Shifting Local Media Landscape – A Risk for Local Democracy?

By John Freer

Significant shifts in the local media landscape over recent months as Coromandel’s local radio station, CFM prepares to blow out the candles on its sixth birthday cake.

Changes, which have sparked reactions from our local community leaders, started back in March when after 45 years, the Hauraki Herald suddenly stopped publishing.

Then a couple of months back, MediaWorks closed its local studio with MoreFM no longer being broadcast from Thames.

Another cruel blow came last week with the surprise announcement that the HC Post would close late next month.

It has fallen victim to the New Zealand Media and Entertainment coffer-minders who pulled the plug on several community newspapers throughout the North Island.

We spoke with our two District Mayors both echoed each other’s concerns over the significant potential impact of losing effective media outlets.

Thames Coromandel Mayor, Len Salt, and his Hauraki District counterpart, Toby Adams, where quick to point out the importance of having professional media staff covering local news.

The end of the HC Post for both meant the loss of an experienced journalist in the paper’s editor, Al Williams. Both Mayors applauded the fact the newspaper over recent times had demonstrated a desire to effectively report council issues and activities.

For many years local community newspapers have invested the time in attending council and community board meetings, telling the many stories along with ensuring the people at the council tables stayed true to those who had put them into office.

Mayor Len Salt described the HC Post decision as disappointing as he valued the newspapers contribution in reporting local issues.

Mayor Toby Adams noted the fact over recent times the HC Post, The Valley Profile and CFM attended council meetings which he said resulted in good factual reporting.

Salt acknowledged the changing landscape which he felt was being driven by changes in retail shopping and subsequent reduced advertising revenue.

He said the loss of the HP Post would leave a significant gap which may be filled by another publication, he did warn that there may be a temptation to step into the space, such a decision would need to be carefully considered.

Coromandel Member of Parliament, Scott Simpson, was another saddened by the demise of the HC Post.

“Over the years the HC Post and its team of contributors have provided a valuable and much-appreciated insight into our local communities.

“It was always heartening to see a spotlight shone on important issues, to read about the tireless work being done in our region, and to hear locals having their say.

“Every week readers could be assured that they were getting a fair account of what was happening in their communities.

“It was a place where locals could turn to with their concerns or to promote their achievements. It truly was local news, for and by locals,” said Simpson.

Like Salt, he wondered if a smaller, private operator could step in and fill the gap, which had previously happened.

Publications and radio stations have had to adapt to how they remain viable and therefore continue to serve their local community. Cost reductions have resulted in staffing resource cuts which has seen the likes of council coverage, police activities and court reporting – to name a few, being pushed down the priority scale.

This has contributed to the reduced coverage and exposure of local issues on a growing list – rates affordability, three waters, storm impacts, climate change impacts, the Cathedral Cove closure and subsequent tourism impacts. The question is who is going to be covering these?

There are numerous publications around the region from the Coromandel Chronicle in the north, Matarangi Beach Paper, The Coromandel Informer, Tairua/Pauanui Advertiser, The Valley Profile and the Whangamata News.

For many, whether it is the Coromandel Chronicle or down to the Whangamata News, much of the content is provided by those members of local clubs and organisations who provide a weekly or monthly update. Others such as The Informer have turned to opinion pieces from residents to fill their columns.

A further question focussing on local communities, is this a sad day for local democracy and accountability at the local level?

Changes in the way our information and news content is presented, or provided, will continue to change – CFM is close to releasing a content tool whereby all programming, interviews and news content will be provided through a single app.

It is our birthday present to CFM’s followers as we look forward to providing local content across our wider region.