10 May 2002

Broadcasting Complaint Over Lack Of Balance On Kyoto Programme

Business NZ is preparing a complaint to the Broadcasting Standards Authority over last night's 'Assignment' programme on global warming on TV One.

Business NZ Chief Executive Simon Carlaw says the programme displayed a lack of balance in presenting scientific and other views on global warming, the effectiveness of the Kyoto protocol and the consequences for New Zealand of the Government's intention to ratify the Protocol.

"Even leaving aside significant issues that may be raised about whether the Protocol is able to counteract global warming, the programme made no attempt to test the claims that the economic benefits of Kyoto would outweigh the harm done to NZ's trading competitiveness.

"The programme breached the principle that when controversial issues of public importance are discussed, reasonable opportunities should be given to present the other side of the story.

"The Government's intention to ratify Kyoto at this time is controversial. Unbalanced treatment that strongly suggests support for the Government's position, given recent changes to TVNZ's governance structures, is a matter of concern."

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