Sex Talk Complaint Is Rejected (Press, 10 September 1983)

On 10 September 1983, the Broadcasting Corporation of New Zealand (B.C.N.Z.) announced its rulings on various complaints regarding broadcasting standards. Miss Patricia Bartlett, the secretary of the Society for the Promotion of Community Standards, lodged a complaint concerning a Radio New Zealand “Tonight Show” aired on 6 April that featured explicit discussions about sexual activity. The B.C.N.Z. found that the show, which was scheduled at 10 p.m. and advertised as an adult “talkback” format, did not breach the Broadcasting Act or relevant rules, acknowledging the context of the discussion with Dr Llewellyn Jones from Sydney University. In contrast, a complaint by Mr R. W. Dawson regarding a report on student finances in TVNZ’s “Today Tonight” was upheld. His concerns centred on the programme providing an inaccurate representation of the number of students receiving financial assistance. However, another complaint by Mr D. H. F. Green for the Nelson Harbour Board relating to a “Today Tonight” segment was dismissed. The B.C.N.Z. ruled that the programme accurately reflected the yachtsmen’s views and their understanding of the notices they received. Additionally, a complaint from the research manager of Ivon Watkins Dow, Ltd, about TVNZ’s “Eye Witness” coverage of a chemical waste dump was partially upheld. The B.C.N.Z. noted that the ending of the programme, which mentioned starlings and eggs, was misleading as it did not specify DDT as the issue, although it acknowledged ongoing concerns regarding dioxin disposal and indicated further coverage on the matter would be forthcoming. Further complaints included those from the acting secretary of the National Union of Railwaymen regarding South Island transport coverage by TVNZ's “Eye Witness News.” This complaint was also partially upheld, with the B.C.N.Z. stating that relying solely on the Minister of Transport's perspective was inadequate. It acknowledged existing interest in the transport matters and assured an opportunity for the Railways Corporation’s views to be expressed on the platform. Mr H. G. Purdy, acting general manager of the Railways Corporation, also had his related complaint partially upheld, again due to insufficient representation according to the Broadcasting Act. Lastly, a complaint from Mr A. J. Simpson on behalf of the Public Service Association concerning coverage of a Dunedin fire on 12 May was dismissed. The B.C.N.Z. found that the term “blacked” used in the report was not deemed inaccurate due to a lack of context for the P.S.A. members’ actions.

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