Media Monitors Index

New Zealand’s coverage of all things sport sees a year where half of the top ten most talked about issues in the media are related to our sporting teams and events. The All Blacks lead the way on 23,286 mentions, largely bolstered by a strong representation in monitored radio and television content. In terms of press coverage the All Blacks sit at second place, and alcohol issues rank first.

Alcohol issues in the media saw a wide range of focus – from binge drinking, to underage drinking, to drink driving. The issue also included coverage of Operation Unite, a trans-Tasman police initiative to tackle the public effect of binge/problem drinking in both Australia and New Zealand.

In September 2010, an earthquake struck the Canterbury region causing substantial damage – coverage from then and in the following three months (due to continuing aftershocks and another earthquake on Boxing Day) has resulted in a total of 17,882 mentions – the third most mentioned issue across the year.

The Commonwealth Games in Delhi sparked a flurry of media coverage, around both athletes and other issues – security at the games, and the preparation for the event. As New Zealand gears up for its own major sporting event this year, the Rugby World Cup, the media coverage of the Commonwealth Games highlighted the vast array of intricacies involved in hosting a major sporting event.

Pike River Coal mentions in 2010 were affected by one of the largest mining tragedies to hit New Zealand in recent history. The coverage of the disaster placed a company which would often feature primarily in the business and general sections, at the forefront of the nation’s media and thoughts.

The Black Caps and All Whites feature at sixth and ninth place respectively – while the Black Caps’ performance was scrutinised by the media, the All Whites’ stellar year due to their participation and performance at the FIFA World Cup in South Africa was one of the more unforgettable sporting moments in New Zealand’s football history.

A rise in GST from 12.5% to 15% in October 2010 was another major change covered by the media, and the ongoing climate change debate - global warming, carbon emissions, carbon trading, and the Emissions Trading Scheme – rounds off the top ten.

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