Is Kyle Sandilands above the law?
Rules are rules and they apply to everyone. Or do they? Also: rumours from both sides of politics, and the greyhound industry bites back.
Kyle Sandilands is at it again. He has, of course, built a career on controversy and has caught the attention of the broadcasting regulators over many years.
But now things are a little more serious. Sandilands and his co-host Jackie “O” Henderson potentially face contempt of court charges for comments made during the high-profile Erin Patterson “mushroom murder” trial.
His on-air remark before the jury verdict, “Just lock that b—ch up”, appear to betray a disregard for legal boundaries and community standards.
Despite his 30+ years on air (including pretending to be a judge on the short-lived TV show Trial by Kyle), Sandilands has seemingly failed or refused to grasp the concepts of sub-judice and contempt of court, and the fact that these processes are there to ensure the proper carriage of justice. They protect the defendant, the prosecution and the public.
If somebody is accused of a serious crime, it’s in everyone’s interests that that person gets a fair trial. And that means that Kyle — like everyone else with an audience — has to keep his big mouth shut until the conclusion of a court case, lest he influence the proceedings, perhaps allowing an innocent person to be locked up or a guilty one to go free.
But Kyle only wants what Kyle wants. His actions suggest very strongly that he’s not interested in seeing justice done; he’s only interested in self-aggrandisement.
It’s not for me to say whether Sandilands and Henderson, or their bosses at KIIS/ ARN, will face contempt charges. The matter has been referred by the judge to the Office of Public Prosecutions, which will decide whether to proceed.
What I will say, though, is that Sandilands has undoubtedly been emboldened by the fact that he has broken the rules before and has not faced any real consequences.
Sure, his show now has a “censor” but, from what I gather, he’s incorporated that person into the program, treating them in the same manner he’s treated other people who’ve come and gone from his orbit over the years.
To my mind, allowing the censor to have any on-air interaction with the hosts defeats the purpose of the role.
The media watchdog, ACMA, has yet to impose a penalty on a breach of decency standards by the Kyle and Jackie O Show that occurred more than a year ago, because it is investigating another complaint.
If Sandilands gets another slap in the face with a wet lettuce, then we can only conclude that, as he apparently already believes, the rules don’t apply to him.
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Ones to watch
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie has been leading the charge over the report into activities at the CFMEU.
Is it a coincidence that we are also hearing rumours of a power play between him and Premier David Crisafulli?
Mind you, there are those in the Labor camp who would rather see Cameron Dick running the Opposition than Steven Miles.
Dogs have their say
I mentioned on radio, and here on this blog, this week that I think greyhound racing should be banned.
In fairness, I’ll note that Racing Queensland has defended its new venue, The Q, where 11 dogs have died since trials began in March.
The controlling body says it is committed to animal welfare and that the safety of racing animals is central to its decision-making. It has noted its investment in welfare initiatives, including the Race Meeting Injury Scheme and the Greyhound Retirement Readiness Scheme.
The State Government has announced a full independent investigation into the incidents at The Q.
I hope that all options, including much stricter supervision at all levels and even a phasing out of the industry altogether, are on the table.
P.S.
Congratulations to Brisbane’s Liam Renton and Vanessa Gibson for having themselves and their Christmas Podding podcast featured in lights at Times Square in New York.
I can't help wonder at what point did we all become silent and allow attention-seeking-missiles like Sandilands to rule the roost in the most despicable ways and get away with it? As for Jarrod Bleijie, I hope there is a power play, but only if he's "better", a more decent, measured and sensible leader than Crisafulli. Finally on greyhound racing. Brett I think we live in La La land if we think they'll ban it. It, like all gambling is easy money for incompetent governments who are only good at blowing money in all the wrong places. As the owner of two rescue greyhounds, I sincerely hope they will ban this terrible form of gambling, but just ask former NSW premier Mike Baird how he thinks any moves to shut this corrupt industry down will go.
The lowbrow discourse associated with FM radio possibly contributes to problems we have with teenagers. Kyle’s example says that doing whatever you want, disrespecting laws and any authority while engaging in grubby behaviour and conversation will lead to fame and fortune.
But then, maybe FM radio has always been subversive, grubby and unintelligent… remember Gibson and Duckworth?