Crikey! Columnist's controversial comments lead to dismissal and media uproar
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In the ever-evolving landscape of Australian media, notable figures often stir discussions that resonate with the public.
Recently, an exchange involving a prominent commentator and a respected journalist has sparked conversations across social platforms.
This incident has not only highlighted the dynamics of media interactions but also reflects the broader discourse surrounding political commentary and public engagement in Australia.
As reactions continue to unfold, the impact of such exchanges on public opinion remains a topic of interest, revealing the intricate connections between media, politics, and society.
A far-left news outlet has found itself at the centre of a new controversy after one of its prominent columnists was reportedly dismissed for sending a provocative message about sexual assault to an ABC radio program.
Guy Rundle, described as Crikey's ‘correspondent-at-large’, allegedly texted the Radio National Breakfast show's line in response to a segment discussing the increase in sexual offences, stating that ‘every grope is now sexual assault’.
This incident has reignited discussions around the responsibilities of media figures in their communications.
On Thursday morning, October 17, host Patricia Karvelas read out a text message on-air, informing listeners that Guy Rundle had written it.
‘It's because every grope is now a sexual assault, and people don't believe policy people,’ she quoted before expressing her shock at the content of the message, ‘Wow, that's quite staggering…I've got to say I'm a little shocked there.’
The text—a response to an interview with Angela Lynch, the Head of the Queensland Sexual Assault Network, discussing the serious issue of rising sexual assault crimes in Queensland—was the last straw for ABC managing director David Anderson.
Anderson was reportedly so outraged by the text that he took the matter up with Crikey's Publisher, Eric Beecher, and Chief Executive Will Hayward, pointing out that this was not the first ‘inflammatory’ text Rundle had sent to the show and Karvelas, but it was the first to be read on air and attributed to him.
The fallout was swift and decisive.
Private Media's Chief Executive, Will Hayward, expressed his disgust at Rundle's comments and said that Crikey would no longer publish his work.
‘We were appalled to hear the comment made by Guy Rundle about sexual assault on Radio National yesterday morning,’ My Hayward stated.
‘Rundle is a writer with significant talents and a body of insightful and challenging work, but we condemn those kinds of comments, and our working relationship has become untenable.’
‘Therefore, we will no longer be publishing his work,’ he added.
Rundle was anticipated to cover next month's US election for Crikey, but it appears that he will no longer be involved in that assignment.
This was not Rundle's first brush with controversy. Earlier in the year, he had made headlines for stating he would ‘celebrate’ if terrorists launched a major act of violence against Israel.
Rundle authored an extensive, 1,400-word opinion piece titled, ‘October 7 wasn't Israel's 9/11. But as Gaza's destruction continues, it will come’.
On October 7, Hamas terrorists killed over 1,100 people, including nearly 700 civilians, among Israelis and foreign nationals.
Additionally, in June of the previous year, Rundle faced widespread criticism for an opinion piece about the compensation received by Brittany Higgins, who was allegedly sexually assaulted in Parliament House in 2019.
Rundle claimed that Ms Higgins is part of a ‘well-connected network’ and suggested that the Labor Party expedited her compensation for its own political gain.
Crikey later removed the article and issued an apology, leading to a period where Rundle's work was not featured on the site.
Following the implementation of new editorial guidelines, Rundle had returned to writing for Crikey, but his latest misstep proved to be irredeemable.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with a platform in the media and the importance of maintaining a respectful discourse, especially on sensitive topics such as sexual assault.
To our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, this story is a reminder that words have power and can have real-world consequences.
It's crucial to engage in discussions, especially on public platforms, with sensitivity and respect for the experiences and feelings of others.
We encourage you to share your thoughts on this incident and the broader topic of responsible journalism in the comments below. How do you think media professionals should balance free speech with the potential to cause harm or offence?
Recently, an exchange involving a prominent commentator and a respected journalist has sparked conversations across social platforms.
This incident has not only highlighted the dynamics of media interactions but also reflects the broader discourse surrounding political commentary and public engagement in Australia.
As reactions continue to unfold, the impact of such exchanges on public opinion remains a topic of interest, revealing the intricate connections between media, politics, and society.
A far-left news outlet has found itself at the centre of a new controversy after one of its prominent columnists was reportedly dismissed for sending a provocative message about sexual assault to an ABC radio program.
Guy Rundle, described as Crikey's ‘correspondent-at-large’, allegedly texted the Radio National Breakfast show's line in response to a segment discussing the increase in sexual offences, stating that ‘every grope is now sexual assault’.
This incident has reignited discussions around the responsibilities of media figures in their communications.
Crikey columnist Guy Rundle was dismissed after sending a controversial text about sexual assault to ABC's Radio National Breakfast program. Credit: Facebook / Guy Rundle
On Thursday morning, October 17, host Patricia Karvelas read out a text message on-air, informing listeners that Guy Rundle had written it.
‘It's because every grope is now a sexual assault, and people don't believe policy people,’ she quoted before expressing her shock at the content of the message, ‘Wow, that's quite staggering…I've got to say I'm a little shocked there.’
The text—a response to an interview with Angela Lynch, the Head of the Queensland Sexual Assault Network, discussing the serious issue of rising sexual assault crimes in Queensland—was the last straw for ABC managing director David Anderson.
Anderson was reportedly so outraged by the text that he took the matter up with Crikey's Publisher, Eric Beecher, and Chief Executive Will Hayward, pointing out that this was not the first ‘inflammatory’ text Rundle had sent to the show and Karvelas, but it was the first to be read on air and attributed to him.
The fallout was swift and decisive.
Private Media's Chief Executive, Will Hayward, expressed his disgust at Rundle's comments and said that Crikey would no longer publish his work.
‘We were appalled to hear the comment made by Guy Rundle about sexual assault on Radio National yesterday morning,’ My Hayward stated.
‘Rundle is a writer with significant talents and a body of insightful and challenging work, but we condemn those kinds of comments, and our working relationship has become untenable.’
‘Therefore, we will no longer be publishing his work,’ he added.
Rundle was anticipated to cover next month's US election for Crikey, but it appears that he will no longer be involved in that assignment.
This was not Rundle's first brush with controversy. Earlier in the year, he had made headlines for stating he would ‘celebrate’ if terrorists launched a major act of violence against Israel.
Rundle authored an extensive, 1,400-word opinion piece titled, ‘October 7 wasn't Israel's 9/11. But as Gaza's destruction continues, it will come’.
On October 7, Hamas terrorists killed over 1,100 people, including nearly 700 civilians, among Israelis and foreign nationals.
Additionally, in June of the previous year, Rundle faced widespread criticism for an opinion piece about the compensation received by Brittany Higgins, who was allegedly sexually assaulted in Parliament House in 2019.
Rundle claimed that Ms Higgins is part of a ‘well-connected network’ and suggested that the Labor Party expedited her compensation for its own political gain.
Crikey later removed the article and issued an apology, leading to a period where Rundle's work was not featured on the site.
Following the implementation of new editorial guidelines, Rundle had returned to writing for Crikey, but his latest misstep proved to be irredeemable.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with a platform in the media and the importance of maintaining a respectful discourse, especially on sensitive topics such as sexual assault.
It's crucial to engage in discussions, especially on public platforms, with sensitivity and respect for the experiences and feelings of others.
We encourage you to share your thoughts on this incident and the broader topic of responsible journalism in the comments below. How do you think media professionals should balance free speech with the potential to cause harm or offence?
