Aussies rage over ABC's 'woke' fireworks coverage—see why it causes such uproar
- Replies 32
Not everyone was celebrating as the clock struck midnight and the sky above Sydney Harbour erupted in a dazzling display of colour and light.
The ABC, Australia's public broadcaster, has found itself at the centre of a fiery debate following its New Year's Eve coverage, which some viewers have branded as excessively 'woke' and politicised.
People argued that the broadcaster's focus on social issues overshadowed the festive spirit of the event. Meanwhile, supporters defend the coverage, claiming it reflects modern Australian society's diverse perspectives and inclusivity.
The ABC holds the exclusive rights to broadcast Sydney's iconic fireworks, a spectacle that draws eyes from around the globe.
This year, the coverage was led by hosts Zan Rowe and Charlie Pickering and featured a lineup of musical guests.
But it wasn't the star-studded performances or the pyrotechnics that sparked controversy—it was the thematic content of the broadcast.
The 9 pm family-friendly fireworks were themed 'Calling Country,' a celebration of land, sky, and sea through the artistic expressions of First Nations artists.
Before the fireworks, ABC aired a segment with Indigenous rapper Nooky, who explained the significance of the theme.
This inclusion of cultural education and acknowledgment of Aboriginal heritage in the festivities was met with mixed reactions.
Some viewers took to social media platforms to express their dissatisfaction, accusing the ABC of using the event to make a political statement.
Comments ranged from viewers claiming the coverage was 'unwatchable' due to its 'woke garbage' to others suggesting that the broadcaster was indoctrinating children with a skewed representation of Australian culture.
One viewer expressed frustration, saying, 'Australian children watched other channels—then the fireworks display—then back to something else as your 9 pm 'family fireworks' became unwatchable with woke garbage that any child shouldn’t have to see. You at the ABC should be ashamed [of] this.'
Another lamented, 'Glad that the ABC decided once again to turn NYE into another political statement, children don’t need 9 pm fun and fireworks, without a heaped serving of cultural education on the eve of New Year.'
However, not all feedback was negative. Other social media users praised the ABC's coverage with comments like:
'Thought the ABC coverage was excellent,' and 'The ABC’s coverage of it was great,' showcasing a divide in public opinion.
The debate raised important questions about the role of public broadcasters and the expectations of their audiences.
Should cultural and historical context be part of celebratory broadcasts, or should they remain purely entertainment-focused?
Is including Indigenous culture in such a significant event an act of respect and acknowledgment, or do some see it as a political maneuver?
More than 200,000 people gathered at various vantage points across Sydney to witness the fireworks firsthand.
The Sydney Harbour fireworks are renowned for their creativity and the iconic 'flowing beam of light' from the Harbour Bridge.
Did the ABC balance celebration and cultural acknowledgment, or did they miss the mark? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
The ABC, Australia's public broadcaster, has found itself at the centre of a fiery debate following its New Year's Eve coverage, which some viewers have branded as excessively 'woke' and politicised.
People argued that the broadcaster's focus on social issues overshadowed the festive spirit of the event. Meanwhile, supporters defend the coverage, claiming it reflects modern Australian society's diverse perspectives and inclusivity.
The ABC holds the exclusive rights to broadcast Sydney's iconic fireworks, a spectacle that draws eyes from around the globe.
This year, the coverage was led by hosts Zan Rowe and Charlie Pickering and featured a lineup of musical guests.
The ABC has faced criticism for what some viewers considered 'woke' coverage of Sydney's New Year's Eve fireworks. Credit: YouTube
But it wasn't the star-studded performances or the pyrotechnics that sparked controversy—it was the thematic content of the broadcast.
The 9 pm family-friendly fireworks were themed 'Calling Country,' a celebration of land, sky, and sea through the artistic expressions of First Nations artists.
Before the fireworks, ABC aired a segment with Indigenous rapper Nooky, who explained the significance of the theme.
This inclusion of cultural education and acknowledgment of Aboriginal heritage in the festivities was met with mixed reactions.
Some viewers took to social media platforms to express their dissatisfaction, accusing the ABC of using the event to make a political statement.
Comments ranged from viewers claiming the coverage was 'unwatchable' due to its 'woke garbage' to others suggesting that the broadcaster was indoctrinating children with a skewed representation of Australian culture.
One viewer expressed frustration, saying, 'Australian children watched other channels—then the fireworks display—then back to something else as your 9 pm 'family fireworks' became unwatchable with woke garbage that any child shouldn’t have to see. You at the ABC should be ashamed [of] this.'
Another lamented, 'Glad that the ABC decided once again to turn NYE into another political statement, children don’t need 9 pm fun and fireworks, without a heaped serving of cultural education on the eve of New Year.'
However, not all feedback was negative. Other social media users praised the ABC's coverage with comments like:
'Thought the ABC coverage was excellent,' and 'The ABC’s coverage of it was great,' showcasing a divide in public opinion.
The debate raised important questions about the role of public broadcasters and the expectations of their audiences.
Should cultural and historical context be part of celebratory broadcasts, or should they remain purely entertainment-focused?
Is including Indigenous culture in such a significant event an act of respect and acknowledgment, or do some see it as a political maneuver?
More than 200,000 people gathered at various vantage points across Sydney to witness the fireworks firsthand.
The Sydney Harbour fireworks are renowned for their creativity and the iconic 'flowing beam of light' from the Harbour Bridge.
Last edited:
.png){kind=icon}
