Kia ora koutou
In response to feedback from broadcasters and audiences seeking to smooth the complaints process, the BSA maintains guidance on types of complaints that are unlikely to be upheld.
This sits alongside other BSA guidance on the broadcasting standards and how to make a complaint, and seeks to save complainants, broadcasters and the BSA from using time and resources dealing with complaints with little chance of succeeding.
Our
Complaints Unlikely to Succeedopen_in_new guide covers subjects ranging from the use of te reo Māori (not a standards issue) through to balance (over time), personal preference, low-level offensive language and adult content outside kids’ viewing times.
Our guidance on complaints unlikely to be upheld is based on past BSA decisions, and we keep it under review in light of ongoing decisions.
With accuracy regularly rating as the most complained-about broadcasting standard, we’ve now added a section noting that not every inaccuracy triggers a breach of this standard.
Accuracy complaints won’t succeed if the inaccuracy is technical or immaterial and unlikely to significantly affect understanding of the broadcast as a whole, or of the main point(s).
Our updated guide offers further explanation, along with examples of decisions illustrating this point.
The accuracy standard was cited in over half of the 154 complaints we determined last year, and has often been raised in relation to misinformation around COVID-19 and other controversial subjects.
This standard only applies to news, current affairs or factual programming. It states programmes should be accurate with 'material points of fact' and should not mislead, and requires broadcasters to correct significant errors within a reasonable period.
You can see the full updated ‘Complaints that are unlikely to succeed’ guide on our website
hereopen_in_new. This is available in several languages, with translations now underway to incorporate the latest addition.
Here to helpAnother way we help broadcasters, students and stakeholder groups with their understanding of the broadcasting standards system is by holding regular educational or training workshops.
This is also a great chance for us to get out and understand what’s happening at the coalface and what’s top-of-mind for broadcasters and other groups.
We’ve recently run successful sessions with the teams at NZME and Whakaata Māori and media, communications and law students at The University of Canterbury and AUT.
If you’d like us to help bring new recruits up to speed about the standards, or would like a refresher, please don't hesitate to be in touch at
info@bsa.govt.nz, or call us on 0800 366 996.