One News election coverage showed a graphic “Election 2011” logo which included a blue box with a white tick mark. The Authority declined to uphold a complaint that the colour of the logo influenced people to vote for the National Party, in breach of the controversial issues standard. Use of the logo did not amount to a discussion of a controversial issue and the broadcaster was entitled to editorial discretion in the use of standard graphics.
Not Upheld: Controversial Issues
A documentary Real Crime: Broken Promises, Broken Brides, broadcast on TV One, investigated the abuse of foreign brides in New Zealand. It profiled a Malaysian woman who had died of a methadone overdose nine years earlier and interviewed her New Zealand husband, the complainant, who was convicted of her manslaughter. The Authority declined to uphold the complaint that the programme breached the accuracy and fairness standards. The programme did not create a misleading impression that the complainant had intended to murder his wife, the reporter clearly stating that the complainant was convicted of manslaughter; the complainant’s perspective was included; the programme was accurate and would not have misled viewers; and the complainant was provided with a sufficient opportunity to give his perspective in two interviews and the interviews were not unfairly edited.
Not Upheld: Accuracy, Fairness
An item entitled “The Prophecy Makers” broadcast on Campbell Live reported on a pamphlet drop and Christian websites’ predictions of an earthquake and tsunami in Christchurch. The reporter sought comment and an apology from Kathy Robinson, the author of an article in the pamphlet. The Authority declined to uphold the complaint that the item breached standards relating to controversial issues, accuracy, fairness, and children’s interests. The item legitimately focused on Ms Robinson as she had given her permission for the publication of her prophecy on websites and was the first to have her predictions disseminated; it explicitly stated that it was unclear who had printed the pamphlet; and Ms Robinson was given a reasonable opportunity to comment.
Not Upheld: Controversial Issues, Accuracy, Fairness, Children’s Interests
Afternoons with Jim Mora, broadcast on National Radio, included a panel discussion about New Zealand First’s decision to drop one of its candidates for drinking his own urine. A panellist commented that Don Brash and John Banks “drink each other’s urine”. The Authority declined to uphold the complaint that this breached standards relating to good taste and decency and fairness. The comment was not so offensive as to breach the good taste and decency standard and would not have offended or distressed most listeners, and it did not carry any invective.
Not Upheld: Good Taste and Decency, Fairness
Police Ten 7: “Bad Boys”. Episode of reality TV series about work of New Zealand police looked at “bad boys’ most memorable moments” and contained coarse language and nudity, both of which were censored in the programme. Not upheld (good taste and decency, law and order, discrimination and denigration, responsible programming, children’s interests, violence).
Investigator Special: Jesus the Cold Case. Documentary maker gave his perspective on the life and death of Jesus. The programme challenged traditional Christian view as encapsulated in the gospels. Not upheld (controversial issues, accuracy, fairness, discrimination and denigration).
Promo for Nothing Trivial. Promo broadcast during news and characters used low-level offensive language. Not upheld (good taste and decency, children's interests).
One News. Item used the word “gay” in the context of reporting on influx of homosexual couples from Australia getting married in New Zealand. Declined to determine (complaint frivolous and trivial).
One News. Item reported on Australia’s recent attempts to reduce pollution by introducing a carbon tax scheme. Not upheld (accuracy).
American Pie Presents: Beta House. Movie contained nudity and sex scenes. Declined to determine (recording of broadcast unavailable).