All media releases prior to our new website launch in 2019 appear on this page in PDF format.
26 April
BSA finds broadcast of The DailyMail TV required Adults Only classification and warning 316.61 KB (317 KB, Pdf)
For the full decision see:
Evans and MediaWorks TV Ltd - 2018-092 open_in_new
4 April 2019
Newstalk ZB's Heather du Plessis-Allan found to have breached broadcasting standards with Pacific Islands comments 388.78 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
Day & Moss and NZME Radio Ltdopen_in_new - 2018-090
28 February 2019
BSA finds Sunday’s use of a hidden camera justified despite privacy breach385.06 KBopen_in_new
For the full decisions see:
Seven Complainants and Television New Zealand Ltdopen_in_new - 2018-049
Two Complainants and Television New Zealand Ltd open_in_new- 2018-074
21 February 2019
News report on new public interest defence does not breach standards 455.21 KB (455 KB, Pdf)- English + Te Reo Māori
For the full decision see:
Durie & Hall and Māori Television Serviceopen_in_new - 2018-066
17 January 2019
For the full decision see:
Avery and NZME Radio Ltdopen_in_new - 2018-076
8 November 2018
Complaints to the BSA increase by 54% in the last 12 months 316.99 KBopen_in_new
The BSA's 2017-18 Annual Report is available hereopen_in_new
open_in_new
29 October 2018
BSA releases two decisions about content viewed on YouTube 294.46 KBopen_in_new
For the full decisions see:
Hurley and MediaWorks TV Ltdopen_in_new - ID2018-068
Smith and MediaWorks TV Ltdopen_in_new - 2018-062
30 August 2018
BSA finds Punjabi talkback programme Panthic Vichar breached the Radio Code fairness standardopen_in_new - English + Punjabi
For the full decision, see Supreme Sikh Society, Kalgidhar Sports Club & Majinder Singh Bassi and Planet FMopen_in_new - 2018-040
BSA does not uphold complaint by 20 complainants about Punjabi talkback programmeopen_in_new - English + Punjabi
For the full decision, see 20 Complainants and Radio Virsaopen_in_new - 2018-039
27 August 2018
For the full decision, see Harvey and Lorck and MediaWorks TV Ltdopen_in_new - 2018-036
24 August 2018
Deadline looms for television review 96.6 KBopen_in_new
31 July 2018
Free-to-air television timebands and classification labels under reviewopen_in_new
18 July 2018
BSA releases 2018 Survey on Offensive Language in Broadcastingopen_in_new
18 June 2018
13 June 2018
Guidance for broadcasters on using social media content released today 275.2 KBopen_in_new
24 May 2018
Freedom of expression and viewers' ability to exercise choice and control critical to BSA's second decision on Naked Attraction (351.4 KB)open_in_new
open_in_new
For the full decision, see Six Complainants and Television New Zealand Ltdopen_in_new - 2018-010
23 May 2018
For the full decision, see Cape and MediaWorks TV Ltdopen_in_new - 2018-018
19 April 2018
Ministry of Education should have been given opportunity to comment, BSA finds 266.63 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision, see Ministry of Education and Radio New Zealand Ltdopen_in_new - 2017-076
19 April 2018
For the full decision, see Beckers and Radio New Zealand Ltdopen_in_new - 2018-008
5 April 2018
For the full decision, see 13 Complainants and Television New Zealand Ltdopen_in_new - 2017-101
19 December 2017
For the full decision, see McCaughan and Television New Zealand Ltdopen_in_new - 2017-083
18 December 2017
For the full decision, see Lough and Television New Zealand Ltdopen_in_new - 2017-080
17 November 2017
BSA finds Newshub item required warning 264.19 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision, see Lewis and Mediaworks TV Ltdopen_in_new - 2017-069
31 October 2017
Trident Systems treated unfairly in RNZ broadcast 262.76 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision, see Trident Systems and Radio New Zealand Ltd open_in_newopen_in_new- 2017-044
30 October 2017
