A discussion of contemporary issues in media ethics, with olives and a twist. Made with only the freshest ingredients, shaken, stirred and poured over ice. I should also mention that I do like the odd, occasional martini. Bombay Sapphire gin and Lillet, dry and plenty of salty olives. Welcome to this cocktail of journalism and alcohol. A fine combination!

Saturday, 14 April 2007

Don Imus sacking - more to come?

So there's a fuss in the American media about racist shock-jocks and Don Imus has been sacked from his CBS gig. The Poynter Institute is one of many media organistions to weigh into this debate.
There's another example, that's perhaps not so well known outside Australia at least. The loud-mouthed Alan Jones, the tarnished 'king' of Australian talkback has also this week been found 'guilty' of racial incitement. His comments had much more effect than those of Don Imus.
In December 2005 Jones used his popular morning talkback show to encourage Anglo-Australians to converge on a popular Sydney beach to 'reclaim' it from supposed gangs of Lebanese-Australian youths.
The Australian broadcasting watchdog has found Jones breached guidelines on broadcasting racially vilifying comments. Unfortunately ACMA has so far not indicated what penalty, if any, will apply to Jones.
It's unlikely that his employer (in which he also has shares) will sack him.
It's also not the first time Jones has been in trouble. He was involved in the now infamous "cash for comment" scandal that rocked Australian broadcasting a few years ago. That he's still on air is testament to the weak nature of the broadcasting laws in Australia.

2 comments:

Dr Mark Hayes said...

This Blog could become quite important, for all sorts of reasons.

Marty said...

I hope so Mark, as my first official visitor, kia ora.