Today we’ve released new research showing the harms experienced by Māori, Pacific Peoples, Asian and Muslim communities due to encounters with media and online content.
Research carried out for the BSA by AK Research & Consultingopen_in_new with these communities suggests Aotearoa has yet to find the right balance between freedom of expression and potential harm.
Over three-quarters of those surveyed feel exposure to offensive, discriminatory or controversial views is a problem – and large numbers say they are avoiding TV and radio as a result of misinformation and inappropriate content.
Social media is the platform where those surveyed most often encounter offensive material, and is considered the most harmful. This is concerning given the lack of effective regulation in this area.
But many believe conveying such content on mainstream media can contribute to legitimising harmful views. Talkback radio and social media are seen as offering a degree of anonymity that can encourage people to voice more extreme (and less informed) views.
[Click on infographic to see full size]Regulatory implicationsWhile the most common response to encountering harmful content is to talk to family or friends, respondents said there were situations where they would go through official channels.
Personal impacts, including threats of potential violence or harm to their families, are key motivators for making a complaint to the likes of a broadcaster, the BSA, or the Human Rights Commission.
Our findings raise serious broader issues to be tackled in much-needed reform of content regulation – including the need for a regime that effectively addresses social media. Future reforms should also consider the cumulative impact of harmful content and seek to deal with systemic issues.
Trust in mediaWith other research pointing to a steady fall in the public’s trust in media generally, our survey also offers useful insights into what’s impeding trust and engagement with media among our diverse communities.
This is important, as a free, independent and trusted media is a cornerstone of a well-functioning democracy, and the ability of groups to participate and benefit from healthy democratic processes and institutions.
An industry-led national wānanga last year hosted by Stuff, bringing news media and community leaders together to find ways to improve trust in news through better representation, was a positive step – but our research findings suggest there’s still a way to go.
Our team is available to present the findings in more detail to newsrooms, community groups and other stakeholders. If you’re interested in booking a session, please
get in touch.
You can see our media release in several languages, and read the research report, on the BSA website:
Media Release: Half of diverse audiences avoid broadcasts due to harmful contentopen_in_new
Research: Freedom of expression and harms impacting diverse communitiesopen_in_newNgā mihi mahana
Stacey Wood
Chief Executive
