Confusion over reality TV privacy issues

Privacy issues in television programmes such as Piha Rescue have been raised in new research. Photo / supplied

Reality television viewers and the people who unwittingly appear in local reality shows are confused about privacy issues, new research has found.

The Real Deal report, commissioned by the Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA), focused on three local reality shows where people had been "caught up" in filming rather than agreeing upfront to take part - Piha Rescue, Coastwatch and Target.

Both viewers and participants were found to be confused over privacy issues such as the right to film in public places, whether or not consent was needed before footage was broadcast, the conditions under which people's faces should be pixellated, and the use of hidden cameras.

BSA chief executive Dominic Sheehan said the report's key recommendation was that the public would be well served by clear, accessible information about rights to privacy, filming and broadcast.

He said the BSA's job was not to judge the quality or value of reality programmes, but to apply broadcasting standards to shows that had been complained about.

"Reality television is very popular with audiences and broadcasters but had not been extensively researched in New Zealand. We hope this report will encourage further debate and discussion about the issues contained within," Mr Sheehan said.

The research found the experiences of people who appeared in reality programmes varied considerably, with the greatest negativity being expressed by those who had been filmed as part of Piha Rescue.

The researchers spoke to seven people who were rescued on the show, none of whom were told they were being filmed for the show and none who can recall giving their consent.

Five were aware of camera crews on the rescue boat, but they did not fully register their presence or think about the consequences of being filmed. Two were distressed and exhausted at the time.

Another two said they were unaware they had been filmed and only found out when they were approached by a camera crew on the beach.

Both said they were shocked and had no time to take in what was happening, or consider who was interviewing them or what for.

None gave any thought to appearing on national television.

"Next thing you know, a few weeks later you're on TV," one said.

The research found none of the participants were aware of their rights about being filmed in public, and all said they should have been asked for consent to appear on TV - five of whom would have said no.

People shown on Coastguard and Target were generally more positive about their experiences. Those on Coastguard said they were aware they were being filmed, while those on Target were not aware until the show's producers approached their employers after filming. One who admitted acting wrongly was subsequently fired from their job.

The researchers also spoke to groups of viewers and found while they acknowledged reality television was all about what was "real", they were more comfortable if the shows involved other people, rather than themselves.

Audiences watched reality shows primarily for entertainment, but also to be informed.

Piha Rescue viewers enjoyed the show for a variety of reasons, from seeing people they might know to observing "the stupidity of some people".

They agreed the programme showed people as they really were, but some viewers were concerned that people were shown in a less than flattering light.

Coastwatch viewers enjoyed seeing people getting caught red-handed doing things they should not, such as taking more than their quota of fish, with one viewer saying they liked watching the "real idiots up there that you can have a real good laugh at".

But viewers also thought the programme was fair and educational.

Target viewers felt the programme showed people as they actually were, and offered balance by showing both good and bad tradespeople.

Respondents said there was a place for hidden cameras, noting that Target would not work without their use, but attitudes towards blurring or pixellising faces were mixed.

The research was conducted by Mobius Research and Strategy.