Rob Fyfe: The value of quality journalism you can trust

Monday, 2 December 2019

OPINION: We live in a world where the task of distinguishing between fact and fiction is increasingly difficult – think deepfakes, fake news, and prolific presidential Twitter accounts.

And when we're 'always-on', bombarded with information in real-time from all over the globe, the challenge of determining what's real, what's trustworthy – and what's not – becomes even greater.

If we want to take part in the conversation, we're forced to adopt a point of view almost straight away (often able to engage with information only at the most superficial level) otherwise the moment will pass us by.

Like others, I regularly consume overseas news sources to help build my viewpoint.

* The value of journalism in … a safe and democratic society**

Increasingly, though, that international content is becoming all too partisan. Outlets are taking an opinion, a political stance, on what should be straightforward news.

This approach not only reinforces and amplifies already problematic divisions in society (racial, political, socioeconomic), but it often means you have to read numerous publications in order to get the full picture.

And when our opinions are being increasingly informed based on those global perspectives, there's a big risk (in time) it'll start to detract from our values and sense of identity as New Zealanders.

Against this backdrop, access to balanced news sources is paramount.

Local journalism plays a critical role as that trusted source of information – creating transparency and offering in-depth insights into what's going on here and around the world – so we, in turn, can offer up an informed perspective.

Not only that, it has an integral part in shaping and influencing our narrative as Kiwis, bringing to life that sense of identity and what's important to us.

Rather than divide, it can help us discover the things that bind us together – whether it's big or small business, social issues, or celebrating our achievements on the world stage.

Because we're not just looking for perspectives and biases reinforced, but to be informed, stimulated and challenged; for transparency to be brought to areas that were otherwise opaque, and to celebrate all the great things that make Aotearoa unique.

The challenge Kiwi journalists are facing – a result of our small size, growing demand for real-time news, and ever-shrinking newsrooms – is the lack of investment in the industry we depend on to keep our society healthy, and hold people to account.

When journalism is invested into, and journalists are given the resource and time to focus on one area in-depth and build key relationships, that's the sort of journalism which best uncovers insights that would otherwise not see the light of day – the sort of journalism you know you can trust.

If we want quality journalism like this to grow, everyone must play their part: the government, media owners and shareholders, and individuals too.

Now more than ever, against a backdrop of what's happening overseas, it's up to us to support investment in local journalism, engage with it as our trusted source, and keep it thriving to maintain our sense of identity as Kiwis.

* Rob Fyfe is a former chief executive of Air New Zealand, and currently a director of several companies. This article updates an earlier version.