Social media has emerged as the most frequently mentioned source of offensive material among New Zealand’s Pacific Peoples, Māori, Asian, and Muslim communities, according to a recent report by the Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA). The report, titled “Freedom of Expression and Harms Impacting Diverse Communities,” surveyed 493 individuals and revealed that roughly one-third of those in the Māori, Pasifika, and Muslim groups had encountered offensive, discriminatory, or controversial content shared publicly within the last six months.
The survey indicated that social media was the platform most often criticized for its harmful content, followed by free-to-air television and online news sites. The BSA found that 50% of diverse audiences avoid broadcasts due to perceived racial comments, anti-Māori sentiments, biased views on the Palestine/Israel conflict, or references to certain groups being labeled as criminals or terrorists.
Stacey Wood, the BSA chief executive, noted that while news media generally adhere to broadcast standards, broader societal issues regarding social cohesion and kindness need to be addressed. The prevalence of offensive remarks can “normalize” harmful behavior, affect community aspirations, and perpetuate negative stereotypes. Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave, chief executive of Pacific mental health organization Le Va, added that constant exposure to negativity and discrimination impacts individuals’ self-esteem and mental health.
A significant number of respondents felt that New Zealand does not balance freedom of expression with the need to respect others’ views. In fact, 56% of Māori, 60% of Pacific peoples, 45% of Asians, and 41% of Muslims believe that stricter limits on freedom of expression are necessary to prevent harm. The report remarked that themes presented in mainstream media often legitimized offensive material found online, which is exacerbated by the relative anonymity provided by social media and talkback radio.
Wood emphasized the need for regulatory reform, stating that the current laws were established when the internet was barely in existence. Consequently, the BSA urged the New Zealand government to consider regulations for online spaces to address the current lack of oversight in social media.
Anjum Nausheen Rahman, a leader in the New Zealand Muslim community, highlighted that various online organizations claiming to be media outlets operate beyond the reach of broadcasting standards. She stressed that communities are disengaging from platforms and that businesses have a vested interest in inclusivity, warning that unregulated media could lead to disinformation campaigns.
Academic Malini Hayma called on news media to improve the portrayal of diverse community groups in New Zealand, stating that under-representation of Māori, Pacific, and Asian peoples fosters feelings of alienation and distrust. She advocated for inclusive and authentic storytelling in media to reflect the experiences of all communities.
The report also noted numerous instances of offensive or discriminatory views encountered by respondents, although many could not identify the specific source. Negative stereotypes, particularly concerning Māori and Pacific peoples, were highlighted, as were the biases seen in reporting on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.
The findings of the report were met with criticism from Jonathan Ayling, chief executive of The Free Speech Union, who argued that it might lead to censorship of unpopular views under the guise of harm prevention. He emphasized the need for free speech and appropriate laws to address incitements of imminent violence.
The BSA report indicated that only a minority of those who experienced offensive views in public broadcasting took action, and there is a call for a simpler and faster complaints process. Cultural norms in several communities discourage complaining about such issues. The typical response to offensive content for individuals was discussing it with family and friends, rather than filing formal complaints.
The context of this report aligns with a global trend of governments seeking to regulate social media companies to protect individuals from harmful content. Recent initiatives in countries like Australia, France, and the US point to increasing accountability for social media platforms.