External Review of Decisions 2025 – Accuracy Standard
The BSA invited Associate Professor Peter Thompson, of Te Herenga Waka (Victoria University of Wellington), to independently review five decisions issued by the Authority involving the accuracy standard. The objective was to assess whether the BSA’s reasoning, processes and/or interpretations of the standard were appropriate and reasonable.
The decisions reviewed were:
- Pack-Baldry, Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa, Taylor-Moore & Wellington Palestine Group and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2024-040 (12 November 2024) (Interviews with Israeli ambassador and Palestinian Delegation head)
- Al-Jiab and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2024-058 (4 December 2024) (Description of Biden peace plan as involving Israel ‘withdrawing from Gaza’)
- Zaky and Radio New Zealand Ltd - 2024-004 (20 March 2024) (Interview with New Zealand Israeli soldier)
- McGlone and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2024-074 (4 December 2024) (Coastguard statement about crossing a bar at low tide)
- Wilson and NZME Radio Ltd - 2023-085 (8 April 2024) (Description of equity adjustor score used to prioritise surgery)
Results and BSA Actions
Assoc Prof Thompson concluded the BSA is undertaking its responsibilities under the Broadcasting Act ‘with appropriate diligence and general consistency’. Overall, he endorsed the Authority’s decisions and agreed with the decisions to uphold, or not uphold, each complaint.
The Authority’s deliberations evidenced ‘careful and systematic application of the accuracy standard’, Assoc Prof Thompson found. He noted that, in several instances, this has entailed the sourcing of substantial supporting reference material as well as citations of the BSA’s previous determinations where these provide relevant guidance.
He offered suggestions on areas which could have been further developed in the decisions, relating to:
- distinguishing fact from opinion
- reasonable efforts to ensure accuracy
- requirements to correct inaccuracies.
He also provided insights about the complexity of ascertaining accuracy in practice, highlighting the challenges for media in achieving, and for the BSA in determining, accuracy, as well as comments on factors to consider in determining the appropriate detail and length of decisions.
The BSA has noted the recommendations and will take them into account in future decisions.
The full External Review report can be seen via the link below.
Date published: 13 August 2025
Reviewer: Peter Thompson, Associate Professor, Media and Communication Programme, Te Herenga Waka (Victoria University of Wellington)