“The need has never been greater”
Media Chaplaincy General Manager, Elesha Gordon (pictured inset), shares an experience from when she worked as a journalist. •
Over recent weeks, seismic changes to New Zealand’s media have seen Newshub close, lay-offs at Stuff, and long-running current affairs programmes at TVNZ cut. More than 350 people have lost their jobs.
In the midst of all that turmoil, research indicates that public trust in the media has plummeted - some of that for good reason - but an industry in survival mode has little room for deep introspection. A calming, supportive presence is needed.
In one of the industry’s darkest hours, your support has enabled Media Chaplaincy NZ to be a shining light and a faithful Christian presence.
With your backing, we launched Media Chaplaincy a decade ago because we recognised that working in media can be tough; covering violent and traumatising stories, being first responders to tragic events, and being thrust into the midst of the very worst of humanity. This, while facing a relentless 24/7 news cycle that wants more for less, and public criticism that too often crosses a line into threats of violence. Stress and burnout are rife.
Media Chaplaincy exists to support media professionals of all faiths and none, offering a listening ear with someone who understands. It’s confidential and free.
Under the leadership of General Manager Elesha Gordon, a former journalist, your support has seen our team grow from three to 12 chaplains and we last year logged more than 700 interactions with media personnel.
“There is a huge need for support from people who truly get what it’s like to work in the media,” says Elesha, “and this has intensified massively over the past few months.”
Elesha says supporting the media during this time of crisis is about following Jesus’ example. How would Jesus respond to these people in their moments of vulnerability? With public trust in the media at an all time low, it would be easy to stand at a distance and throw stones, but instead we aim to be a faithful Christian presence, seeking to help lift New Zealand media to its highest purpose.
Media Chaplaincy has become one of the leading voices on media wellbeing; the team has recently featured on RNZ, in the NZ Listener, Stuff and the NZ Herald.
Elesha says Media Chaplaincy’s reputation within the industry comes down to hard won trust. “Trust transcends statistics. It is immeasurable and irreplaceable. It takes time to cultivate and is easily eroded.
“Our growth is a testament to our supporters, whose unwavering commitment is helping us be God’s hands and feet in an industry in crisis. We’re really grateful, and so excited to be able to make a genuine difference.” •
Please donate today to help create a healthy and vibrant media industry, by enabling media personnel to meet with a competent, media-savvy Christian who can support and listen to them.