BSA Decisions Ngā Whakatau a te Mana Whanonga Kaipāho

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Summary

A total of sixty episodes of the series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers screened on

weekdays on Channel 2 at 4.30pm from Monday 9 May until Friday 29 July 1994.

Described in its publicity material as a science fiction adventure series about five

teenage superheroes, the series contained elements of science fiction and fantasy as

well as martial arts sequences.

Four complainants, three of which represented the views of many parents and

teachers of both pre-school and school aged children, complained to Television New

Zealand Ltd, the broadcaster, that the series contained an excessive amount of violence

and was therefore in breach of several standards of the Television Code of

Broadcasting Practice. One complainant, the Children's Media Watch, noted that in

the 25 minute duration of the episode screened on 17 June, more than fifty violent

aggressive acts occurred.

In response, TVNZ explained to each of the four complainants that the series

provided positive role models for children and demonstrated values which were of

benefit to them, particularly self-esteem, courage, responsibility, teamwork and

respect for individual differences. Noting that the programme was intended for older

children, it denied that it had breached any of the Codes of Broadcasting Practice. It

maintained that the stylised martial arts activities were familiar to children, as were the

metallic transformer toys, and were able to stimulate children's creativity in play.

Dissatisfied with that response, the complainants referred their complaints to the

Broadcasting Standards Authority under s.8(1)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 1989.

For the reasons given below, the Authority upheld the complaints that the series was in

breach of standards V1, V10, V11 and G12 of the Television Code of Broadcasting

Practice. It declined to uphold the complaint that the second part of standard V16 was

breached and declined to determine the complaint that there was a breach of standard

V18.

Decision

The members of the Authority have viewed three programmes from the series, one

nominated by one of the complainants and two selected by TVNZ and have read the

correspondence (summarised in the Appendices). The Authority records that some

members have watched other episodes in addition to these three. As is its practice,

the Authority has determined the complaints without a formal hearing.

The series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers was screened on weekdays at 4.30pm on

Channel 2 for twelve weeks from 9 May until 29 July 1994. Each episode was a self-

contained fantasy adventure which recounted the exploits of five teenagers who were

transformed into superheroes capable of overcoming the forces of evil and of defeating

the ever-present monsters.

Four formal complaints were referred to the Authority, two of which represented the

views of parents and teachers of kindergartens. One was from the Children's Media

Watch, a lobby group concerned with children's television programming and another

from the mother of young children. In addition, the Authority records that it has

received two other formal complaints and a large number of informal written and

telephone complaints from many others who objected to the series' focus on violence

as a means of resolving conflict and who commented on the negative impact the series

had had on the behaviour of children, particularly pre-schoolers. Many complainants

noted that the martial arts sequences which were being imitated in school playgrounds

were a source of concern to teachers, parents and caregivers and potentially dangerous

to children. Some complainants suggested that the repeated images of violent acts

were corrupting and harmful to children and they pleaded with TVNZ to cancel the

remaining episodes in the series.

In its response to each of the complainants, TVNZ emphasised that this series was

the first in a new generation of programmes which featured live actors, intended as

youthful role models and offering creative fantasy situations to children. It espoused

the view that the programme offered positive role models to children and

demonstrated values which benefited them, including development of self-esteem,

courage, responsibility, teamwork and respect for individual differences. It pointed

out that fantasy adventure had always been enjoyed by children and was a stimulus to

the imagination and a catalyst for creative play. TVNZ also noted that the target

audience was the older primary school age group (not pre-schoolers) and was

deliberately placed late in the children's schedule so that it could be seen by that

group.

Acknowledging that many parents had found the programme unacceptable, TVNZ

advised that it had reduced the length of the sequences in which the Power Rangers

encountered the human-like creatures known as "putties", thus reducing the amount of

karate-style sparring in the programme. Secondly, it advised that it had acquired a

number of public service announcements by members of the cast which explained to

children such things as the difference between fantasy and reality and the dangers of

violent play in the playground. It expressed surprise at the negative reaction among

New Zealand parents and teachers, noting that there had been no such reaction in other

countries where the series had been screened. TVNZ also noted that it had received

many letters in support of the series.

TVNZ concluded that in the context there was no breach of broadcasting standards

and declined to uphold any aspect of the complaints.

Standards Allegedly Breached

Standard V1

Each of the four complainants alleged a breach of standard V1 of the Television Code

of Broadcasting Practice. That standard reads:

V1  Broadcasters have a responsibility to ensure that any violence shown is

justifiable, ie is essential in the context of the programme.

TVNZ advised that it had undertaken a good deal of research into the background of

the series and into how it was received in other market places. It noted that the series

complied with the stringent regulations set in the United States for children's

programmes and, further, the Fox Network, which produced the series, had an

additional set of rules with which the series had to comply. Those guidelines (listed in

the Appendix) state that the Power Rangers may only use science-fiction type

weapons and that the monsters must be fictional creations. Further, the guidelines

state that the Power Rangers must not start fights, nor escalate them and may never

fight people. They must not act out of anger nor fight the monsters directly, and

although they may do a series of martial arts moves, they never land a blow. Blows

will not be aimed at the head or the neck. In addition, each episode must contain a

pro-social message and the Power Rangers must be seen as positive role models who

never use their powers for personal gain.