BSA recognises diverse New Zealand culture in latest decision 263.04 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see: Singh and Radio Virsaopen_in_new - 2017-001
open_in_new
13 October 2017
BSA media release 334.39 KBopen_in_new
26 September 2017
Host's provocative comments about Lions rugby team not in breach of standards 351.18 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see: Matthewson and NZME Radio Ltdopen_in_new - 2017-060
20 September 2017
For the full decisions see: Rameka and Māori Television Serviceopen_in_new - 2017-070 and Lupton and Māori Television Serviceopen_in_new - 2017-071
For the full decision see: Cullen and Television New Zealand Ltdopen_in_new - 2017-072
7 September 2017
For the full decision see: Ross and Māori Television Serviceopen_in_new - 2017-045
5 September 2017
For the full decision see: Curtis and Television New Zealand Ltdopen_in_new - 2017-065
27 July 2017
BSA finds description of graphic violence on Checkpoint required a warning263.99 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see: Cochran and Radio New Zealand Ltdopen_in_new - 2017-032
For the full decision see: Lee and MediaWorks Radio Ltdopen_in_new - 2017-030
25 July 2017
For the full research report see:
Use of Social Media Content in Broadcasting: Public and Broadcaster Perspectivesopen_in_new
15 June 2017
For the full research reports see:
Litmus Testing 2017open_in_new
External Review of Decisions 2017open_in_new
18 May 2017
For the full decision see:
Cameron and Television New Zealand Ltdopen_in_new - 2017-011
24 April 2017
Seven Sharp 'herb thief' item unfair and broadcaster should have apologised627.45 KBopen_in_new - English + Chinese (Mandarin) versions
For the full decision see: Shen and Television New Zealand Ltdopen_in_new - 2016-097
Facebook photos of injured bus crash passengers in news item breached privacy261.95 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see: Rickard and Television New Zealand Ltdopen_in_new - 2016-098
23 March 2017
Story item about accountability of judges found to be in public interest263.83 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
Newfield and MediaWorks TV Ltdopen_in_new - 2016-093
13 March 2017
For the full decisions see:
Hurrell and Television New Zealand Ltd open_in_new- 2016-086
Hurrell and SKY Network Television Ltdopen_in_new - 2016-094
22 November 2016
For the full decision see:
New Zealand Fire Service and MediaWorks TV Ltdopen_in_new - 2016-017
8 November 2016
For the full decisions see:
Stokes and NZME Radio Ltdopen_in_new - 2016-045
Mitchell and NZME Radio Ltdopen_in_new - 2016-027
25 October 2016
For the full decisions see:
Oswald and Television New Zealand Ltdopen_in_new - 2016-040A
Hayward and Television New Zealand Ltdopen_in_new - 2016-040B
Short and Television New Zealand Ltdopen_in_new - 2016-040C
19 October 2016
BSA rejects complaint about TV3 items inspired by 'Rhodes Must Fall' movement221.91 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
Lee and MediaWorks TV Ltdopen_in_new - 2016-044
21 September 2016
BSA finds tiler featured on The Block NZ: Villa Wars treated unfairlyopen_in_new (168.53 KB)
For the full decision see:
Djurdjevic and MediaWorks TV Ltdopen_in_new - 2016-004
26 August 2016
News report on Pastafarian wedding not discriminatory163.62 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
Martyn and MediaWorks TV Ltdopen_in_new - 2016-042
25 August 2016
BSA finds high public interest in Sunday bobby calves programme166.31 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
Knight and Television New Zealand Ltdopen_in_new - 2016-028
25 August 2016
The Rock Morning Rumble stunt breaches broadcasting standards165.87 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
Weich and MediaWorks Radio Ltdopen_in_new - 2016-023
29 July 2016
BSA finds two Seven Sharp items about flag referendum were not unbalanced164.59 KBopen_in_new
For the full decisions see:
Hawker and Television New Zealand Ltdopen_in_new - 2016-025
