David Hay makes Broadcasting Standards complaint to Radio New Zealand

MEDIA RELEASE 23 SEPTEMBER 2016

Auckland Mayoral candidate David Hay submitted a broadcasting standards complaint to Radio New Zealand today, regarding its coverage of the Auckland mayoral race on its flagship current affairs programmes: Morning Report and Checkpoint.

"I am genuinely mystified why the producers of those programmes have chosen to include some candidates for the mayoral race, and to exclude me. I want Radio New Zealand to explain those editorial decisions, in writing, for the public record." said Mr Hay.

"Radio New Zealand is subject to the same broadcasting codes of practice as all other radio broadcasters, but it also has a duty under the Radio New Zealand Charter, to act is a socially responsible manner."

"I believe it was irresponsible for Radio New Zealand to exclude, from these programmes, a candidate who is clearly more knowledgeable about and experienced in public policy making and Auckland local government than some of those who were included."

"I also represent a significant and important viewpoint: the need for Auckland to act urgently to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to the effects of global warming. The fact that I was excluded from these debate contravenes part 8 of the Radio Code: the requirement for balance." said Mr Hay.

"I appreciate that not all candidates for the mayoralty can be included, in every broadcast, and that some editorial judgement is required. Today I am formally requesting that Radio New Zealand explain how and why it exercised its judgement in my case."

"The mayoralty of Auckland is a serious and important public role. Voters need to make a properly informed choice, if their vote is to be meaningful. Voters have a right to be informed about the credible contenders for the role. If Radio New Zealand judges that I am not a credible contender, then I want to know why."

"However if Radio New Zealand judges that I am a credible contender, but has excluded me from these debates regardless, then it is in breach of its legal obligations under the Broadcasting Act and the Radio New Zealand Act, and it needs to act promptly to redress that breach." said Mr Hay.

ENDS

DHAYBSAComplaintRNZ.pdf

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