Australian-Media.com.au News

• Seven Melbourne breached complaints handling provisions

  May 23 2008 11:33am (UTC+8)  -  Article by Kevin

  The Australian Communications and Media Authority has found that Channel Seven Melbourne Pty Ltd (Seven) breached the complaints handling provisions of the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice (the code) in relation to a segment on Seven News about the suicides of two teenagers.
  
  The finding results from a complaint that the segment, broadcast in April 2007, did not comply with the requirements for reports about suicide, as set out in the code.
  
  ACMA found that while the report itself did not breach the code, Seven failed to advise the complainant that they could refer the matter to ACMA if not satisfied with Seven's response.
  
  "The successful operation of codes of practice, and indeed the very efficacy of the co-regulatory approach established under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, relies on the effectiveness of measures for dealing with viewer complaints, and the opportunity for complainants to refer unresolved complaints to ACMA", said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman.
  
  In response to ACMA's finding, Seven has undertaken to provide the final investigation report, together with an explanation of the decision to senior news and current affairs staff and to senior management, including the Board of Directors. It will also include the final report in the existing code training materials so that it forms part of future code training sessions attended by all staff; and will ensure that all complaint responses are overseen by Seven's Regulatory and Business Affairs Department to help ensure that all complaint responses comply with the requirements of the code.
  
  Investigation report 1872 is available on the ACMA website.
  
  ACMA Media Release

Comments