This story was originally published on The Spinoff.
Yesterday marked 35 years since New Zealand’s Broadcasting Act was first implemented. The Act, which designates broadcasting standards, dates back to “the year David Lange resigned as prime minister, Sunday trading began, TV3 began operations, and the Holmes show was first screened”. There has also been a recent and concerted effort for change, which the Broadcasting Standards Authority supports. “The need for reform towards a modern, fit-for-purpose regulatory framework is urgent, and we stand ready to offer our expertise and support for future solutions,” said Stacey Wood, the authority’s chief executive. Broadcast news is governed by the BSA, including TVNZ and the newly named ThreeNews, which begins on July 6. So today we’ll take a look at the call for an upgrade of the Broadcasting Act, and how far away we are from that actually happening.