TVNZ advised that as a result of the public reaction to the series it had reduced the

number of incidents of karate-style sparring and in addition had acquired some public

service announcements by members of the cast which told children the difference

between fantasy and reality, the benefits of team work and the dangers of violent

behaviour in the playground.

Ms Lee Rowe, on behalf of 55 parents and staff of the Bayfield Kindergarten,

observed that violence was depicted as an acceptable means of conflict resolution

throughout the series. Pointing to research which indicated that when children were

exposed to violent modes for resolving conflict, it became part of their own means of

responding to such behaviour, the kindergarten noted that it had seen the effects of the

series in the behaviour of its children and reported that it was not alone in experiencing

such behavioural problems. The kindergarten dismissed TVNZ's argument that the

Power Rangers themselves did not start fights and did not fight people, arguing that it

did not matter who started the fights. Violence was portrayed as the acceptable way

of resolving conflict and it believed that that was harmful to children. It also

commented that it was unrealistic to expect children to perceive that the Rangers

never, as TVNZ maintained, acted out of anger or that the blows were never directed

to the heads of their victims. The kindergarten maintained that violence was violence

no matter what part of the anatomy it was directed toward. It added that there were

many ways to portray team work and that it was unfortunate that the Power Rangers

were rewarded for their acts of violence.

Ms Carolyn Barr noted first that children of pre-school and primary school age could

not tell the difference between fact and fantasy and after seeing the skilful high kicks,

were inspired to copy. She suggested that the Fox Network guideline preventing the

use of "recreatable" weapons was useless, since any stick in the imagination of a child

could become a "mondo blaster". Further, she commented that the deliberately

phoney masks of the monsters did not stop children from having nightmares. She

added that even if the Power Rangers never fought people, the fact remained that they

fought and young children were not capable of distinguishing whether or not the blows

were landed. She pointed out that children did not have the skill to direct kicks to the

body and not to the head and neck, but simply tried to copy what they saw. Ms Barr

applauded TVNZ's action in reducing the number of fighting sequences and providing

the public service announcements but maintained that children did not respond to

those initiatives.

In its complaint to TVNZ, the Children's Media Watch argued that the series

contained excessive violence and was unsuitable for showing in children's viewing

time. It reasoned that there was very little story line or dialogue and that the

programme appeared to provide an opportunity for every kind of fighting. In one

episode (screened on 17 June), it advised that within the 25 minute duration of the

programme, there were more than fifty violent aggressive acts. It listed the following

clusters of incidents: Someone was hit in the face, followed by kick boxing and a fight,

followed by more kick boxing and a demonstration of martial arts. Further fights

against "aliens" resulted in ten violent acts, followed by rock hurling and the firing of

weapons. After a commercial break there were further fights (one cluster had 14

aggressive acts), followed by boulder hurling, then three more episodes of violence,

followed by ten acts of violence. Five more violent acts followed, machines were fired

and there were 6 violent acts with transformer creatures. While the Children's Media

Watch acknowledged that it could be said that violence was essential to the

programme, it deplored the fact that the whole episode was built around violence,

noting that there was very little dialogue and that fighting appeared to be the total

justification for the programme.

Similar concerns were echoed by the Mosgiel Central Kindergarten, through its

spokesperson, Ms Ginny Menlove. It shared the view that the series encouraged

children to play using harmful body contact and that it perpetuated the view that the

only way to handle conflict was with violence. The Mosgiel Central Kindergarten

requested that the series be removed from television.

Commenting on TVNZ's assertion that the series elicited no such response in other

countries where it has been screened, the Bayfield Kindergarten observed that it

believed it was reassuringly positive that New Zealand parents and caregivers took an

interest in what their children watched. Ms Barr commented that she found it hard to

believe that New Zealand was the only country where the well-being and future of

children was a concern. The Mosgiel Central Kindergarten concluded that New

Zealanders were obviously more concerned about the influence of television on

impressionable children than were parents in other countries.

The Authority's observation was that the violence in the episodes it watched was

central to each episode because each was premised on the creation of conflict between

the Power Rangers and their adversaries. While it accepted that in some programmes,

some violence might be acceptable, it considered that there must be a low violence

threshold in children's programmes, particularly when those programmes were

screened every weekday. It did not consider that the fantasy aspect of the series

mitigated the effects of the violence, because the realism, including the realism of some

of the weaponry, the fast pace and the music were appealing to children. In addition,

the predictable formula and theme reinforced that appeal, especially the use in each

programme of identical sequences, accompanied by special effects and music. Without

replicating the effort of Children's Media Watch in counting the number of violent

incidents in the episode screened on 17 June, the Authority estimated that the number

(fifty) was an accurate summary. That episode, it noted, was one screened before

TVNZ began to edit out a number of the karate-style encounters and appeared to

contain a larger number of violent incidents than the other episodes it watched. The

Authority supported TVNZ's decision to cut out some of the violent incidents in the

later episodes, but it still believed that the overwhelming impression left by each of

the episodes was that there was a relentless recurrence of violent acts. It also

disagreed with TVNZ's assertion that the weapons were not realistic, noting the use

of rocks, bows and arrows, swords and guns, which are all weapons familiar to

children. Accordingly it upheld the complaints that there was a breach of standard V1.

