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ACMA launches investigation into Sandilands ‘spider baby’ jokes

The media watchdog has launched a formal investigation into comments by Kyle Sandilands on 2Day FM about a child born in Pakistan with additional limbs that he described as a “spider baby”.

Audio of the spider baby comments:

The comments on the Sydney breakfast show came in April, shortly after the Australian Communications and Media Authority found against Sandilands for his comments about a News Limited journalist.

However, it took place before a new licensing regime was formally in place which meant that ACMA would be in a position to immediately examine complaints. Instead they had to be initially dealt with by the Southern Cross Austereo owned radio station.

The complaints have now been escalated to ACMA, which has decided they carry enough weight to merit an investigation. However, that does not automatically suggest that Sandilands have breached the broadcasting rules.

A spokesman for 2Day FM told Mumbrella: “We are aware that ACMA is investigating these comments and we will submit our response as required. We do not believe there is any substance to the complaints.”

Rival radio station Nova’s Sydney breakfast team of Fitzy & Wippa covered similar material, however ACMA is not undertaking an investigation into those comments. An explanation for this may be that formal complaints were not made about the Nova broadcast, while the “Sack Vile” campaign has remained active on Sandilands’ behaviour.

Audio of the Fitzy & Wippa segment:

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