Research

30 May 2009

Diversity reportage in Aotearoa: Demographics and the rise of the ethnic media

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This journal articles examines New Zealand's Pasifika and ethnic news media in the context of changing demographics and contested notions such as the 'arc of instability' and the impact of coups and crises on journalists in the region.

For more than two decades, diversity has been a growing mantra for the New Zealand news media. Initially, the concept of biculturalism - partnership with the indigenous tangata whenua - was pre-eminent in the debate, but as the nation's Pasifika and ethnic media have flourished and matured and demographics have rapidly changed, multiculturalism has become increasingly important and challenging. The regional media relationship in the context of contested notions such as the 'arc of instability' and the impact of coups and crises on journalists has become critical.

Projected demographics by Statistics New Zealand indicate that the country's Asian population will almost double by 2026. The Pasifika and Maori populations are also expected to grow 59 and 29 per cent respectively. Maori, Pasifika and ethnic media in Aotearoa/New Zealand are also steadily expanding with implications for the media industry and journalism educators. This article examines the regional trends and how initiatives such as the Pacific Media Centre and new journalism courses with an ephasis on diversity are addressing the challenges.

Robie, D. (2009). Diversity reportage in Aotearoa: Demographics and the rise of the ethnic media. Pacific Journalism Review, 15(1), 67-91. http://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=796739571558002;res=E-LIBRARY

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