CASE NO: 38/2005 – PRINSLOO VS etv – BALANCE

3^rd Degree programme of investigative journalism into affairs of Complainant after reasonable suspicion of irregularities was aroused.  Complaint that programme was not balanced and therefore in contravention of clause 36 of the Code.  It appears that Complainant refused to answer questions from journalist when invited to do so.  Respondent nevertheless broadcasting programme without presenting Complainant’s side of the story. Tribunal finding in this case that public interest weighed heavier than personal interest of Complainant. Complainant cannot blame Respondent for lack of balance in programme when she deliberately refused to seize opportunity to put her side of the case. No contravention of the Code was found and the complaint was not upheld.