Media Releases Archive
All media releases prior to our new website launch in 2019 appear on this page in PDF format.
26 April
BSA finds broadcast of The DailyMail TV required Adults Only classification and warning 316.61 KB
For the full decision see:
Evans and MediaWorks TV Ltd - 2018-092
4 April 2019
Newstalk ZB's Heather du Plessis-Allan found to have breached broadcasting standards with Pacific Islands comments 388.78 KB
For the full decision see:
Day & Moss and NZME Radio Ltd - 2018-090
28 February 2019
BSA finds Sunday’s use of a hidden camera justified despite privacy breach385.06 KB
For the full decisions see:
Seven Complainants and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2018-049
Two Complainants and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2018-074
21 February 2019
News report on new public interest defence does not breach standards 455.21 KB - English + Te Reo Māori
For the full decision see:
Durie & Hall and Māori Television Service - 2018-066
17 January 2019
For the full decision see:
Avery and NZME Radio Ltd - 2018-076
8 November 2018
Complaints to the BSA increase by 54% in the last 12 months 316.99 KB
The BSA's 2017-18 Annual Report is available here
29 October 2018
BSA releases two decisions about content viewed on YouTube 294.46 KB
For the full decisions see:
Hurley and MediaWorks TV Ltd - ID2018-068
Smith and MediaWorks TV Ltd - 2018-062
30 August 2018
BSA finds Punjabi talkback programme Panthic Vichar breached the Radio Code fairness standard - English + Punjabi
For the full decision, see Supreme Sikh Society, Kalgidhar Sports Club & Majinder Singh Bassi and Planet FM - 2018-040
BSA does not uphold complaint by 20 complainants about Punjabi talkback programme - English + Punjabi
For the full decision, see 20 Complainants and Radio Virsa - 2018-039
27 August 2018
For the full decision, see Harvey and Lorck and MediaWorks TV Ltd - 2018-036
24 August 2018
Deadline looms for television review 96.6 KB
31 July 2018
Free-to-air television timebands and classification labels under review
18 July 2018
BSA releases 2018 Survey on Offensive Language in Broadcasting
18 June 2018
New research shows members of the public agree with the BSA's Fairness Standard decisions 439.03 KB
13 June 2018
Guidance for broadcasters on using social media content released today 275.2 KB
24 May 2018
Freedom of expression and viewers' ability to exercise choice and control critical to BSA's second decision on Naked Attraction (351.4 KB)
For the full decision, see Six Complainants and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2018-010
23 May 2018
Discussion about the use of te reo in broadcasting not in breach of broadcasting standards 260.23 KB
For the full decision, see Cape and MediaWorks TV Ltd - 2018-018
19 April 2018
Ministry of Education should have been given opportunity to comment, BSA finds 266.63 KB
For the full decision, see Ministry of Education and Radio New Zealand Ltd - 2017-076
19 April 2018
ACT Party leader's comments about assisted dying did not breach broadcasting standards 348.29 KB
For the full decision, see Beckers and Radio New Zealand Ltd - 2018-008
5 April 2018
For the full decision, see 13 Complainants and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2017-101
19 December 2017
For the full decision, see McCaughan and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2017-083
18 December 2017
BSA finds 'authentic' interview language not in breach of broadcasting standards 345.88 KB
For the full decision, see Lough and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2017-080
17 November 2017
BSA finds Newshub item required warning 264.19 KB
For the full decision, see Lewis and Mediaworks TV Ltd - 2017-069
31 October 2017
Trident Systems treated unfairly in RNZ broadcast 262.76 KB
For the full decision, see Trident Systems and Radio New Zealand Ltd - 2017-044
30 October 2017
BSA recognises diverse New Zealand culture in latest decision 263.04 KB
