Ten cleared by regulator over ‘slut drop’ comments
Television’s watchdog, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), has cleared Studio 10 over the use of the term ‘slut’, despite a complaint from an offended viewer.
The segment, about 1999 pop culture, went to air at 10:14am on 17 February with a PG rating, with panellist Jonathan Coleman using the phrase, and then demonstrating the dance move.
Immediately after Coleman used the “slut drop” phrase, pannellist Sarah Harris said “I think that’s a technical term – don’t be offended”, but an off camera voice was heard quipping “I’m gonna miss Studio 10 – the show’s just been cancelled”.
ACMA commenced its investigation into the segment in April following complaints about whether the use of the offensive word was appropriate or necessary.
Responding the the complaint, the network said a PG classification meant young viewers should have adult supervision when watching.
“The PG classification recommends parental supervision for younger viewers. The Code allocates this period to material classified PG. Material classified ‘PG’ may contain careful presentations of adult themes or concepts but must be mild in impact and remain suitable for children to watch with supervision.
“Viewers recognise that the format and tone of this program is conversational, opinion-based and, at times, humorous, it relies on the candid responses of the hosts to varying issues that arise for discussion in the context of a morning program,” the network said.
Ten acknowledged people’s concerns around the word ‘slut’, but said “the remark was mild in impact, non-detailed and clearly not intended to be taken seriously”.
ACMA looked into whether the segment breached 2.1.1 of the Television Industry Code of Practice, which relates to classifications and suitability of broadcast material and found the network had classified the segment correctly.
“The ACMA considers that, while in some circumstances the word ‘slut’ may be a sexual reference or may be linked with a broader thematic element, the colloquial use of the word in this instance is most appropriately assessed as coarse language.
“Within the PG category, mild or socially offensive coarse language may be used infrequently, when justified by the story line or program context.
“The ACMA accepts that the term ‘slut’ may be considered to be socially offensive, however, in this context, it formed part of the name of a dance move rather than being directed to, or about, a person. The term was not used in a sexual context, was not delivered aggressively or as an insult, and was used only once in the program.”
In addition, ACMA noted the studio audience’s response indicated the content could be taken as amusing and entertaining.
“The ACMA considers that any potential offence was mitigated by the slapstick nature of the segment including the presenters’ mocking acknowledgement that the term was used as a ‘technical term’.
“Considering all of these factors, the impact of the infrequent coarse language did not exceed ‘mild’ and was contextually justified. Therefore, the ACMA considers the program was appropriately classified PG.”
What passes for news these days… (yawn)
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Outrage, over a very pointed and correct comment, islam gets away again. its not islam it, it, didnt happen. islam is peace!
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