A 7 News Adelaide broadcast involving a child has been found to breach privacy rules, with the ACMA also raising concerns over distressing content.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has found 7 News Adelaide breached privacy and distressing content requirements over a broadcast involving a child.
The regulator found details included in the broadcast may have enabled people to identify the child, while also finding the material was likely to cause distress to viewers. The ACMA determined there was insufficient public interest to justify the broadcast.
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The child was not named and their face was blurred, but the broadcast identified the location of the incident and showed the child illuminated by a spotlight.
At times, the camera also zoomed in on the child, revealing information about their physique, mannerisms and school uniform.
The ACMA said those details could have made the child identifiable, particularly to people in the school community and local neighbourhood.
ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood said 7 News Adelaide had failed to exercise due care when broadcasting the sensitive material.
“While the child was not named and their face was blurred, 7 News included details that could have enabled people to recognise the child during what was already a very distressing time for the family.”
The regulator was also critical of the decision to continue filming after a parent asked the crew to stop.
“Most egregiously, Channel Seven knew how distressing the matter was as a parent asked that they stop filming the incident,” Lidgerwood said.
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The ACMA found the potential public interest in broadcasting the material was outweighed by the likely distress caused to the child and their family.
“Any public interest in broadcasting the upsetting material was far outweighed by the likely distress caused to the child and their family.”
It is not the first time Seven News has faced ACMA scrutiny over privacy and distressing material, with the regulator previously finding a 7 News Gold Coast report breached rules relating to both privacy and material likely to cause distress.
The ACMA has also previously found Seven News and Sunday Night breached rules relating to the privacy of children.
The latest finding relates specifically to Channel Seven Adelaide Pty Ltd, which is now facing possible enforcement action from the regulator.
The ACMA is considering appropriate enforcement action and will publish the outcome once its decision has been finalised.
If you or someone you know is affected by this story, free 24/7 support is available from Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
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