Broadcasting Standards Authority Te Mana Whanonga Kaipāho

The BSA only has jurisdiction to consider formal complaints about programmes. Formal complaints must:

• be in writing
• relate to a programme that has been broadcast (and identify the date, time and channel)
• identify the broadcasting standard(s) which you consider have been breached 
• be made within the required timeframe (usually 20 working days since broadcast).

See the complaints process. Further information about the complaints process is available from page 55 of the Broadcasting Standards in New Zealand Codebook.

The Advertising Standards Authority deals with most advertisements on television, radio, the internet, print and billboards for products, services or organisations.  See further ‘who do I complain to about an ad I have seen?’

The BSA can consider complaints about promotional material or ‘promos’ for upcoming programmes, but the complaint must be sent to the broadcaster in the first instance.

The BSA can consider complaints about election programmes (which might appear as short promotional/campaign clips for political parties or candidates, broadcast on TV or radio).

The Broadcasting Standards Codes describe the classifications (ratings) that broadcasters must use for programmes. Broadcasters undertake the appraisal and classification of programmes for broadcast in-house. The BSA does not decide what ratings or classifications apply to programmes.

If you have any questions about the classifications that apply to a programme, these are best directed to the relevant broadcaster.

If you think that a classification was not adequate for the broadcast content, you can make a formal complaint to the broadcaster in the first instance.