Bookmarks. An extract from the book "They who do not Grieve" by Sia Figiel was read out by her in a broadcast on National Radio beginning at 7.00pm. Part of the extract was masked by an audible beep. Complaint that the extract read was vulgar and contained "obscenities". Not upheld (good taste and decency: potential breach averted by words being beeped; responsible programming: children's interests).
3 News. Two pre-school children were shown with the mother’s consent in news items and were described as the children of a member of the "Screwdriver Gang" who was sought by the police. Complaint that this was a breach of privacy, good taste and decency, and fairness. Upheld by broadcaster. Action taken by broadcaster sufficient.
20/20: "Flatmate Wanted". Item reported that a young man had killed his flatmate and then himself; it also reported that the young man had a mental illness and was receiving outpatient services from Waitemata Health. Criticism was levelled at the mental health system because neither his own family nor the flatmate had been told of his condition, and because he had been released into the community despite his condition. Not upheld (law and order, balance, accuracy, discrimination and denigration). Subsumed (fairness, under balance).
Keeping Secrets. Documentary about the opening of a second "Secrets" table dancing club in London showed "strip club" scenes and nudity. Not upheld (good taste and decency, children's interests).
3 News. Item about the "Screwdriver Gang" being sought by police showed footage of two pre-school children whose father was a member of the gang. Upheld (privacy). No order.
One Network News. Item on New Zealand’s deficit reported that economists and politicians had emphasised that increased saving and exports were required to improve the deficit. Not upheld (accuracy).
Target. Episode featured six florists who were graded on their ability to complete an order. Complainants alleged the broadcast had portrayed their business unfairly. Not upheld (fairness).
The Ricki Lake Show. Programme was rated AO because it contained adult content but was screened on Labour Day, a public holiday, from 2.00pm. Not upheld: action taken sufficient (responsible programming, children's interests).
Assignment: "Up in Smoke". Documentary about cigarette smoking in New Zealand discussed health risks and consequences of smoking, and focused particularly on the effects on Maori and young smokers. Not upheld (law and order, balance, fairness, accuracy, discrimination and denigration).
60 Minutes promo. Promo was broadcast between 5.30-6.00pm and featured the author of a book on female erotica. Complaint that a comment by author was unacceptable. Not upheld (children's interests).