The Media And Maori Stories

I have been thinking; 

How good are Maori organisations and spokes people at responding to stories that are about us, our issues,  and relevant to us? Should we respond or not? Should we grab the opportunity while it is current and say our piece or should we hide away and not respond hoping the issue will go away or no one will notice?

I have been informed that when an issue arises points of view, rights of reply etc are built into the news item (purongo) in order to provide balance. This is fine except that if the original point of view goes unchallenged because those with a different view do not respond for whatever reason then the opportunity for balance is lost. and never recovered.

Those who have media savvy know this and can intimidate another point of view because they know how the media works. The other advantage is that they are known to the media and are adept at giving the clear impression that they are the only "go to" person in that organisation, iwi etc. They stand out as spokes persons and their point of view is accepted by others including some in the media. They are cemented into the media especially if they "win" a High Court case.

So what can we do? First we need to know how the media works and know some people especially journalists and producers of news and other shows and their work. Secondly, the organisation however fledgling should appoint spokes people that can respond quickly and appropriately when the occasion arises. while it is current. Thirdly we need to trust those spokes people totally. There isn't time to consult all 500 members because news doesn't wait until then. The opportunity that arises in the morning may not be there by lunch time. 

Na reira, tatou e hiahia ana ki te whakatakoto  o matou kerema kei mua i te Karauna, kia kaha tatou ki te whakamarama atu o matou whakaaro ki te hunga e tautoko ana to tatou kaupapa.

Atihana