Guidance for Broadcasters Kei ārahi i te kaipāho

Guidance for Broadcasters

What is an ‘election programme’?

An election programme is defined in section 69(1) of the Broadcasting Act 1989 as a programme that is broadcast on television or radio during an ‘election period’ (see below) which:

  • encourages or persuades, or appears to encourage or persuade voters to vote, or not to vote, for a political party or the election of a constituency candidate; or
  • advocates support for, or opposes, a constituency candidate or political party; or
  • notifies meetings held or to be held in connection with an election.

Usually, an election programme will appear as a short promotional / campaign clip for a political party or candidate, broadcast on TV or on radio.

The Court of Appeal has held that election programmes are only those that are broadcast for political parties or candidates – and not programmes initiated by broadcasters or other third parties (The Electoral Commission v Watson & Jones, CA239/2015 [2016] NZCA 512, 20 October 2016).

Only general elections or by-elections for members of the House of Representatives are covered. Local body elections are not covered by the Election Programmes Code.

What if a news or current affairs programme covers election issues – is that an election programme?

No. News or current affairs programmes relating to elections (or any programmes broadcast to inform, enlighten, or entertain an audience) are not ‘election programmes’ for the purposes of broadcasting standards and are not subject to the Election Programmes Code (see Broadcasting (Election Programmes and Election Advertising) Amendment Act 1917, section 70(4)(a)).

However, news, current affairs and other programmes that cover the election or election issues will still be subject to the relevant broadcasting standards in the Code of Broadcasting Standards in New Zealand, and members of the public are able to complain about them to the relevant broadcaster (unless it’s a complaint about privacy, which can be made directly to the BSA).

Our on-air employee is also an electoral candidate, should we stop them from presenting their programme?

There is no legal requirement for the on-air employee of a broadcaster to stop presenting their programme during the election campaign, just because they are an election candidate. However, the candidate will need to take care in how they engage on issues that might be relevant to the election. You, along with the employee, should use your own judgement, taking into account the ethical, legal and employment considerations and broadcasting standards. If a candidate plans to continue in their broadcasting role, broadcasting standards will apply and the candidate can expect to be the subject of careful public scrutiny.

When can an election programme be broadcast?

It is an offence to broadcast on television or radio an election programme for a party or candidate except during the election period. For the 2023 General Election that period runs from 10 September until midnight on 13 October 2023. There are also restrictions around the times at which and the days on which an election programme can be broadcast.

The Electoral Commission handles complaints relating to the timing of election programme broadcasts.

When is the election period?

The election period begins on Writ Day (the day the Governor-General issues a writ requiring the Chief Electoral Officer to make all necessary arrangements to conduct a general election) and ends at midnight the day before polling day.

This year for the 2023 General Election, the election period runs from 10 September 2023 until midnight on 13 October 2023.

We’ve received a complaint about an election programme direct, what should we do with it?

All complaints about election programmes are dealt with directly by the BSA. If you receive a complaint you should forward it to us as soon as possible by email to complaints@bsa.govt.nz.

Will you assess election programme complaints differently from other complaints?

As with all complaints, we will assess any complaint on the facts and against the standards in the relevant Code(s). We will endeavour to deal with any complaints as quickly as possible, so you should be prepared to respond to the BSA’s requests for information on a short timescale. See Election Complaints Fast Track Process 2023.

We also recognise that elections have a special context. The standards will be applied in a manner that respects the importance of free political expression and debate. 

In what format do you need a copy of the programme?

Please email it to us in electronic format – Windows Media Files for television and MP3 for radio. Alternatively you can send us a link to view the programme online.

Should we stop playing the election programme while the BSA determines the complaint?

The BSA cannot direct you to stop playing a programme that has been complained about so this will need to be your decision. You should assess this on a case by case basis but you may choose to have regard to the nature of the complaint, the effect of continuing to play the programme in terms of free and fair elections and the principles of freedom of expression. The political party or candidate that is responsible for the programme should also be consulted in any decision you choose to make.

What will the BSA do if it upholds a complaint under the Election Programmes Code?

If the BSA upholds a complaint about an election programme, the BSA can make any of its usual orders (eg order a broadcast statement, or costs to the Crown). In the event that a complaint is upheld the BSA also encourages the broadcaster and political party concerned to consider whether any changes ought to be made to the election programme, to mitigate the breach of broadcasting standards.

What election programmes have been complained about in the past?

The BSA’s previous decisions on election programme complaints are listed below. 

2020

2017

2014

2011

2008

2005

2002

1999/2000

1996

1993

Nothing in these complaints binds the BSA in determining the outcome of any future complaint. Each complaint is determined on the particular facts surrounding a broadcast.