Put the BSA back in its place
Who does the Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) think they are?
Veteran journalist and founder of The Platform, Sean Plunket, was landed with a BSA complaint this week because, apparently, recent comments he made on his show breached broadcasting standards.
Let’s take a step back. The Platform is an independent show that streams its content live online. The BSA does not have jurisdiction over online content! It has even previously said itself that its scope is limited to traditional broadcasting...! So why is it going after The Platform?
And what exactly are the comments it is going after?
Sean referred to tikanga Māori as “mumbo jumbo.”
You might think this is inappropriate, or you might agree with Sean. But either way, he has a right to hold that opinion and express it online.
In fact, every Kiwi has the right to say “[insert whatever you like] is mumbo jumbo”!
Winston Peters and David Seymour have both pushed back and all of our mainstream news outlets have covered the story.
The BSA’s Chief Executive, Stacey Wood, described the response as “hysterical” and “a tad on the dramatic side.” Well, Stacey, there’s actually good reason for this backlash. Turns out Kiwis don’t like it when regulators unilaterally decide to expand their mandate.
And get this, Stacey also said, "We just disagree that freedom of expression means an absolute right to freedom of speech to say whatever you want."
We already have laws with a high threshold for punishing speech that incites violence. We don't need Stacey or the BSA making up their own rules.
The BSA might have been relevant when we had two TV channels to watch. But times have changed. Any man and his dog can share his thoughts online. Has the BSA given itself authority to monitor it all, to pick and choose what breaches their subjective ‘broadcast rules’ whenever someone throws a hissy fit about a comment they don't like? Is this an attempt to make itself relevant?
Something has to be done.
Join us and urge the Minister of Justice to put the BSA back in its place. We've made it super easy for you – it'll take 30 seconds.
Don't fear. With your support, we’re defending Sean Plunket to fight off this outrageous overreach and ensure the BSA doesn't take over the internet.
This fight isn't just about defending Sean, though. It's about ensuring your right to express yourself online is maintained and valued, and that you have the freedom to listen to any voice you want.
If you value your free speech online, chip in to make sure self-appointed censors don't sneak in through the back door.
Jillaine Heather | Free Speech Union
PS. Why is the BSA policing online content, superseding Parliament, and making up its own rules? Urge the Minister of Justice to reject any expansion of its remit here.
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