Publishing reader’s email on newspaper letters page was breach of privacy, rules press watchdog

A local newspaper has fallen foul of Australia’s press watchdog after a reader complained that when she responded to an invitation to send in her views she was surprised to find them in print on the letters page.

The ruling against News Corp’s local freesheet The Manningham Leader followed the newspaper publishing a callout to readers asking for them to share views on Victorian bus services which it promised to make heard in the corridors of Melbourne’s Parliament House.

The callout stated: “Now we have to make sure Spring St hears the message, so tell us what you think. Email, write letters or comment on our Facebook page. And we’ll tell the Government. Loud and clear. And for free.”

Reader Jacqui Nettur emailed in, complaining about the lack of buses, and telling the newspaper: “Thanks for giving Manningham residents a voice”.