With respect to TVNZ's argument that the series had been broadcast in other

countries without complaints, the Authority records that it has had advice from

Australia, where the series was shown only once a week, to the effect that a number of

complaints have been received and are being processed.

Standard V10

Each of the four complainants alleged that the series was in breach of Standard V10 of

the Television Code of Broadcasting Practice. That standard reads:

V10 The cumulative or overall effect of violent incidents and themes in a

single programme, a programme series or a line-up of programmes

back to back, must avoid giving an impression of excessive violence.

TVNZ, after explaining the guidelines with which the series complied, presented an

alternative interpretation of the series' theme. It suggested that the series in fact

empowered children, offered positive role models and demonstrated values of benefit

to children. It noted that self-esteem, courage, responsibility, teamwork and respect

for individual differences were attributes portrayed by the Power Rangers. Observing

that these qualities were packaged in a fast moving fantasy series, TVNZ noted that

fantasy adventure had always been popular with children and had often been seen as

encouraging creativity. In this instance, it suggested that the series provided a

stimulus to the imagination and denied that it was the source of behavioural problems

with children, arguing that "vigorous play" had always been part of growing up.

The four complainants reported on the negative impact of the series on children in the

pre-school and primary school age groups as a result of negative and aggressive play

modelled on the activities of the Power Rangers, particularly the high kicks. The

Bayfield Kindergarten reported that the response of children to this programme far

exceeded that of all previous programmes of this genre. It argued that because of the

rapidity of the action, children did not have time to understand all of the action and

instead focused on the recurring themes of violent action which they then imitated.

Ms Barr reported an incident where a teacher had been a victim of the high kicking as

demonstrated by the Power Rangers.

The Children's Media Watch submitted that standard V10 was breached because the

programme was screened every weekday thus giving a cumulative build-up of violence.

It suggested that had the programme been screened only once a week, the effect of the

violence would probably be minimised because children would have time to forget

about it in the interval.

In the Authority's view, the heavy concentration of episodes every week day for

twelve weeks overwhelmingly contributed to an impression of excessive violence. As

it noted above, each episode appeared to be centred around incidents of karate-style

sparring between the heroes and their adversaries. The Authority considered a daily

diet of such themes definitely gave an impression of excessive violence. It upheld the

complaints that there was a breach of standard V10 both because of the cumulative

effect of the violent incidents in single programmes and the cumulative effect of the

series of programmes broadcast every week day for 12 weeks.

Standard V11

The Bayfield Kindergarten and the Mosgiel Central Kindergarten alleged that standard

V11 was breached. That standard provides:

V11 Any realistic portrayal of anti-social behaviour, including violent and

serious crime and the abuse of liquor and drugs, must not be shown in a

way that glamorises the activities.

TVNZ suggested that the Power Rangers provided positive role models for children,

being shown as exemplary students and good people who always helped others. In

addition, each of the episodes had a theme which emphasised such values as

cooperation, overcoming fears, responsibility and respect for others. It suggested that

the Power Rangers did not initiate fighting, nor escalate it and never landed any blows

and noted that their victims either disappeared or were transported to another universe

– there was never any blood. TVNZ declined to uphold this aspect of the complaint.

The two kindergartens reported on the considerable impact of the programme on their

pre-school children. The Bayfield Kindergarten attributed the negative and aggressive

play among its children to the influence of the series, noting that the words "Power

Rangers" were used frequently in the context of acts of aggression, particularly the use

of high kicks. It argued that the series depicted violence as an acceptable means of

conflict resolution and that this was having a negative impact on the children. Quoting

researchers Carlsson-Paige and Levin in an article titled "Making Peace in Violent

Times: A Constructivist Approach to Conflict Resolution", it wrote:

The entertainment violence that children see provides models for how conflicts

should be resolved. When children are exposed to violent models for conflict

resolution whether first hand or through the media this becomes at least part of

the repertoire that they create of responses to conflict. It sets learning in the

direction of more violence by contributing to the base on which new ideas are

built. In addition it can crowd out a host of other positive social learnings that

should be part of this developing repertoire.

The Bayfield Kindergarten repeated that discussion and observation with teachers and

parents led it to conclude that the series condoned violence and aggression as a means

of solving problems. It believed that society needed to take more responsibility for

violent behaviour, including examining the violent content of television programmes.

In its referral to the Authority, the Mosgiel Central Kindergarten acknowledged that

while fantasy play was important for children, the series Mighty Morphin Power

Rangers did not stimulate the imagination and creativity and instead encouraged anti-

social behaviour. It questioned TVNZ's use of the public service announcements at

the end of the programmes, suggesting perhaps that revealed TVNZ did think the

programme was unsuitable.

