Adjudication No. 162 (June 1983) [1983] APC 13

ADJUDICATION No. 162 (June 1983)

By letter of 7 February 1983, Dr Ross Fitzgerald, of Griffith University, Brisbane, complains to the Australian Press Council about a photograph and caption in the Courier-Mail on 2 February 1983.

The photograph of Aurukun Aborigines sitting under trees was originally taken on 17 March 1978. The newspaper used it to illustrate a feature article with the caption: "Aurukun Aborigines sit under tree at a town meeting ... a voice in their future".

Dr Fitzgerald claims the use of the stock photograph and the accompanying caption implies the Aurukun people had a significant role in deciding their own destiny. This was particularly so because it accompanied an article about a recent visit by the State's Aboriginal and Islander Affairs Minister.

Dr Fitzgerald argues the photograph and caption were misleading because the 1978 meeting had actually rejected the Queensland Government proposal to take over the settlement. Despite this, the Queensland Government had proceeded to take it over.

He seeks a ruling on whether the use of the stock photograph and accompanying caption were acceptable journalistic practice.

He also seeks Press Council condemnation of the newspaper for failing to publish a correction or a letter in which he described the photograph and caption as "an inexcusable piece of political propaganda".

The newspaper, in various communications with Dr Fitzgerald (including a personal explanation from the editor), was conciliatory and reasonable.

Even allowing for Dr Fitzgerald's strong interest in the subject, his description of the stock photograph and caption as "an inexcusable piece of political propaganda" seems harsh and insupportable.

The Press Council believes the newspaper was justified in its decision not to run his letter.

On the question of using stock photographs, the Press Council believes there is nothing intrinsically wrong with this long-standing practice.

Such usage is open to criticism only when the photograph and any accompanying caption convey a misleading impression to readers.

The Press Council notes Dr Fitzgerald's view and understands his reasons. But his interpretation seems to be affected by his personal and expert knowledge of the subject.

The complaints are dismissed.