TV3's Target is on the receiving end over an episode that aired this month.

TV3's Target is on the receiving end over an episode that aired this month.

TV3's Target is on the receiving end over an episode that aired this month.

Campaigners against a crackdown on copyright crime have taken aim at the TV3 consumer show Target.

The show featured numerous examples of copyright theft, including downloading music and videos.

But the episode's "shame on you" theme showed a "no questions asked" acceptance of record and movie industry arguments.

TV3 confirmed it had received formal complaints about the November 3 programme, but stood by the show.

Soon after being shown on TV3, the show was played on websites operated by the music industry body Rianz and by the New Zealand Federation Against Copyright Theft, to promote their anti-piracy messages.

Target was taken down from anti-piracy sites this week.

The issue of downloads has been fraught, with internet protests this year about Section 92a of the Copyright Act. Critics said the act would have forced internet service providers to shut out customers on the accusation of copyright owners.

Campaigners at the Creative Freedom Foundation said Target had shown just one side of the argument and it was little more than a video press release for industry lobby groups.

The overwrought delivery plus the fact that it was used as a direct plug by Rianz and NZFact suggests either copyright holders were 100 per cent right or Target should have been more sceptical.

TV3 and the Top Shelf production company said Target was explaining copyright obligations to consumers, not taking part in a debate.

TV3 commissioning executive Sue Woodfield said she had previously allowed programmes to be played on other websites because it is was good promotion.

Top Shelf's Vincent Burke said the company might treat the subject differently if it covered it again.

FLYING THE COOP

Saatchi & Saatchi refugees Andrew Stone and Mike O'Sullivan have been talking about a role in Air New Zealand's new open-source advertising regime.

The Saatchi chief executive and executive creative director have been in talks with global boss Kevin Roberts about leaving and setting up their own agency, creating a big question mark about Saatchi's direction.