The Authority considered that the portrayal of the martial arts routines and the

gymnastics-style high kicking by which the Power Rangers successfully vanquished

their foes undoubtedly glamorised those acts. While the sequences were highly

stylised, they were also realistic, fast-paced and seemingly effortless. In one of the

episodes watched by the Authority a younger child was instructed in various martial

arts moves by one of the teenagers in a manner which was easily capable of imitation

by children. The degree of realism was heightened by the presence of other children

and by the use of real martial arts sequences.

The Authority believed that children would naturally be inclined to imitate this kind of

fighting. It doubted that they would have realised that the Power Rangers avoided

aiming blows to the head and neck, that they did not initiate fights and that they never

actually landed a blow. The Authority considered that parts of the fighting sequences

were so realistic that children would have been convinced they were real and further,

that they presented an appropriate method of resolving conflict. In the Authority's

view, the glamorisation of acts of violence was in breach of standard V11 and upheld

the complaints.

Standard G12

The two kindergartens alleged that the series was in breach of standard G12. That

standard requires broadcasters:

G12 To be mindful of the effect any programme may have on children

during their normally accepted viewing times.

TVNZ explained that the series was deliberately placed late in the children's schedule

so that it could be seen by the older children at whom it was aimed. It pointed out

that the children's schedule was carefully constructed so that as the hour of the day

advanced so too did the age of the target audience and argued that older children were

entitled to programmes that were specifically aimed at them, adding that this type of

fantasy material was particularly appealing to them. While it acknowledged that some

pre-schoolers watched the programme, it emphasised that it was not intended for that

audience. TVNZ suggested that parents had a responsibility to ensure that what was

screened was suitable for their younger children.

The Bayfield Kindergarten pointed out that the reality of the situation was that

children of all ages do watch television at 4.30pm. However, it noted that even though

it was intended for older children, discussion with 23 primary and intermediate

teachers revealed that they were all concerned about the negative behaviour of children

in their schools after watching Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

There was no dispute that 4.30pm was considered to be a normally accepted viewing

time for children. However the Authority expressed surprise that TVNZ considered

that it could provide children's programming at that time of day which would not be

seen by many pre-schoolers. If, as was suggested, the programme was intended for

older children only, the Authority considered it would have been appropriate to

advertise it as such so that at least parents of younger children would be aware that it

was unsuitable for that age group.

The Authority considered TVNZ's response to public opinion when it decided to

reduce the number of incidents of fighting in each episode and provide public service

announcements at the end. It believed this response indicated that TVNZ was mindful

of public opinion on the series, since these moves were intended to neutralise some of

the violence portrayed in each episode. However, the Authority believed that the

evidence of the harmful influence of the series, presented by the teachers and parents

of younger children, was compelling, and it did not consider that TVNZ's initiatives

were sufficiently effective to counter the detrimental effects observed in children's

behaviour. The Authority notes that it has taken into account the large number of

informal complaints and telephone calls it has received which support its view that the

series has had a significant effect on children. While it acknowledges the initiatives

undertaken by TVNZ, it does not believe they went far enough. Accordingly it

upheld the complaint that the series breached standard G12.

Standard V16

Each of the complainants alleged that standard V16 was breached by the series. That

standard reads:

Protection of Children

V16 Broadcasters must be mindful of the effect any programme, including

trailers, may have on children during their generally accepted viewing

periods, usually up to 8.30pm, and avoid screening material which

could unnecessarily disturb or alarm children.

Repeating its arguments made above, TVNZ explained that the programme was

deliberately placed as late in the children's schedule as possible (4.30pm) because it

was aimed at older children. It argued that the responsibility to ensure programmes

were suitable rested with parents and that it had no desire to become a babysitting

service for pre-schoolers.

The arguments made by the two kindergartens were the same as under standard G12

considered above. Ms Barr commented that the series was a danger to every child in

New Zealand, whether or not they watched it. She added that although she did not

allow her own children to watch the programme, it did not protect them from the

violent antics of other children in the playground. The Children's Media Watch

suggested that TVNZ showed a naive lack of understanding if it did not recognise that

children copied what they saw on television.

The Authority did not doubt the reports that children had been affected and influenced

by the series. However, it did not believe that sufficed to constitute a breach of the

second part of standard V16. The Authority interprets the last words of standard

V16 to mean that broadcasters should avoid screening material which among other

things may be "frightening to a degree that a child's sense of security may be

jeopardised" (Introduction to Violence Code). It did not believe the sparring scenes in

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers were frightening to older children, nor did it consider

that the appearances of the grotesque monsters would have caused alarm or concern.

However, it accepted that younger children may well have been frightened both by the

monsters and the fighting themes. As both standards refer to the general viewing

periods of children, the Authority decided that it was appropriate to subsume the first

part of the standard V16 complaint under standard G12 which is considered above and

declined to uphold the complaint that the second part of standard V16 was breached.

Standard V18

Two complainants alleged that standard V18 was breached. That standard states:

V18 Cartoons must avoid excessive violence, especially those featuring

humans and human-like creatures and depicting realistic story lines as

opposed to clearly fanciful or farcical themes.

