If you are concerned about the content of a television programme, the law entitles you to complain and ensures that your complaint will be taken seriously. Through the process of Formal Complaints, viewers and listeners play an influential part in the maintenance of broadcasting standards.

How do I make a formal complaint?
With the exception of complaints about breaches of privacy which may be sent directly to the Broadcasting Standards Authority (click here for more information on the BSA), you must write to the broadcaster in the first instance. Address your complaint to the Chief Executive of the broadcaster concerned.

A formal complaint should :
1. Be in writing (include the words 'formal complaint')
2. Be received by the boadcaster within 20 working days of the broadcast complained about
3. Include the name of the programme, the channel on which it was broadcast, and the time and date of broadcast
4. Indicate which programme standard or standards you believe have been breached.
5. Outline why you believe the programme breached the standard or standards as outlined in the Free To Air Television Code of Broadcasting Practice - it is helpful to cite specific examples e.g. the language you found offensive, the actions you found in bad taste or the comments you considered unbalanced or unfair.

In addition to Formal Complaints, TVNZ also provides informal responses to those who prefer not to formalise their complaint. If you would like to register your opinion on TVNZ and its activities, please send us your feedback by clicking here .