New Zealand Police Restructure Media Team to Control Narrative Amid Declining Journalism
New Zealand Police are undertaking a significant restructuring of their media and communications team to better control their public narrative in an increasingly depleted media landscape. An internal proposal reveals plans to disestablish several senior roles, including the director of media and strategic communications, while strengthening direct-to-public channels. Executive Director Cas Carter stated that the shift aims to counter misinformation and ensure the public receives accurate organizational fundamentals rather than distorted angles from external sources, noting a sharp decline in journalist numbers since 2006. The restructure follows scrutiny over police media handling related to the Tom Phillips documentary, though officials claim the changes are not directly linked to that review. The proposal includes creating new heads of strategic communications and content roles, reducing senior media advisors, and enhancing the Auckland media hub. Staff feedback has been incorporated into a revised plan, which is currently open for consultation until May 22. The initiative reflects a broader trend of organizations bypassing traditional media to build trust and manage information overload directly through owned platforms.
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New Zealand Police Restructure Media Team to Control Narrative Amid Declining Journalism
New Zealand Police are undertaking a significant restructuring of their media and communications team to better control their public narrative in an increasingly depleted media landscape. An internal proposal reveals plans to disestablish several senior roles, including the director of media and strategic communications, while strengthening direct-to-public channels. Executive Director Cas Carter stated that the shift aims to counter misinformation and ensure the public receives accurate organizational fundamentals rather than distorted angles from external sources, noting a sharp decline in journalist numbers since 2006. The restructure follows scrutiny over police media handling related to the Tom Phillips documentary, though officials claim the changes are not directly linked to that review. The proposal includes creating new heads of strategic communications and content roles, reducing senior media advisors, and enhancing the Auckland media hub. Staff feedback has been incorporated into a revised plan, which is currently open for consultation until May 22. The initiative reflects a broader trend of organizations bypassing traditional media to build trust and manage information overload directly through owned platforms.
RNZ New Zealand Headlines