Discussion not in breach of broadcasting standards

23 May 2018

Discussion about the use of te reo in broadcasting not in breach of broadcasting standards

The Broadcasting Standards Authority has not upheld a complaint that a discussion on The AM Show, featuring panel guest Dr Don Brash, about Dr Brash’s views on the use of te reo Māori in broadcasting without translation, lacked balance or was unfair to Dr Brash.

The Authority noted that the panel discussion, “though brief, referred to a topical and legitimate issue, about which people in the New Zealand community will hold a variety of views”. Therefore the right to freedom of expression, and to hear differing points of view on the matter, was significant in the interests of public discourse.

With respect to the treatment of Dr Brash during the discussion, the Authority found that Dr Brash was given sufficient time to articulate his point of view and that any criticism during the broadcast was made towards Dr Brash’s opinion. “We acknowledge that this was a robust discussion and that Dr Brash’s views were tested by the panel, particularly by [the AM Show host] Mr Garner. However, in our view this did not result in Dr Brash being treated unfairly and we do not think any harm was caused which outweighed the value in the item,” the Authority said.

The Authority found that while the panel debated a potentially challenging issue in a robust way, they did so in a way that was balanced, respectful and mindful of the ongoing discussion in society surrounding the use of te reo in broadcasting and the issue of translation.

ENDS

© Scoop Media