BSA Upholds Complaint Against Paul Henry’s ‘R’ Word

People First New Zealand Inc. welcomes the Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) decision that Television New Zealand (TVNZ) did not take enough action after Breakfast host Paul Henry used the ‘R’ word, giggled and made other discriminating remarks about singer Susan Boyle. TVNZ has now been ordered by the BSA to make an on air statement during the Breakfast programme.

People First NZ, a national self advocacy organisation led by and for people with intellectual disability made the decision to take the complaint, ‘all the way’, when they felt TVNZ had not done enough to address the breach of the Standards.

Graeme Parish, National Chairperson states, “The People First National Committee decided that the letter of apology we received from TVNZ was not good enough. What Paul Henry said and how he acted discriminated against people with intellectual disability and was wrong. This decision by the BSA means that people on TV cannot make ‘put downs’ and get away with it and the public will now get to know this, so we are really pleased.”

Cindy Johns, National Manager comments, “People First members are feeling that the BSA have listened and welcome their decision. They hope that the outcome of this decision will mean Paul Henry and all other broadcasters will be more respectful to people with disabilities in the future and, ‘think before they speak’.

People First NZ would like to acknowledge the support received by the Human Rights Commission and also the ten other New Zealanders that have taken the time to also seek a better outcome.

ENDS

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