A Current Affair calls for stories of ‘cheap’ Asian tradies but claims segment will be ‘positive’
A Current Affair’s social media post.
The executive producer of Nine’s A Current Affair claims the show was looking for positive stories after posting a call out for people to come forward with stories about using “cheap” Asian tradies on Facebook.
Grant Williams conceded the post, which asked for people’s experiences of Asian “painters, tilers, plasterers… What did you think? Did they do a good job, were they cheap” was “inappropriate” but claims the angle of the story was positive.
A Current Affair drew criticism in 2013 of its treatment of the Asian community with a story on what it claimed was an “All-Asian Mall” in Castle Hill – the segment was determined to be in breach of the Codes of Practice by media watchdog, the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
“I think what you can say to our detractors is that we are not as predictable or cliched as detractors would hope,” Williams told Mumbrella, this afternoon.
“We are actually doing a very positive story about how certain tradies and Korean painters, in particular, now identify themselves and their background as a marketing tool when seeking clientele.”
The Asian tradies post immediately drew criticism on social media as users asked if the angle of the story was negative and would vilify Asian tradespeople.
One of the social media posts criticising the ACA call out.
However, Williams said the idea for the story had come from him and his own experiences in renovating his property, on which he had employed Korean tradespeople.
“They actually market themselves as Korean painters,” Williams said.
“Importantly, the story is positive and there was no negativity or racial vilification intended. We weren’t saying ‘Korean tradies are crap – don’t go near Korean tradies’ we were saying that this was a good story – actually out of my personal experience – and that’s how it was first mooted.”
Asked about how the social media call-out occurred, Williams blamed a “a junior social media staffer”. The post was quickly deleted.
“Sadly, a junior social media staffer, in good faith, put up a call-out on behalf of a reporter without having the copy approved,” he said.
“Of course the copy was inappropriate.”
Nic Christensen
That “junior social media staffer” sure gets around …
Seem to remember Grant Williams blaming a junior staff member for something before… http://www.smh.com.au/entertai.....1ay72.html
Also remember that the “girl” in question received an apology.
They do the job in half the time and half the price and their workmanship is twice as good .
Katie J, I’m not sure if you’re referring to social media juniors or Asian tradies?
>>That “junior social media staffer” sure gets around
Probably Joe the Cameraman’s son or daughter.
I have had experience with Aussie bigans: they front current affairs programs on CH 9.
Last night ACA did a story on tourists from China shopping in Australia. The headline was “why can’t they get enough of our products”.
are there Korean tradies in Adelaide. A contact phone no. Or email address would be appreciated. BTW the story was a positive one. Cheers
Given the number of people in Nine’s social media department it’s surprising such a mistake was made. You’d think it would be managed better.
Nothin’ like a little positive racism
Solid 8 on the Papworth Scale
Perhaps it’s time for an expose of the shoddy workmanship of junior social media interns?
Grant or “Grunter” as he is called – should take the blame.
He has form when blaming the “younger staff”. http://m.smh.com.au/entertainm.....1ay72.html
Ultimately the buck stops with him.
If you took all the rantings of your racist old Grandpa and created a show, then it would be called ACA
It’s now known as ‘Doing A Pell’. [Blame someone else]
If you go back to the top and re read the ACA post screen grab, it’s quite embarrassing. Shame on us all. Long live #asiantradies
Are there any Asian workers that need work to Reno bathroom and also Asian needing job in refrigeration installation
I wouldn’t mind trying out of these J Tiling services then I can express my opinion. Do you know how to get in touch with them?
I’m glad the story turned out to be positive one. I’m also very plesant to hear that Williams had good experience with Korean painters. Being Korean, I’m proud of some unknown Korean painters whose good work has been appreciated by customers.
Majority of stories on ACA are unfortunately about victims of dodgy practices or mistreatments and I wish ACA could bring up more of good news that could leave positive impacts on community and audiences.
Wow, that is some serious back-pedalling! Was expecting the next thing he said to be “some of my best mates are Asian tradies”. My eyes are rolling so far back into my head I can see 1995
Cheap tradies , bet they are ..
How much do they get paid after there boss takes a cut …Are they paying taxes ..easy to get ABN under only one person ..
Bet the home owner goes to work and gets her 30-45 min lunch break plus 15mins for morning tea …
We are creating a major problem !!!
Young Aussie aren’t getting in to trades anymore not everyone can be a doctor or it expert…
457 visa good on you Australia
Aussie out of work and slavery in the work place ..
A Current Affair claims it’s not racist but by trying to claim that Koreans are better workers than Australians, that is simply stereotyping Koreans and Australians. Totally unneeded and misguided by ACA.
I am saddened by the remarks of so many, who seem to have no leeway, when it comes to opinion, discrimination, discernment etc.
Racial is not racist, sexual is not sexist. To be deemed too old or too young, is not ageist, and to criticise a woman’s opinions or actions, is not misogyny, any more than criticising a man is misandry.
To identify a group or an individual by ethnicity is perfectly logical. Every person on this planet is “an ethnic” we all have ethnicity of one kind or another.
The only point I have against this proposed program, is that it smacks of a ratings grabber, and it claims at the onset, to be “positive.” If this is true, then in my opinion, no conflict, no stimulus, little or no interest.
Saw feature on ‘Korean’ tradies. I’ll employ one of those any day. Just in the middle of an ongoing saga after having tiling done. Skill base – very poor. Finishing – poor. Didn’t follow instructions. Said he ‘hated’ grouting in early stage of job ? This rang ‘alarm’ bell.
Took ‘shortcuts’ – filled tile area with grout (behind door). Actually replaced ‘cracked’ tile in same area that one had been removed ?? Wasted tiles – overuse of stock. This is not all.
No receipt ?
How can I find one of the ‘Korean’ tilers – asap.
Thanks
Mali?
Asian people do a great job in their work stop being so racist A Current Affair u r a racist show, if it’s not Indian taxi drivers ur picking on its someone else. Always have been. I think Korean people r great workers they r never rude. Treat others how u want to b treated. Australian workers can be rude and curse which is disgusting.
That’s rubbish.They ruining trades and trained professionals !! Qualified Tradesmen and women can’t complete it’s a race to the bottom.
People now accept sub standard work as the norm.