PR undermines journalism

Kelly Dennett says ‘‘We need good journalism, and to do it we need good journalists’’ (‘Elections, journalism and the toll of the war on disinformation’, September 18). I couldn’t agree more.

Unfortunately, there are forces sucking the life out of true journalism. Every minister, every government department, every corporation and many sections of corporations now employ journalists. Their job isn’t always to improve the flow of information, but to massage it into a form beneficial to their principals. Or in some cases, obstruct the flow entirely.

More ominous is the way social media undermines news media. Not just by being echo chambers for disinformation, but by usurping its resources. The advertising dollar now goes in large part to Facebook, Google, etc, who do very little to ensure the accuracy of what they publish.

Disruption of traditional industries by newer technology often brings great benefits, despite hardship for the disrupted. By contrast the disruption of the news media by social media has little to recommend it. Nothing seems forthcoming to replace independent journalists. We still need them, and somehow the social media platforms should be made to pay for them.

David Wright, Wellington

Symptoms insights

It was with great relief that I read Amy Ridout’s article (‘‘Chronic fatigue after surgery’’, September 18) on John Atkinson’s experience with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Since surgery two years ago I have been unable to function as before. I lack energy, become fatigued easily and become dizzy. If I was of working age, I would be unable to hold down a job. The medical profession has been unable to explain my lack of recovery. My bloods, heart, lungs and kidney (I had one kidney removed in the operation) are fine.

This man was experiencing similar, but much worse, symptoms and I realised here was a possible reason for my malaise. If I have found an answer to my condition this will be good news. Thanks for spreading the word.

Gary Ferguson, Auckland

British ties

Given the Queen’s funeral, with all the attendant sentimentality, perhaps now is not the best time to be discussing this country’s constitutional arrangements with the Crown.

However, this debate will not go away, but it does have a familiar ring to it.

Many years ago there was talk of a ‘‘Crisis in the Judiciary’’ when New Zealand abolished appeals to the Privy Council. If it has slipped your memory, it’s probably because despite all the dire predictions of the ‘‘nervous naysayers’’, still clinging to mother England’s apron strings, the world didn’t stop turning, nor did the sky fall in.

John Capener, Kawerau

What’s in a name?

Tracy Watkins laments an overabundance of red-neckish Brians in New Zealand, and I can understand where she is coming from (Editorial, September 18). The name my parents gave me is similar to your newspaper Te Tautiaki, maybe it is Kaha Tiaki, given that Brian means strong and Ward means guard.

Anyway, I am probably woke, not over-woke, but definitely not asleep. All that aside I am enjoying learning te reo by osmosis but see an inevitable warping of the usage of some te reo words. An example is a reporter on a radio station uses ‘kia ora’ as a direct substitute for ‘thank you’ within a English sentence. I prefer the meaning ‘be healthy’.

Brian Ward, Christchurch

Emissions solution

The article (‘‘The scientist and iwi aiming to become climate rock stars’’, September 18) on using dunite to sequester carbon dioxide involves research that is ongoing in various places. In one example it is suggested that crushing basalt and applying it to farmland in the UK could absorb about 45% of UK carbon emissions.

The US Department of Agriculture has also funded much research into this field. One would hope the two mentioned here are keeping up with the scientific reports from elsewhere.

Given New Zealand has a lot of agriculture and nowhere near the total emissions of the UK, this could be a major solution for us. Someone needs to see this gets the financial push needed. Dr Ian Miller, Lower Hutt

Featherston rocks

I moved to Featherston from London in March last year. When I told my new Wellington colleagues where I was moving, I was met with a mix of concern and amused surprise.

In truth, the housing crisis forced my wife and I to look for our first home this far from where we worked.

Featherston is a far cry from London. At first we worried that we might regret it. But 18 months later, moving here has been the best decision we’ve ever made – more fulfilling than life we anticipated in a lesserLondon over the hill.

There are lots of people like us living in Featherston. Professionals and commuters, who love their town as much as their careers.