Formal Complaint to the Broadcaster
You must send your formal complaint to the broadcaster in the first instance. This gives the broadcaster an opportunity to answer your complaint first – you might be satisfied with their answer and decide not to go any further with the complaint.
Note!
There are two exceptions to the rule that complaints must go to the broadcaster first – privacy complaints and election programme complaints, both of which come direct to the BSA:
How to Make a Privacy Complaint
How to Complain about an Election Programme
Formal complaints must be in writing and need to be lodged with the broadcaster within 20 working days of the broadcast.
You need to provide the following details about the programme:
- the date of the broadcast
- the time of the broadcast
- the title of the programme
- the channel or station which broadcast the programme
You also need to explain which broadcasting standards you think have been breached, and why.
The Codes of Broadcasting Practice and standards
For help with choosing the right standard, including some examples,see:
Choosing a Standard
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If you are ready to make a complaint to the broadcaster now
You can use the broadcaster’s online complaint form:
TelevisionRadio
- RadioWorks (The Edge, The Rock, Radio Live, More FM, Mai FM, The Breeze, Solid Gold FM)
- Radio NZ (Radio NZ National, Radio NZ Concert)
- The Radio Network (Newstalk ZB)
Post your complaint to the broadcaster
If you prefer to post your complaint, you can print out and complete the BSA's downloadable Formal Complaint Form and post it to the broadcaster:BSA's Formal Complaint form69.96 KB
Postal addresses for the broadcasters can be found on their websites.
Broadcaster Links -
If you cannot find the broadcaster you're looking for
You can make a complaint using the BSA’s online Formal Complaint Form below.
If you use the BSA’s online form, your complaint will be sent on to the relevant broadcaster.