BSA releases nine new decisions today
Today we released nine new decisions. The Authority upheld one complaint, declined to determine one complaint and did not uphold seven complaints.
Mitchell and Te Reo Irirangi O Te Arawa
The upheld decision is about a programme broadcast on Te Arawa FM, which formed part of a regular segment paid for by the Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust. The programme featured an interview with the Trust’s deputy chairman, who discussed issues around the Ngāti Whakaue Treaty settlement and the general governance of Ngāti Whakaue. The Authority upheld the complaint from the former chairman of Ngāti Whakaue Tribal Lands Incorporation that the programme was unbalanced and unfair to him.
The Authority emphasised that programmes paid for by a third party are still subject to broadcasting standards. It found the programme did not present any alternative views to those of the Trust on controversial and important issues and the complainant was not given an opportunity to respond to the interviewee’s criticism of him.
Seqirus (NZ) Ltd and MediaWorks TV Ltd
One of the not upheld decisions related to a 3D investigation into the cervical cancer vaccine Gardasil. The programme featured the stories of several girls who believed they had suffered serious health problems after receiving the vaccination. The Authority did not uphold a complaint from the maker of Gardasil, Seqirus (NZ) Ltd, that the item misleadingly gave the impression that Gardasil was unsafe and alarmed and deceived the public when there was no evidential basis for doing so.
The Authority found the programme carried high public interest and presented the concerns about Gardasil in a responsible and balanced way, which included addressing medical evidence which disputed that Gardasil was unsafe.
You can read our media releases on these two decisions here or by clicking on the Media Releases button below.
You can read more about these decisions by clicking on the link below.