New Zealand's Broadcasting Standards Authority is being dismantled. Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith announced the government will progress with disestablishing the BSA and investigate self-regulation options for the country's media industry.

Goldsmith argued New Zealand's media landscape has transformed dramatically while regulatory settings remained stagnant. Audiences now move between traditional broadcasting, on-demand services, podcasts and online platforms, yet only a fraction falls under BSA oversight. The current framework creates inconsistencies where similar content receives different treatment depending on delivery method.

The government expects the New Zealand Media Council - which already handles print media self-regulation - to become the primary regulator for journalism. Some broadcasters have already opted into the Media Council system. Legislation to repeal BSA provisions will be drafted in the coming months, with the BSA continuing in its role until the law changes.