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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.

Read full decision: 2007-114

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.

Read full decision: 2007-067

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

View all recent decisions...

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

Download (565kb PDF)