TVNZ rejected the complaints under this standard, advising that it only applied to

cartoons.

The Authority agreed that the standard did not apply to this series and declined to

determine this aspect of the complaint.

For the reasons set forth above the Authority upholds the complaints that the

series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers screened on weekdays between 9 May and

29 July 1994 by Television New Zealand Ltd on Channel Two was in breach of

standards G12, V1, V10, and V11 of the Television Code of Broadcasting

Practice.

While it subsumes the first part of standard V16 under standard G12, it declines

to uphold the complaint that the second part of standard V16 was breached.

It declines to determine the complaint that the series breached standard V18.

Having upheld a complaint, the Authority may impose an order under s.13(1)(a) of

the Broadcasting Act 1989. It notes that it gave serious thought to imposing an order

in view of the fact that TVNZ had broadcast a series of 60 programmes despite

numerous formal and informal complaints and had persisted in its stance that there

was no breach of broadcasting standards. However it does not intend to do so. The

Authority records that it took the unusual step of advising the broadcaster prior to the

publication of this decision of its intention to uphold the complaint under the

standards listed above. TVNZ responded immediately by cancelling the next series of

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers giving wide publicity to its decision.

Signed for and on behalf of the Authority

Iain Gallaway
Chairperson
19 September 1994

Appendix I

Bayfield Kindergarten's Complaint to Television New Zealand Limited

In a letter to TVNZ in June 1994 Ms Lee Rowe and 54 other signatories from

Bayfield Kindergarten in Dunedin complained to TVNZ about the programme Mighty

Morphin Power Rangers screened on Channel Two on weekdays at 4.30pm.

The Bayfield Kindergarten complained that the series breached standard G12 (which

requires broadcasters to be mindful of the effect on children) and 4 standards from the

violence code (V10, V11, V16 and V18).

TVNZ's Response to the Formal Complaint

Responding to the complaint, in a letter dated 30 June 1994, TVNZ reported that it

considered the complaint under the standards nominated by the kindergarten, and in

addition, standard V1.

It advised that it did not consider the standard V18 complaint was applicable since the

programme did not involve cartoon figures.

TVNZ explained that the series was the first of a new genre of programmes developed

in response to a widespread concern about the preponderance of animated

programmes for children, which offered little in the way of role models or as creative

fantasy.

Offering an alternative interpretation of the series, TVNZ explained that its producer,

Fox Network, abided by a very stringent set of rules regarding its production. These

included:

1. Fox will not allow Morphin Rangers to use "recreatable" weapons. This

means that they can only use science fiction-type weaponry like "mondo

blasters."

2. The monsters that they use on the Power Rangers are deliberately phoney

looking so that children won't imagine that they really exist. For example,

they use giant chickens or huge turtles with stop lights for eyes.

3. Power Rangers don't start fights.

4. Power Rangers don't escalate fights.

5. Power Rangers never fight people.

6. Power Rangers never act out of anger. Nothing short of a threat by Rita

Repulsa and her monsters to take over the whole world will drive them

into action.

7. Power Rangers won't fight the "baddies" directly. They may do a series

of martial arts moves that are very gymnastic, but they will never land an

actual blow. They will often do some kind of side-step where a monster

falls into a ditch (or something similar).

8. When a monster is blasted it either just disappears, or is transported into

another universe (to fight another day!) There is no blood.

9. You will never see a blow aimed towards the head or neck.

10. Each episode is to contain a pro-social message (ecology, teamwork etc)

11. The Power Rangers are to be positive role models. They are good children

and good students who always help others.

12. Power Rangers never use their powers for personal gain.

It suggested that the programme empowered children into achieving their own personal

goals and to work with others. It claimed it offered positive role models - self-esteem,

courage, responsibility, teamwork and respect for individual differences.

It pointed out that fantasy had always been enjoyed by children and rigorous

playground activity was a part of growing up, adding:

It seems to TVNZ that children have always had a need for "fantasy" to

stimulate their imaginations and creativity.

TVNZ expressed its view that in the context of the series, the programme did not

breach any of the standards. It noted that it was deliberately placed later in the

schedule so that it could be seen by older children, at whom it was aimed, and

explained that it structured its children's programming so that as the day advances, so

does the target age of the audience. It asked:

If we cannot run fantasy for older children (late primary/intermediate) at

4.30pm, when can we do so?

It also observed that the reaction in New Zealand to the series had not been

experienced in other countries.

Although it had declined to uphold the complaint, TVNZ emphasised that it was not

ignoring the pleas of the complainant. It reported that it had taken action to reduce the

duration of the sequences in which karate style sparring was featured, and in addition

was including public service announcements by members of the cast.

Bayfield Kindergarten's Referral to the Authority

Dissatisfied with TVNZ's decision, in a letter dated 17 July 1994, Bayfield

Kindergarten referred its complaint to the Broadcasting Standards Authority under

s8(1)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 1989.

