The Paul Henry conflict...

We have a breakfast show host on NZ TV who has caused a stir here, because he passed racist comments about the Governor General. Our Governor General, while born and raised in NZ, is of Fijian Indian parents. I have met the man and seen him in action and have been very impressed with him. He could talk fluently in Maori, when responding to a Maori welcome he sang in Maori and he was genuine in his interest and conversation with people. Well Paul Henry the breakfast show host made some very racist comments about him. Here is part of a news item describing what he did...

On Monday's Breakfast show, Henry asked Prime Minister John Key whether Sir Anand, who was born and raised in New Zealand by his Fijian Indian parents, was "even a New Zealander?"

"Are you going to choose a New Zealander who looks and sounds like a New Zealander this time... Are we going to go for someone who is more like a New Zealander this time?"

I do not watch his show very often, but when I have I have not been impressed. He often ridicules people and displays a sense of humour that depends on putting people down. Healthy journalism does not do that. It may be controversial, but deals with issues. In this instance I think Paul Henry shows his immaturity and ignorance. The TV bosses at first rationalised his behaviour by saying that he just puts into words what everybody else silently thinks. That could be right, but that scares me also! The very fact that the more he does this sort of thing the more the ratings go up shows the level of thinking of many in our nation. I want to share three viewpoints on this.

First it would seem to me that we as a nation need to grow up. In this the twenty first century to have a leading TV presenter show this sort of racism is astounding. We are a multi cultural society. Many countries in this small world are. Kiwis are all sorts of shades and cultures and we should get used to it, accept it and even value it. We need to see ourselves as citizens of the world, and give up this "white-European-beer-drinking-rugby-loving" picture of the "average New Zealander".

Secondly, that sort of sensationalism may lift the ratings but is socially irresponsible. It would seem to me that the media has a social responsibility to lift the culture and thinking of the people. I see media's task as not just to entertain, but also because of their powerful influence in our society, they should inform responsibly, encourage thought and lift the sense of 'community' in our society. A presenter who just regurgitates the lowest, divisive thinking in a society is dragging the community down to his level, and not contributing responsibly toward a healthy community.

Thirdly, I am frustrated by the low level of "entertainment" on our screens. There seem to be endless low level "reality" shows. They may not be as bad as "Big Brother" type shows, but they rely on exposing and displaying people's lower natures often. We endure numerous CSI type program coming at crime fighting from various angles, and relying on ever more deviant scenarios to titillate the watching public. There are few serious in-depth documentary programs, where an issue is thought through in a meaningful fashion. When there are current affairs type programs they are often in short "sound-bites" that merely scratch the surface of the subject or often just repeat the headlines in different ways. It as if the TV bosses do not think that there are people "out there" who can concentrate for any longer than 5 - 10 minutes! Even on my yahoo/xtra home page, much of the news is gossip about some TV, movie or sports star, their appearance, indiscretions and sordid relationships. (when will we learn that outer beauty says little or nothing about what's on the inside)

While in the UK I watched some evening TV and enjoyed much more serious current affairs programs which really explored issues with sensitivity, balance and depth. (and often humour)

• Please media bosses, there are some people "out there" who are prepared to think!
• Please media bosses, think responsibly about the power and influence you have in our community, the opportunity you have to make a difference for good.