CODE OF CONDUCT

Access media aims to promote and encourage the use of the 12 stations as a vehicle for learning and community education, as well as increasing public understanding and awareness of niche interest groups within the community. 

Each station aims to: 

• make broadcasting/podcasting time available to those not already adequately served by existing media;
• increase awareness and appreciation of the cultural and social diversity of Aotearoa by broadcasting/podcasting programmes that express the interests of women, children, persons with disabilities, ethnic, and other niche communities.

All content-makers, volunteers, workshop attendees, and access media employees/employers:

• have the right to be treated with respect, free from any form of discrimination or harassment;
• will conduct themselves in an ethical and professional manner;
• will communicate with their respective station manager if they feel their rights have been breached. 

Restrictions and laws on broadcasting are covered by the Broadcast Standards Authority. The Codes of Broadcasting Practice for Radio and Television covers advertising, programme codes, and general standards such as portrayal of violence, news and current affairs, liquor and tobacco promotion and political advertising. 

There are other laws that govern content-makes such the Broadcasting Act, the Privacy Act, and the Human Rights Act. Breaching these laws, especially through defamatory, racist, or sexist comments carries heavy penalties. 

• Content-makers are not permitted to make derogatory comments about others who broadcast on the station. They’re asked to be culturally sensitive, and to respect other peoples’ views.
• Each station reserves the right to refuse to broadcast/podcast any material that for legal, ethical, or any other reason it deems unacceptable. 
• Content-makers are to treat station staff, other content-makers, and the station environment with respect and dignity, and to adhere to their station’s rules and policies. 
• Each station reserves the right to withdraw a content-maker’s right to broadcast/podcast if its rules and policies aren’t adhered to. 
• Content-makers will not bring any of the access media stations into disrepute. Each station reserves the right to determine what a breach is, and will deal with the matter accordingly. 
• The content-maker is to accept responsibility for editorial content created and to indemnify each of the stations and all CAMA partners fully and completely against all proceedings, claims, and expenses that result from anything broadcast/podcast or recorded by, or on behalf of, the content-maker. 
• If content-makers have any doubts or concerns, please direct queries to each station management. 

So you’re wanting to make a post to spread the access media word, here’s a few things to think about: 

• Who is your intended audience? 
• What are you wanting to say and to achieve?
• What you should try to avoid saying: 
  • Expectations for professional conduct are the same online as offline.
  • Do not embarrass or disparage your access media station. 
  • Avoid sharing private or confidential information. Understand your privacy setting but know that any post can accidentally become public. 
• Think about the style of language you’re using, the use of tags, hashtags, and whether you’re wanting to tag any organisation of interest. 
• Remember to be kind, be careful, and have fun!