Many New Zealanders have a sense that all isn't well in our slice of paradise. Perhaps there is an issue or agenda that pushes your 'hot button' and you want to speak up or do something, but don't know how. The tools in this section are designed to get you started. You can make a positive difference now - and for generations to come.
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If you are like most New Zealanders, you often get upset at TV programmes, advertisements, or news reports, but either feel powerless to do anything, or simply never get around to doing it. This section will help you give feedback, complain, and take a stand for accuracy, excellence and decency in media.
New Zealand has an established complaints process for both advertising and broadcasting. It takes some perseverance, but it can have results. There are also some other simple things which can be very effective.
Every radio and TV station logs telephone complaints. Despite their bold front, they are sensitive outfits, and if they get more than 2-3 calls regarding a particular programme, they do start to take notice. Contact media
Advertisers are even more sensitive. If they get a bad public reaction, either from an objectionable commercial, or from having a commercial associated with a programme that attracts complaints, they will quickly respond. Remember how quickly Mitsubishi pulled its sponsorship from the Holmes show after criticism of Paul Holmes' comments on UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan? Complaints to advertisers are often a very popular and very effective form of protest.
Make a formal complaint
*Some information on these pages is drawn from the following website sources:
The Broadcasting Standards Authority
Advertising Standards Authority
The New Zealand Press Council
