10 Jun 2023

RNZ investigating after publishing stories including false account of events in Ukraine

6:49 pm on 10 June 2023
A microphone with the RNZ logo on it.

Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

RNZ advised Friday that it had become aware of instances of inappropriate editing of several wire service stories relating to the war in Ukraine published on its website.

RNZ chief executive Paul Thompson initiated an immediate investigation and has today announced an external review of RNZ's processes for the editing of online stories to ensure these are robust.

The outcome of the review will be made public. The terms of reference for the review and the external experts will be confirmed as soon as possible.

RNZ is continuing with a detailed audit and analysis of all stories with the potential for inappropriate editing of wire service stories on the website.

While there is still work to complete, to date it has identified 15 instances of inappropriate editing going back to last year. These stories have been corrected and an explanatory note added to each article.

Here are the links to the corrected stories:

RNZ is checking other stories and continues with a thorough analysis which may take some time.

As indicated previously an investigation is under way into the alleged conduct of one employee relating to this matter. That employee is on leave and does not have access to our computer systems.

RNZ is treating this issue very seriously and will keep you updated.