News

SMH boss Darren Goodsir asks columnist Mike Carlton to apologise for being rude to readers

Darren Goodsir

Goodsir: ‘Mike regrets his behaviour’

The Sydney Morning Herald’s editor-in-chief Darren Goodsir has apologised for offensive language used by columnist Mike Carlton in correspondence with readers.

The apology comes a day after the newspaper apologised for a cartoon used to illustrate a Carlton column condemning Israel’s shelling of Gaza.

In a statement posted on the SMH’s website tonight, Goodsir said that Carlton had gone too far in defending his position to readers.

Goodsir wrote:

“I have become aware that Mike Carlton has corresponded with some Herald readers and letter writers using inappropriate and offensive language.

“This behaviour is completely unacceptable.

“I have asked Mike to apologise for these actions. Mike regrets his behaviour and will be contacting affected readers to apologise.

“On behalf of the Herald, I too apologise for any offence caused.

“In dealing with our readers, it is a basic principle that our staff, columnists and contributors should always behave with respect and courtesy.”

carlton twitter pissant

Click to enlarge

The SMH has been coming under intense pressure over its coverage of the conflict, with rival title The Australian claiming the paper has seen an advertising boycott and some readers cancelling subscriptions.

It was unclear from the statement whether Goodsir was referring to Carlton’s robust debating of the topic on Twitter over the last few days, or in private messages to individual readers.

mike carlton twitter

 

9.30pm update: The Australian’s media editor Sharri Markson has tweeted that the apology came after she forwarded to Fairfax Media CEO Greg Hywood 15 examples of “abusive emails” from Carlton.

sharri markson carlton

 

August 5 update: Carlton has now resigned

ADVERTISEMENT

Get the latest media and marketing industry news (and views) direct to your inbox.

Sign up to the free Mumbrella newsletter now.

 

SUBSCRIBE

Sign up to our free daily update to get the latest in media and marketing.