<\/p>\n
\nWinston Peters says the BSA’s decision that it has jurisdiction over an online media service is one of “breathtaking audacity”. File photo.
\nPhoto: RNZ \/ Mark Papalii\n<\/p>\n
Winston Peters has accused the Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) of “bordering on fascist” after it concluded it has jurisdiction over the online media service The Platform.<\/p>\n
The New Zealand First leader made the comments in an interview with The Platform broadcaster Sean Plunket on Wednesday morning.<\/p>\n
The BSA had just published a decision it could consider a complaint made against The Platform, because the programme “meets the Act’s definition of ‘broadcasting'”.<\/p>\n
The complaint was regarding comments made by Plunket about karakia and tikanga M\u0101ori being “mumbo jumbo”.<\/p>\n
Peters told Plunket the move was one of “breathtaking audacity”.<\/p>\n
“Frankly, they should go. They should be abolished. They’re out of time. They’ve got no use anymore.”<\/p>\n
Plunket – who disagrees with the BSA decision – told his audience he was frustrated by the lack of action from the government.<\/p>\n
“I had a personal assurance from the prime minister last year, who said to me, and I’ll quote, ‘Don’t worry mate, we’ve got your back on this’.”<\/p>\n
Speaking to reporters on his way into the House on Wednesday afternoon, the prime minister said he did not recall those comments.<\/p>\n
“I don’t recall every conversation I have with everybody, but I can’t imagine that’s something I’ve said,” Christopher Luxon said.<\/p>\n
Plunket said there was no rationale for the BSA to broaden its remit to include The Platform, and he had assurances from the government they would intervene.<\/p>\n
Luxon denied the government had got involved in the matter.<\/p>\n
“We have not interfered in this process at all, the BSA is independent, but there is a range of options available to the minister.”<\/p>\n
The ACT Party has a private member’s bill to abolish the BSA, which Peters hinted his party would support.<\/p>\n
ACT leader David Seymour told reporters at Parliament on Wednesday afternoon that it was time for the BSA to go.<\/p>\n
“It’s a creature of 1989 – before the internet existed – we live in a different world today and it’s clearly overstepping its mandate,” he said.<\/p>\n