Turver and Television New Zealand Ltdopen_in_new - 2016-032
21 July 2016
BSA find Neighbours at War breached broadcasting standards163.33 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
MX & FX and Television New Zealand Ltdopen_in_new - 2015-094
15 July 2016
2016 Litmus Testing on good taste and decency released by BSA (176.23KB)open_in_new
30 June 2016
For the full decision see:
Seqirus (NZ) Ltd and MediaWorks TV Ltd - 2016-015open_in_new
BSA finds paid radio programme unbalanced and unfair162.86 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
Mitchell and Te Reo Irirangi O Te Arawa - 2015-104open_in_new
10 May 2016
BSA finds Story’s opening night item on Auckland real estate agent unfair218.63 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
Wildman and MediaWorks TV Ltdopen_in_new - 2015-075
8 April 2016
BSA welcomes new Chief Executive154.95 KBopen_in_new
1 April 2016
BSA releases new codebook of broadcasting standards159.75 KBopen_in_new
View or download the new codebook here:
Broadcasting Standards in New Zealand Codebookopen_in_new
7 March 2016
For the full decision see:
Forbes & Lee and UMA Broadcasting Ltdopen_in_new - 2015-058
23 December 2015
BSA finds Dog Squad breached woman's privacy139.52 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
SW and Television New Zealand Ltdopen_in_new - 2015-030
16 November 2015
For the full decision see:
NS and SKY Network Television Ltdopen_in_new - 2015-032
16 November 2015
BSA finds no privacy breach in broadcast of Campbell Live Gloriavale visit163.62 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
Cave and MediaWorks TV Ltdopen_in_new - 2015-026
16 November 2015
BSA finds Seven Sharp euthanasia item lacked balance163.54 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
Right to Life New Zealand Inc and Television New Zealand Ltdopen_in_new - 2015-023
30 September 2015
Complaint about Nicki Minaj music video upheld by BSA162.94 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
McCaw and SKY Network Television Ltd - 2015-011open_in_new
30 September 2015
BSA finds Hosking 'ponytail' comments unfair 159.37 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
Aranyi & Others and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2015-036open_in_new
20 August 2015
BSA upholds complaint about Eltham waste story 160.72KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
South Taranaki District Council and Mediaworks TV Ltd - 2014-149open_in_new
20 August 2015
BSA upholds complaint about unbalanced coverage of Gaza conflict 161.65KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
Maasland & Others and Radio New Zealand - 2014-1158open_in_new
21 July 2015
BSA upholds Campbell Live complaint199.42 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
Insurance Council of New Zealand and MediaWorks TV Ltdopen_in_new - 2014-146
21 July 2015
Public consultation opens on draft codes of broadcasting practice159.79 KBopen_in_new
Submissions can be made online hereopen_in_new.
30 June 2015
Plunket's comments about Catton not a breach of broadcasting standards195.92 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
Parlane & Wilson and MediaWorks Radio Ltdopen_in_new - 2015-009
23 June 2015
BSA orders compensation in unique privacy case178.29 KBopen_in_new
For the full decisions see:
PG and Television New Zealand Ltdopen_in_new - 2014-090
Elborn and Television New Zealand Ltdopen_in_new - 2015-014
9 April 2015
BSA: Context critical for good taste and decency complaintsPDF 289.43KBopen_in_new
For the full decisions see:
Peet and MediaWorks TV Ltdopen_in_new - 2015-001
Malone & Sadd and Television New Zealand Ltdopen_in_new - 2014-155
30 March 2015
BSA releases Children's Media Use Study (PDF 84.63KB)open_in_new
The research into how our children engage with media today. Conducted by Colmar Brunton for the Broadcasting Standards Authority and NZ On Air.
