Blackface - only okay if you have a black face
Seeing this video from The Daily Show reminded me to update you all on the Channel 9 rantypants letter.
The Daily Show With Jon StewartMon - Thurs 11p / 10cIs Blackface Ever OK?www.thedailyshow.comDaily Show
Full EpisodesPolitical HumorHealth Care Crisis
I got a response from Channel 9! Though it's dated 12th November I only received it on the 21st. Personally I suspect they let it sit for a while since it's so low on their list of priorities, or tried to delay its arrival to give me less time to respond. I shall type it up for you since I have no scanner! Emphasis mine.
Dear Miss [Lonecow],
Thank you for your letter concerning the 'Red Faces' segment of the Hey Hey Reunion Show broadcast on 7 October 2009.
At the outset, I apologise if the segment caused you or anyone else offence. It is clearly not our intention to upset our audience.
As you would be aware, the Segment received large media coverage in the days following the broadcast and many people expressed strong views both in support and in opposition to the content.
As indicated by the participants of the Segment in the media reports, it was not their intention to denigrate or ridicule Michael Jackson on the basis of his race. As stated by them, they were attempting to pay tribute to the Jackson Five group and in particular, Michael Jackson.
Despite their intention, we accept that some viewers found the material offensive and we again apologise for this. In order to address these concerns, Nine is arranging for detailed anti-discrimination training to be conducted with relevant production staff prior to the show returning next year.
The Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice (the 'Code') prohibits behaviour likely to provoke or perpetuate serious contempt or severe ridicule on the basis of race or ethnic origin. In assessing this clause, the government regulator, the Australian Communications and Media Authority, has previously held that the test is a high one in which material must provoke a strong reaction. There are also a number of exceptions under the Code, including where the material formed a good faith attempt at satire.
We believe this provision is relevant in this instance.
I understand you object to the segment and I again apologise for any offence caused, however I hope the above information does help to address your concerns. If you are still not satisfied, you may refer the matter to the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
I thank you for watching Channel Nine and hope that despite your views on this occasion, you continue to watch our programs.
Yours sincerely,
[Manager Corporate and Regulatory Affairs]
Things:
Simple things like my street name and suburb have been messed up, like if my address were 10 Smith St, Parkville East they made it 10 Smythe Street, Parkville. Not a big deal but enough to put me off from reading with a completely open mind.
Poor formatting: The top of the letter looks like this -
12 November 2009
Dear Miss [Lonecow]
10 Smythe Street
ParkvilleVIC3003
Dear Miss [Lonecow],
etc.
Other things:
Apologies if I'm offended? Thanks, Channel Nine! You're so very gracious.
Intentionality defence? Check.
Satire defence? Check.
Tribute defence? Check.
By my calculations, I have till the 7th of December to send off a letter to ACMA. (Approximately 60 days after the show first aired.)
----------------
Listening to: The National - Slow Show
via FoxyTunes
The Daily Show With Jon StewartMon - Thurs 11p / 10cIs Blackface Ever OK?www.thedailyshow.comDaily Show
Full EpisodesPolitical HumorHealth Care Crisis
I got a response from Channel 9! Though it's dated 12th November I only received it on the 21st. Personally I suspect they let it sit for a while since it's so low on their list of priorities, or tried to delay its arrival to give me less time to respond. I shall type it up for you since I have no scanner! Emphasis mine.
Dear Miss [Lonecow],
Thank you for your letter concerning the 'Red Faces' segment of the Hey Hey Reunion Show broadcast on 7 October 2009.
At the outset, I apologise if the segment caused you or anyone else offence. It is clearly not our intention to upset our audience.
As you would be aware, the Segment received large media coverage in the days following the broadcast and many people expressed strong views both in support and in opposition to the content.
As indicated by the participants of the Segment in the media reports, it was not their intention to denigrate or ridicule Michael Jackson on the basis of his race. As stated by them, they were attempting to pay tribute to the Jackson Five group and in particular, Michael Jackson.
Despite their intention, we accept that some viewers found the material offensive and we again apologise for this. In order to address these concerns, Nine is arranging for detailed anti-discrimination training to be conducted with relevant production staff prior to the show returning next year.
The Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice (the 'Code') prohibits behaviour likely to provoke or perpetuate serious contempt or severe ridicule on the basis of race or ethnic origin. In assessing this clause, the government regulator, the Australian Communications and Media Authority, has previously held that the test is a high one in which material must provoke a strong reaction. There are also a number of exceptions under the Code, including where the material formed a good faith attempt at satire.
We believe this provision is relevant in this instance.
I understand you object to the segment and I again apologise for any offence caused, however I hope the above information does help to address your concerns. If you are still not satisfied, you may refer the matter to the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
I thank you for watching Channel Nine and hope that despite your views on this occasion, you continue to watch our programs.
Yours sincerely,
[Manager Corporate and Regulatory Affairs]
Things:
Simple things like my street name and suburb have been messed up, like if my address were 10 Smith St, Parkville East they made it 10 Smythe Street, Parkville. Not a big deal but enough to put me off from reading with a completely open mind.
Poor formatting: The top of the letter looks like this -
12 November 2009
Dear Miss [Lonecow]
10 Smythe Street
ParkvilleVIC3003
Dear Miss [Lonecow],
etc.
Other things:
Apologies if I'm offended? Thanks, Channel Nine! You're so very gracious.
Intentionality defence? Check.
Satire defence? Check.
Tribute defence? Check.
By my calculations, I have till the 7th of December to send off a letter to ACMA. (Approximately 60 days after the show first aired.)
----------------
Listening to: The National - Slow Show
via FoxyTunes