Radio 702 broadcast two aspects relating to the opening of a Saldanha Bay project on 31 October radio2013 at 15:00: the relevant aspects were, firstly, that the Premier of the Western Cape, Ms Helen Zille, was booed when she was attempting to deliver a speech and, secondly, that the President, during his speech, admonished the crowd, telling them that they should grant a person an opportunity to express his or her view, even if they did not agree with that view. The next morning, at 07:30, only the Helen Zille aspect of the matter was broadcast. It was argued that this second broadcast was in conflict with the Broadcasting Code by omitting the rectifying speech by the President.

The Tribunal held that, as long as two news bulletins are reasonably connected in time and subject – which was the case here ­– it is not necessary for the radio station to broadcast both aspects again.

In conclusion it was pointed out that the present judgment does not relate to a situation where a first news bulletin omits to provide balance and no excuse for that omission can be provided.    

The complaint was, accordingly, not upheld.

[2014 ] JOL 31584 (BCCSA )

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