Holmes. During an item about the America’s Cup presenter used allegedly offensive language. Not upheld (good taste and decency: language acceptable in context).
One News. File footage of an unconscious and partly naked man then suffering from meningococcal meningitis. Complaint that the footage breached the man’s privacy. Not upheld (privacy: facts not highly offensive and objectionable, public interest and consent defences).
Holmes. Item discussed availability of an effective treatment for acne and interviewed a dermatologist and a doctor, as well as two young people who had both been successfully treated by a named drug. Complaint that the broadcast was misleading and unbalanced, and concern expressed that the broadcaster had been used to promote a prescription medicine. Declined to determine (balance – not controversial issue to which the standard applies). Not upheld (other standards – not relevant).
3 News. Item reported on dismissal of teacher for sex with student and revealed her identity. Not upheld (privacy).
One News. Footage of atrocities in Chechnya. Observation (V12 not cited, potential uphold). Not upheld (V16: children's interests). No order.
Holmes. Debate on the introduction of the Employment Relations Bill which involved the Minister of Labour, a trade union representative, an employer representative and the Opposition spokesperson. Complaint that the discussion simplified the highly complex legislation so much that many important concepts, such as collective bargaining, had not been explained, and that the participants had not received equal time. Declined to determine (balance: no standards issues raised, vexatious)
Holmes. Interview with actor from the film "Austin Powers – The Spy who Shagged me" included audio and video clips from the film, and the word "shagged" appeared in a graphic containing the film’s title. Allegedly offensive language. Declined to determine (good taste and decency: complaint vexatious).
Radio Pacific. Talkback host's references to the contribution by Maori to the millennium celebrations in New Zealand. Allegedly offensive and anti-Maori and inciting racial disharmony. Declined to determine: no tape (good taste and decency, discrimination and denigration). Upheld (broadcaster's failure to retain tape). Order ($250 costs to complainant).
Radio Pacific talkback. Host critical of Italian team at America’s Cup, referring to them among other things as "greasy Italians". Complaint that remarks racially discriminatory. Upheld (good taste and decency). Not upheld (discrimination and denigration). Order ($1,000 costs to Crown).
Foveaux Radio. Omission to broadcast news about an Invercargill businessman who had been charged with fraud. Declined to determine (balance, responsible programming: editorial judgement).