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The Herald
December 24, 2003
Edwards show complaints rejected
NZPA
Complaints from Dunedin author Lynley Hood and Act
MP Rodney Hide about the Edwards at Large television programme have not been
upheld by the Broadcasting Standards Authority.
Hood, campaigning for a royal commission into the Christchurch Civic Creche
case, was interviewed by Brian Edwards on August 16 about her book A City
Possessed: The Christchurch Civic Creche Case.
She claimed Edwards' political affiliations prejudiced his view of the sex
abuse case against former creche worker Peter Ellis, and he breached
standards on balance, impartiality and fairness.
The BSA said Edwards had adopted an adversarial approach and had forewarned
Hood of his intention to do so. Hood had been given a reasonable opportunity
to present her views.
Mr Hide appeared on Edwards at Large after he questioned a New Zealand On Air
decision to give the show $190,000 when the broadcaster's wife, Judy
Callingham, was on the NZ On Air board.
He alleged the programme broke balance and impartiality standards.
In response to a complaint from Mr Hide, TVNZ had acknowledged the item was
not impartial and apologised in writing.
Mr Hide said he had been "ambushed" into appearing on the show to
enable Edwards to pursue his personal interests.
He accepted TVNZ's apology at first but, after saying that he was also
looking forward to Edwards' apology, changed his mind when Edwards said
"hell would freeze over" before that happened.
The authority said Mr Hide "was not unaware" of the issues likely
to be raised.
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