From: Stewart Richmond Sent: Friday, 27 July 2012 4:03 PM To: Menios Constantinou Subject: RE: Media Watch questions

G’day Menios,

WIN Television understands that this matter could be the subject of legal proceedings and it is therefore inappropriate to provide detailed comment. WIN has reviewed the matter and believes that its reporting team complied with the Commercial TV Code of Practice. As is evident from the broadcast footage, WIN’s coverage did not identify individuals and was taken from a respectful distance. We also extend our sympathy to the family concerned. regards

Stewart Richmond Network Director of News

WIN Corporation, Television Avenue,

From: Menios Constantinou Sent: Friday, 27 July 2012 12:08 PM Subject: Media Watch questions

Dear Stewart,

Media Watch is looking at WIN News’s coverage of the death of Molly Lord on July 11, 2012. We have some questions to which we’d appreciate your answers.

In the lead story on the WIN News bulletin that evening, Linda Goldspink‐Lord was depicted sitting with her deceased daughter’s body. We are particularly interested in this footage – how it was obtained and why you chose you broadcast it.

1. This footage is very similar to a still image shot by Orlando Chiodo and published in the Mercury on July 12, on page 2. Was that footage supplied by or bought from the Illawarra Mercury? If not, was the footage obtained by a WIN cameraman or a freelancer and did that person enter the Newton Park property to take that footage?

2. How did WIN News hear of the accident? Were any other staff members, for example a reporter, sent to cover the incident? If so, what time did they arrive at the scene?

3. Was the person who shot the video on the Newton Park property at the time? If so, did he or she seek and receive permission from the owners to enter the property?

4. Is WIN News aware that the Lord family has used social media to complain about a rival television network’s coverage of Molly Lord’s death, including allegations that Seven had aired footage of Linda Goldspink‐Lord sitting with her deceased daughter’s body?

5. So far as we’re aware, only WIN News and the Illawarra Mercury published still photos and/or video showing Mrs Goldspink‐Lord at the scene of the accident. In light of the Lord family’s views on the airing and publication of images depicting this scene, and the significant public criticism that has followed, do you believe WIN News displayed sound editorial judgement in airing this footage?

6. Article 4.3.6 of the Commercial TV Industry Code of Practice says that licensees must “exercise sensitivity in broadcasting images of or interviews with bereaved relatives and survivors or witnesses of traumatic incidents”. Do you believe that WIN News abided by these provisions in this instance?

We’d appreciate your responses as soon as possible, or at the latest by midday tomorrow, Saturday July 28.

Regards,

Menios Constantinou Journalist (Research), Media Watch