Having years ago worked on this sort of show (Watchdog among others), I can assure you this isn't true in cases like this. The rules are very very strict, much more so than they are with the press, particularly where peoples reputations and businesses are concerned. I'm not saying that other type of shows, reality etc, don't cut to a certain narrative, but with this sort of caper you have to be even handed.
Well they would be very strict. The slander laws are there to protect the innocent's reputation.