For the full decision see: Singh and Radio Virsa - 2017-001
13 October 2017
26 September 2017
Host's provocative comments about Lions rugby team not in breach of standards 351.18 KB
For the full decision see: Matthewson and NZME Radio Ltd - 2017-060
20 September 2017
For the full decisions see: Rameka and Māori Television Service - 2017-070 and Lupton and Māori Television Service - 2017-071
For the full decision see: Cullen and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2017-072
7 September 2017
For the full decision see: Ross and Māori Television Service - 2017-045
5 September 2017
National Party election advertisement not in breach of Election Programme broadcasting code258.96 KB
For the full decision see: Curtis and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2017-065
27 July 2017
BSA finds description of graphic violence on Checkpoint required a warning263.99 KB
For the full decision see: Cochran and Radio New Zealand Ltd - 2017-032
Caller's offensive joke not okay, but radio item did not breach broadcasting standards 352.46 KB
For the full decision see: Lee and MediaWorks Radio Ltd - 2017-030
25 July 2017
New Zealanders want broadcasters to ask permission before using their social media content293.17 KB
For the full research report see:
Use of Social Media Content in Broadcasting: Public and Broadcaster Perspectives
15 June 2017
For the full research reports see:
External Review of Decisions 2017
18 May 2017
Satirical comedy about Royal Family, The Windsors, not in breach of broadcasting standards263.34 KB
For the full decision see:
Cameron and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2017-011
24 April 2017
Seven Sharp 'herb thief' item unfair and broadcaster should have apologised627.45 KB - English + Chinese (Mandarin) versions
For the full decision see: Shen and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2016-097
Facebook photos of injured bus crash passengers in news item breached privacy261.95 KB
For the full decision see: Rickard and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2016-098
23 March 2017
Story item about accountability of judges found to be in public interest263.83 KB
For the full decision see:
Newfield and MediaWorks TV Ltd - 2016-093
13 March 2017
BSA issues decisions on promotion of AO programmes during family television viewing times353.5 KB
For the full decisions see:
Hurrell and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2016-086
Hurrell and SKY Network Television Ltd - 2016-094
22 November 2016
For the full decision see:
New Zealand Fire Service and MediaWorks TV Ltd - 2016-017
8 November 2016
For the full decisions see:
Stokes and NZME Radio Ltd - 2016-045
Mitchell and NZME Radio Ltd - 2016-027
25 October 2016
Seven Sharp item on outgoing New Plymouth mayor not in breach of broadcasting standards169.78 KB
For the full decisions see:
Oswald and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2016-040A
Hayward and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2016-040B
Short and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2016-040C
19 October 2016
BSA rejects complaint about TV3 items inspired by 'Rhodes Must Fall' movement221.91 KB
For the full decision see:
Lee and MediaWorks TV Ltd - 2016-044
21 September 2016
BSA finds tiler featured on The Block NZ: Villa Wars treated unfairly (168.53 KB)
For the full decision see:
Djurdjevic and MediaWorks TV Ltd - 2016-004
26 August 2016
News report on Pastafarian wedding not discriminatory163.62 KB
For the full decision see:
Martyn and MediaWorks TV Ltd - 2016-042
25 August 2016
BSA finds high public interest in Sunday bobby calves programme166.31 KB
For the full decision see:
Knight and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2016-028
25 August 2016
The Rock Morning Rumble stunt breaches broadcasting standards165.87 KB
For the full decision see:
Weich and MediaWorks Radio Ltd - 2016-023
