Australian radio presenter Marty Sheargold’s sexist remarks about the Matildas have been found to breach decency standards by the broadcasting watchdog, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (Acma). The comments, broadcast on four Southern Cross Austereo stations, were described as “demeaning and sarcastic,” showing “contempt and disdain for women’s sport.”
Sheargold lost his job in February after saying on his Drive programme that he “would rather hammer a nail through the head of [his] penis” than watch the women’s national football team in next year’s Asian Cup. He also asked: “Got any men’s sport?” The stations received thousands of complaints after the remarks were shared on social media.
Acma member Carolyn Lidgerwood stated that the insulting language went beyond generally acceptable standards of decency. “Sexist comments like this don’t belong in Australian broadcasting,” she said. “Even if the comments were an extremely ill-judged attempt at humour, a reasonable listener would have found them offensive.”
The four licensees – Triple M Sydney, Triple M Brisbane, Gold Coast FM, and Maryborough Broadcasting Company – contravened the Commercial Radio Code of Practice by allowing derogatory language and sexist themes. Acma is considering enforcement action, which may include staff training, a formal warning, or additional licence conditions.
Sheargold apologised to the Matildas in February, saying he understood the gravity of his comments. Football Australia expressed deep disappointment, stating that such remarks “diminish the extraordinary achievements and contributions of our women’s national football team.”
