Seven defends its decision to not broadcast this morning’s anti-Sunrise protest
Seven has explained its decision to block the airing of a protest outside its offices today, telling Mumbrella it was to “ensure regulatory compliance”.
The protest – organised in response to a Sunrise segment about whether white families should be allowed to adopt Aboriginal children – took place outside Seven’s offices in Martin Place this morning.
The Sunrise backdrop usually broadcasts a live picture of Martin Place, but Seven made the decision to use stock footage after some protesters began banging on the studio’s windows.
A Seven spokesperson told Mumbrella: “We respect the right to protest as much as we respect the right of free speech.
“Some of the group were holding offensive signage and some began banging on the window and mouthing obscenities. To ensure regulatory compliance, and bearing in mind the potential for young children to be watching, the decision was made to utilise a generic backdrop.”
Seven has faced widespread criticism for airing the segment, in which commentator Prue MacSween suggested Indigenous children should be taken from their families “just like the first Stolen Generation”.
“Don’t worry about the people that would cry and hand wringing and say this would be another Stolen Generation. Just like the first Stolen Generation where a lot of people were taken because it was for their wellbeing… we need to do it again, perhaps,” she said.
At the end of the day we need to protect the safety of all children regardless of race all children should be able to grow up in a safe environment
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Professional protesters, GetUp and Aboriginal activists do not represent the Aboriginals who are at the coal face. I ignore them as well.
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Support Sam and Dr Gillespie totally
People who are in the regional areas See the neglect of these poor little darlin daily.
Parents are incapable of providing a secure, loving, caring, and safe environment. .
Open adoption of the children is paramount to their healthy happy outcome
Truly it isa very real saddest problem.
These kids deserve a good life
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When has Sunrise ever admitted they were wrong???
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