PETER WARING AGAINST THE DOM. POST

Overview

Peter Waring complained about a travel supplement in the Dominion Post, which he said promoted travel, presumably by air. If people were encouraged to undertake this kind of travel their carbon footprint would be enormous, he said. The supplement came out the same week the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change published its report on global climate “emphasising that the planet is on a path to disaster” Mr Waring said. He asked whether the Media Council endorsed the right of editors to publish articles which encourage a substantial growth in greenhouse emissions.

Mr Waring also sent a letter to the editor to the Dominion Post outlining his concerns and this was published.

Editors have discretion to decide what subject matter their publications cover. The Media Council notes that there has been widespread coverage on the effect of air travel on emissions, so that individuals can make up their own mind about whether they wish to travel, as well as partake in other activities that affect their carbon footprint. Mr Waring was given ample opportunity to put his view, through the publication of his letter to the editor.

No principles were breached. 

Finding: Insufficient Grounds to Proceed.