Commenting on TVNZ's report that this was the first in a new genre of programmes,

the Bayfield Kindergarten expressed its belief that it was vital that a clear message on

the unacceptability of violence was conveyed to broadcasters. It noted that aggressive

and negative play had become apparent at the kindergarten as a result of the series,

frequently in the context of acts of aggression and high kicking.

The kindergarten noted that the storyline was based on rapid violent actions and

because of the rapidity of the action it maintained children did not have time to

understand it all. The real issue, it believed, was that the series depicted violence as an

acceptable means of conflict resolution.

In response to TVNZ's argument that there had been little reaction to the programme

overseas, the kindergarten reported that it was "reassuringly positive" to know that

NZ parents and caregivers took an interest in what their children watched.

It then questioned the applicability of the US guidelines and commented on each:

1. Children do not need recreatable weapons. Besides, they can be bought

and are readily available.

2. Kindergarten age children believe in Santa Claus and Big Bird - they have

difficulty distinguishing fantasy from reality.

3, 4, 5. Power Rangers portray violence as an acceptable way of resolving

conflict. Is this what we want our children to learn?

6. It is unrealistic to think children will not use the violent behaviour like

their heroes.

7. After observing children at play, it is obvious they believe blows are being

landed.

8. Children think they are indestructible and nobody every gets hurt.

9. Violence is violence no matter what part of the body it is directed at.

10. Any pro-social message is lost because of the poor storyline, bright

colours and rapid action.

11. Do we want our "good" children using violence to resolve conflict?

12. The Power Rangers received positive reinforcement for the results of acts

of violence.

The kindergarten firmly rejected TVNZ's suggestion that the programme empowered

children, citing research and literature on strategies to empower children, none of

which included violence.

In conclusion, the Bayfield Kindergarten expressed its view that society needs to take

responsibility for violent behaviour especially as many children today are exposed to

violence.

Appended to the letter was an article by Nancy Coulsson-Paige and Diane Levin

"Making Peace in Violent Times: A Constructivist Approach to Conflict Resolution"

in Young Children Nov 1992, an article by Anne Parry "Children Surviving in A

Violent World - Choosing Non-Violence" in Young Children Sept 1993 and an article

from The Dominion Sunday Times on the effects of violence, Feb 9 1992.

TVNZ's Response to the Authority

As is its practice, the Authority sought the broadcaster's response to the complaint.

Its letter is dated 27 July 1994, and TVNZ's reply, 1 August 1994.

TVNZ began by noting that the first series of the programme had now been

completed. It then pointed out that the series was not intended for children of

preschool age, and for that reason was placed as late in the afternoon children's

schedule as possible. It submitted that older children were entitled to watch a

programme when they got home from school.

Responding to the comment that the series contained a great deal of violence, TVNZ

maintained that it was either stylised martial arts activity or special effects

surrounding sparring metallic toys. Referring to the martial arts sequences, it noted

that many schools taught martial arts skills and also observed that transformers had

been familiar to children for some years.

It argued that in the past rigorous playground activity was inspired by stories that

stimulated the imagination of children and today it was the Power Rangers which

fulfilled that role.

It maintained that the actors, who were always seen as responsible and caring children,

were good role models.

Bayfield Kindergarten's Final Comment

When asked to make a brief, final comment, in a letter received on 12 August 1994, the

kindergarten responded to several points raised by TVNZ.

First, it commented on the assertion that the programme was not intended for children

of pre-school age, noting that the reality of the situation was that children of all ages

would watch the programme, and that 4.30pm was rather early for pre-schoolers to be

in bed. Further, it noted that although the programme was intended for older children,

many teachers of that age group were all concerned at the negative behaviour of the

children at their schools.

Secondly, it reported that many kindergarten teachers throughout New Zealand had

expressed concern about the programme. With respect to TVNZ's argument that

many children were learning self defence and that explained their knowledge of the

martial arts skills, the kindergarten suggested that such children were a minority and

that there were many unskilled children performing dangerous acts on others with

some nasty results.

Acknowledging TVNZ's argument that children's play was inspired by stories, the

kindergarten argued that therefore it was important that the stories children were

exposed to gave positive messages, adding:

Children do identify strongly with the school children in the Power Rangers. I

would like to raise my concern that these "school children" show a limited range

of social skills (lacking somewhat in problem solving skills). Do we want our

children to behave in the same way?

Finally, the kindergarten wrote that it was:

important that programmes are developed and shown on television that will give

children the opportunity to acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes to enable

them to:

grow up as competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy

in mind, body and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and the

knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society.

- Te Whariki - Draft Guidelines for Developmentally Appropriate Practices in

Early Childhood Services (Ministry of Education, 1993).

It asked "Will Power Rangers do this?"

Appendix II

Ms Barr's Formal Complaint to Television New Zealand Limited

In a letter dated 15 June 1994, Ms Carolyn Barr of Te Puke complained to Television

New Zealand Ltd that the series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers was not suitable for

children because of the effects it had on their behaviour. Commenting that although

she would not let her own children watch the programme, they were nevertheless

affected by others acting out the violence in the playground.

