BSA Pānui - Welcoming our new board member

Number 160
Kia ora koutou
 
I trust you are keeping warm and your week is going well.
 
This brief update is to share the news that the BSA is welcoming a new board member, Karyn Fenton-Ellis, as announced today by Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture & Heritage.open_in_new
 
Karyn is joining the board for a three-year term as a public interest member.
 
She has an extensive background as a broadcasting presenter and is a director of Te Akau Racing. In 2013, she was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the community, arts and racing.
 
We look forward to welcoming Karyn into the BSA fold, and working with her in her new role.
 
Karyn replaces Pulotu Tupe Solomon Tanoa’i, whose term as a public interest member has ended. I’d like to take the chance to acknowledge and thank Pulotu for her commitment and service to the Authority throughout her time on the board, and the contribution she has made to our mahi in upholding broadcasting standards – we wish her all the very best.
 
Karyn will join Susie Staley (Chair), Aroha Beck, and John Gillespie, who has been reappointed for a second term as the BSA’s broadcasting member, on the four-member BSA board.
 
The role of our board is to govern the BSA as well as deciding broadcasting standards complaints. Members are appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Minister of Broadcasting.
 
Ngā mihi mahana
Stacey Wood
Chief Executive
FEATURED DECISIONS


Oxley and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2025-024 (4 July 2025) open_in_new

The Authority has not upheld a complaint about an episode of Queer Aotearoa in which it was stated the Human Rights Act 1993 (HRA) outlaws discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The complaint was made under three standards: discrimination and denigration, accuracy and fairness. The Authority found the statement was a genuine expression of serious comment, analysis or opinion rather than something likely to incite discrimination or denigration. Regarding accuracy, the Authority noted the comment was consistent with Human Rights Commission guidance on the interpretation of the HRA, and a reasonable interpretation of the HRA. The Authority found it was not materially inaccurate in the context of the broadcast. The fairness standard did not apply.

Not Upheld: Discrimination and Denigration, Accuracy, Fairness 



Grant and NZME Radio Ltd - 2025-020 (30 June 2025) open_in_new

The Authority has not upheld a complaint which allegedly featured ‘gendered and vulgar’ language on Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive. The presenter suggested the Prime Minister needed to grow ‘a bigger set of balls’ in response to his handling of the resignation of cabinet minister Andrew Bayly. The Authority concluded the presenter’s language, while provocative, was unlikely to cause widespread undue offence or distress among the audience.

Not Upheld: Offensive and Disturbing Content 

 

LATEST DECISIONS

 
 

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