New Zealand Skeptics' 1987 Media Awards

- 1 February 1988

The New Zealand Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (Inc.) seeks nominations for its annual journalism/media awards for 1986-1987. Awards will be presented at the annual meeting of the Committee, held this year at Victoria University in Wellington, August 29-30.

Bent Spoon Award: Given for the most cynical, uncritical, or absurdly gullible reportage in the realm of psychic or paranormal phenomena, fringe medicine, or pseudoscience. Consider letting us know of work which may have appeared in rival publications, or work produced by sworn personal enemies. We are especially interested this year in examining credulous reports on “alternative” medicine. Dishonourable mentions in addition to award. Last year’s top winner: The New Zealand Woman’s Weekly for an article enthusiastically describing a method ot “radiating power and energy” from the palm ofthe hand in orde: to mend broken bones, get a job, banish depression or hiccups, quiet noisy dogs, repair electrical power failures—and cure multiple sclerosis and cancer.

Excellence Award: Presented to the writer or producer of the best critical or investigative reportage on a paranormal topic. Self-nominations welcome. Last year’s winners: Josh Easby of the Auckland Siar for an extraordinary article on the “cold reading” methods used self-proclaimed psychics to convince people of their paranormal powers; Sue McTagget of the Listener for an interview with an Australian numerologist; Greg Ansley of the Christchurch Star for a followup on the 1986 predictions of an Auckland astrologer; and Stan Darling of the Christchurch Press for an investigation into the Dermatron device used in _

New Zealand to “diagnose” alleged cases of pesticide poisoning.

Please send nominations—with cuttings, photocopies, or audio/video tapes—to Dr. Denis Dutton, Chairman, New Zealand Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal, University of Canterbury, Christchurch.