Coverage of Gaza
Jimmy Lanyard made this Official Information request to Radio New Zealand Limited
Response to this request is long overdue. By law Radio New Zealand Limited should have responded by now (details and exceptions). The requester can complain to the Ombudsman.
From: Jimmy Lanyard
Dear Radio New Zealand Limited,
I would like to request the following under the Official Information Act: any internal correspondence (email, messaging apps and records of meeting) relating to Radio NZ's coverage of Gaza between 8 October 2023 and 28 January 2024, including, but not limited to:
- Decisions on what interviewees to invite on air;
- Internal guidelines on what language should be used when reporting on the deaths of Palestinians vs the deaths of Israelis;
- Any changes made to coverage that has been received from international outlets;
- Any concerns raised internally by staff about this coverage; and
- Specific discussions about the International Court of Justice.
Yours faithfully,
Jimmy
From: RNZ
Radio New Zealand Limited
Kia ora,
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From: OIA Requests
Radio New Zealand Limited
Good morning
RNZ acknowledges receipt of your OIA request. Under the Official Information Act 1982 we have 20 working days to respond, and will contact you via email /post. If for any reason our response is delayed due to illness, or pandemic we will advise immediately.
Kind regards
Maggie Hedge| OIA Administrator RNZ
[email address]
show quoted sections
From: Jimmy Lanyard
Kia ora
As per the Official Information Act, I should have received a response for this request by now.
Are you able to provide this or should I escalate this onto the ombudsman?
Ngā mihi
Jimmy Lanyard
From: George Bignell
Radio New Zealand Limited
Kia ora Jimmy
Please find below answers to the questions put in your OIA request.
You have a right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of
this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
[1]www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.
Ngā mihi
George Bignell | Legal Adviser and Procurement Manager
RNZ, PO Box 123, Wellington, New Zealand, 6140
DDI +64 4 474 1424
Mobile: +64 27 491 2246
[2]www.rnz.co.nz
show quoted sections
From: Jimmy Lanyard
Kia ora George
This is a follow up Official Information Act 1982 request to my earlier request dated 28 January 2024.
I would first like to record that I do not believe this response accurately or fairly attempted to provide the information sought. In the spirit of openness, I will re-send the request with further specificity to ensure it is able to be answered. I note I am aware of my right to pursue failure to fulfil this request with the Ombudsman, if the information provided does not have sufficient detail or is irrelevant to the questions and documents requested. If any of the following requests are unable to be fulfilled, please cite the reason for withholding to the specific statute of the Official Information Act 1982. I am happy to be contacted further if you require clarification.
Please note the scope of this request is limited to the time between October 7th 2023 and the date received.
I request:
- Any internal communications and/or guidance provided to Radio New Zealand employees and/or contractors including reporters and/or editors on the application or relevance of the Editorial Policy 2023, Reg 2.6: External Sources, in relation to the Israel-Gaza conflict;
- Any internal communication and/or guidance within the Radio New Zealand editorial board on the application or relevance of the Editorial Policy 2023, Reg 2.6: External Sources, in relation to the Israel-Gaza conflict;
- Any internal communication and/or guidance between the Radio New Zealand editorial board and Radio New Zealand employees and/or contractors on the application or relevance of the Editorial Policy 2023, Reg 2.6: External Sources, in relation to the Israel-Gaza conflict;
- Any internal communications and/or guidance within the Radio New Zealand Board of Governors on the application or relevance of the Editorial Policy 2023, Reg 2.6: External Sources, in relation to the Israel-Gaza conflict;
- Any internal communications and/or guidance between the Radio New Zealand Board of Governors and the Radio New Zealand editorial board and/or Radio New Zealand employees on the application or relevance of the Editorial Policy 2023, Reg 2.6: External Sources, in relation to the Israel-Gaza conflict;
- Any internal guidance provided from any Radio New Zealand employee on the application or relevance of the Editorial Policy 2023, Reg 2.6: External Sources, in relation to the Israel-Gaza conflict;
- Any internal communications and/or guidance provided from any Radio New Zealand employee and/or contractor and/or board member, on the use of foreign news sources in reporting on the Israel-Gaza conflict, including the editing of the copy of the source or the headlines as used in the original source;
- Any internal communications and/or guidance from members of the Radio New Zealand Board of Governors to the Radio New Zealand editorial board and/or any Radio New Zealand employees/contractors relating to reporting, interviewing, language relating to in-house coverage of the Israel-Gaza conflict;
- Any communication from the Chief Executive to any member of a Radio New Zealand board or employee relating to Radio New Zealand’s coverage, both in-house and externally sourced copy, on the conflict in Israel-Gaza.
