Lake City 96 FM. Comment during review of the film Matilda that the main character's parents were played by Danny de Vito and his"real-life wife". Complaint about this description of Rhea Pearlman, an acclaimed actress in her own right. Not upheld (discrimination and denigration).
Classic Hits ZA-FM. Palmerston North City Council's decision to remove some trees was a matter of considerable public interest and local station, Classic Hits ZA-FM, broadcast from the site between 6.00am–6.00pm on 6 January 1997. Other trees were cut down on the 8 January and Classic Hits covered this by way of news bulletins Complaint that the broadcast on 6 January was unbalanced. Upheld (complaint referring to broadcaster's failure to keep a logging tape for thirty-five days). Not upheld (all other aspects of the complaints). No order.
Newstalk ZB talkback. Subject was the criticism by some Maori of English group the Spice Girls using the haka. Host's comments. Not upheld (balance, accuracy, fairness, discrimination and denigration).
60 Minutes. Documentary dealt with activities of a Tauranga Pastor, concentrating on the Pastor's alleged affair with the Church organist. Broadcast on 29 September 1996, and again on 10 January 1997. Upheld (fairness). Not upheld (privacy, accuracy, responsible editing). No order.
Billy Connolly's World Tour of Australia. Programme broadcast at 8.30pm and Billy Connolly shown on stage telling two jokes which contained offensive language. Not upheld (good taste and decency, responsible programming, children's interests).
"Voice of Mesopotamia". Assyrian language programme included a selection of poems written and read in the Assyrian language. Complainant alleged that one particular poem was a personal attack on him and on his character, and that he was clearly identified within the Assyrian community as being the subject of the reading. Broadcaster upheld the complaint and broadcast an apology, but the apology considered inadequate. Upheld (fairness): action taken insufficient. Order (broadcast of apology).
National Radio. News item described the Jalal Abu Ghaynem district of Jerusalem as a "traditional" Arab district. Complaint that item was grossly misleading. Not upheld (accuracy).
Promos for Third Rock from the Sun and It's a Man's World were shown during Home Improvement. Complaint that a shot in the promo which showed a woman suggestively undoing her blouse was inappropriately screened during family viewing time. Not upheld (good taste and decency, discrimination and denigration, children's interests).
TV One. Live broadcast of rugby match. Rugby player injured in an off-the-ball incident and as a result of the injuries incurred, retired from the game. Complaint that there was minimal criticism from any of the commentary team of the violent and unprovoked incident. Not upheld (balance, violence).
National Radio. News item reported that one of a dozen escaped capuchin monkeys "had to be destroyed" because it could not be captured. Complaint about use of phrase. Not upheld (accuracy)