Our posts on the sceptics offering NZ$2 million for proof of paranormal activity and psychic ability has raised a lot of debate over the authenticity of psychics and their use in solving crimes. We invited David Harry Baldock, Managing Director of Ninox Television which produces reality television shows Sensing Murder, Ultimate MITRE10 Dream Home and Location, Location, Location to respond to the $2 million challenge on behalf of the four psychics approached by Immortality.

Sensing Murder is an award winning show and is the Winner of the Best Reality Format in the Qantas Television Awards 2006. It is also a top rating show. According to producer David Baldcock Sensing Murder had 45% market share in its target market (18-45 years of age Aucklanders) and ranked 6th in that age group across New Zealand.

His unedited response is below:

The psychics are often approached by extremist sceptics with outlandish schemes to try and expose them as frauds. In one case the psychics were asked to pay $1000 to a sceptic for the privilege of attempting to locate a needle in a paddock! The sceptic claimed he would then pay them $100,000 if they located the needle....

From our perspective, why should the psychics have to prove themselves with these pathetic parlour tricks?

Their abilities have been proved time and time again by the fact police are now actively following up many of their leads generated through Sensing Murder. In the case of murdered 91 year old George Engelbrect, for example, the police are now actively pursuing the psychic theory that 2 people were involved. The psychics provided a clear description of the possible accomplice. Police have located someone fitting this description and are currently investigating. The fact that they are dedicating police resources to this a real criminal investigation is, in our opinion, a much more valid testimony to the psychics' ability than some silly test devised by a group of radical atheists.

Regardless of whether this group has the money or not, Ninox Television does not believe that they are objective enough to conduct an independent test. By labelling the psychics "liars" they have clearly stated their position. Who could trust them to conduct a fair trial of the psychic's abilities?

Respected clinical psychologist Nigel Latta observed a full psychic reading and did not believe that psychic Deb Webber had cheated or was recounting previously learnt facts. The fact that extremist sceptics are now challenging Nigel's credibility, when he has 17 years experience interviewing some of NZ's worst criminals, is surely a sign that nothing will convince these die-hard non-believers. When Nigel asked to observe a reading, we agreed because he has proven experience detecting deception - far more experience, I would suggest, than these armchair critics with blatant agendas of trying to disprove life after death. In a future episode, you will see that the former detective in charge of a case also sits in on the psychic readings. Surely if it was all a hoax, he would have something to say about it???

If we make a third series of Sensing Murder, we may indeed devise other tests for the psychics. However, the need for objective and impartial adjudicators to preside over these tests is paramount.

Incidentally, the psychics do not believe this 'atheist' outfit have the funds to back up their challenge. I'd have to say I'd go with the psychic's instincts on that one...

Kind regards,
David Harry Baldock
Managing Director
Ninox Television