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Board to meet broadcasters - 9 February in Auckland

There have been some recent changes to the BSA board. Chair Jo Morris and members Paul France and Diane Musgrave have all left or are in the process of leaving the BSA. Meanwhile we welcomed Mary Anne Shanahan as a member in June last year while new chair Peter Radich and new member Leigh Pearson have just joined us. Tapu Misa’s term expires in April this year.

The new configuration of the board – Peter Radich, Tapu Misa, Mary Anne Shanahan and Leigh Pearson – will be in Auckland on 9 February and we would like to invite broadcasters to come and meet with them. It is an opportunity for broadcasters to get to know the newer members and ask questions, one on one. Equally, it is a chance for the newer board members to get to know broadcasters. All interested staff from broadcasters are welcome to attend.

We are running two sessions - one focussed on television broadcasters and one on radio.  If you can't make 'your' session please feel free to come to whichever of the sessions you can make.  If you aren't in Auckland or can't make it, don't worry, there will be opportunities to meet the board in other locations in the future. 

Date: Tuesday 9 February
Place: Stamford Plaza Hotel, Albert St, Auckland

Television
10am-midday

Radio
1:30-3:00pm

Members of the Television Broadcasters Council or Radio Broadcasters Association should RSVP to their organisations.  All others RSVP to Dominic Sheehan.  All RSVPs by 4 February please.

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Recent decisions

These decisions were released just prior to Christmas 2009. Clicking on the names below will take you directly to the decisions.

Adair et al and TVWorks - Nightline contained a satirical item on Maori TV’s bid for coverage of the Rugby World Cup. Not upheld.

Four people complained that an item on TV3’s Nightline in October about Māori TV’s bid to televise the 2011 RWC breached various standards of the Free-to-Air Television Code of Broadcasting Practice.

The BSA found that the item by Ali Ikram was legitimate satire and that, although it was introduced as a serious news piece, it would have been obvious to viewers very shortly after the item began that it was not meant to be taken seriously.

When considering whether the item encouraged denigration of or discrimination of Maori, the BSA noted that the relevant standard is not intended to prevent the broadcast of material that is legitimate humour, drama or satire. concluded that the item lacked the necessary invective to reach the threshold of discrimination and denigration.

In its findings the BSA said: “This does not mean that such material is given unchecked freedom [but] reflects the fact that democratic societies place a high value on these forms of artistic expression.”

The Authority went on to say that “...the item did not mock Māori in general; rather, it satirised Māori TV’s proposed coverage and its view that Māori language and culture could be promoted through its coverage of the Rugby World Cup. Nothing in the item could be said to have “blackened the reputation” of Māori, or to encourage the different treatment of Māori to their detriment.”

In response to complaints that the piece was offensive and rude the Authority said that although the item was considered by some to be unpleasant, it did not contain any material that strayed beyond the bounds of good taste and decency.

Broughton and Rikys and TVNZ - An interview on Breakfast about process of choosing a Maori flag to fly on Waitangi Day. Not upheld.

Tashkoff and TVNZ - Hidden camera footage shown on Illegal New Zealand of complainant at gun show. Upheld (fairness).

Bolton and RNZ - Sunday with Chris Laidlaw interview where sociologist alleged complainant was an active Holocaust denier. Majority. Upheld (accuracy).

van Helmond and TVWorks - 3 News revealed author of threat against Sue Bradford and included door-stepping footage. Not upheld.

Lord and SKY - On Amazon with Bruce Parry the presenter said “fuck” at 8.05pm. Upheld (good taste and decency and children’s interests).

James and TVWorks - 3 News showed footage from Boobs on Bikes parade. Not upheld.

Howe and Torry and TVWorks - 3 News. Teaser for item on Boobs on Bikes parade. Majority. Not upheld.

Dibble and Wardle and TVNZ - 60 Minutes and 3 News items showed family photograph. Not upheld.

Towl and Radioworks - Solid Gold FM announcer joked that Chris Carter was the most powerful lesbian on the planet. Not upheld.

Clancy and TVWorks - Sunrise interview with climate change activist. Not upheld.

Sharp and TVWorks - 3 News at Midday showed report on English matador. Not upheld.

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