In recent weeks the traditional news media themselves have become a major news story. With fast fading audiences in the face of alternative options, they’ve become a sunset industry and of necessity are undergoing constant staff layoffs, just as occurs in other once seemingly safe activities confronted by new technology making them redundant.

Recently someone sent me a faded photo of my standard four class in Lower Hutt, 75 years ago.

In an at times ridiculously over the top article by an Annamarie Quill, the Stuff website recently waxed worshipfully about the virtues of the West Coast town of Reefton.

Few would argue when I say we’re living in dangerous times thus it’s hard to imagine any news-item which would truly shock us, so I put the thinking cap on to think one up. Try this.

Over the last six months it’s become fashionable for our advertising agencies to use maoris in their television advertisements.