Broadcasting Watchdog Finds TVNZ Violated Standards By Reference To ‘Jewish Billionaires

The Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) found that 1 News breached the standards with “the effect of embedding an anti-Semitic trope” after a reference to ‘Jewish billionaires’ during one of its segments.

The broadcast watchdog confirmed a complaint about an article that aired on 1 News on May 1, 2020 about the cycling team ‘Israel Start-up Nation’.

The segment reported on the increase in the use of smart trainers for cyclists during the Covid-19 pandemic and featured New Zealander Greg Henderson, who coaches the ‘Israel Start-up Nation’ road cycling team.

The reporter referred to the “Israel Startup Nation” being “backed by Jewish billionaires.”

In its ruling, the BSA noted its obligation to reflect the standards and values ​​of the community and its “understanding of increased awareness and intolerance of racism.”

“We have previously considered complaints about anti-Semitism in broadcasts through the narrow lens of the guidelines to the standard. However, with this complaint we have adjusted our approach. In some cases, the guidelines, when rigidly applied, can be overlooked. underlying prejudices.

“While we consider that there was a lack of intention on the part of the broadcaster, this has had the effect of embedding an anti-Semitic trope and is insufficient to justify the comment.”

The BSA did not issue formal orders against 1 News, finding that publication of the decision was sufficient to address the breach.