- Any internal communications and/or guidance between the Radio New Zealand editorial board relating to reporting, accuracy standards, balance standards, interviewing, language relating to in-house coverage of the Israel-Gaza conflict;
- Any internal communications and/or guidance from the Radio New Zealand editorial board to any Radio New Zealand employees and/or contractors relating to reporting, interviewing, language relating to in-house coverage of the Israel-Gaza conflict;
- Any internal guidance provided to Radio New Zealand employees and/or contractors including reporters and/or editors;
- Any internal communications and/or guidance relating to public complaints from the coverage of Israel-Gaza conflict, either in-house or through copy;
- Documents relating to decisions made or decision-making processes as to who to contact for a comment in relation to news relating to the Israel-Palestine conflict; and
- Any internal or external communications relating to press releases and subsequent coverage decisions sent by pro Palestinian groups or persons, including but not limited to Palestinian Youth Aotearoa, Solidarity Action Network Aotearoa, Kia Ora Gaza, Palestinian Solidarity Network, Tamaki Loves Palestine, Tamaki for Palestine, Aotearoa Liberation League, Peace Action Aotearoa, Dayenu, Alternative Jewish Voices.
I understand it may be a difficult time for you and any of your colleagues who are uncomfortable with the editorial decisions being made in relation to the Gaza genocide. I would like to remind you that you always have the option of raising any concerns with your union or under your organisation's protected disclosures policy.
Ngā mihi
Jimmy
From: OIA Requests
Radio New Zealand Limited
Good afternoon Jimmy
RNZ acknowledges receipt of your OIA request. Under the Official Information Act 1982 we have 20 working days to respond, and will contact you via email /post. If for any reason our response is delayed due to illness, or pandemic we will advise immediately.
Kind regards
Maggie Hedge| OIA Administrator RNZ
[email address]
________________________________________
From: Jimmy Lanyard <[FOI #25546 email]>
Sent: Monday, 4 March 2024 11:54:54 am (UTC+12:00) Auckland, Wellington
To: George Bignell
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] - Official Information request - Coverage of Gaza
Kia ora George
This is a follow up Official Information Act 1982 request to my earlier request dated 28 January 2024.
I would first like to record that I do not believe this response accurately or fairly attempted to provide the information sought. In the spirit of openness, I will re-send the request with further specificity to ensure it is able to be answered. I note I am aware of my right to pursue failure to fulfil this request with the Ombudsman, if the information provided does not have sufficient detail or is irrelevant to the questions and documents requested. If any of the following requests are unable to be fulfilled, please cite the reason for withholding to the specific statute of the Official Information Act 1982. I am happy to be contacted further if you require clarification.
Please note the scope of this request is limited to the time between October 7th 2023 and the date received.
I request:
- Any internal communications and/or guidance provided to Radio New Zealand employees and/or contractors including reporters and/or editors on the application or relevance of the Editorial Policy 2023, Reg 2.6: External Sources, in relation to the Israel-Gaza conflict;
- Any internal communication and/or guidance within the Radio New Zealand editorial board on the application or relevance of the Editorial Policy 2023, Reg 2.6: External Sources, in relation to the Israel-Gaza conflict;
- Any internal communication and/or guidance between the Radio New Zealand editorial board and Radio New Zealand employees and/or contractors on the application or relevance of the Editorial Policy 2023, Reg 2.6: External Sources, in relation to the Israel-Gaza conflict;
- Any internal communications and/or guidance within the Radio New Zealand Board of Governors on the application or relevance of the Editorial Policy 2023, Reg 2.6: External Sources, in relation to the Israel-Gaza conflict;
- Any internal communications and/or guidance between the Radio New Zealand Board of Governors and the Radio New Zealand editorial board and/or Radio New Zealand employees on the application or relevance of the Editorial Policy 2023, Reg 2.6: External Sources, in relation to the Israel-Gaza conflict;
- Any internal guidance provided from any Radio New Zealand employee on the application or relevance of the Editorial Policy 2023, Reg 2.6: External Sources, in relation to the Israel-Gaza conflict;
- Any internal communications and/or guidance provided from any Radio New Zealand employee and/or contractor and/or board member, on the use of foreign news sources in reporting on the Israel-Gaza conflict, including the editing of the copy of the source or the headlines as used in the original source;
- Any internal communications and/or guidance from members of the Radio New Zealand Board of Governors to the Radio New Zealand editorial board and/or any Radio New Zealand employees/contractors relating to reporting, interviewing, language relating to in-house coverage of the Israel-Gaza conflict;
- Any communication from the Chief Executive to any member of a Radio New Zealand board or employee relating to Radio New Zealand’s coverage, both in-house and externally sourced copy, on the conflict in Israel-Gaza.
