Lectures and classroom discussions about Maori Television had be interested. A channel that I was of course aware of existed, a channel that even was often on casually at home in the background, but not a channel I had ever sat down and invested much time in watching. However, after throwing these ideas of decolonization, white privilege and indigenous people.. I was intrigued, and excited to go home and compare content between mainstream news outlets and minority news, such as Maori channel.
Okay, so I was absolutely shocked. I had decided that 6pm would be prime time television throughout the country, judging from News channel competitors; TV1, TV3 and Prime (as well as the traditional time for dinner/home time etc). I turned on the television, ready to take some notes for my blog about the comparing of news content, framework, subjects and perspectives.. but to my surprise - no news. Not only was there no news, but DORA was on. Dora the explorer was on 6pm, prime time television.
I believe it removed a sense of political importance or worthiness from the Maori Channel. A sense of inferiority to the mainstream broadcasters was instantly surfaced, as well as a disheartened and disappointing sense of inequality between white dominated mainstream media, and Maori indeginious media. I wasn't really sure what to think of it. I was genuinely shocked. Not even a programme based around the Maori community being exposed with positive coverage, or Maori events throughout society revealing the beauty and raw authenticity of a the Maori culture. Nope.. instead Dora The Explorer. No suprises it have 0.3% of the New Zealand viewers when a childrens cartoon is claiming the prime time.
Considering the burden of representation that Maori's are given within mainstream news, and the negative coverage throughout the media in general, I personally thought that having a Maori news channel operating at the same time to the rest of the country's broadcasters would be hugely beneficial to the futhering processes around positive changes and decolonization. I also believe it are these flaws within New Zealand media that are letting themselves down, and not only the media organizations but the huge portions of the positively influencing Maori New Zealanders that are burdened by the mainstream stereotypes unfairly, and continuously being reinforced.
Wow that is really interesting! You would think current affairs or news would be showing at time, but instead it was a kids show. But I guess they were showing a kids show at that time possibly to get more children to watch while they eat their dinner. Nice read.
ReplyDeleteThis actually really shocks me as well! It all ties into the dominant media being seen as more legitimate. When you want to watch news at 6pm you have to go to those big broadcasters e.g. TV1 and 3, even when flicking through other channels while the news is on, you can't even find a different perspective of what you're being told. That's so problematic and detrimental to society but helps maintain the status quo. The indigenous voice will never be heard this way.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting post, I'm also surprised Dora the explorer was playing during prime time. At least it's an educational show with a non white main character I guess? What is also interesting in regards to this is that Te Karere, a Maori news programme, is shown on weekdays at 3.55pm on TV One. The news is in Maori and has english subtitles, and the show aims to give a Maori perspective. Its interesting that Te Karere is on TV1 in the afternoon, rather than on Maori TV at prime time. I wonder why this is, if any one has any thoughts?
ReplyDeleteI think you make a great argument. I was unaware of this and thought that Native Affairs was aired at the same time as mainstream news but upon closer inspection it appears that it airs at 8 at night, which is interesting because many people are settling in to some sitcoms and reality TV at that time of night instead of wanting to watch some news. (and Te Karere airs at 3:55pm as the comment above stated). This creates the question of is there is a potential higher power controlling this broadcasting time. Is it because Native Affairs gives different insight to other sides of the mainstream news? It is very belittling to Maori Television that Dora is on at the same time as mainstream news on TV1, TV3 and Prime.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely agree with you! Especially when you put it into the perspective that of all the shows you could play during this time they chose Dora the Explorer? While there is a Maori News programme that airs during the weekdays around 3pm on channel One (I think it's called Te Karere). It's sad to think that Although having Maori Channel and Maori News Programmes are platforms or processes of decolonization. You can't help but think of how the media shown is filtered, to a wider audience as opposed to 'talking in' and sharing Maori stories perspectives mediated by Maori. Great post! Thanks for the interesting read
ReplyDeleteThis is very surprising to me! Maybe it is due to the amount of coverage other stations are getting during this time? Maybe viewers are more likely to watch Maori Television once the news is over therefore more factual, current events shows are later on? This way viewers will be able to compare to what they saw earlier to the perspective of Maori TV.
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