Where is the Real News?

One of the main headlines this morning on the New Zealand news sites that I frequent each day reads “Why you won’t see Judith Collins nude this summer.” Another screams “'Sick' life-sized doll suggests scary future for office workers.” I suppose it makes a change from the 20 or so stories about the Rugby World cup, however it makes me somewhat embarrassed for my own profession that it is seemingly having to prostitute itself with click bait to ensure its survival.

Don’t get me wrong, a decent headline is always going to far more alluring than something bland and boring but resorting to finding out why one our countries leading politicians isn’t into nude gardening hardly seems to be worth pursuing as a news story.

What happened to reports about the Canadian elections, that saw ‘one of the worlds most prominent progressive leaders’ Justin Trudeau facing a large drop in support and having to now rule with a minority government?¹

Or the growing number of intense anti-government protests in Lebanon that are threatening to see the country run out of funds by the end of the year, creating undoubted chaos in an area already a tinderbox of global significance?²

As for NZ news, business confidence - lowest even than the record low last quarter. The article starts well:

“The numbers are clear. Confidence surveys have shown the business mood hit lows not seen in about a decade [….] Today we asked two of the heaviest hitters in New Zealand - Finance Minister Grant Robertson and the Opposition's finance spokesman Paul Goldsmith - for their views”.

But, its hidden behind a paywall so the average punter has to pay to find out any more.

As a society we are defined by our knowledge. We need knowledge to make informed decisions and as we go through our lives we build on our knowledge through a process of schooling, learning a trade, academia, life lessons, the list goes on. Everyone should continue that pursuit of knowledge and share with others. As an independent publication, every month we try and gather a range of articles that encourages the pursuit of knowledge. This month, we have opinion pieces and commentary on a great range of topics that are both pertinent to our area and nation. It is also the last of our Captain Cook series, which has been exceptionally popular and will be shortly be available in mini book form.

If you would like to be emailed when this is available or wish to comment on any of the articles this month, please email me at editorial@elocal.co.nz.