BSA Pānui - Keeping it simple smoothing out the complaints process

Number 115
Kia ora koutou,

As we work on our review of the Broadcasting Standards Codebook, we’ve received feedback from broadcasters and audiences suggesting a few things we should consider to help smooth out the complaint process.

One of these was creating some guidance about the types of complaints which are unlikely to be upheld. You can now find that new BSA guidance hereopen_in_new. It covers off the use of te reo Māori (not a standards issue) through to balance, personal preference, low-level offensive language and content for children, among other things.

In the featured decisions below you will see an example where the Authority declined to determine a complaint because it was a matter of personal preference.

Another issue raised was the need for easily understood language on our website, particularly in the material explaining the BSA complaints processopen_in_new to the public. This has been shortened and simplified. We have also updated the website's search functionopen_in_new so it is far more flexible and delivers better results.

We are always looking for ways to improve our service and welcome feedback.

Finally, a farewell and hearty thank you to our members, Paula Rose and Leigh Pearson, whose last meeting with us is on 23 November. Both have provided invaluable service to the Authority. 

He rangi tā matawhāiti, he rangi tā matawhānui.

Ngā mihi nui
Glen
Chief Executive

FEATURED DECISIONS

FREE-TO-AIR TELEVISION
O’Halloran and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2021-063 (15 September 2021) open_in_new

The Authority has declined to determine a complaint about the joking and flirtatious interactions between a host and guest on a Breakfast programme segment. The Authority considered the complaint related to matters of personal preference and was not an appropriate use of its time and resources.

Declined to Determine: Good Taste and Decency (section 11(b) of the Broadcasting Act 1989)

RADIO
Lerner and MediaWorks Radio Ltd - 2021-091 (13 October 2021) open_in_new

A segment on Magic Afternoons with Leah Panapa and Danny Watson on 1 July 2021 touched on the topic of Jewish people in Hollywood and included the comment ‘Hollywood was run by Jewish people’. The broadcaster conceded the comments made by the hosts ‘reflected a trope evoking prejudicial ideas’ and upheld a complaint under the discrimination and denigration standard. The Authority found the comments had the potential to affirm, further embed and spread negative stereotypes, but in the circumstances considered the action taken by the broadcaster was sufficient to address the breach.

Not Upheld: Discrimination and Denigration (Action Taken)

LATEST DECISIONS

NEWS AND RESEARCH

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