Channel Z. Announcer telephoned an elderly woman and asked her about her granddaughter appearing in a lingerie commercial about ten years earlier. Complaint that this was an invasion of privacy. Declined to determine (privacy): no tape available. Warning about unsatisfactory complaints procedure.
COW AM. Programme designed for a university audience. Complaint that offensive behaviour and language. Not upheld (good taste and decency).
Nine to Noon. Offensive term used to explain another word’s offensiveness. Not upheld (good taste and decency).
Motorway Patrol. Complainant stopped by police when driving without a seatbelt and it was found there appeared to be an outstanding warrant for her arrest. Incident broadcast in Motorway Patrol, and parts of the footage were shown in a promo broadcast on several occasions in the days preceding the programme. Not upheld (privacy: consent to broadcast).
The Sopranos. Offensive language. Not upheld (good taste and decency).
Nine to Noon. Complaint that interview with Dr Brian Edwards did not distinguish between fact and opinion, and RNZ’s editorial integrity and independence challenged. Declined to determine (accuracy, complaint vexatious).
3 News. Comment by newsreader seen as mocking middle-aged women and their sexuality. Not upheld (good taste and decency, discrimination and denigration).
Coromandel FM news item broadcast more than once inaccurately reported that fire fighter was charged with drunk driving causing death. Complaint that the broadcast breached the fire fighter’s privacy by disclosing incorrect information about the offence he had been charged with. Not upheld (privacy: facts inaccurate, not private). Principle 8 relevant (the tapes not complete). Unsatisfactory complaints procedure: warning.
Holmes (2 Items). First item discussed whether taxpayers’ money should be spent on sport; second item featured archival footage of an all-woman volunteer fire service in Northland and during a sequence in which the women demonstrated putting out a small fire the presenter suggested that it was marijuana that they were burning. Not upheld (fairness, balance, discrimination and denigration).
Spectrum. Documentary broadcast on National Radio focused on people involved in the cigar industry; Cuban growers and manufacturers were interviewed, as well as a retailer of cigars in New Zealand. Complaint that the programme promoted and glamorised cigar smoking, and gave considerable airtime to promoting the business of an Auckland retailer of cigars. Not upheld (law and order, balance, social responsibility).