Adjudication No. 1427  (adjudicated June 2009)

The Australian Press Council has upheld complaints by Robert Norson and P.A. Robb over a series of articles in the Fraser Coast Chronicle concerning the decision by a flying school not to locate at Maryborough airport.

The articles appeared on October 25, November 20, 21 and 26 then almost daily from December 6 to December 19. "Snapshots of Opinion" supporting the school also appeared periodically.

Many of the articles contained material that could be classified as criticism of those who had opposed the school.

Mr Norson and Ms Robb have complained that the references to those opposing the school as "whingers", "knockers", being "small or narrow minded" and a "noisy minority" were published without an attempt to obtain balance from the school's opponents.

In its response the Fraser Coast Chronicle said it believed there was no substance to the complaint. The flying school's decision was a highly controversial issue and the number of articles published in response reflected the mood of the community.

The Press Council recognises that newspapers should report fully controversies within local communities.

While the newspaper did publish two letters from opponents to the flying school on December 23, there is no other reference to them in the publications complained of other than what could be described as "derogatory" comments.

The Press Council has a principle that where individuals or groups are a major focus of news reports or commentary publications should ensure fairness and balance in articles.

In this matter the Council believes the newspaper did not provide this balance and the complaint is upheld.

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