RESEARCH AND REPORTS NGĀ RANGAHAU ME NGĀ PŪRONGO

Research commissioned by the BSA and statutory publications including Annual Reports, SOIs and SPEs
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Public Awareness Survey 2025

Every two years the BSA commissions a survey measuring the percentage of New Zealand consumers of broadcast media who are aware of the BSA, and aware they can make a formal complaint about a TV or radio programme.

We also include questions to measure awareness of tools available to block content (filtering technology).

This report analyses the results of the 2025 survey.

Results

  • 75% of those surveyed are aware of the BSA.
  • 64% are aware they can make a formal complaint.
  • 88% are aware they could take a course of action that would lead them to finding out how to make a formal complaint. This includes large majorities among Māori (89%), Pacific Peoples (86%) and Asian (86%) respondents.
  • Māori, Pacific Peoples and Asian respondents are less aware of the BSA than NZ Europeans.
  • Asian respondents are the least aware of the ability to make a formal complaint. Māori and Pacific Peoples are less likely to contact the BSA for information about making a complaint.
  • 36% of broadcast media consumers are aware of content restriction/blocking processes on television.*  This compares to 34% of the general public, which was a slight rebound from 29% in 2023.
  • Awareness of filtering technologies is higher for online platforms (and pay TV) than for free-to-air TV.
  • Māori, Pacific Peoples and Asian respondents are more aware of ways to restrict or block content on television, and more likely to know how to use filtering technology. Māori and Pacific Peoples are most likely to use it.
  • Respondents with dependent children are among groups more aware of, and more likely to use, these technologies.

The Authority will use the findings to inform its ongoing education and engagement work, and continue to work with broadcasters to ensure audiences are aware of the BSA, can access the complaints system, and know how to use filtering technology if they choose to.

  • Information on tools available to help audiences make appropriate viewing choices on free-to-air and pay TV is available on the BSA website.

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Date published: 19 June 2025

Research Company: AK Research & Consulting