It’s been an eventful time since our last update to you. Today we’re sharing our latest litmus testing research, on decisions about complaints of bias in media, as well as a check-in on where things are at with regulatory reform.
New litmus testing research
In recent years, we’ve seen a rise in complaints alleging bias in broadcasting. Few are upheld, which often leaves complainants dissatisfied.
The Authority’s job is to uphold the expectations of the wider community, and we need to be sure we’re doing that. We regularly test how well the standards and our application of them reflect community views. We do this via consultation and Codebook reviews, reviews of our decisions by independent experts, and through public surveys and litmus testing.
The latest instalment of our biennial litmus testing survey explored New Zealanders’ views on bias in media. The results, published today, show the Authority’s decisions on bias-related complaints are strongly supported, by an average of more than four out of five people.
One thing that comes through is that what people may perceive as bias is often editorial discretion and narrative framing, and an important part of freedom of expression.
The survey suggests New Zealanders with lower trust in media are more likely to perceive bias in reporting, but the vast majority recognise broadcasters’ freedom to choose how stories are told.
The strong survey ratings for BSA decisions offer assurance the Authority has been handling bias complaints in a way that aligns with majority community views.
You can see our media release and full research report hereopen_in_new.
BSA and future regulation
You will no doubt have seen Minister Goldsmith’s recent announcementopen_in_new of the Government’s intention to disestablish the BSA.
Officials are now working through how that decision will be implemented, and we’ll continue to assist with this process. The Minister has indicated this may take some months and in the meantime the Authority continues in its role.
During this time, all of the existing BSA functions and obligations continue to apply – so broadcasters should keep airing their regular publicity notices on the complaints process, and submitting their annual levy returns. We’re still happy to provide training on the standards and, if you have any questions, we’re only an email or a phone call away.
The Government’s decision may, or may not, have come as a surprise to you.
For the best part of a generation, the Authority itself has been calling for change to a Broadcasting Act that predates the internet – in full knowledge a future regulator would not look like today’s BSA.
Disestablishing the BSA is only half of a solution. The question has always been what will replace the 1989-vintage standards regime. We don’t think “nothing” is the right answer. Our primary concern has been to ensure people still have access to accurate information they can trust, and a regulator they can turn to if they feel standards are breached. I've set out some thoughts on the key issues and questions to be addressed in this media opinion pieceopen_in_new.
An array of thoughtful views have also been put forward by others in recent weeks – including media insiders, commentators and experts, and communities who already experience harm from media, and fear more if legal protections are removed. We’ve collated a selection at the end of this newsletter.
‘Quick guide’ resources
In this vein, this is a timely moment for a reminder about our ‘quick guide’ video resources.
These include a media literacy guideopen_in_new designed to help people navigate today’s burgeoning array of sources to find information they can rely on (spoiler alert: start with media that are committed to accuracy and other standards).
Our full series of videos can be seen on a dedicated web page hereopen_in_new.
These resources reflect feedback from audiences and broadcasters on how they prefer to receive information, and our commitment to making the broadcasting standards system accessible to all.
Broadcasters are welcome to use or link to these guides in their own audience-facing resources and communications about the complaints process, standards, and tools for safe viewing and listening, while new regulatory arrangements are being developed.
High Court appeals
The High Court has recently dismissed two appeals against BSA decisions. The Authority had not upheld the original complaints, finding that the broadcasters’ right to freedom of expression outweighed any potential harm. The High Court rulings can be seen below.
As ever, if there are others you know of who may find the resources and information in this Pānui useful, please don’t hesitate to share them via your networks.
