BSA Decisions Ngā Whakatau a te Mana Whanonga Kaipāho

Summary

The weather in Northland was predicted to include a few showers turning to rain later, according to the midday weather forecast on Concert FM on 15 July 1999.

Michael Batham of Russell complained to Radio New Zealand Ltd, the broadcaster, that the weather report was inaccurate and did not fully inform listeners of the actual conditions. He said that the following day a news item reported that there had been a number of road accidents in Northland which had been caused by bad weather. He also complained that the weather forecasts in general were too inaccurate for boating people to rely on.

RNZ responded that, given the brevity of the forecast used on Concert FM and the large geographical area of each region, there was no inaccuracy in the information conveyed. It emphasised that full marine forecasts were available from other sources. However, it noted, having had the matter drawn to its attention, it would investigate whether it should continue with the brief weather format on Concert FM. It declined to uphold the complaint.

Dissatisfied with RNZ’s decision, Mr Batham referred the complaint to the Broadcasting Standards Authority under s.8(1)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 1989.

For the reasons given below, the Authority declines to determine the complaint.

Decision

The members of the Authority have listened to a tape of the item complained about and have read the correspondence which is listed in the Appendix. On this occasion, the Authority determines the complaint without a formal hearing.

Brief weather reports were included after the news was read on Concert FM. The report on 15 July 1999 did not refer to the severe low pressure system and gale force winds then being experienced around the Northland coast.

Michael Batham complained to RNZ that the report, which he said referred to "scattered showers and clearing" made no mention of the heavy rain or dangerously high winds which occurred.

RNZ expressed concern that listeners would rely on short forecasts such as those broadcast on Concert FM for marine conditions when full marine forecasts were available from other sources such as National Radio. Given the brevity of the forecast on Concert FM, it did not consider there was any inaccuracy in the information conveyed.

The Authority observes that a weather forecast, by its very nature, is a prediction. To that extent, it is not a statement of facts, but rather an opinion as to future events. The Authority is satisfied that in the absence of bad faith, "inaccuracy" with such predictions does not raise an issue of broadcasting standards. Accordingly, the Authority declines to determine the complaint pursuant to s.11(b) of the Broadcasting Act 1989.

For the reasons set forth above, the Authority declines to determine the complaint.

Signed for and on behalf of the Authority

Sam Maling
Chairperson
18 November 1999

Appendix

The following correspondence was received and considered by the Authority when it determined this complaint:

1.    Michael Batham’s Complaint to Radio New Zealand Ltd – 16 August 1999

2.    RNZ’s Response to the Formal Complaint – 8 September 1999

3.    Mr Batham’s Referral to the Broadcasting Standards Authority –
      21 September 1999

4.    RNZ’s Response to the Authority – 13 October 1999

5.    Mr Batham’s Final Comment – 22 October 1999