New Zealand Police Restructure Media Team to Control Narrative Amid Declining Journalism
New Zealand Police are undertaking a significant restructure of their media and communications team, aiming to better control their public narrative in what they describe as a depleted media landscape. An internal document reveals the strategy focuses on utilizing owned platforms to ensure the public receives fundamental organizational information, rather than distorted angles from external sources. The proposal includes disestablishing several senior roles, such as the director of media and strategic communications, while creating new positions like head of strategic and district communications. Executive Director Cas Carter stated the changes are driven by digital transformation, the proliferation of misinformation, and a sharp decline in the number of journalists, which has dropped from over 4,000 in 2006 to approximately 1,300. Although the review follows scrutiny regarding the Tom Phillips documentary, police officials assert the restructuring is not related to that specific incident. The revised proposal, which strengthens the Auckland media hub and retains district capabilities, is currently open for staff consultation until May 22. The initiative reflects a broader global trend where organizations bypass traditional media to build direct trust with audiences amidst rising skepticism and information overload.
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New Zealand Police Restructure Media Team to Control Narrative Amid Declining Journalism
New Zealand Police are undertaking a significant restructure of their media and communications team, aiming to better control their public narrative in what they describe as a depleted media landscape. An internal document reveals the strategy focuses on utilizing owned platforms to ensure the public receives fundamental organizational information, rather than distorted angles from external sources. The proposal includes disestablishing several senior roles, such as the director of media and strategic communications, while creating new positions like head of strategic and district communications. Executive Director Cas Carter stated the changes are driven by digital transformation, the proliferation of misinformation, and a sharp decline in the number of journalists, which has dropped from over 4,000 in 2006 to approximately 1,300. Although the review follows scrutiny regarding the Tom Phillips documentary, police officials assert the restructuring is not related to that specific incident. The revised proposal, which strengthens the Auckland media hub and retains district capabilities, is currently open for staff consultation until May 22. The initiative reflects a broader global trend where organizations bypass traditional media to build direct trust with audiences amidst rising skepticism and information overload.
RNZ New Zealand Headlines