Kia ora koutou,
I trust this finds you well and that you've managed some quality downtime and the New Year is off to a bright start for you and yours.
Today we’ve begun public consultation on proposed changes to the Code of Broadcasting Practice.
As previously signalled, this review seeks to simplify, clarify and future-proof the Broadcasting Standards Codebook, to ensure it’s practical and aligned with other standards with which media must comply, and that it reflects our diverse society.
Key proposed changes include:
- Updating the introduction, including to reflect the current environment.
- Combining the three existing codes for Pay TV, Free-to-air TV and Radio into one simplified code.
- Streamlining and combining some standards which cover related issues.
- Updating the discrimination and denigration standard guidelines to clarify its application to content which reinforces negative stereotypes.
- Incorporating an obligation to correct material errors of fact within the accuracy standard.
- Updating the guidelines/commentary on how the standards apply, shaped by past BSA decisions and, in the case of privacy standard guidelines, legal developments.
- Refreshing the language to make the Codebook easier to understand.
- Updating guidance on the complaints process to clarify the requirements for a formal complaint (and consequently the types of complaints broadcasters may treat as feedback only).
Our hearty thanks go to those broadcasters and stakeholders who have already provided input. For those of you with further feedback, we'd love to hear from you during the public consultation.
And if you see an opportunity to promote the consultation through your networks, please feel free to do so.
The draft refreshed code, consultation papers and details on how to make a submission are available on the BSA websiteopen_in_new.
The deadline for submissions is 5:00pm on 8 March 2022.
If you'd like to discuss the draft code or consultation process, please feel free to get in touch on 0800 366 996 or at info@bsa.govt.nz.
Ngā mihi nui
Glen
Chief Executive
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