News

Watchdog opens new investigation into Kyle & Jackie O

Media watchdog ACMA has commenced a formal investigation into the infamous Kyle & Jackie O lie detector test, it said today.  

The move is in addition to the radio industry-wide inquiry into public participation in live segments announced by the Australian Communications & Media Authority last week.

ACMA’s announcement coincides with today’s return of the 2Day FM show after a three week absence. It comes after members of the public unhappy with network Austereo’s response to their initial complaints escalated them to the media authority.

In a statement, ACMA said:

“The Australian Communications and Media Authority confirmed today that it has commenced an investigation into whether the licensee of the Sydney commercial radio station 2DAY complied with the Commercial Radio Codes of Practice 2004 (the code) in the broadcast of the program The Kyle and Jackie O Breakfast Show on 29 July 2009.

“The investigation has been commenced in response to a number of complaints from members of the public who had complained to the station about a segment of the program and were dissatisfied with the station’s reply.

“The segment involved a 14-year-old participant being asked questions about her sexual activities while attached to a lie detector.

“The investigation will focus on whether the content of the broadcast met clause 1.5(a) of the code, which provides that ‘all program content must meet contemporary standards of decency, having regard to the likely characteristics of the audience of the licensee’s service’.

“The code includes an obligation on licensees to ‘conscientiously’ consider written complaints and to ‘use its best endeavours to respond substantively in writing within 30 days’. Compliance with this obligation will also be investigated by the ACMA in the course of the investigation.

“This investigation is separate from the broader-ranging investigation announced by the ACMA on 11 August 2009, which is looking at whether the code and existing industry practices provide sufficient safeguards for participants and subjects in live-hosted entertainment programs on commercial radio. The ACMA terms of reference for the broader investigation indicated it would use the facts and circumstances of this recent 2Day FM episode as a key case study.”

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.