Harmful content drives diverse audiences away from broadcasts

Summarised by Centrist

New Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) research reveals that more than half of Māori, Pacific Peoples, Asians, and Muslims are avoiding broadcasts due to ‘offensive’ or ‘harmful’ content. 

Stacey Wood, Chief Executive of the BSA, describes the findings as “sobering insights into these communities’ experiences of harm.” 

The report shows that 79% of Māori, 85% of Pacific Peoples, and 75% of Muslims believe exposure to offensive, discriminatory, or controversial views is a problem. 

Social media is seen as the worst offender, but free-to-air TV and online news sites aren’t far behind. 

While many think freedom of expression should be respected, 56% of Māori and 60% of Pacific Peoples favour more restrictions of free expression to ‘prevent harm’.

Editor’s note: The number of those surveyed are as follows Māori=155, Pacific Peoples=151, Asian=182, Muslims=97

Total number surveyed = 584 people

Read more over at BSA‘s official report