29 July 2016
BSA finds two Seven Sharp items about flag referendum were not unbalanced164.59 KB
For the full decisions see:
Hawker and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2016-025
Turver and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2016-032
21 July 2016
BSA find Neighbours at War breached broadcasting standards163.33 KB
For the full decision see:
MX & FX and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2015-094
15 July 2016
2016 Litmus Testing on good taste and decency released by BSA (176.23KB)
30 June 2016
3D broadcast of investigation into Gardasil vaccine did not breach broadcasting standards165.99 KB
For the full decision see:
Seqirus (NZ) Ltd and MediaWorks TV Ltd - 2016-015
BSA finds paid radio programme unbalanced and unfair162.86 KB
For the full decision see:
Mitchell and Te Reo Irirangi O Te Arawa - 2015-104
10 May 2016
BSA finds Story’s opening night item on Auckland real estate agent unfair218.63 KB
For the full decision see:
Wildman and MediaWorks TV Ltd - 2015-075
8 April 2016
BSA welcomes new Chief Executive154.95 KB
1 April 2016
BSA releases new codebook of broadcasting standards159.75 KB
View or download the new codebook here:
Broadcasting Standards in New Zealand Codebook
7 March 2016
Interview about resignation of senior Māori Television staff inaccurate and unfair213.1 KB
For the full decision see:
Forbes & Lee and UMA Broadcasting Ltd - 2015-058
23 December 2015
BSA finds Dog Squad breached woman's privacy139.52 KB
For the full decision see:
SW and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2015-030
16 November 2015
BSA: Programme about mother's drug addiction and prostitution breached child's privacy140.18 KB
For the full decision see:
NS and SKY Network Television Ltd - 2015-032
16 November 2015
BSA finds no privacy breach in broadcast of Campbell Live Gloriavale visit163.62 KB
For the full decision see:
Cave and MediaWorks TV Ltd - 2015-026
16 November 2015
BSA finds Seven Sharp euthanasia item lacked balance163.54 KB
For the full decision see:
Right to Life New Zealand Inc and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2015-023
30 September 2015
Complaint about Nicki Minaj music video upheld by BSA162.94 KB
For the full decision see:
McCaw and SKY Network Television Ltd - 2015-011
30 September 2015
BSA finds Hosking 'ponytail' comments unfair 159.37 KB
For the full decision see:
Aranyi & Others and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2015-036
20 August 2015
BSA upholds complaint about Eltham waste story 160.72KB
For the full decision see:
South Taranaki District Council and Mediaworks TV Ltd - 2014-149
20 August 2015
BSA upholds complaint about unbalanced coverage of Gaza conflict 161.65KB
For the full decision see:
Maasland & Others and Radio New Zealand - 2014-1158
21 July 2015
BSA upholds Campbell Live complaint199.42 KB
For the full decision see:
Insurance Council of New Zealand and MediaWorks TV Ltd - 2014-146
21 July 2015
Public consultation opens on draft codes of broadcasting practice159.79 KB
Submissions can be made online here.
30 June 2015
Plunket's comments about Catton not a breach of broadcasting standards195.92 KB
For the full decision see:
Parlane & Wilson and MediaWorks Radio Ltd - 2015-009
23 June 2015
BSA orders compensation in unique privacy case178.29 KB
For the full decisions see:
PG and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2014-090
Elborn and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2015-014
9 April 2015
BSA: Context critical for good taste and decency complaintsPDF 289.43KB
For the full decisions see:
Peet and MediaWorks TV Ltd - 2015-001
Malone & Sadd and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2014-155
30 March 2015
BSA releases Children's Media Use Study (PDF 84.63KB)
The research into how our children engage with media today. Conducted by Colmar Brunton for the Broadcasting Standards Authority and NZ On Air.
