The Treatment of Industrial Relations in Three Major New Zealand Newspapers

Abstract

Industrial relations items appearing in three Nevw Zealand newspapers were examined to provide an analysis of issues presented and frequency with which spokespersons were reported. The newspapers followed the same approach. Disputes were reported in 55 percent of items and no spokesperson was reported in 80 percent. When a spokesperson was reported it was most likely to be an employee representative. A comparison of the treatment of industrial relations and control items showed significant differences. Industrial relations was found to be presented in short articles with large headlines which indicated a tendency to sensationalise.