Media Statement
New Zealand Labour Party
Fraser House

Friday 4 July 2003

Labour President welcomes BSA decision

Labour Party President Mike Williams today welcomed the decision of the Broadcasting Standards Authority on the complaints about a TV3 news special programme screened in July 2002.

Mr Williams said the Authority had conducted a full and thorough investigation into the complaints, which included issues raised independently by members of the public.

He noted that the Authority had upheld a number of aspects of the complaints, and ruled that the programme had breached standards relating to fairness, accuracy and balance. Three broadcasting standards had been breached, although not every aspect of the complaint had been upheld.

He also noted that the Authority’s decision had drawn attention to the increased responsibility of broadcasters to act fairly during an election campaign, especially when dealing with contentious issues.

“This decision is valuable in that it helps define the boundaries for how news media treats major issues that arise during future campaigns. That is important to all political parties.”

Mr Williams said he could not comment on what orders would be sought under sections 13 and 16 of the Broadcasting Act. That would be a matter for consultation in the next few weeks.

ENDS

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