There is increasing evidence that the news media in New Zealand lack resources, both human and material, to provide sensible, thought-provoking, truly investigative and consequently professional copy.   The interviews relating to the Robin Brooke issue help that increase.

Entertainment is the key word in assessing the significance of a feature or item, especially at weekends or on  so-called “Current Affairs” programmes.  “Will it entertain?”  “Will it hold an audience?”  “Will it sell us advertisers?” – these are the questions, the answers to which will most often decide whether or not an item gets into print or goes to air.

Michael Laws is not innocent when it comes to nailing people through the power he holds on talk-back and through the press, but I agree with his outrage in this instance.  There was absolutely nothing in the story about Robin Brookes that  warranted so much air time or column  space.  But it was a story about a rugby legend and the name alone  would draw a crowd.  And anyway, there wasn’t much else happening!

Media people claim “the people’s right to know” as a reason behind such “exposures”.  But in defending that “right” media chiefs must also accept and exercise responsibility.  They must measure the steps to publication by rules relating to fairness, good judgement, honesty, the protection of the innocent, the consequences for all concerned and – that 5-letter word – truth.

Omitting any of those steps, whether by ignorance or pig-headedness, risks the loss of credibility.  Then the people – they’re the ones with the right to know – become the greater losers.

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