23 June 2004

New BSA senior appointment

Wellington lawyer John Sneyd has been appointed as the new Complaints Manager for the Broadcasting Standards Authority.

Sneyd is currently legal counsel for the Capital & Coast District Health Board. He served three prior years as a legal advisor to the Health and Disability Commissioner, which included investigating medical complaints.

"I'm delighted to join an organisation focused on broadcasting", said Sneyd. "The media, and their relationship with their audiences, are a particular interest of mine and I will relish the opportunity to be involved in this challenging sector", he said.

BSA chief executive Jane Wrightson said the organisation was very pleased with the appointment. "We were privileged to consider some outstanding candidates. John's relevant experience, his enthusiasm plus his ability to relate to a variety of people made him stand out", she said.

Sneyd has a law degree with first class honours plus a degree in philosophy. He is married to a journalist currently working in communications. They have one child.

The BSA's current Complaints Manager, Dr Michael Stace, is taking up a part-time role with the Authority from August.

The BSA is an independent crown entity charged with authorising Codes of Broadcasting Practice and determining complaints made against radio and television programmes if a complainant is dissatisfied with the broadcaster’s response.

ENDS

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