Sobering new research by Media Chaplaincy NZ has revealed just one in four people working in New Zealand’s media industry feel hopeful about its state.
The 2025 Aotearoa Media Wellbeing Survey, which ran across May and June, highlights widespread burnout, emotional exhaustion, and job insecurity across the profession.
It comes after a bruising few years for the New Zealand media industry marked by closures, mass layoffs, restructures and uncertainty.
The survey of 195 people working in New Zealand’s media was launched to mark 10 years of Media Chaplaincy NZ, an independent not-for-profit organisation providing free, confidential support to media professionals around the country.
Key findings from the 2025 Aotearoa Media Wellbeing Survey:
- Four in five (79 per cent) have experienced burnout to some degree in the past year
- Only 26 per cent feel hopeful about the future of New Zealand media
- Less than half agree with the statement ‘I see a long-term future for myself in media’
- 52 per cent worry about job security – the top source of stress
- One in three have been harassed or threatened in the past year – most commonly online
- 78 per cent say they find meaning and purpose in their work
- 73 per cent report being motivated and engaged, despite industry headwinds
- 53 per cent encountered traumatic or distressing events at work in the past year
- Just one in three (32.6 per cent) of these people received support from their employer (though many didn’t seek it out)
Frank Ritchie, Media Chaplaincy NZ’s founder and lead chaplain, says the Aotearoa Media Wellbeing Survey reveals the human cost of industry instability.
“The media industry has been through massive upheaval in recent years, so it’s no surprise uncertainty is taking a toll on people’s mental health.
“But even for our chaplains – who meet with hundreds of media professionals each year – the scale of the struggle revealed in this survey is confronting.
“Yes, there’s good news: many in media still find deep purpose and joy in their work.
“This is a passionate industry, full of people who care deeply about what they do.
“But that can’t come at the expense of their well-being – the job shouldn’t be wringing people dry.”
Elesha Gordon, general manager of Media Chaplaincy NZ, says the Aotearoa Media Wellbeing Survey findings offer helpful insights into where improvements can be made to better cater to media workers’ emotional and mental health.
“Media organisations are largely doing their best in what is an incredibly tough environment – shrinking budgets, stretched teams, and rising workloads.
“When asked how employers could better support their well-being, our survey respondents pointed first to better pay, though we know that’s not always possible at the moment.
“But many of the other solutions they pointed out either cost little, or represent smart, sustainable investments in the future – investing in training, reducing overload, and building an inclusive, supportive culture.”
Most survey respondents felt their employer was doing their best to support them, with only 25 per cent saying their well-being wasn’t adequately looked after.
However, among those exposed to trauma, two-thirds received no formal support – though many hadn’t asked for any.
Media chaplain Petra Bagust says that speaks to a bigger issue: many people in media either don’t know support is available, or aren’t convinced it will help.
“Working in this industry can be full-on, and trying to carry all that on your own can really wear you down,” she says.
“But there is support out there that can work for you.
“Maybe it’s EAP, maybe it’s a regular debrief with your manager, or maybe it’s a free, confidential chat with one of our amazing media chaplains around the country who understand the industry and are here to listen.
“Whatever it is, you don’t have to do this alone.”
The importance of Media Chaplaincy’s service was underlined by the survey, which found those familiar with what media chaplains do overwhelmingly see them as playing a valuable role in the media industry.
Media Chaplaincy NZ’s services can be accessed across Aotearoa, with 13 chaplains available.
Their support is free, confidential, and non-judgemental – offering a trusted ear when the job gets overwhelming, or you just want someone to talk to.
To book a coffee or a chat with a media chaplain, or to view the full 2025 Aotearoa Media Wellbeing Survey, visit mediachaplaincy.org.nz.
