The Complaints Process Te Tukanga Kōamuamu

• If you saw the programme online, you can still complain if you have the above details of the original broadcast on TV or radio, and complain within 20 working days of the original broadcast.
• If you don’t have this information, or it’s not about a TV/radio programme, see here to find out where to send your complaint.

• Read the relevant broadcasting code and select the standard(s) you think apply, and why.
• The standards codebook is here.
• If your concern is about privacy only, you can complain directly to the BSA without first going to the broadcaster – see here. 
• If it’s about an election programme, you can complain directly to the BSA and there’s a separate process/code – see here.
• Make sure you choose the standard that best fits your concerns. You can’t change or add standards later in the process.
• Need help choosing a standard? See here.

• Click here for a list of broadcasters and their details/complaint forms.
• If you want to complain about a breach of the privacy standard only, or about an election programme, you can complain directly to the BSA – click on ‘Make a complaint’ in the banner above or email info@bsa.govt.nz.

They need to:

• give you a written response
• tell you whether your complaint has been upheld
• advise you that you can refer your complaint to the BSA if you’re not satisfied with their decision
• let you know if they need an extension (up to 40 working days from the date of your complaint).

• If you didn’t get a response from the broadcaster within 20 working days, you can send your complaint to the BSA within 60 working days of the broadcast.
• Follow our complaints process or email info@bsa.govt.nz.
• Attach the original complaint and broadcaster’s response (if any). 
• Explain why you’re unhappy with their decision.
• You can only raise standards addressed in your original complaint.
• Make sure the BSA receives the complaint within the timeframes stated above.
• You need to include the name, date, time and channel/station of the broadcast, the code and standards you are complaining under, and your name and contact details.

• When we receive your complaint we’ll contact you and outline the process for making a decision.
• We’ll ask the broadcaster for a copy of the broadcast and seek comments from them on your complaint. We may also seek further comments from you.
• Once we have all relevant information, the complaint will be given to the Authority members to consider.
• Your name will be included in the final published decision. The Authority can consider a written application for name suppression at any time before the decision is released. Name suppression may be granted if there are exceptional circumstances, but this is rare.  For more information see our complaints guide.
• We’ll keep you updated on progress and when you can expect a decision. For further information about the process go to FAQs.

• The Authority meets monthly and aims to determine complaints within three months of receiving them. It considers some complaints across two or more meetings if the issues are complex, or where the complaint is upheld and orders are considered.
• We’ll let you know the outcome of your complaint and get a copy of the decision to you within 20 working days of the Authority’s final determination.
• The decision will also be published on our website.

• The broadcaster can also appeal. If they do, you’ll be named as the other party but can choose not to take part in the proceedings.