One News. Item on Select Committee deliberation on changes to ACC. In the opinion of the New Zealand Trade Union Federation, the item sought to create the impression that proposed changes were "purely irrational" and unsupported by evidence. Not upheld (accuracy).
News bulletins on Newstalk ZB and Classic Hits Invercargill. Omission of broadcasting news about an Invercargill businessman who had been charged with fraud. Declined to determine (balance, responsible programming: editorial judgement).
Our People Our Century: "In the Family Way". First episode of documentary series looked at family life in New Zealand through the experiences of three different families. Complaint that the programme made a number of inaccurate sexist statements in relation to men, and unfairly and inaccurately portrayed women as victims and men as violent abusers. Not upheld (balance, accuracy, fairness, discrimination and denigration).
60 Minutes. Interview with swimmer who had tested positive to a performance-enhancing drug; in an emotional sequence, he denied the allegation. Complaint that that the interviewer’s style had been insensitive and in extremely bad taste, reducing the swimmer to tears. Not upheld (fairness). Subsumed (good taste and decency).
One News. Item described controversy in the harness racing industry that had arisen over a horse named "Bugger Me". Not upheld: majority (good taste and decency). Not upheld (children's interests).
3 News. Suggestion that shipment of nuclear waste through the Tasman Sea on its way to Japan meant that Japan could use the plutonium for military purposes, and that the shipment’s passage posed a threat to New Zealand’s national sovereignty. Complaint that the item published false information about the substance being carried (MOX) and created a misleading impression about the possible end use of the shipment. Upheld (accuracy). Order (broadcast of statement).
One News. Item on the inquiry into the misdiagnosis of cervical smears in Gisborne reported that the pathologist’s error rate was 86%. Complaint that this was inaccurate and unfair to the pathologist. Not upheld (accuracy, fairness).
Holmes. Item featuring Persian rugs reported that rugs sold by SilkRoutes were advertised as "massively discounted". Customer concerns about the value of the rugs were raised, in particular by the purchasers of a Qum rug. Not upheld (accuracy, fairness, balance).
Radio Pacific talkback. Caller asked asked the host for his views on the efficacy of certain therapeutic remedies. Complaint that the broadcast was not balanced and was irresponsible in not advising the caller to seek medical advice. Also concern about the sponsorship of the programme by a company which made alternative remedies. Not upheld (balance, responsible programming).
One News. Item commented that an "expensive" proposed F-16 fighter plane deal with the United States "could cost taxpayers a billion dollars". Complaint that this misrepresented the cost. Not upheld (accuracy).