BSA welcomes consultation on proposed media reform
The Broadcasting Standards Authority welcomes today’s launch of consultation on proposals to modernise legislation for media and content production.
The Media Reform discussion document includes a proposal to modernise New Zealand’s broadcasting standards system to cover not just broadcasters, but all ‘professional media’ – including streaming platforms and online providers.
It also proposes changing the role of the regulator – currently the BSA – to have a more system-level focus that relies more on industry self-regulation.
BSA Chief Executive Stacey Wood says the Authority has long called for and actively supported reform of increasingly obsolete content regulation.
“For many years we’ve pointed with increasing urgency to the need to update broadcasting regulations that were created in 1989 in a pre-internet world.
“We support the Media Reform paper’s stated aims to create a modern, fit-for-purpose regulatory and funding environment, and to support a sustainable media and content production sector.
“We’ve advocated for a regulatory system that’s platform-agnostic, reflecting sea changes in technology and how content is produced and consumed, and we’re pleased this is reflected in the new proposals.”
Wood says any new regulatory regime must continue to protect freedom of expression, while allowing for appropriate limits to prevent harm.
“Suggested measures to make New Zealand content more accessible and discoverable, and increase self-regulation, could help level the playing field so local media and content producers can compete with big international platforms, and Kiwi stories continue to be told. Any reform will need to consider the fairest way to address any resulting cost increases for industry.
“We’ll examine these new proposals closely and seek feedback from broadcasters before making a submission. In doing so, we’ll draw on the BSA’s 35 years of experience as an effective regulator of media content.
“We look forward to seeing how these proposals develop, with input from industry and audiences, and will lend our support where we can,” Wood says.
ENDS
FURTHER INFORMATION
ABOUT THE BROADCASTING STANDARDS AUTHORITY
The BSA is an independent Crown entity that oversees the broadcasting standards regime in New Zealand. It determines complaints that broadcasts have breached standards, undertakes research and oversees the development of broadcasting standards in consultation with broadcasters.
Follow us on X @BSA_NZ or on LinkedIn
For more information see our website: www.bsa.govt.nz