When we first wrote about the so-called non-binding UN Migration Compact we pointed out one particular part of it regarding the media that seriously concerned us. Now that part appears to be being put into practice as mainstream media have made an agreement to sing from the same song sheet regarding the trial of the Christchurch terrorist. quote.
So NZ media have taken the unprecedented step of publicly banding together to decide what is appropriate for the NZ public to know about the trial of alleged Christchurch terrorist Brenton Tarrant. This is concerning, as free and open access to information is a cornerstone of an educated and intelligent society. It is the responsibility of the press to inform and educate the public, and in agreeing to limit their coverage of the terrorist/alleged white supremacist they are failing in their responsibilities.
The relevant part of the compact is this:
Promote independent, objective and quality reporting of media outlets including internet-based information, including by sensitising and educating media professionals on migration-related issues and terminology, investing in ethical reporting standards and advertising and stopping allocation of public funding or material support to media outlets that systematically promote intolerance, xenophobia, racism and other forms of discrimination towards migrants in full respect for the freedom of the media.
The UN Migration Compact; page 24 objective 17/33c
We can only speculate on what prompted the media outlets to decide to not cover aspects of the Christchurch terrorist’s trial. Did the government make it clear or hint that “public funding or material support” would be at risk if they did their job and informed the public fully? Were they bribed with the promise or a hint of a government “investment in ethical reporting standards” if they agreed to censor the trial? quote.
For a supposedly non-binding agreement, New Zealand is seeing its effects less than 5 months after Winston Peters signed us up under the watchful eye of Jacinda Ardern, who is ultimately responsible for all actions taken by the NZ Government. The final part of Objective 17 is very telling, aside from the weaselly wording referring to freedom of the press, the threat to cut funding for any media outlet reporting anything promoting intolerance, xenophobia or racism, is tantamount to extortion. This would go some way to explaining why our media is collectively refusing to report anything resembling promotion of white supremacy.
RightSideUpMediaNZ
When the media decide what is or isn’t acceptable, when they blatantly censor the information the public is being fed, then they control the narrative. Free press should be exactly that, free to report the full facts, regardless of how offensive or unpleasant people may find them.
quote.