Timebands and Classification Review - Free-to-Air Television - Outcome
17 April 2020
We have today published the new 2020 Codebook which contains the changes made following our review of timebands and classifications on free-to-air television. The new Codebook is available here (281 KB, Pdf) and takes effect on 1 May 2020.
The key changes are:
- free-to-air television will use pay tv classification labels G, PG, M, 16 and 18
- adjustments to timebands including PG may be played at any time, M content may be played 9am-3pm on weekdays (but not on weekends or school or public holidays) and from 7.30pm. The 8.30pm watershed will remain for content classified 16 and 18. The details are in the Public Consultation Report available below.
- a responsible programming principle and additional programme information guidelines apply.
More details about the changes and how to keep kids safe from content on television that might harm them are available on a new website www.safeviewing.co.nzopen_in_new.
You can read our Public Consultation Report and submissions received here:
2020 CONSULTATION DOCUMENTS
2016-2020 Review of timebands and classifications on free-to-air television
The documents relating to the 2018 public consultation and research undertaken as part of the review are here:
Consultation Documents
Classification and Timeband review - Long Consultation Book (90 KB, Pdf)
Classification and Timeband review - Short Consultation Book (46 KB, Pdf)
Ngā Takiwātanga, Raka Mātua, Kōmakatanga Hoki (47 KB, Pdf)
Research Reports
Understanding Timebands within Vulnerable Communities Study (1.6 MB, Pdf) [2017]
Parental Guidance Survey (TVNZ - BSA - Green Room) (1.4 MB, Pdf) [2017]
Public Awareness Survey (666 KB, Pdf) - 2017
Submissions received in 2018 Public Consultation