Publications
Ethnic communities – why bother to complain about programmes you find offensive?
16 July 2007
Traditionally, people from ethnic communities have not complained when they’ve seen something offensive to their faith or culture on television or heard something they feel is insulting to them on the radio.
Why has this been?
One reason might be that people do not know who to complain to or how to complain, or they might not even know that there is a complaints service available.
Also being in a minority group, they may feel that complaining could lead to ill feeling towards them, or that nothing constructive would be achieved by it.
So they remain silent, angry and upset.
In addition, some immigrants to New Zealand have come from countries where the media is controlled or suppressed so they do not think it’s worth their while to have their voices heard or to actively participate in New Zealand society even when they feel their religion or culture has been severely wronged on radio or television.
But people from ethnic communities shouldn’t think that complaining about these broadcasts is a waste of time.
In New Zealand you have the right to complain about programmes on TV or radio that upset you. Exercising that right makes your voice heard and that could change others’ understanding of your culture and beliefs.
So who do you complain to?
First you must complaint to the radio or TV station where you heard or saw the broadcast that offended you. But if you’re not happy with how they deal with your complaint you can then go to the Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA).
All broadcasters must operate in line with codes that are overseen by the BSA. These codes contain standards that relate to the protection of children, the portrayal of violence, fair and accurate programming, how programmes are classified and safeguards against discrimination.
The broadcasters themselves have a responsibility to maintain programme standards like the observance of good taste and decency, the maintenance of law and order, balance, fairness and accuracy, and the privacy of the individual.
It’s not difficult to make a complaint. Look on the BSA’s website www.bsa.govt.nz for guidelines. You can use the site’s online complaint form if you wish to.
Some people think the BSA should take a harder line on standards but in New Zealand the media works on the principle of freedom of expression, a basic human right under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990. The Bill of Rights states that:
Everyone has the right to freedom of expression, including the right to seek, receive, and impart information and opinions of any kind in any form.
This means that broadcasters are allowed to offer strong and opposing views on issues of race, religion and sexuality. They can also offer opinions which might be non-complimentary.
But freedom of expression is subject to limitations, and sometimes broadcasters go too far. If you feel they have gone too far then it is worth making a complaint.
So next time you see or hear something on broadcast media that leaves you feeling angry and offended, take the time to write to the broadcaster. This act could be the first step in educating someone about your culture and your views and build greater understanding between those from different ethnic backgrounds.
For more information visit:
www.bsa.govt.nz or email info@bsa.govt.nz
or telephone the Infoline on 0800 366 996.