- Any internal communications and/or guidance between the Radio New Zealand editorial board relating to reporting, accuracy standards, balance standards, interviewing, language relating to in-house coverage of the Israel-Gaza conflict;
- Any internal communications and/or guidance from the Radio New Zealand editorial board to any Radio New Zealand employees and/or contractors relating to reporting, interviewing, language relating to in-house coverage of the Israel-Gaza conflict;
- Any internal guidance provided to Radio New Zealand employees and/or contractors including reporters and/or editors;
- Any internal communications and/or guidance relating to public complaints from the coverage of Israel-Gaza conflict, either in-house or through copy;
- Documents relating to decisions made or decision-making processes as to who to contact for a comment in relation to news relating to the Israel-Palestine conflict; and
- Any internal or external communications relating to press releases and subsequent coverage decisions sent by pro Palestinian groups or persons, including but not limited to Palestinian Youth Aotearoa, Solidarity Action Network Aotearoa, Kia Ora Gaza, Palestinian Solidarity Network, Tamaki Loves Palestine, Tamaki for Palestine, Aotearoa Liberation League, Peace Action Aotearoa, Dayenu, Alternative Jewish Voices.
I understand it may be a difficult time for you and any of your colleagues who are uncomfortable with the editorial decisions being made in relation to the Gaza genocide. I would like to remind you that you always have the option of raising any concerns with your union or under your organisation's protected disclosures policy.
Ngâ mihi
Jimmy
show quoted sections
From: George Bignell
Radio New Zealand Limited
Kia ora Jimmy
Apart from the attached email guidance, RNZ holds no other information in
relation to your request below. RNZ notes that there is no such thing as
an “Radio New Zealand editorial board” as quoted in your request.
You have a right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of
this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
[1]www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.
Ngâ mihi
George Bignell
RNZ, PO Box 123, Wellington, New Zealand, 6140
DDI +64 4 474 1424
Mobile: +64 27 491 2246
[2]www.rnz.co.nz
________________________________________
From: Jimmy Lanyard <[3][FOI #25546 email]>
Sent: Monday, 4 March 2024 11:54:54 am (UTC+12:00) Auckland, Wellington
To: George Bignell
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] - Official Information request - Coverage of Gaza
Kia ora George
This is a follow up Official Information Act 1982 request to my earlier
request dated 28 January 2024.
I would first like to record that I do not believe this response
accurately or fairly attempted to provide the information sought. In the
spirit of openness, I will re-send the request with further specificity to
ensure it is able to be answered. I note I am aware of my right to pursue
failure to fulfil this request with the Ombudsman, if the information
provided does not have sufficient detail or is irrelevant to the questions
and documents requested. If any of the following requests are unable to be
fulfilled, please cite the reason for withholding to the specific statute
of the Official Information Act 1982. I am happy to be contacted further
if you require clarification.
Please note the scope of this request is limited to the time between
October 7th 2023 and the date received.
