More regulation of media will inevitably lead to even lower trust in media

12 February 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

More regulation of media will inevitably lead to even lower trust in media

The Media Reform consultation released today by Media and Communications Minister, Paul Goldsmith, offers solutions to problems of the government’s own making. Further regulation of media will fail to increase trust, at a time when transparent, open discourse on public matters is desperately needed, says Jonathan Ayling, Chief Executive of the Free Speech Union.

“Just one-in-three Kiwis believe mainstream media is trustworthy. Less than that (27%) agree the news media is independent of undue political or government influence most of the time, while almost half disagree.

“The Broadcasting Standards Authority and Media Council already regulate mainstream media – the mainstream media that have squandered Kiwis’ trust. Including other media that are not currently caught by this regulation in a new regime threatens to only compound the issue, not address it.  

“The Ministry’s Regulatory Impact Statement notes: ‘Initial high-level discussions with the BSA, Media Council, and government agencies indicate general support for [the] options.’ This is like asking whether the foxes watching the hens should be made responsible for more chicken coops. The lack of self-awareness is dumbfounding.

“Further limitations on media, while arguably well-intentioned, stand to worsen the legitimacy of the important institution that is the Fourth Estate. The answer is a more professional (and less politicised/ideologically-driven) media, not greater powers or coverage for existing, equally-compromised agencies.

“Speech such as incitement to violence, defamation, and libel are already illegal, regardless of the median. Beyond that, the Government should stay well-clear of imposing itself on public discourse and content in the media.”