Australia's broadcasting watchdog, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (Acma), has ruled that four Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) radio stations breached decency rules by broadcasting sexist and demeaning comments about the Matildas made by presenter Marty Sheargold.
In February, Sheargold said on his Drive program that he 'would rather hammer a nail through the head of [his] penis' than watch the Matildas in the Asian Cup, and asked 'Got any men’s sport?' The remarks sparked thousands of complaints.
Acma found the comments demonstrated 'a level of contempt and disdain for women’s sport, and more generally of women', and were exacerbated by the host referring to his genitalia. The regulator stated that the insulting language went beyond generally acceptable standards of decency.
SCA had argued the comments were not offensive to generally acceptable standards for a Triple M listener, and that harsh comments are made when sports teams perform badly. However, Acma member Carolyn Lidgerwood said sexist comments like these do not belong in Australian broadcasting.
The four licensees – Triple M Sydney, Triple M Brisbane, Gold Coast FM and Maryborough Broadcasting Company – contravened the Commercial Radio Code of Practice. Acma is considering enforcement action, which may include staff training, a formal warning or additional licence conditions.
Sheargold apologised in February, saying he fully understood the gravity of his comments. Football Australia expressed deep disappointment, stating the remarks diminished the achievements of the women's national team.
