Good Morning. Topic was Argentina, and drinking hours of bars in Buenos Aires were referred to briefly. Complaint that the presenter implied that the drinking habits of the Italians were responsible for the high crime rate in Argentina. Declined to determine (discrimination and denigration): apparent that the item did not contain the implication claimed by the complainant.
One Network News. News coverage of Anglo-Irish relations in June–July 1996 was the subject oftwo complaints: in June, the news coverage mainly dealt with IRA bombings in Northern Ireland and elsewhere; in July, coverage highlighted the consequences of police first stopping a controversial march by Orangemen in Portadown and then allowing it to proceed. The subsequent bombing of an Enniskillen hotel was also reported. Not upheld (balance).
20/20: "Cut and Thrust". In two broadcasts, the item examined dismissal of surgeon following a report from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons which highlighted concerns about his assessment, judgment and management of patients referred for rectal and colonic surgery. The College complained that the broadcast distorted some facts and was seriously flawed in the way that the College had been treated. HealthCare Otago complained that the item was both unfair and unbalanced and that it contained unsubstantiated allegations against the surgeon's former colleagues. Upheld (fairness): the broadcast was unfair to HealthCare Otago in one aspect. No order.
Tonight. Two news items dealt with the Civil Aviation Authority directive which ordered the grounding of helicopters with imported parts from one supplier, and the disclosure of confidential police information regarding the South Auckland serial rape inquiry. Not upheld (law and order, accuracy).
Ansett NZ Time of Your Life and promos. Programme, and promos in the week leading up to the programme, featured a group of young people riding cross country on four-wheeled motorcycles. Complaint about the riders not wearing helmets. Not upheld (law and order, accuracy, children's interests): technically not illegal because the riders were on private land.
Mix 100 FM news. Report broadcast on two days that a furniture retailer in Tauranga was unable to continue trading. According to the story, creditors had been advised that the owners were selling their home and every attempt would be made to pay its liabilities. Not upheld (good taste and decency, privacy).
3 National News. A man was killed in a motorcycle accident at about 12.30pm. A TV3 camera crew was on site and the death of the motor cyclist, who was not named, was reported in the 6pm news that evening, which was before police were ready to release the name. Not upheld (privacy, fairness, responsible programming).
60 Minutes: "Cry Rape". item examined the impact on a young man of a false accusation of rape. Not upheld (balance, fairness, responsible programming).
One World of Sport. Rugby game announced as being live. Not upheld (accuracy).
Nine to Noon. Interview of leader of New Zealand First focused on the Party's immigration policy which was a matter of considerable public interest at the time. Not upheld (accuracy, fairness). Not applicable (good taste and decency, law and order, balance, discrimination and denigration, responsible programming).