Complaint against 'Campbell Live' not upheld

A complaint against John Campbell's programme has not been upheld. Photo / File

A complaint against the Campbell Live programme by Tower Insurance over a story about its earthquake insurance has not been upheld.

In its decision released today, the Broadcasting Standards Authority said it declined to uphold the complaint from Tower Insurance about the item on Campbell Live relating to its replacement insurance policies.

Campbell Live interviewed a Tower Insurance customer living in Christchurch's red zone who had been advised that his replacement insurance would cover the cost of repairing his damaged house but not its full replacement value.

Tower complained that the item was unfair and inaccurate on a number of points, including door-stepping the receptionist and footage of broadcaster John Campbell waiting in the reception area.

The BSA said that while it previously stated that door-stepping would normally be found to be unfair, in this case Campbell Live exhausted all legitimate methods to obtain comment and Campbell's approach was polite and non-confrontational.

"Door-stepping was used as a genuine means to obtain information and seek constructive comment, rather than for the expected visual impact of the confrontation. We also note that there was an element of public interest in obtaining comment from Tower as the item reported on an issue that was of legitimate concern to many Christchurch homeowners, and to the New Zealand public in general," the decision said.

Tower also said editing techniques such as background music and camera angles of Campbell waiting at its office contributed to the impression that it was refusing to front up to its customer.

However, the authority found that these were legitimate editing techniques.

Other aspects of the complaint relating to the use of Tower signage about its core values and the summarising of an email from the chief executive were not upheld.