60 Minutes Herceptin – balance complaint upheld

60 Minutes examined differences in breast cancer treatment in Australia and New Zealand, and the funding of the drug Herceptin. An Australian and a New Zealander with similar cancers were interviewed, and their prognoses compared. Pharmac alleged that the programme was unbalanced and inaccurate.

The BSA upheld the balance complaint. It found that the broadcaster failed to present significant viewpoints on the controversial issue within the programme, and within the period of current interest.

The BSA also found that two statements made during the item, one about the outcome of Herceptin trials, and the other by an expert about the number of lives that could be saved through Herceptin use, would have misled viewers.

Read full decision: http://www.bsa.govt.nz/decisions/2007/2006-127.htm

Without A Trace (promo) – not upheld

A promo for Without A Trace, broadcast on TV One at 6.55pm and 8.15pm, included a scene in which a man was interrogated using torture. The complainant alleged that the item had breached standards of good taste and decency, law and order, programme classification, children’s interests and violence.

The BSA declined to uphold the complaint although a minority considered that Standards 9 (children’s interests) and 10 (violence) were breached in relation to the 6.55pm broadcast.

Read full decision: http://www.bsa.govt.nz/decisions/2007/2007-064.htm

Radio Live – not upheld

During a talkback item on Radio Live, the host commented on a press release from the Catholic Church relating to the “Anti-Smacking Bill”. While commenting on the press release the host referred to the Catholic Church several times as being “the church of paedophilia”. A church representative rang the show to discuss the press release. During the discussion, the host made the remark “…the church is rife with paedophilia among its priests”.

The complainant said the item breached standards of good taste and decency, balance, fairness and accuracy. He argued that the host’s comments were offensive and aimed at denigrating the reputation and standing of the Catholic Church and its clergy.

The BSA did not uphold the complaint. It agreed with the broadcaster that the Catholic Church was given a reasonable opportunity to put its viewpoint, which it did through its communications representative. The BSA believed both individuals were evenly matched, and that the church’s representative was given a fair opportunity to rebut what the host had said.

ENDS

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