Kia ora koutou
I hope you are all finding some time to enjoy the warmer weather as the end of the year approaches at an alarming pace.
We’ve just published the BSA’s latest Annual Report and, amid the achievements, accountability statements and statutory reporting, we comment on a trend we’ve seen this year in the tone and content of complaints.
We’ve seen a new level of vehemence in broadcasting complaints which was not evident before. This appears to reflect growing polarisation in the community over big issues, dominated of course by COVID-19.
The pandemic, and broadcasters’ coverage of it, has generated increasingly passionate responses. But more worryingly, it has seen the BSA dealing with misinformation and disinformation on important public health issues.
In the vast majority of cases, TV and radio coverage has been found to be correct and accurate. But some complainants disagree and have mis-used information to support their opinions.
Through rigorous research and a well-functioning co-regulatory standards system, the BSA has been able to reject misrepresentations, but it’s a challenge that is ongoing.
As a further response, in consultation with broadcasters, we’ve introduced a new policy to address threatening or abusive behaviour towards the BSA's and broadcasters' complaints teams – reserving the right to dismiss complaints from people who display such behaviour.
You can see our media release outlining these issues and the activities and achievements of the past year on the
BSA websiteopen_in_new. For a more detailed look, see our full
Annual Reportopen_in_new.
It was a busy year, with some great achievements including the introduction of a new, streamlined Code of Broadcasting Standards. For the first time, this gives audiences a one-stop guide combining standards for programmes on pay TV, free-to-air TV and radio. Many thanks to all who contributed!
The coming year is also sure to be busy. Another theme that comes through in our Annual Report is that this is a time of epic change – in society, technology, media and the way people consume content.
To me, this is as exciting as it is challenging. I’ve had some really useful and enlightening discussions with some of you about the opportunities and challenges and I look forward to meeting and working with more of you in the weeks and months to come.
Ngā mihi mahana
Stacey Wood
Chief Executive