14 June 2019
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Edited council meeting recording
Enquiry
It's been brought to my attention that the youtube video of the RLC meeting on May 30 has returned to youtube, edited, with the caption: *Please note: A short excerpt of this recording (at 11:51) has been redacted to remove content of a speculative personal nature.
Given we reported the video was removed, I think it's only right we report it has returned.
- When was the video re-uploaded?
- How much of the original recording was edited out?
- Between the time of its removal and the time of its reuploading, what action was taken by the council?
- Did the council seek legal advice about the recording and/or statements made at the meeting?
- Earlier you said it was removed due to "technicalities regarding ongoing publication"? Can you now specify what these technicalities are?
Response
The following information was provided - When was the video re-uploaded? Last Thursday (6 June) afternoon. - How much of the original recording was edited out? 15 seconds. - Between the time of its removal and the time of its reuploading, what action was taken by the council? A short excerpt was redacted to remove content of a speculative personal nature. - Did the council seek legal advice about the recording and/or statements made at the meeting? Yes - Earlier you said it was removed due to "technicalities regarding ongoing publication"? Can you now specify what these technicalities are? Council strives to be a responsible "publisher" and that carries with it a duty of care, including with respect to the nature of content published, in any form. That has to be balanced with the need to keep the community informed of council matters that are in the public interest. The video was temporarily removed to consider these matters and to consider what, if any, action was appropriate. |
