Free-to-air television timebands and classifications to be reviewed

The Broadcast Standards Authority wants to see if Kiwis still use TV timebands and classification labels. Photo / 123RF

The Broadcast Standards Authority (BSA) is today launching a consultation to see if we still use TV timebands and classification labels or if they have become obsolete.

Timebands restrict when certain programmes can be broadcast on free-to-air television and classification labels guide audiences about the nature and suitability of certain programmes.

They've been used to protect free-to-air viewers from unsuitable content for decades but the way in which New Zealanders consume television has changed drastically since they were introduced in 1989.

The days of families sitting around watching the same programme at the same time have diminished since the introduction of streaming platforms and on demand services.

The shift in viewing habits means the BSA want to know if the public think it's time to adjust or remove the timebands.

BSA Chief Executive Belinda Moffat said they want to understand whether Kiwis still rely on timebands to restrict what they and their children watch.

Research carried out last year found that only 29 per cent of parents used them to restrict what their kids could watch.

The BSA is also looking at whether free-to-air TV should adopt the same classification labels as paid TV. This would mean switching from G (General), PGR (Parental Guidance Recommended) and AO (Adults Only) to G, PG, M (Mature), 16 and 18.

Moffat told Newstalk ZB's Mike Hosking they are also keen to find out if people are aware they can use parental locks on free-to-air TV.

"I think people know you can have it on Sky, on paid TV, but are people aware that they can use that tool as well?" she said.

While streaming may have changed the way many consume TV these days, Moffat argues that's not the case for all Kiwi households.

"There are other families around New Zealand where the television is still a really important part of daily life."

She said a lot of people don't have iPads or data packs that enable them to stream lots of content so putting the kids in front of the TV to watch what's on at that time is important to those families.

An online survey and a series of public meetings will be held before the BSA decides on any changes.

Information on how to provide feedback and of the public hearing can be found at bsa.govt.nz.