ACMA rules Channel 9 News breached privacy rules by reporting police officers’ home address

Channel 9 News breached privacy rules by revealing the home address of two police officers, which intruded on their privacy.

ACMA has ruled Nine broke privacy rules in a news broadcast.

Nine’s free-to-air television channel breached privacy rules during three news reports by revealing the home address of two police officers.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has found Channel Nine breached broadcasting rules when three Nine News reports disclosed the residential address of two police officers last year in October.

The news reports described a vehicle crashing into a house and disclosed that the residents were police officers. The reports also identified the house number and street name, with one report also including the name of the suburb.

ACMA chair Nerida O’Loughlin said its investigation found Channel Nine breached privacy rules under the Television Industry Code of Practice.

“Privacy breaches of this nature can cause a lot of distress to those impacted,” Ms O’Loughlin said.

“The combination of the three reports intruded on the privacy of these officers when there was no public interest in doing so,” Ms O’Louglin said in a statement on Thursday.

The ruling comes just days after Nine boss Hugh Marks announced to staff on Saturday afternoon his surprise departure from the media group after the 54 year-old confirmed he was in a relationship with former Nine executive Alexi Baker to its own masthead.

Under the TV Industry code of Practice, TV broadcasters are not permitted to broadcast material that invades a person’s privacy unless there is a public interest reason or consent has been given from an individual.

ACMA’s investigation found “significant safety reasons for not disclosing the residential addresses of serving police officers”.

“Broadcasters know the rules and have a responsibility to follow the Code. This incident is a reminder that broadcasters must make careful assessments about information they disclose in reporting,” Ms O’Loughlin said.

ACMA said the material has been removed from Nine’s online platforms and the company has apologised to the police officers for any distress.

“In addition, Nine has undertaken to reiterate relevant Code obligations and the breach finding with relevant news and current affairs staff to ensure future compliance with the industry code”.

Nine said on Monday that Mr Marks will “actively continue” as CEO as the board, led by chairman Peter Costello, assesses its requirements and options, including both internal and external candidates.

Two senior Nine executives, digital and publishing boss Chris Janz and Stan boss Mike Sneesby, have emerged as the frontrunners to replace Mr Marks.