Members are senior newsroom leaders committed to protecting the long-standing and cherished rights of journalists to cover matters of public interest and hold the powerful to account.

Activities are typically focused on public agencies and bodies including national and local government, ministries and courts.

Areas of particular interest include redressing reduced access to public officials and information amid an explosion of “gatekeepers” in the form of publicly funded communications staff.

The Committee meets quarterly, holding additional sessions about specific concerns as they arise. In 2021 these have included meetings with the Solicitor-General and Chief Ombudsman.

It acts on matters raised by members and other working journalists. Other work this year has included opposing Department of Conservation plans to restrict journalist access to public land and providing industry feedback on guidelines for reporting on suicide and terrorism.

The current chair is Phil O’Sullivan, who is also Executive Editor – News & Current Affairs at TVNZ.

Other media organisations with representatives on the Committee are: Newshub, Newsroom, NZME, Stuff, The Health Media, The Spinoff and TVNZ.

The Committee is actively seeking additional members to boost diversity and extend its reach.

Journalists are welcome to raise matters of concern directly by emailing the Committee coordinator at MediaFreedomCommittee@gmail.com. General inquiries can be sent to the same address.