I request:
- Any internal communications and/or guidance provided to Radio New
Zealand employees and/or contractors including reporters and/or editors on
the application or relevance of the Editorial Policy 2023, Reg 2.6:
External Sources, in relation to the Israel-Gaza conflict;
- Any internal communication and/or guidance within the Radio New Zealand
editorial board on the application or relevance of the Editorial Policy
2023, Reg 2.6: External Sources, in relation to the Israel-Gaza conflict;
- Any internal communication and/or guidance between the Radio New Zealand
editorial board and Radio New Zealand employees and/or contractors on the
application or relevance of the Editorial Policy 2023, Reg 2.6: External
Sources, in relation to the Israel-Gaza conflict;
- Any internal communications and/or guidance within the Radio New Zealand
Board of Governors on the application or relevance of the Editorial Policy
2023, Reg 2.6: External Sources, in relation to the Israel-Gaza conflict;
- Any internal communications and/or guidance between the Radio New
Zealand Board of Governors and the Radio New Zealand editorial board
and/or Radio New Zealand employees on the application or relevance of the
Editorial Policy 2023, Reg 2.6: External Sources, in relation to the
Israel-Gaza conflict;
- Any internal guidance provided from any Radio New Zealand employee on
the application or relevance of the Editorial Policy 2023, Reg 2.6:
External Sources, in relation to the Israel-Gaza conflict;
- Any internal communications and/or guidance provided from any Radio New
Zealand employee and/or contractor and/or board member, on the use of
foreign news sources in reporting on the Israel-Gaza conflict, including
the editing of the copy of the source or the headlines as used in the
original source;
- Any internal communications and/or guidance from members of the Radio
New Zealand Board of Governors to the Radio New Zealand editorial board
and/or any Radio New Zealand employees/contractors relating to reporting,
interviewing, language relating to in-house coverage of the Israel-Gaza
conflict;
- Any communication from the Chief Executive to any member of a Radio New
Zealand board or employee relating to Radio New Zealand’s coverage, both
in-house and externally sourced copy, on the conflict in Israel-Gaza.
- Any internal communications and/or guidance between the Radio New
Zealand editorial board relating to reporting, accuracy standards, balance
standards, interviewing, language relating to in-house coverage of the
Israel-Gaza conflict;
- Any internal communications and/or guidance from the Radio New Zealand
editorial board to any Radio New Zealand employees and/or contractors
relating to reporting, interviewing, language relating to in-house
coverage of the Israel-Gaza conflict;
- Any internal guidance provided to Radio New Zealand employees and/or
contractors including reporters and/or editors;
- Any internal communications and/or guidance relating to public
complaints from the coverage of Israel-Gaza conflict, either in-house or
through copy;
- Documents relating to decisions made or decision-making processes as to
who to contact for a comment in relation to news relating to the
Israel-Palestine conflict; and
- Any internal or external communications relating to press releases and
subsequent coverage decisions sent by pro Palestinian groups or persons,
including but not limited to Palestinian Youth Aotearoa, Solidarity Action
Network Aotearoa, Kia Ora Gaza, Palestinian Solidarity Network, Tamaki
Loves Palestine, Tamaki for Palestine, Aotearoa Liberation League, Peace
Action Aotearoa, Dayenu, Alternative Jewish Voices.
I understand it may be a difficult time for you and any of your colleagues
who are uncomfortable with the editorial decisions being made in relation
to the Gaza genocide. I would like to remind you that you always have the
option of raising any concerns with your union or under your
organisation's protected disclosures policy.
Ngâ mihi
Jimmy
show quoted sections
From: Jimmy Lanyard
Kia ora George
Just to be clear, can I please confirm that you have denied this request under s18(e) of the OIA?
Ngā mihi
Jimmy
From: Maggie Hedge
Radio New Zealand Limited
Good afternoon
“RNZ acknowledges receipt of your OIA request. Under the Official Information Act 1982 we have 20 working days to respond and will contact you via email /post. If for any reason our response is delayed we will advise you.”
Kind regards
Maggie Hedge| OIA Administrator RNZ
[email address]
________________________________________
From: Jimmy Lanyard <[FOI #25546 email]>
Sent: Tuesday, 2 April 2024 7:11:57 pm (UTC+12:00) Auckland, Wellington
To: George Bignell
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] - Official Information request - Coverage of Gaza (Privileged)
Kia ora George
Just to be clear, can I please confirm that you have denied this request under s18(e) of the OIA?
Ngā mihi
Jimmy
show quoted sections
From: George Bignell
Radio New Zealand Limited
Kia ora Jimmy
In short we have not denied your request as we have sent you the information we hold.
Kind regards
George Bignell
RNZ, PO Box 123, Wellington, New Zealand, 6140
DDI +64 4 474 1424
Mobile: +64 27 491 2246
www.rnz.co.nz
show quoted sections
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