The Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security has ruled the NZ Security Intelligence Service acted lawfully in probing former RNZ journalist Mick Hall amid allegations of pro-Russian editing in overseas news stories, sparking wider debate about editorial oversight and media bias in New Zealand.
The Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) Brendan Horsely has determined that the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) was justified in investigating a former Radio New Zealand (RNZ) journalist, Mick Hall, over allegations of foreign interference. This assessment comes amid scrutiny of Hall’s role in editing overseas news stories, specifically accusations that he inserted a pro-Russian narrative in a story about the invasion of Ukraine, originally published by Reuters and then carried by RNZ in 2023.
Hall had lodged a complaint, claiming the SIS unlawfully investigated him following public allegations that he was disseminating misleading information aligned with foreign interests. However, the IGIS found that the NZSIS inquiries had concluded there were no actual concerns of foreign interference linked to Hall’s work. Horsely’s review further stated that the intelligence agency’s actions were “both legal and proper” and acknowledged the sensitivity involved in probing a journalist’s activities.
In response to the report, Mick Hall acknowledged the intelligence service’s actions “out of necessity” but criticised RNZ for what he described as “damaging mischaracterisations” of his editorial decisions. An RNZ spokesperson noted that an independent review had found Hall breached editorial standards by improperly editing overseas wire stories, which included the addition of a pro-Russian perspective on the Ukraine conflict.
The situation has sparked debate around editorial oversight and funding within RNZ’s digital news department, which was set up with operational independence from its traditional news team. Critics argue this structure lacked the necessary journalistic oversight and resources to adequately supervise sub-editing of international stories. Commentary on the matter highlights the broader issue of media bias and questions raised over which narratives are amplified or downplayed within New Zealand’s mainstream media landscape.
The original report emphasised that the controversy surrounding Hall’s sub-editing work should not distract from other instances of perceived bias in the media, particularly references to pro-Israel, pro-American, and pro-China slants in New Zealand news coverage. Questions have also been raised about why senior RNZ management, some earning salaries reportedly around $300,000 annually, appeared to overlook the editorial concerns and why the intelligence service’s investigative focus was on Hall rather than higher levels of the organisation.
This episode underscores challenges associated with maintaining independent journalistic voices within a media environment where internal oversight can be contested and external pressures can prompt security-related inquiries. The IGIS’s findings make clear the NZSIS operated within legal boundaries but also highlight complexities around intelligence investigations related to media personnel in democracies.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/558449/nzsis-inquiries-into-former-rnz-journalist-appropriate-spy-watchdog – This article corroborates the IGIS’s determination that the NZSIS was justified in investigating Mick Hall and found the inquiries were appropriate. It also mentions Hall’s acceptance of the necessity of the investigation while criticizing RNZ for mischaracterising his work.
- https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-nzs-spy-agency-investigated-case-of-rnz-journalist-who-edited-russia-ukraine-stories/ZRD3YV24G5BUHKU5KR3ZHWPQW4/ – This article supports the claim that the NZSIS investigated a former RNZ journalist, Mick Hall, due to his edits of foreign news stories, specifically those related to Russia and Ukraine.
- https://open.substack.com/pub/mickhall/p/news-bosses-gave-spy-agency-little?comments=true – This link provides further context on Mick Hall’s perspective that the actions of news bosses essentially compelled the NZSIS to investigate him.
- https://goodoil.news/news-bosses-pushed-spy-agency-to-investigate-rnz-journalist-over-russian-edits/ – This article confirms that the NZSIS probe concluded without finding evidence of foreign interference and notes the agency’s investigation was prompted by concerns over Hall’s edits.
- https://consortiumnews.com/2023/10/07/new-zealands-russian-edits-scandal-how-a-national-broadcaster-demonized-the-truth/ – This article provides insight into Mick Hall’s personal account of being accused by RNZ of pushing Russian propaganda and highlights the broader context of media bias and geopolitical narratives.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative discusses events and investigations dated to 2023 and references ongoing and recent developments related to RNZ’s editorial practices and NZSIS actions. No indication of recycled or outdated content; the timeline aligns with recent scrutiny from that period.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
Direct quotes attributed to Brendan Horsely (IGIS), Mick Hall, and RNZ spokesperson appear credible though there are no older or alternate sources found online for exact phrasing, suggesting these may be original statements from the report or interviews described. The absence of earlier references could imply first use but also limits independent verification.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative appears to be based on official findings by the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security and comments from well-known organisations like RNZ and NZSIS. While not from a globally renowned news outlet, the involvement of official entities lends moderate reliability, though some claims rely on contested editorial opinions which require caution.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims regarding intelligence investigations into journalists amid foreign interference concerns are plausible given global trends in media scrutiny. The editorial standards breach involving pro-Russian narrative insertion is consistent with known challenges in media oversight. No extraordinary or unverifiable claims diminish this plausibility.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh and consistent with recent developments in 2023 concerning NZSIS and RNZ editorial oversight. Quotes likely originate from official reports or direct statements, and the reliability is supported by the involvement of authoritative agencies. The scenario described is plausible within the current media and intelligence context, supporting a high-confidence PASS verdict.