Ms Barr also maintained that the spiritual content of the programme was evil and

unsuitable for children. She observed that although she could turn off her set, many

other parents did not care what their children watched and her children were suffering

the effects of it through others.

TVNZ's Response to the Formal Complaint

In response to the formal complaint, TVNZ's Complaints Committee advised in a

letter dated 30 June 1994 that it had assessed the complaint under standards V1, V10

and V16 of the Television Code of Broadcasting Practice.

It advised that it did not consider the standard V18 complaint was applicable since the

programme does not involve cartoon figures.

Its response was in similar vein as to the Bayfield Kindergarten.

Ms Barr's Referral to the Broadcasting Standards Authority

Dissatisfied with TVNZ's decision not to uphold her complaint, in a letter dated 19

July 1994, Ms Barr referred it to the Broadcasting Standards Authority under

s.8(1)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 1989.

Ms Barr described the series as offensive in its focus on violent acts and satanic

influences. She noted that pre-school and primary school aged children were unable to

tell the difference between fact and fantasy and after watching the skilful high kicks

and gymnastics routines would want to copy them.

She said she found it hard to believe New Zealand was the only country where it had

been complained about and was critical of Fox's guidelines. She claimed that to say

the Morphins could not use re-creatable weapons was useless, since to a child, any

stick could become a "mondo blaster".

She repeated that younger children were unable to distinguish between fact and

fantasy, nor did they understand that the kicks and bits they observed were only

directed at the body and arms, and not the head and neck, but simply see it and want

to imitate it.

Ms Barr disagreed that the Power Rangers could be called play when children were

being hurt and were too scared to go to school.

She applauded TVNZ for reducing the duration of the fighting sequences and for

including the public service announcements, but maintained that children did not relate

to it, and continued to imitate the behaviour they watched.

Ms Barr pleaded for TVNZ to replace the programme with something that did not

harm children. She enclosed a clipping from the local newspaper about the impact of

the programme.

TVNZ's Response to the Authority

As is its practice, the Authority referred the complaint to TVNZ for response. Its

letter is dated 27 July and TVNZ's reply, 1 August 1994.

TVNZ reported that it had little to add, except to emphasise that vigorous play had

always been part of growing up for children and had always been modelled on

something that stimulated their imaginations.

It emphasised that the programme was not intended for children of kindergarten age

and explained that it was placed in the afternoon schedule as late as possible to

distance it from the early afternoon programmes for pre-schoolers.

Ms Barr's Final Comment to the Authority

When asked to make a brief final comment, in a letter dated 5 September, Ms Barr

expressed her satisfaction with the news that the Authority intends to uphold the

complaints about the series and stated that she had no further comment to add.

Appendix III

Children's Media Watch's Complaint to Television New Zealand Limited

In a letter dated 17 June 1994, Ms Betty Gilderdale, Chairperson of Children's Media

Watch of Auckland, complained to Television New Zealand Limited about the content

of the series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, in particular, about the screening of an

episode at 4.30pm on Friday 17 June 1994. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers is a

children's action/fantasy series screening daily on Channel Two at 4.30pm.

Children's Media Watch summarised the views of other complainants about the

programme. It stated that the programme "seems to be an opportunity for every sort

of fighting", and listed 50 violent, aggressive acts included in the 17 June episode.

It requested that the programme be withdrawn as soon as possible.

TVNZ's Response to the Formal Complaint

TVNZ advised Ms Gilderdale, Chairperson of Children's Media Watch, of its

response in a letter dated 30 June 1994.

It reported that the TVNZ's Complaints Committee had considered Children's Media

Watch's complaint by reviewing several episodes of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers

and by initiating research into the background of the series and its reception in other

countries.

Its response was similar to that to the Bayfield Kindergarten.

Children's Media Watch's Complaint to the Broadcasting Standards Authority

Dissatisfied with TVNZ's decision, in a letter dated 7 July 1994, Ms Gilderdale for

the Children's Media Watch referred the complaint to the Broadcasting Standards

Authority under s.8(1)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 1989.

Accompanying the letter was a copy of the correspondence to the Programme

Standards Manager of TVNZ dated 7 July 1994, and copies of two research articles

about visual media violence from the Weekly Telegraph, Issue 144, United Kingdom,

and from the NZ Herald, November 1993.

Children's Media Watch maintained that TVNZ had breached codes V1, V10 and V16

of the Television Codes of Broadcasting Practice. It noted that the whole programme

was built around violence, with very little dialogue. It stated that because the

programme screens every day, it gave an unacceptable cumulative build up of violence.

Children's Media Watch explained how recent changes in children's behaviour, noted

by teachers and parents and reported to it, had been the reason for the instigation of

the complaint and that this violent behaviour was directly linked to the children's

viewing of the programme Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

TVNZ's Response to the Broadcasting Standards Authority

As is its practice, the Authority sought the broadcaster's response to the referral. Its

letter is dated 15 July, and TVNZ's reply 20 July 1994.

Appended to TVNZ's reply was a copy of a United States TV Guide containing an

article which detailed the characters in the background to the Mighty Morphin Power

Rangers.

