The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has determined that comments made during radio broadcasts of the Kyle & Jackie O Show violated decency standards under the Commercial Radio Code of Practice.
After a listener complaint about the Friday, June 7, 2024 broadcast, the ACMA launched investigations into Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation Pty Ltd (KIIS 1065) and Double T Radio Pty Ltd (KIIS 1011), the licensees airing the program in Sydney and Melbourne.
The investigations found that the two segments in question contained explicit sexual content and sustained vulgar, graphic sexualised descriptions.
Nerida O’Loughlin, chair of the ACMA, said the segments would be deemed offensive to any reasonable listener and did not align with community standards.
“This content went beyond the bounds of decency expected by the community and was done so deliberately and proactively,” she said.
“Even having two program censors employed by the broadcaster in place following previous ACMA enforcement action, this has not stopped occurrences of unsuitable content going to air.”
Double Y Radio has also been found to have breached the code for not responding to a listener complaint within 30 days of receipt.
“Complaints are an essential part of Australia’s co-regulatory broadcasting system as they provide a reliable avenue for the public to put their concerts directly to the broadcaster,” O’Loughlin said.
“Failing to respond to complaints in the required timeframe undermines the effectiveness of the co-regulatory system.”
On Wednesday, February 7, 2025, ACMA launched two further investigations into concerns about the program's compliance with the code, focusing on potential systemic issues related to decency and complaint handling.
Enforcement action for breaches in the June 7 broadcast will be considered once the investigations are concluded.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.