Government to Scrap Broadcasting Standards Authority
The minister says media outlets should police themselves after backlash over the BSA’s move into podcasts and online platforms.
- On Wednesday, Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith announced the government will disestablish the Broadcasting Standards Authority, shifting toward industry self-regulation.
- Government officials cited outdated regulatory frameworks, noting the authority was designed for traditional broadcasting, not modern streaming or podcasts, following backlash over its jurisdiction over The Platform.
- Under the proposed reforms, the New Zealand Media Council is expected to become the primary journalism regulator, with BSA chief executive Stacey Wood confirming the authority will continue operating until legislation is passed.
- ACT MP Laura McClure hailed the decision as a "massive win for free speech," though critics worry the Media Council lacks power to impose financial penalties like the outgoing regulator.
- Goldsmith indicated the government should "take stock" three or four years after implementing the new model to "reassure ourselves that it's working," with legislation drafted in coming months.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Victorious complainant says watchdog must be retained to combat 'fake news'
Analysis: The Government decision to abolish the Broadcasting Standards Authority is, frankly, curious. In an election year when ministers are hyping up concern about news coverage, with 1News particularly in their sights, the decision to shut down the most powerful media regulator seems to go against the tide. Minister Paul Goldsmith expects the NZ Media Council will become the primary regulator for one part of the media industry: the journalis…
Broadcasting Standards Authority to be cut
“Today, audiences move seamlessly between traditional broadcasting, on‑demand services, podcasts and online platforms, yet only a small portion of that content is subject to the BSA’s regulatory oversight. It doesn’t make sense,” says Paul Goldsmith, the Media and Communications Minister. Photo supplied The Government says it has agreed to progress with disestablishing the Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) and investigate self-regulation op…
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