The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has found comments broadcast on the Marty Sheargold Show about women’s sport have breached decency rules.
The investigation found that Triple M Sydney Pty Ltd, Triple M Brisbane Pty Ltd, Gold Coast FM Pty Ltd and Maryborough Broadcasting Company Pty Limited who were all syndicating the Marty Sheargold show contravened the Commercial Radio Code of Practice by allowing derogatory language and sexist themes perpetuating stereotypes of women’s behaviour to be broadcast on the programs.
Authority Member Carolyn Lidgerwood said the demeaning and insulting language used by the host went beyond generally acceptable standards of decency:
“Sexist comments like this don’t belong in Australian broadcasting. Even if the comments were an extremely ill-judged attempt at humour, a reasonable listener would have found them offensive and to have crossed the line.”
The ACMA noted that Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) ‘‘mutually agreed to part ways’ with Sheargold following the comments.
The ACMA is currently considering enforcement action against the SCA stations and licencees for breaching the code and will publicly announce the outcome once finalised.
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