EU in New Zealand presented at the event by Prof. Martin Holland and Dr. Serena Kelly from the University of Christchurch.

Similarly, another comparative finding presented that the media in the UK conveys a conservative-dominated and euro-skeptic tone, downplaying the positive aspects of EU relations.

Found in a research conducted bilateral by Dr. Agnes Gulyas of Canterbury Christchurch University and Prof. Karin Wahl-Jorgensen of Cardiff University.

Upon presenting current findings the floor was opened for participants to join the debate, discussing current and future topics.

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