SAB3 - SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT - ALLEGED THAT THE PROGRAMME WAS NOT BALANCED

Nine viewers complained that in a “Special Assignment” programme on the effect of pornography on children the so-called liberal viewpoint on pornography and its effect on children was emphasized while the conservative or Christian viewpoint was underplayed, resulting in the programme being reduced to propaganda.  The viewers also complained that the programme started half an hour before the watershed and contained material that was harmful to children.  However, it appeared that the broadcaster displayed a 16NS advisory throughout the programme, thus giving ample warning to parents and caregivers. Another complaint was that visuals of pornography accompanied the programme.  It appeared that the visuals complained of were not graphic but blurred and were used to put the discussion in context.  The Tribunal found that although certain aspects of the programme could be criticized, the choice of who should be interviewed remained the prerogative of the producer.  The Tribunal found that the viewpoints amounted to honest expressions of opinions and that sufficient balance was attained. No contravention of Clauses 35 or 36 of the Code of Conduct were found and the complaints were not upheld.

JOL Ref - Naidoo & Others v SABC3 [2010] JOL 26587  (BCCSA)