New Zealand TV Station Accidentally Airs Caption Calling Bush 'Professional Fascist'

TV3 apologises for Bush gaffe
20 June 2003

TV3 has apologised after a graphic labelling United States President George W Bush a "professional fascist" flashed up during its prime time news.

The baseline graphic, which was supposed to have promoted an upcoming weather bulletin, was aired to 360,000 viewers halfway through last night's news.

TV3 spokesman Roger Beaumont said the network was thoroughly investigating the mislabelled graphic.

"It was an absolute case of human error. The fact that it made it to air was extremely unfortunate and we apologise for any offence that may have been taken.

"What I can assure you is that it was a completely unintentional mistake."

The graphic was on screen for only a matter of seconds, but it was long enough to leave many viewers "surprised and confused".

Yesterday a handful of those people wanted to know how and why the mistake happened.

Mr Beaumont said it was too early to say if disciplinary action would be taken against the person who made the "absolutely genuine mistake".

"But we are looking into it, for sure."