Daystar channel lands Foxtel in ACMA hot water
Anti-vax religious shows from the US spreading misinformation cop a watchdog breach -but there was a real sting in the tail.
- Published by David Knox
- on
- Filed under Coronavirus, Subscription
US religious channel Daystar programmes have been ruled in breach of the Subscription Narrowcast Television Codes of Practice after broadcasting inaccurate information on COVID-19 vaccines.
Broadcasts of the Ministry Now and Joni Table Talk programs aired which screened in September 2021 included comments which breached accuracy rules for news and current affairs programs.
Media watchdog the Australian Communications and Media Authority found the programs included inaccurate statements relating to COVID-19 vaccines including about the regulatory approval process, the use of alternative COVID-19 treatments, the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, and that vaccines may cause infertility and miscarriage.
Yesterday ACMA announced breaches by Foxtel in regards to SKY News program Outsiders.
In relation to both Outsiders and the content on the Daystar channel, Foxtel submitted that it had limited control over the broadcasts as they are distributed by third-party providers under agreements which require all content to comply with Australian laws and regulations.
ACMA said broadcast licensees are ultimately responsible for what goes to air, including content that is supplied or purchased from another provider.
“Broadcasters cannot outsource their compliance responsibilities to a third party. It is important that Australian audiences are able to trust that the information presented in current affairs programs is accurate and factual, particularly when national health issues are concerned,” Chair Nerida Ms O’Loughlin said.
As a result of the ACMA’s findings in both the Outsiders and Daystar matters, Foxtel has expressly acknowledged to the ACMA that as licensee it is responsible for meeting its code and statutory obligations with respect to all material that is broadcast, even if it is material supplied by a third-party provider.
Foxtel will also review the systems it has in place to ensure that content sourced from third-party providers is compliant with the code. Foxtel will report back to the ACMA within four months on the outcome of this system review, including the staff training, processes and arrangements it has undertaken to ensure future compliance with the code.
In December 2021 Daystar broadcaster Marcus Lamb (pictured right), known for his outspoken opposition to COVID-19 vaccines, died after contracting the virus aged 64.
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- Tagged with Joni Table Talk, Ministry Now
6 Responses
On a side note Joni Table Talk has been nominated for oustanding song at this years daytime emmy awards
I believe Foxtel are right in this situation. Neither Day star or Sky News are Foxtel owned channels, so they don’t have any control over the content. What do the ACMA suggest? That all news is delayed while it is fact checked by Foxtel?
Surely the onus of accuracy in news programming should be borne by the owner of the channel.
I guess ACMA would suggest not to partner with broadcasters if they can’t be confident of meeting code standards.
What a nonsense to take years to release findings,
Just remove the channel Foxtel. This bloated programming that nobody watches impacts pricing that’s passed on to everyone.
If this channel goes, nobody would care.
I agree with this, but I suspect these religious channels either have minuscule carriage fees that Foxtel have to pay, or potentially even pay Foxtel for the reach.