John Key had a chat on radio yesterday, referring to the media as “more aggressive and hostile” and the NZ Herald as “tabloid”.
The ODT reported on this in a relatively factual and balanced way.
Media ‘hostile’, but no problems: Key
The Prime Minister says he doesn’t have a problem with the media, despite his comments today that the press had become more hostile towards his Government in its second term.
Here’s the interview audio: Speaking on Newstalk ZB this morning (play audio from 3m 01 sec),
The NZ Herald headlined and followed up the story differently:
Key backs off comments on ‘Herald’ in media gripe
John Key Prime Minister John Key yesterday reined back claims after singling out the Herald in an attack…
I don’t think he backed off, he reminded the media what he actually said. And other media:
Stuff: Key bemoans ‘hostile’ media
TVNZ: Key told to harden up after media moan
3News NZ: Key: Media ‘aggressive and hostile’ toward Govt
And it hasn’t escaped the blogs either:
The Standard: Better late than never – joining their Cry Wolf Club?
…so naturally Key is looking for someone to blame.
Many pundits link the mood change in the media to Key’s attack on various outlets over the teapot tape…
Except that Key said it’s a normal mood.
Kiwiblog not surprisingly had a different take on it: A perfect example
And the headline: Key bemoans ‘hostile’ media Really proves the point.
A strong media that reports on and examines the actions of politicians is a vital part of our democracy. They help hold parliament and politicians to account.
But media also have a responsibility to be accurate and fair. Unfortunately modern media has tended too much towards over dramatisation and attention seeking.
And the way they overreact to having a small amount of spotlight shone on them is curious.
Media needs to be accountable to, and the same as for politicians, media excesses need to be shown up for what they are.
