This is edition 2025/149 of the Ten@10 newsletter.
Hi all,
Before we get in to the Ten@10, I regret to inform you all that Juana (Spanish Bride) has passed away from cancer. She was the full time editor for many years, and really ran The BFD after my stroke. It is a sad, sad day. Rest in Peace Spanish Bride.
This is the Ten@10, where I collate and summarise ten news items you generally won't see in the mainstream media.
Enjoy!
1. When Bias becomes a Dangerous Absurdity
Owen Jennings
- 📰 Editorial Policy – The NZ Herald reserves the right not to publish letters and often provides no explanation or acknowledgment, a policy some see as arrogant.
- 🗣️ Call for Debate – Critics argue a reputable media outlet should welcome robust debate and diverse community opinions.
- 🌍 Climate Narrative – The author claims many of his letters are rejected because they challenge the Herald’s stance on catastrophic global warming.
- 📊 Suppressed Facts – An example letter, backed by data from Aon Global Catastrophe Recap and CRED, highlighted that the first half of 2025 had the lowest weather-related deaths in modern history.
- 🌪️ Key Statistics – Only 7,700 natural disaster deaths occurred in the first half of 2025, well below the 21st-century average of 37,250, with just 2,200 from extreme weather events.
- 😟 Youth Anxiety – The author argues that publishing such facts could reduce growing anxiety levels among young people, which he considers a serious health issue.
- ❓ Editor’s Motives Questioned – The refusal to publish balanced, evidence-based letters raises doubts about the Herald’s commitment to transparency and community responsibility.
- 🗳️ Alternative Voices Praised – The author commends Kiwiblog, RCR, NZCPR, and Bassett Brash Hide for offering more balanced perspectives.
