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.

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.

Key Takeaways

• Guy Rundle, a columnist for Crikey, was sacked after sending a controversial text message about sexual assault to ABC's Radio National Breakfast program.
• ABC managing director David Anderson was outraged by the text and communicated his concerns to Crikey’s publisher and CEO.
• The text message sent by Rundle minimised sexual assault by suggesting that ‘every grope is now sexual assault’.
• Following the incident, Crikey’s CEO, Will Hayward, stated that they were appalled by Rundle’s comment, and his relationship with the publication became untenable, leading to the decision to no longer publish his work.

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?

 

[glennkidd]

I was going to post a response... but what's the point in today's cancel culture!

 

[OldBells]

I would understand if he had said every touch but, really, to use the word grope ? that word just sums up exactly what it is and its not pleasant.

 

[Jest]

both as bad as each other.

 

[BigAl6164]

First, all social media users need to remind themselves that digital communication is a minefield. Its immediacy is a double-edged sword: excellent for conveying a message quickly; damnably notorious for exposing "foot in mouth disease" with equal speed. The moral: sleep on it before punching "send."

Second, for the well-known - not only media professionals - must come the appreciation that their presence as so-called private individuals is profoundly diluted. They carry the silent burden of representing the organisations which employ them - like it or not; fair or not fair.

I suspect it's a too-easily-forgotten factor when people's passions are activated and elevated.

 

[Towing]

On-air broadcasting is a mine field too. I believe there is a Govt. Authority that can take action too.
That is why Talk Back Radio has 7 second delay in their system

 

[Jennie]

I seems to me that a sexual assault depends on the mood of the woman involved. Some things are not sexual assault, saying screw you is bad manners or rudeness not assault. Inadvertently touching a woman on the arm when opening a door for them is not assault. I've seen both of these events declared sexual assault by vindictive women. I have been touched inappropriately when I was a teenager but having an orange belt in judo let them know I wasn't happy. A bunch of keys held so the keys poked out between your fingers or a knee in the groin works if you need to defend yourself. In a crowded train speaking loudly about their grubby hand on your leg or breast gets them off the train at the next stop, I did that once then an older lady said that the man involved had tried that on her once and she just moved to another seat. That doesn't fix the problem at all. If you are grabbed, get hold of their little finger/s and pull back, very easy to break a little finger. People need to lighten up and defend themselves instead of running off screaming sexual assault.

 

[marni]

I seems to me that a sexual assault depends on the mood of the woman involved. Some things are not sexual assault, saying screw you is bad manners or rudeness not assault. Inadvertently touching a woman on the arm when opening a door for them is not assault. I've seen both of these events declared sexual assault by vindictive women. I have been touched inappropriately when I was a teenager but having an orange belt in judo let them know I wasn't happy. A bunch of keys held so the keys poked out between your fingers or a knee in the groin works if you need to defend yourself. In a crowded train speaking loudly about their grubby hand on your leg or breast gets them off the train at the next stop, I did that once then an older lady said that the man involved had tried that on her once and she just moved to another seat. That doesn't fix the problem at all. If you are grabbed, get hold of their little finger/s and pull back, very easy to break a little finger. People need to lighten up and defend themselves instead of running off screaming sexual assault.

It would be so much better if women/girls would not have to do this as males should know how to act without females needing to protect themselves. Keep their rotten hands and everything else to yourself. They are past the Neanderthal stage and should act accordingly.

 

[Macarj]

So he got sacked for that simple text

 

[BigAl6164]

It would be so much better if women/girls would not have to do this as males should know how to act without females needing to protect themselves. Keep their rotten hands and everything else to yourself. They are past the Neanderthal stage and should act accordingly.

I agree, Marni! It would indeed be so much better if men behaved respectfully. Men have agency. We have choice. We are more than able to choose NOT to rape or sexually assault or grope women and girls.

I'd like to see respectful men calling out disrespectful behaviours. I'm tired of all the excuses, minimalising and irrelevant distractions (à la Rundle).

Unfortunately, this is not yet our universe. How scandalous that women and girls have to protect themselves! Jennie pointed to just some of the ways women have to behave for self-protection. Until our so-called civilised societies have an overwhelming majority of men who are

respectful,
take responsibility for their actions,
and are accountable for their behaviours,

Jennie and women and girls will know the unreasonable and deplorable reality of living with strategies for self-protection and hypervigilance.

IT SHOULD NOT BE SO

 

[marni]

So he got sacked for that simple text

Did you read the story??? He had been warned previously for inappropriate columns and stories

 

[Jennie]

I agree, Marni! It would indeed be so much better if men behaved respectfully. Men have agency. We have choice. We are more than able to choose NOT to rape or sexually assault or grope women and girls.

I'd like to see respectful men calling out disrespectful behaviours. I'm tired of all the excuses, minimalising and irrelevant distractions (à la Rundle).

Unfortunately, this is not yet our universe. How scandalous that women and girls have to protect themselves! Jennie pointed to just some of the ways women have to behave for self-protection. Until our so-called civilised societies have an overwhelming majority of men who are

respectful,
take responsibility for their actions,
and are accountable for their behaviours,

Jennie and women and girls will know the unreasonable and deplorable reality of living with strategies for self-protection and hypervigilance.

IT SHOULD NOT BE SO

No it shouldn't be so, but I remember in a past life going out to pubs (back then nowhere else to go) and thinking that the behaviour of some women was pretty disgusting and feeling almost ashamed to be female.