BSA Releases Decision On Labour Party Ad.

BSA Releases Decision On Labour Party Ad.

The Broadcasting Standards Authority has today amended a decision it released on 10 September on a complaint from the Maori Party relating to the broadcast of a Labour Party political advertisement on Raukawa FM.

To reflect the new evidence, the finding has been amended to include one breach of accuracy of the Radio Code of Broadcasting Practice. The nature of the breach and relevant law mean the Authority’s original decision to make no order for action is unchanged.

The amendment follows advice from the New Zealand Labour Party that the Authority’s original decision was based on an incorrect version of the advertisement, supplied by Labour, which was different to the version actually broadcast.

The broadcast version breached the requirement for accuracy because it stated that the Mâori Party had voted with National 227 times. The correct number, ascertained by the Authority in its original decision and contained in the non-broadcast advertisement supplied to the Authority, was at least 277.

The BSA advises that, in accordance with its usual practice, there will be no comment about this decision other than the information contained in this statement. The amended decision, number 2005-103, will be on the BSA website shortly.

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