TVNZ reiterated that the programme was intended to provide live actors as positive

role models for children and replied to Children's Media Watch's reports of children's

violent responses to the programme with a positive interpretation of children's game-

playing, including the explanation that:

children are playing Power Rangers games because the series is actually

sparking their imaginations in the same way that in our childhood, books, films

or sometimes stage shows generated similar excitement.

TVNZ responded to Children's Media Watch's details of violence in the programme

by explaining the sequences of fighting as:

highly stylised and very gymnastic martial arts activity ... like stylised dance

...[and]...a human-shaped metallic robot which does battle with whatever

similar-sized nasty ... the encounters are clearly well divorced from any sense

of reality.

TVNZ added:

It is fantasy - pure fantasy - and is seen as such by the children who saw the

programme.

TVNZ denied Children's Media Watch's assertions that violence in the programme

breached the Television Codes of Practice. Comparisons were made with incidents in

the preceding regular programme Tom and Jerry and also the movie Home Alone. It

emphasised that considerable thought was given to the decision to screen Mighty

Morphin Power Rangers, and to the widespread responses from New Zealand parents

and teachers about the effects of the programme on their children. It considered giving

the programme a PGR certificate but noted that would mean screening it after 7.30pm.

As this would not be suitable for children, the decision was made to screen it as late in

the children's schedule as possible - 4.30pm.

TVNZ noted again the action they had taken to address the widespread reaction to the

programme's violence amongst parents and teachers - the "stylised martial arts

sequences" had been reduced in length and public service announcements were played

at the end of each episode.

Children's Media Watch's Final Comment to the Authority

When asked to make a brief final comment to the Authority, Children's Media Watch,

in a letter dated 1 August 1994 made the point that it represented the views of many

of its members and that the views expressed were not just those of Ms Gilderdale, its

Chairperson.

Children's Media Watch reported that its members had complained that their children

had been hurt in playgrounds by being boxed and kicked, as a result of other children

imitating "The Power Rangers". It also reported that people who had more than one

child noticed that their children started fighting right at the conclusion of the

programme.

The organisation stated that it was ludicrous to suggest that Mighty Morphin Power

Rangers did not break the violence codes. It reiterated its view that the screening of

the programme every week day built up a cumulative effect (V10), which might be less

noticeable if it were only screened once a week.

Appendix IV

Mosgiel Central Kindergarten's Complaint to Television New Zealand Limited

In an undated letter, Ms Ginny Menlove, on behalf of the parents and teachers at

Mosgiel Central Kindergarten, complained to Television New Zealand Limited about

the programme Mighty Morphin Power Rangers which screened on Channel Two at

4.30pm daily.

The kindergarten claimed that it breached standards G12, V10, V11, V16 and V18 of

the Television Code of Broadcasting Practice.

TVNZ's Response to the Formal Complaint

TVNZ advised the Mosgiel Central Kindergarten of its response in a letter dated 30

June 1994.

It reported that the complaint was considered in the context of standards G12, V1,

V10, V11, V16 and V18 of the Television Code of Broadcasting Practice. Its response

was similar to that sent to the Bayfield Kindergarten.

Mosgiel Central Kindergarten's Complaint to the Broadcasting Standards

Authority

Dissatisfied with TVNZ's decision, in a letter dated 15 July 1994, the Mosgiel Central

Kindergarten referred the complaint to the Broadcasting Standards Authority under

s.8(1)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 1989.

The kindergarten pointed out that its staff and parents were not concerned about other

countries' responses to the programme, but were concerned about their own children's

responses.

It explained that pre-schoolers were unable to distinguish between fantasy and reality

and perceived the monsters on the programme as "real". Though it agreed that fantasy

play was important for children, the kindergarten denied that Mighty Morphin Power

Rangers provided imaginative stimulation and opportunities for creativity but rather

provided encouragement for anti-social behaviour. It emphasised that the programme

demonstrated the only way to handle conflict was with violence, and it encouraged

play using harmful bodily contact.

The kindergarten requested a review of TVNZ's decision and a withdrawal of Mighty

Morphin Power Rangers from television.

Television New Zealand's Response to the Broadcasting Standards Authority

As is its practice, the Authority sought the broadcaster's response to the referral. Its

letter is dated 20 July, and TVNZ's reply 25 July 1994.

TVNZ referred the Broadcasting Standards Authority to the points made in its letter

dated 20 July to Children's Media Watch. It emphasised that the programme was not

intended for a pre-school audience and that it screened as late as possible in the

children's viewing period.

It denied that the programme demonstrated that the only way to handle conflict was

with violence and claimed that the heroes of the show only fought their combatants

when absolutely necessary. It reasoned that because the mechanical monster

characters were not lifelike and that their action was "all special effects", the sparring

sequences were therefore "non-threatening".

TVNZ likened the Power Rangers to the fantasy heroes of other generations.

Mosgiel Central Kindergarten's Final Comment to the Authority

The Mosgiel Central Kindergarten did not respond when asked to make a brief final

comment to the Authority.