ACMA finds STW9 breaches complaint code

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has found that Perth commercial television broadcaster STW 9 failed to provide a substantive response to a complainant.

ACMA’s finding results from a complaint about a News Update, broadcast during the 5pm screening of Bargain Hunt on STW in July 2007.

During the News Update STW9 showed pictures of injuries sustained to an abused child, without any warning to viewers. It resulted in a viewer complaining they did not expect to see images without warning during a 5pm timeslot.

ACMA found that while the screening itself was not a breach, STW9 did fail to respond adequately to the written complaint. STW also told ACMA only one complaint was received.

STW has advised ACMA that future complaints will be dealt with under revised complaint handing arrangements, following the acquisition of Swan Television and Radio Broadcasters Pty Ltd by WIN Corporation Pty Ltd.

Source: ACMA