Latest Decisions »
9th July 2008
The Broadcasting Standards Authority today released 14 decisions.
Two of the decisions relate to episodes of Target broadcast on TV3. The first
complaint concerned accuracy in an episode about the use of formaldehyde
in the manufacture of clothing, and the second concerned privacy issues in
Target’s
hidden camera trials. Both complaints were upheld.
In the formaldehyde complaint, the Authority noted that the testing method
used by Target was different from the internationally accepted method and that
this resulted in a misleading and alarming programme.
In the second Target decision, the programme featured hidden camera footage of four caregivers who had been hired to care for an elderly actor. The Authority found that the caregivers’ privacy was breached.
Two decisions concerned films broadcast on TVNZ. Wolf Creek, a horror film
containing disturbing and realistic violence, was broadcast at 8.30pm. Eyes
Wide Shut which contained sex scenes, nudity, coarse language, violence and
drug use was also screened at 8.30pm during the school holiday period. In both
decisions the Authority determined that the movies should have been classified
as AO 9:30 and, therefore, screened at a later time.
For further information about programme classifications please see the Free
to Air and Pay
TV codes
For more information, please see the full decisions or contact Kate Baker, Communications Advisor on kateb@bsa.govt or 04 801 4623
Recent publications »
Quarterly Newsletter
Number 38, May 2008
This edition of BSA Quarterly features new BSA research Seen
and Heard: Children's Media Use, Exposure, and Response; two new practice
notes about the violence and liquor standards; that the revised election
code comes into effect on 1 June; and summarises the 36 decisions released
in the first quarter of 2008.
Download newsletter pdf (500KB) Download decision summary pdf (55KB)
New BSA research "Seen and Heard: Children’s Media Use, Exposure, and Response"
The BSA has released a major new study of New Zealand children’s media use. The large quantitative survey was carried out by Colmar Brunton. It involved interviewing more than 600 children aged between six and 13 and their primary caregivers. The focus of the research was how children use and respond to media, including television, radio, the internet, and cell phones.
Read press release. Go to the report.
New Practice Notes - violence and liquor promotion standards
Practice Notes are designed to help complainants and broadcasters understand the approach the BSA is likely to take in considering issues about standards. The latest practice notes discuss the liquor promotion and violence standards. Read more.
Annual Report 2006/2007
26 November 2007
The BSA has issued its annual report for the year ended 30 June 2007. Download (1mb PDF).
NEW! Translations of the BSA's complaints guide for viewers and listeners
The BSA's complaints guide is now available in ten languages - see: Making a complaint
BSA Examines New Media Issues
22 August 2007
The BSA has published two studies on this site that examine ‘new media’ issues. The first, Children’s Media Use and Responses, looks at recent New Zealand and international studies of children’s media use and responses, and the second, Media Literacy Information in New Zealand, is a comparative review of media literacy activity here and overseas. Read press release.
Statement of Intent 2007-2010
July 2007