Complaint against RNZ Online

• Issues: An RNZ Online article accompanying an RNZ Morning Report radio broadcast provided inaccurate information as to whether other countries have banned loot boxes (specifically, it was incorrectly claimed that “a lot of countries have banned loot boxes,” which is wrong, as only Belgium has done so). RNZ then failed to correct this mistake for three months.

• First Instance Result: RNZ rejected the initial complaint made to it. An appeal was made to the New Zealand Media Council.

• Results: The online article breached the New Zealand Media Council Statement of Principles 1 as to Accuracy, fairness and balance and 12 as to Corrections.

• Impact: The relevant online publication was amended. A correction notice was published. More accurate information is provided to the New Zealand public. 

Complaint against RNZ Morning Report (main issue not upheld!)

• Issues: An RNZ Morning Report radio broadcast provided inaccurate information as to whether other countries have banned loot boxes (specifically, it was incorrectly claimed that “a lot of countries have banned loot boxes,” which is wrong, as only Belgium has done so). RNZ then failed to correct this mistake for three months. Further, RNZ failed to respond to the complaint within the required time limit, failed to assess the complaint under the correct broadcasting standards, and failed to notify the complainant of his right of referral to the New Zealand Broadcasting Standards Authority.

• First Instance Result: RNZ failed to respond to the initial complaint within the required timeframe and purported to reject the initial complaint made to it by referring to its decision in the complaint against the accompanying RNZ Online article under different standards. An appeal was made to the New Zealand Broadcasting Standards Authority.

• Results: The broadcast did NOT breach Standard 6 as to accuracy of the Code of Broadcasting Standards in New Zealand. RNZ was criticised for failing to meet its statutory obligations, i.e., applying the wrong standards to the type of content concerned and not notifying the complainant of his right of referral to the Authority.

• Impact: Clarity is provided as to the differing standards applied by the Media Council and the Broadcasting Standards Authority. RNZ was reminded to fulfil its statutory obligations when responding to future complaints.

Complaints against 1News and 1News Online

• Issue: A 1News segment shown on 24 July 2023 on TVNZ 1 and its accompanying 1News Online article provided inaccurate information as to how the UK will regulate loot boxes (specifically, an incorrect reference to how the UK will ban loot boxes for under-18s).

• Results: The broadcast breached Standard 6 of the Code of Broadcasting Standards in New Zealand (Accuracy), whilst the online article separately breached Principle 1 of the New Zealand Media Council Statement of Principles (Accuracy, Fairness and Balance).

• Impact: The relevant online publications were amended. The offending video recording was removed, and the text was corrected. More accurate information is provided to the New Zealand public.