Adjudication No. 501 (June 1991) [1991] APC 35

ADJUDICATION No. 501 (June 1991)

Mr J. C. Reynolds of MacGregor, ACT, complains of a fishing yarn published in Fishing News, April 1991. The article was an obviously fictitious story called "THE LEGEND OF MORTON AND CRUMBS".

Mr Reynolds alleged that the story was in poor taste, refers to explicit sexual behaviour, belittles handicapped persons and contained offensive language. He contends that, as the magazine is freely available and had a page devoted to junior anglers with photographs of children with their 'catch', it is a magazine intended for family reading. The story he complains of he asserts is extremely offensive to the public.

The editor of Fishing News, Mr Paul Kidd, was the author of the story. He claims the article is down to earth humour. It appeared in "People" magazine on 6 February 1990 and was also one of the stories in his book "The Greatest Fishing Stories Ever Told" published in April 1991.

The Press Council agrees with Mr Reynolds that many people would find the article coarse and vulgar and totally inappropriate for a sporting magazine but the Council conceded that some readers might consider it humorous.

This is a reminder of the broad spectrum of tastes and views which are a feature of a free society. Even though the story lacked taste, it is doubtful if it would bring the press into disrepute.

The Press Council dismisses the complaint.