For the research content and related documents see:
Children's Media Use Studyopen_in_new
12 February 2015
Nicki Minaj 'Anaconda' complaint upheldPDF 191.93KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
Narayan and Humm FM open_in_new- 2014-119
Campbell Live investigation breached broadcasting standardsPDF 269.73KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
Harkema and TVWorks Ltdopen_in_new - 2012-042
8 December 2014
BSA declines to uphold Taranaki fracking waste disposal complaintPDF 78.52KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
Taranaki Regional Council and Radio New Zealandopen_in_new - 2014-013
Accuracy complaint about opinion piece attacking Israel upheldPDF 74.25KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
Cumin and The Radio Networkopen_in_new - 2014-098
6 November 2014
BSA declines to uphold three election advertising complaint (PDF 310.6KBopen_in_new)
For full decisions see:
Pekepo and MediaWorks Radio Ltdekepo and MediaWorks Radio Ltdopen_in_new - 2014-116
Allen and MediaWorks TV Ltdopen_in_new - 2014-106
Kumar and The Radio Network Ltdopen_in_new - 2014-117
15 September 2014
Broadcaster's right to express climate change views defended (PDF 308.8KBopen_in_new)
For the full decision see:
Dempsey and 3 others and Television New Zealand - 2014-047open_in_new
Broadcaster did enough after women described as "heifers" (PDF 194KB)open_in_new
For the full decision see:
Du Fall and The Radio Network Ltd - 2014-055open_in_new
9 June 2014
BSA declines to uphold Kōhanga Reo Trust's complaint PDF 308.8KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust Board and Māori Television Service - open_in_new2013-071open_in_new
7 April 2014
Kenyan mall shooting complaint upheld (PDF 304.19KB)open_in_new
For the full decision see:
Warwick and TVWorks Ltd - 2013-089open_in_new
BSA declines to uphold complaints about Fair Go medal dealer storyPDF 412.06KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
Gough and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2012-095open_in_new
17 December 2013
BSA releases decisions on Seven Sharp (PDF 418.07KB)open_in_new
For the full decisions see:
Craig and 4 Others and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2013-034open_in_new
McMillan and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2013-025open_in_new
25 November 2013
Complaints against RNZ's Nine to Noon upheld by BSA (PDF 417.22KB)open_in_new
For the full decision see:
Garrett and Radio New Zealand Ltd - open_in_new2013-048open_in_new
open_in_newBSA says Futurama episode incorrectly classified (PDF 411.87KB) open_in_new
For the full decision see:
Stroud and TVWorks Ltd - 2013-044open_in_new
7 October 2013
Home and Away storyline breaches broadcasting standards(PDF 415.25KB)open_in_new
For the full decision see:
Simpson and TVWorks Ltd - 2013-031open_in_new
BSA finds Close Up item was unfair and inaccurate (PDF 412.43KB)open_in_new
For the full decision see:
Pompallier Catholic College and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2012-122open_in_new
9 September 2013
BSA releases report on acceptability of swear wordsPDF 350.26KBopen_in_new
For the summary and downloadable report see:
What Not to Swear: The Acceptability of Words in Broadcasting, 2013open_in_new
5 August 2013
Cruise FM Waikato ordered to apologise on air following complaints PDF 92.84KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
Anderson and Others and Cruise FM Waikato - 2012-133open_in_new
Complaint against Michael Laws not upheldPDF 191.57KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
Richmond and RadioWorks Ltd - open_in_new2013-023open_in_new
17 June 2013
Comedy programme did not breach standards, says BSA PDF 273.9 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
O'Connor and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2013-006
open_in_newComplaint about The Graham Norton Show promo not upheld PDF 346.75 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
Bergman and TVWorks Ltd - 2013-013open_in_new
13 May 2013
BSA says radio host abused position by airing open_in_newgrievance open_in_newPDF 268.46 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
Otago City Casinos Ltd and The Radio Network Ltd (TRN) - 2013-004open_in_new
BSA rules on two Fair Go complaintsopen_in_newPDF 196.18 KBopen_in_new
For the full decisions see:
Moore and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2012-107open_in_new
Phan and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2012-123open_in_new
27 February 2013
BSA finds 3 News breached controversial issues standardopen_in_newPDF 191.9 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
Brooking and TVWorks Ltd - 2012-121open_in_new
BSA finds TVNZ breached fairness and accuracy standardsPDF 193.02 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
Whyte and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2012-070open_in_new
4 February 2013
BSA finds no breach in Beyond the Darklands promo open_in_newPDF 45.96 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
Brown and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2012-119open_in_new
“Beast of Blenheim” nickname not a broadcasting standards breachopen_in_newPDF 271.48 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
McKay and TVWorks Ltd - 2012-125open_in_new
20 November 2012
Broadcasting Standards Authority reports a drop in complaintsopen_in_newPDF 192.01 KBopen_in_new
See our Annual Report PDF (513.94 KB)open_in_new
Verbal sparring about Ports of Auckland dispute did not breach standardsopen_in_newPDF 268.72 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
Bhatnagar and RadioWorks Ltd - 2012-045open_in_new
30 October 2012
Four complaints dismissed by the BSA as frivolous and trivialPDF 267.53 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
McDonald and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2012-100open_in_new
Complaints about a Close Up item on church not upheldPDF 265.54 KBopen_in_new
For the full decision see:
Bowers, Patel and Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2012-050open_in_new