Kiwis less tolerant of blasphemy in broadcasts

The Broadcasting Standards Authority’s latest survey of language that might offend in broadcasting stated that softening attitudes towards offensive language in broadcasting had been partially reversed.

More than half of the words assessed were now seen as less acceptable in broadcasting than they were four years ago. However, the BSA said tolerance levels were still “relatively high” in the long term.

The BSA saw changes in the way people perceived blasphemy, with an extremely offensive phrase using the Lord’s name along with an expletive seen as totally unacceptable by 53 per cent of respondents – up from 46 per cent.

Racial slurs targeting specific communities were again seen as the least acceptable.

Of those surveyed, Pacific peoples were least accepting of strong language on air, while Asian New Zealanders had a “lower than average acceptance” for general profanity. Older men were generally the most tolerant of offensive language, while older women were the least.

Strong language was least accepted in broadcasts with a host or presenter. But such language was more tolerated in comedy, TV drama, music and reality TV – depending on broadcast timing.

BSA chief executive Stacey Wood said the latest survey results reflected New Zealand’s changing attitudes.

“Attitudes are constantly evolving. While the past four years have seen a rebound in objection to strong language, this is set against a long-term softening in attitudes since our first survey in 1999,” she said.

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Kiwis less tolerant of offensive language in broadcasting – survey (1news.co.nz)