Key's radio show breached Broadcasting Act

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Thu, 09 Feb 2012 7:35a.m.

The hour-long radio show Prime Minister John Key hosted prior to the election has been referred to the police for breaching the Broadcasting Act.

After a complaint from the Labour Party, the Electoral Commission confirmed this morning that it had referred the September 30 show to the police.

Labour, who also complained to the Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA), said the show breached the Broadcasting Act and it was unfair that then leader Phil Goff wasn’t given an equal amount of time on the air.

The official complainant, Labour Party General Secretary Chris Flatt, said the show breached the prohibition on paid election programmes and breached the Election Programmes Code of Broadcasting Practice

In the RadioLive show Key interviewed a range of celebrity guests, including Sir Peter Jackson, but told viewers he would not discuss election issues or National party policy.

The BSA did not uphold Labour’s complaint, ruling the show was not an election programme and no standards were breached.

The Electoral Commission will officially release its decision at 5pm today, but it is understood both parties have been given advance copies. 

NewstalkZB obtained a copy of the report, finding the show had breached the Act. The decision could see broadcaster Radio Live fined up to $100,000 if police decide to prosecute.

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Comments

09 Feb 2012 12:25p.m.

Jim Seaview wrote:

QUOTE: "The BSA did not uphold Labour’s complaint, ruling the show was not an election programme and no standards were breached"
It wasn't a paid election program and no politics was discussed - and it was only one hour of Talkback with Willie and JT.
This where it should end.
Surely our Police force have more serious crime to investigate than John Keys Radio Alive slot. Will it involve again Special Tactic and strategic planning by the Police and will they require more than 76 police to arrest Mr Key if they decide that they must prosecute?????

No wonder Labour lost so many votes last election - their priorities are all wrong.



09 Feb 2012 12:00p.m.

Marty wrote:

Instead of complaining and slagging others off what is the Labour party's plans for the country and its long her survival..nothing but whinging and disjointed half hearted flat near nothing. Whoever you support and whatever strengths Labor had in the past is gone. National and John Key dispite the usual controversy which any party has who can not please everyone at least has a long term strategy and strong vision. The BSA was not breached and at least he has something interesting to say.

09 Feb 2012 11:37a.m.

SaNDRA wrote:

Now there is a surprise when the Prime Minister refers something illegal to the Police, Labour screams about using up valuable Police time but now they refer something to the Police which apparently was already found lawful. Double standard Labour! Or as you guys would say a "flip flop"

09 Feb 2012 11:04a.m.

PetitPaw wrote:

John Key has a positive and winning attitude, which is why he succeeds. Labour has Tall Poppy syndrome and all this constant complaining will keep them at the bottom of the polls.

09 Feb 2012 10:33a.m.

Carlos wrote:

Another storm in a teacup.........nothing to worry about here.

09 Feb 2012 10:10a.m.

bOb wrote:

"If National does it its ok but if Labour does it its not ok." Really some people need to grow up and stop using the "labour is just sore about losing the election" line. If Labour were in power National would call them out as well, enough of the hypocritical bs, fair game is fair game every ones favorite party plays these games.

09 Feb 2012 09:38a.m.

tin man wrote:

No key is not a popular politician. This does however go to show that he can buy public relations stunts to make it appear that he is. No amount of candy frosting can cover up that this was a blatant electioneering stunt.

09 Feb 2012 09:32a.m.

Mike wrote:

Wow great another chance for the NZ lawyers to get rich over a case that will end in nothing. Labour you lost...let it go. Maybe Labour should be focusing on matters that really count for a country that has poor wages and a expensive cost of living. Ultimately a complete waste of tax payers money!

09 Feb 2012 09:12a.m.

GaryB wrote:

I'd say its a safe bet that the Police will do nothing.

09 Feb 2012 09:07a.m.

Boyd wrote:

Good news! no one is above the law not even the Prime Minister