Adjudication No. 656 (August 1993) [1993] APC 48

ADJUDICATION No. 656 (August 1993)

The Press Council has dismissed a complaint from Tim Malseed over an article in the Diamond Valley News dated 7 September 1992, which reported that a federal government grant would contribute $887,000 toward the cost of a library for the Shire of Eltham, and that the council was expected to contribute 10 - 20 per cent of the cost. The article, and one on 19 October 1992, did not include the cost of the project would be nearly $3 million and the council's contribution nearly $2 million. However, a letter from Mr Malseed was published in the 19 October edition, indicating the total cost of the whole project.

In the 26 October 1992 edition an article which included an interview with Mr Malseed was published, but he argues the pro "library in the park" lobby got more space. However, the total cost of the project, $2.81 million, was given.

Mr Malseed says an article on 2 November 1992 gave 100 per cent coverage to the other side, but observes that a report on 16 January 1993, initiated by his complaint to the news editor, went some way towards redressing the balance.

He argues that the public was entitled to know the full facts before the council made its decision on 27 October 1992. However, that decision was subject to appeal.

The Press Council believes it would have been better for the paper to have researched the story more thoroughly in order to give readers the total cost information they needed, rather than leaving this revelation to a reader's letter. It is acknowledged however that Mr Malseed's letter on 19 October did fulfil this function.

Furthermore, the range of articles provided a reasonable balance.