The Portrayal of Māori and Te Ao Māori in Broadcasting: the Foreshore and Seabed Issue, 2005

1 December 2005

Date published: December 2005

Researchers: Media Research Team, Te Kawa a Māui, Victoria University of Wellington

Evaluates the way Māori and te ao Māori are portrayed in broadcasting, in relation to the foreshore and seabed issue, and in accordance with the standards set by the Broadcasting Act 1989

Literature search and review including unpublished work particularly on media research methods and the image of Māori in the media
Case study method was chosen to allow an in-depth analysis of television and radio programmes and broadcasters
Covered the period from 19 June to 26 September 2003

Balance: while balance was not always achieved in individual news stories, broadcasters generally attained balance over a period of time
Accuracy: the programmes were almost all accurate. Some misspellings of Māori names appeared on television
Fairness: the programmes were considered fair
Tikanga Māori: in the mainstream broadcasts there were few references to tikanga and they were generally well-explained
Tikanga was much more significant in the by-Māori-for-Māori broadcasts
Language: the pronunciation of Māori words and names in mainstream broadcasts generally very good
The use and pronunciation of te reo in by Māori for Māori programmes was fluent and generally excellent
Tone: almost all of the broadcasts were serious and informative in tone
Broadcasting standards were generally met, but this research project raises the view that the standards as currently framed do not adequately reflect Māori realities, concerns and interests

RESEARCH AND REPORTS NGĀ RANGAHAU ME NGĀ PŪRONGO