BSA Pānui - November 2020

Number 105
Kia ora koutou

Across the media sector, part of our role is to reflect the standards and values of the community.

In the last month a complaint was upheldopen_in_new after a reference to “Jewish billionaires” in a news story. The Authority said “while we consider there was a lack of intent on the part of the broadcaster, this has had the effect of embedding an antisemitic trope and is insufficient to justify the comment".

The BSA had previously considered complaints about antisemitism in broadcasts through the narrow lens of the guidelines to the standard. But in this case it adjusted its approach. “In some instances the guidelines, when applied rigidly, can miss underlying prejudice,” the Authority said, noting its "understanding of an increased awareness and intolerance of racism".

Society continues to change and adapt and so must we. As part of this, we are starting a review of our different codes.
 
We will consult widely – with the industry, our stakeholders and the public. We need the standards and guidelines to reflect any important societal changes, operate effectively, be easily understood and adaptable to an ever changing environment.
 
This will kick off properly in the New Year but expect a short update before Xmas.
 
Take care,
Glen
 
KEY ACTIVITIES

FEATURED DECISIONS

FREE-TO-AIR TELEVISION

Waxman and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2020-042 (16 November 2020) open_in_new

The Authority upheld a complaint about a broadcast which referred to the owners of the road cycling team ‘Israel Start-up Nation’ as ‘Jewish billionaires’. The complainant submitted it was offensive and racist as it made an unnecessary connection between money and Jewish people. The Authority found the effect of the broadcast was to embed and reflect harmful stereotypes, albeit unintended. The harm in this instance outweighed the broadcaster’s right to freedom of expression.

Upheld: Discrimination and Denigration No order

HV and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2020-057 (16 November 2020) open_in_new

The Authority upheld a complaint that an item on Sunday, featuring a family who complained to the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC) about allegedly inadequate maternity healthcare following the death of their baby, breached the fairness and privacy standards. The Authority found it was unfair to name the complainant as the consultant obstetrician on the case, prior to the HDC completing its investigation or making any findings. The Authority also found the complainant could reasonably expect the HDC complaint would not be disclosed to a national audience without any prior warning or a chance to respond. Removing the complainant’s name from the item would not have detracted from the public interest in the story overall.

Upheld: Fairness, Privacy. Order: Section 16(1) - $3,450 legal costs to complainant

RADIO

Alcohol Healthwatch Trust and Mediaworks Radio Ltd - 2020-053 (28 October 2020) open_in_new

The Authority upheld a complaint that the action taken by MediaWorks in response to a breach of the alcohol standard during The Morning Rumble was insufficient. The Authority agreed that the item, which focused on an interviewee’s ability to ‘down’ alcohol at a rapid rate, amounted to alcohol promotion that was socially irresponsible. While the broadcaster had apologised to the complainant, and communicated the importance of the alcohol standard internally to content directors of The Rock FM, the Authority found that this was insufficient to remedy the harm caused by the broadcast.

Upheld: Alcohol (action taken) Orders: Section 13(1)(a) – broadcast statement; Section 16(4) – $1,000 costs to the Crown


Makiri and NZME Radio Ltd - 2020-061 (16 November 2020) open_in_new

The Authority found it was appropriate to decline to determine a complaint about the mispronunciation of Māori place name ‘Matamata’ during a radio item on Newstalk ZB. While it recognised the importance of the proper pronunciation and use of te reo as an official New Zealand language, it noted concerns about unintentional mispronunciation could not be properly addressed under the broadcasting standards.

Declined to Determine (section 11(b) of the Broadcasting Act 1989, in all the circumstances): Discrimination and Denigration, Accuracy

 

LATEST DECISIONS

NEWS AND RESEARCH

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