Complaint about a news item. A boy of 15 was orphaned when his family perished in a fire. Visuals clearly identify boy. Commentary in news item that boy may become cruel and callous should he not be counseled by a psychiatrist. Task of the BCCSA to protect children against exposure by the broadcasting media that might be detrimental to them. Found that broadcast constitute an affront to the dignity of the child and therefore a contravention of clause 38 of the Broadcasting Code. Broadcaster reprimanded and requested to impress upon its reporters to exercise exceptional care when reporting on private lives of individuals.
[2006] JOL 17632 (BCTSA)