Journalism in a diverse, MMP democracy – help or hindrance? JEANZ Annual Conference 2004 Peter Northcote Manager Communications

New Zealand’s electoral framework and processes are widely used, understood, trusted and valued Used - people participate broadly in politics and specifically in elections, as voters, candidates and members of political parties Understood – people know how all aspects of the electoral processes and framework work and so can, for instance: cast an effective as well as a valid vote; register a party; or fulfil their obligations as a candidate or party official Trusted – people are confident that the electoral framework is working as it is meant to and provides a fair way of allowing the people to choose their representatives Valued – people attach importance to a democratic system in general and the particular framework and processes used in New Zealand. People respect the democratic rules and treasure a democratic society People – all people in New Zealand, recognising diversity of current political engagement which encompasses interest, awareness, knowledge and participation. Also recognising that people differ in their political interest and needs and in the ways in which they take in and use information

Agenda Diversity in the electorate Political engagement Trends in political reportage Information needs for effective MMP voting Challenges for journalism education Offers of continuing involvement

Challenges of growing electoral diversity Since 2002: 180k have turned 18, 150k immigrated 2001 to 2006: Pakeha fall 79 to 76%, Maori steady 15%, Pacific steady 7%, Asian increase 7% to 10% Visibility and impact depends on regional population shifts – some quite dramatic Maori younger, over-represented without direct vote

Engagement, efficacy and falling social capital 74% of year olds enrolled vs 95% for 25 years+ Total enrolment (June 2004) 95% est. voting age pop 55% of Maori on Maori roll, now first roll of choice

Turnout in general and Maori electorates - % of enrolled

NZ general elections turnout %

Efficacy, Engagement, Social Capital Efficacy – people’s belief in their own ability to know what is going on, be heard, and make a difference politically Engagement – things like taking in the news, belonging to a party, enrolling or voting Social Capital – measure of social and cultural factors … connectiveness represented by networks, norms and trust that promote civic engagement

Media Trends - Politics Growing ‘qual-pop’ journalism, growing tabloid bias Media economics encourage audience maximisation and search for economies of scale Topics that divide marginalised in favour of human interest stories exaggerating commonality of experience Social conflict attributed to bad individuals, not class, economic circumstance, or system inequities

Media Trends – Election 2002 TV dominated by campaign strategy, “horse race”, polls Print coverage (NZH, DomPost, ODT) 28.2% substance issues, 6.8% polls, 67.7% other “game” stories; substance 11 of 67 front page stories; leaders focus of 32%

Risks of electoral non-engagement Lack of political attention Mis-blaming by electorate Reinforcing futile behaviour Unbalanced “temperature taking” Legitimate protest Democracy threatening action Risks for media

MMP dimension to election coverage “Polls predict Maori party overhang”

Sunday Star-Times poll 28/11/04 Labour Party48.0 National Party34.0 NZ First5.0 Green Party5.0 UNITED FUTURE4.0 Maori Party1.0 Progressive0.5

MMP dimension to election coverage

Because parties below the 5% threshold do not gain seats, the ‘wasted vote’ typical of the MMP elections means Labour probably has enough support to go it alone.

MMP dimension to election coverage

“Epsom key to Act’s future” etc

MMP dimension to election coverage

“Party list ‘reflecting NZ’ anything but” “Political fundamentalism or electoral pragmatism?” “Parties’ Policy Positions Explained”

A role for Journalism education? Critical knowledge of how MMP works Roles and relationships of different elements of NZ’s constitution and system of government How politics is factor in all our lives, and the opportunities we have to engage Self-awareness of media, newsmakers and market

A role for Journalism education? So better prepared: – Set media agenda – Know the questions to ask – Engage different audiences with new information We’re here and willing to help

Journalism in a diverse, MMP democracy – help or hindrance? JEANZ Annual Conference 2004 Peter Northcote Manager Communications