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Today Tonight story breaches Code of Practice

ACMA rules a 2013 story which questioned the medical care of a dying woman was factually incorrect.

TodayTSeven has been found in breach of the Code of Practice following a 2013 Today Tonight story which questioned the medical care of a dying woman.

The ‘Death of a Believer’ story reported on the death of Mrs Irene Maendel, a member of a Christian organisation called the ‘Bruderhof’,  who had previously suffered a stroke.

Media watchdog the Australian Communications and Media Authority found Today Tonight claimed the community and her son, Dr Christopher Maendel, had treated her with prayers as a substitute for medical care.

However 4 days before the story went to air a Medical Tribunal inquiry found the woman was given palliative care and the doctor’s decision was motivated by his belief that his mother would have elected not to receive aggressive medical treatment.

ACMA also found a promo stating the Bruderhof community ‘prayed…instead of seeking medical help’ was also a breach of factual accuracy.

The Medical Tribunal found Dr Maendel guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct but he was cleared of the more serious complaint of professional misconduct by the Medical Tribunal.

Seven indicated it was disappointed but would comply with the findings.

“We note that as stated in the ACMA release the Medical Tribunal found that Dr Maendel’s treatment of his mother amounted to unsatisfactory professional conduct.,” a Seven spokesperson said in a statement.

“It was clearly stated in our report that Mrs Maendel received morphine. While we respect the right of the regulator to form a view on the overall impression conveyed by the story, we took a different view.

“We will continue to broadcast hard hitting investigative stories in areas like public health that are of significant public interest.”

Seven has agreed to remove the segment from internet sites under its immediate control, to provide a link to the ACMA’s decision on its website for 3 months and to include the ACMA decision in its training materials and courses.

5 Responses

  1. I wonder just what it cost for heaven knows how many public servants to shuffle pieces of paper and hold meetings to come up with this ruling?

    This decision perfectly illustrates the ineffectiveness of ACMA.

    Now if the federal government is really looking for ways to save money, it could do a lot worse than running the pencil over this agency.

  2. ACMA are going to have to get another limp lettuce leaf to hit the networks with. I think their current one is reaching the end of its useful life.

  3. Instead of burying the ACMA decision on the website, TT should be obligated to read the ACMA release at the start of the telecast tonight, or tomorrow so they have time to edit stories to fit the time slot.

    Yet another ACMA/TT cop out.

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