Complaint that a news item broadcast by the Respondent on an incident at a school was inaccurate. 
Respondent confirmed correctness of facts in news item with the SAPS. After first broadcast, Complainant informed Respondent that the news item was inaccurate. Respondent continued broadcasting item in news bulletins while trying to establish correctness of information. The continued broadcasting of the item caused panic and damage to the reputation of the school. Respondent was found to be negligent for not putting broadcast of item on hold while ascertaining the true state of affairs. Respondent found to have negligently departed from the facts in news broadcast and therefore guilty of contravention of clause 34.2 of Code of Conduct. Respondent found not guilty of divulging identity of rape victim (clause 34.6). Complaint that Respondent did not correct news item on their website not entertained as BCCSA has no jurisdiction over websites. Substantive part of complaint upheld.
CLICK TO VIEW FULL JUDGMENT Case-No-39-2005