Today the BSA released 15 decisions.

Two complaints that The Great Global Warming Swindle, screened on Prime , was unbalanced, inaccurate and unfair were not upheld. The documentary was introduced by a Prime presenter, and was followed by a one hour panel discussion.

The Authority found that, although the documentary part of the programme presented only one viewpoint, the programme as a whole, including the introduction and panel discussion, did not breach the balance standard.

One of the complainants alleged a number of inaccuracies in the way scientific data had been interpreted in the documentary. The Authority said it was not the appropriate body to determine the legitimacy of one scientific interpretation over another, and it declined to determine those aspects of the accuracy complaint. It found no inaccuracies in the other statements identified by the complainant.

See full decision 2008-077

A complaint that a One News promo breached the children’s interest standard was upheld.

The promo covered the conflict between Russia and Georgia and contained footage of an injured woman sitting in rubble with fire and damaged buildings around her. The promo screened at approximately 5pm during coverage of the Olympic Games.
The Authority found that the image of the injured woman was graphic and would have disturbed and alarmed child viewers, particularly because it was obviously real. It concluded that the broadcaster did not adequately consider the interests of child viewers by broadcasting the promo at 5pm during coverage of the Olympics.

See full decision 2008-105

ENDS

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