Complaint Rejected (Press, 10 August 1983)

On 10 August 1983, the Broadcasting Corporation addressed several complaints, predominantly centred around discussions and broadcasts from various Radio New Zealand and TVNZ programmes. One notable complaint came from the Integrity Centre in Christchurch, represented by Miss S. Gibbons, concerning a talkback segment on the “Tonight Show” that aired on March 29. Although the Corporation acknowledged that the programme contained explicit references to sexual activity, it concluded that, given the timing of the broadcast, it did not breach standards regarding good taste and decency. Additionally, a complaint from Associate Minister of Finance Mr J. H. Falloon regarding an item on TVNZ’s “Eyewitness,” which discussed statistics on real disposable after-tax income, was upheld in part. The Corporation highlighted the misleading nature of the statement regarding a "drop in real income for nearly 80 per cent" of wage and salary earners due to the lack of a base date and found inaccuracies concerning the last wage increase for most. Despite these findings, the Corporation found no evidence of bias or impartiality related to the broadcast. Other complaints were dismissed, including one from Mr E. J. Britland concerning a H.A.R.T. newsletter aired by Radio New Zealand on April 10, and an Access Radio announcement about a White Women Against Racism meeting. The Corporation ruled that neither violated broadcasting rules or regulations. Furthermore, a complaint made by H.A.R.T. chairperson Mr J. Minto regarding remarks on 2ZB’s Breakfast Show was not upheld due to the inability to verify the broadcast content, as the tapes had been erased after the standard 90-day retention period. Although it could not substantiate the claim that a statement suggesting "Minto ought to be shot" was made, the Corporation expressed regret if such sentiments were indeed aired. Miss P. Bartlett, national secretary of the Society for the Promotion of Community Standards, had her complaints regarding honorifics used in news relating to the Chase shooting dismissed. The Corporation clarified that terms like "Mr," "Mrs," "Miss," and "Ms" hold no legal status, noting that these identifiers were used by police and Māori wardens during the ongoing news coverage. A complaint from Polycorp about the "Close-up" programme aired on March 23 was similarly rejected, with the Corporation determining that the content and related commercials did not infringe on broadcasting regulations. Another upheld complaint related to a "Today Tonight" broadcast concerning student finances on May 3, where the statement regarding standard bursaries did not reflect an accurate picture of the beneficiaries of State grants. Finally, a complaint regarding a “Foreign Correspondent” segment about the Rajneesh Foundation International, made on behalf of the Shanti Niketan Rajneesh Meditation Centre in Auckland, was also not upheld.

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