Kia ora koutou
Accuracy has consistently ranked as the most complained about of the eight broadcasting standards in recent years. In an era of proliferating misinformation and disinformation, access to trustworthy, accurate information is essential to maintaining a well-functioning democracy.
The accuracy standard’s purpose is to protect the public from being significantly misinformed.The Broadcasting Standards Codebook says broadcasters should make reasonable efforts to ensure news, current affairs or factual content is accurate in relation to all material points of fact, and does not mislead.
Where a material error of fact has occurred, broadcasters should correct it within a reasonable period.
As part of our work to ensure standards are being applied consistently and fairly, we engage external experts to review Authority decisions on a particular topic or standard. This year we invited Peter Thompson, associate professor in the Media and Communication Programme at Te Herenga Waka (Victoria University of Wellington) to independently review five recent BSA decisions where the accuracy standard was applied.
These traversed topics ranging from the polarising and pervasive coverage of conflict in the Middle East, to the boating dangers of crossing sand bars, and misleading comments about ethnic priority for surgical waitlists.
Assoc Prof Thompson concluded the BSA is undertaking its responsibilities under the Broadcasting Act ‘with appropriate diligence and general consistency’.
He gave a general endorsement of the decisions and agreed with the BSA’s determinations to uphold, or not uphold, each complaint. He found that the Authority’s deliberations ‘evidence careful and systematic application of the accuracy standard’, starting with the right to freedom of expression.
He also suggested areas which could have been further developed, relating to:
- distinguishing fact from opinion
- reasonable efforts to ensure accuracy
- requirements to correct inaccuracies.
Assoc Prof Thompson also noted the complexity of ascertaining accuracy in practice, highlighting the challenges for media in achieving accuracy, and for the BSA in determining it.
The full report is now available to broadcasters and other stakeholders who may find it useful.
You can find it on our website
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Ngā mihi mahana
Stacey Wood
Chief Executive