For the research content and related documents see:
Children's Media Use Study
12 February 2015
Nicki Minaj 'Anaconda' complaint upheldPDF 191.93KB
For the full decision see:
Narayan and Humm FM - 2014-119
Campbell Live investigation breached broadcasting standardsPDF 269.73KB
For the full decision see:
Harkema and TVWorks Ltd - 2012-042
8 December 2014
BSA declines to uphold Taranaki fracking waste disposal complaintPDF 78.52KB
For the full decision see:
Taranaki Regional Council and Radio New Zealand - 2014-013
Accuracy complaint about opinion piece attacking Israel upheldPDF 74.25KB
For the full decision see:
Cumin and The Radio Network - 2014-098
6 November 2014
BSA declines to uphold three election advertising complaint (PDF 310.6KB)
For full decisions see:
Pekepo and MediaWorks Radio Ltdekepo and MediaWorks Radio Ltd - 2014-116
Allen and MediaWorks TV Ltd - 2014-106
Kumar and The Radio Network Ltd - 2014-117
15 September 2014
Broadcaster's right to express climate change views defended (PDF 308.8KB)
For the full decision see:
Dempsey and 3 others and Television New Zealand - 2014-047
Broadcaster did enough after women described as "heifers" (PDF 194KB)
For the full decision see:
Du Fall and The Radio Network Ltd - 2014-055
9 June 2014
BSA declines to uphold Kōhanga Reo Trust's complaint PDF 308.8KB
For the full decision see:
Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust Board and Māori Television Service - 2013-071
7 April 2014
Kenyan mall shooting complaint upheld (PDF 304.19KB)
For the full decision see:
Warwick and TVWorks Ltd - 2013-089
BSA declines to uphold complaints about Fair Go medal dealer storyPDF 412.06KB
For the full decision see:
Gough and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2012-095
17 December 2013
BSA releases decisions on Seven Sharp (PDF 418.07KB)
For the full decisions see:
Craig and 4 Others and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2013-034
McMillan and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2013-025
25 November 2013
Complaints against RNZ's Nine to Noon upheld by BSA (PDF 417.22KB)
For the full decision see:
Garrett and Radio New Zealand Ltd - 2013-048
BSA says Futurama episode incorrectly classified (PDF 411.87KB)
For the full decision see:
Stroud and TVWorks Ltd - 2013-044
7 October 2013
Home and Away storyline breaches broadcasting standards(PDF 415.25KB)
For the full decision see:
Simpson and TVWorks Ltd - 2013-031
BSA finds Close Up item was unfair and inaccurate (PDF 412.43KB)
For the full decision see:
Pompallier Catholic College and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2012-122
9 September 2013
BSA releases report on acceptability of swear wordsPDF 350.26KB
For the summary and downloadable report see:
What Not to Swear: The Acceptability of Words in Broadcasting, 2013
5 August 2013
Cruise FM Waikato ordered to apologise on air following complaints PDF 92.84KB
For the full decision see:
Anderson and Others and Cruise FM Waikato - 2012-133
Complaint against Michael Laws not upheldPDF 191.57KB
For the full decision see:
Richmond and RadioWorks Ltd - 2013-023
17 June 2013
Comedy programme did not breach standards, says BSA PDF 273.9 KB
For the full decision see:
O'Connor and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2013-006
Complaint about The Graham Norton Show promo not upheld PDF 346.75 KB
For the full decision see:
Bergman and TVWorks Ltd - 2013-013
13 May 2013
BSA says radio host abused position by airing grievance PDF 268.46 KB
For the full decision see:
Otago City Casinos Ltd and The Radio Network Ltd (TRN) - 2013-004
BSA rules on two Fair Go complaintsPDF 196.18 KB
For the full decisions see:
Moore and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2012-107
Phan and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2012-123
27 February 2013
BSA finds 3 News breached controversial issues standardPDF 191.9 KB
For the full decision see:
Brooking and TVWorks Ltd - 2012-121
BSA finds TVNZ breached fairness and accuracy standardsPDF 193.02 KB
For the full decision see:
Whyte and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2012-070
4 February 2013
BSA finds no breach in Beyond the Darklands promo PDF 45.96 KB
For the full decision see:
Brown and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2012-119
“Beast of Blenheim” nickname not a broadcasting standards breachPDF 271.48 KB
For the full decision see:
McKay and TVWorks Ltd - 2012-125
20 November 2012
Broadcasting Standards Authority reports a drop in complaintsPDF 192.01 KB
See our Annual Report PDF (513.94 KB)
Verbal sparring about Ports of Auckland dispute did not breach standardsPDF 268.72 KB
For the full decision see:
Bhatnagar and RadioWorks Ltd - 2012-045
30 October 2012
Four complaints dismissed by the BSA as frivolous and trivialPDF 267.53 KB
For the full decision see:
McDonald and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2012-100
Complaints about a Close Up item on church not upheldPDF 265.54 KB
For the full decision see:
Bowers, Patel and Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) and Television New Zealand Ltd - 2012-050