In a majority decision 7:4 the Media Council has found the inclusion of past offending in a brief report about a motorcyclist’s death was unfair to the grieving family. Two members of the deceased’s family, and one member of the public, complained that inclusion of this material was not relevant to the report and distressing to the family at a time they were grieving. The Media Council principles include provision for special consideration for those suffering from trauma or grief. The majority of the Media Council formed the view that in these circumstances the publication of the information was unfair to the family in their state of grief. The full Media Council ruling is at www.mediacouncil.org.nz

Source: Stuff May 16, 2021 17:03 UTC