BSA Releases Decision On Holmes’ Kofi Annan Comments
The Broadcasting Standards Authority has released its decision concerning comments made by Paul Holmes on Newstalk ZB in
September. Among many other controversial statements Mr Holmes twice referred to the Secretary General of the United
Nations as a ‘cheeky darkie’.
The Broadcasting Act requires broadcasters to determine formal complaints first. The Radio Network (TRN, the
broadcaster) upheld all complaints received about the broadcast and took a range of actions in mitigation. Among other
things, Mr Holmes broadcast two nationwide apologies, sent a letter of apology to Mr Annan, met with the leaders of the
Ghanaian community in New Zealand and the Race Relations Conciliator.
TRN took internal disciplinary action, also wrote and apologised to Mr Annan, hosted a staff training seminar on racism
run by the Race Relations Conciliator and made a donation to charity.
When this matter was subsequently referred to the BSA by ten complainants, the main task was to consider whether or not
the action taken by TRN was sufficient. Some additional grounds of complaint were also considered.
The BSA agreed with TRN that the comments went well beyond the limits of acceptability and were a serious breach of
broadcast standards. That such editorial opinion was made in the context of a news and current affairs programme, and
made by one of New Zealand’s leading broadcasters, compounded the damage.
The BSA noted that the actions taken by TRN were swift, comprehensive and reflected the seriousness of the complaints.
It also noted that some of the remedial actions voluntarily undertaken by the broadcaster were beyond its own powers to
order.
Therefore the BSA has determined that the broadcaster’s actions were sufficient and has not upheld the complaints that
further action should be taken. Other aspects of the complaints were also not upheld. A copy of the full decision is
available on http://www.bsa.govt.nz.
The BSA advises that, in accordance with its usual practice, there will be no comment about this decision other than the
information contained in this statement.