Litmus testing 2026 - Public attitudes towards bias
This year’s Litmus Testing research explores public attitudes towards bias-related issues in broadcasting, as addressed in recent BSA decisions under the balance and discrimination and denigration standards.
The decisions tested relate to complaints involving:
- a news item on the arrest of then government minister Kiritapu Allan (RNZ)
- a political editor’s report about government minister Erica Stanford’s use of a personal email account for government business (1News)
- a report on the reintroduction of referenda on local council Māori wards (1News)
- a news item about Māori and Pasifika honoured in the 2024 New Year Honours list (RNZ Concert)
- an interview with National Party leader Christopher Luxon (Q+A with Jack Tame).
An average of 86% of participants rated the decisions as very good, good, or acceptable.
Most accepted the BSA’s reasoning when the relevant standards and guidelines were explained, even if they initially disagreed with the outcome.
Perceptions of bias are closely tied to the participant’s level of trust in media and institutions. New Zealanders with a moderate to high sensitivity to bias are more likely to infer agenda or influence, where those with low sensitivity to bias see acceptable editorial judgement. More neutral New Zealanders are more forgiving of strong questioning or opinions.
The results suggest strengthening trust in media is likely to reduce audience perceptions of bias – likewise, avoiding perceptions of bias is likely to improve audience trust.
The findings will be shared with broadcasters and used to inform BSA decisions and any future review of the Code of Broadcasting Standards.
You can read the full findings and a media release highlighting key outtakes here:
Full Report: Litmus testing 2026 – Public attitudes towards bias
Media Release: BSA publishes new research on complaints about media bias