Introduction
The BSA was set up to oversee the broadcasting standards regime in New Zealand. We do this by determining complaints that broadcasts have breached standards, by undertaking research and providing information about broadcasting standards. Our empowering legislation is the Broadcasting Act 1989.
The Authority board consists of four members who make the decisions about complaints and who govern the BSA itself. We have a small staff who provide support to the members and who run the day to day office services.
We are an Independent Crown Entity which means, among other things, that the government cannot direct us in our work.
Vision, Mission and Values
Vision - Responsible broadcasting
The concept of responsibility is not just the objective of all our activities; it also underpins the broadcasting standards regime in New Zealand. Broadcasters are required to maintain stated standards and the public are responsible for bringing complaints (thus ensuring the system is driven by need rather than doctrine). Responsibility carries with it the concepts of care and respect and the BSA is equally responsible for overseeing the system in a fair and even-handed manner.
Mission - To promote fairness and freedom in broadcasting through impartial complaints determination, useful research and effective communication
Values - These values express what is important to us and inform our approach to our functions. They reflect how we act, how we treat others and how we expect to be treated in return:
Integrity – we work in a principled, transparent and honest way.
Fairness – we believe in the equitable treatment of all people, holding firm to a sense of justice and reasonableness.
Impartiality – we act independently, without favour and in an informed manner.
Respect – we are responsive to the needs of our stakeholders and customers.
Passion for our work – we carry out our activities with enthusiasm and promote a culture of excellence in our organisation.
Courage – we take ownership of our decisions and actions and act without fear.
