Sydney —
The Associated Press Last updated on
Monday, Aug. 03, 2009 12:15PM EDT
Kyle Sandilands, co-host of a top-rated morning radio program, was also off the radio Monday and his station said the Kyle and Jackie O Show was on hold indefinitely.
On last Wednesday's 2Day FM breakfast program, a 14-year-old girl was hooked up to a lie detector and asked on air about her sexual history, at her mother's request.
When the girl revealed she had been raped when she was 12, Mr. Sandilands responded, “Is that the only experience you've had?”
His reaction raised an immediate furor that led to Mr. Sandilands issuing several apologies to the girl and to the public. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said he was “distressed” at the way the girl had been treated, and New South Wales state government ordered an investigation into the girl's rape claim.
Network Ten, which broadcasts Australian Idol , said in a statement that Mr. Sandilands' radio image was out of step with the talent show's family-style audience.
“We thank Kyle for his contribution to Australian Idol over the last four years,” the statement said. “But it has become increasingly clear that as Idol has remained a family-focused show ... his radio persona has taken on a more controversial position over this period which is not in the interest of the show.”
Mr. Sandilands had been a judge on the show since 2005.
“I'm disappointed at Channel 10's decision to remove me from Australian Idol ,” Mr. Sandilands said in a statement. “I have truly loved being a part of the show and wish everyone involved all of the success for this coming season.”
The Kyle and Jackie O Show had previously aired segments about people stripping for money and the search for Sydney's smallest penis.
The Radio Station should face a severe fine. This was "A Stunt", an extremely
poor taste stunt and it hit PayDirt with the girls answer, that she had been
raped.
The Radio Station was probably on a time delay, it should have been CUT right
there and then to prevent it from being "aired".
The Radio Station and its directors apparently are of the greedy sort, more
interested than ratings than ethical behaviour which often does not win ratings
but at least, they keep their honourable reputations.
The Radio Station, gave the command, the naive DJ, did what he was told,
apparently gifted numerous abilities and talents. At that particular moment, the
DJ, must have been caught unawares, his station told him to engage in a very
controversial interview and he did what he was paid to do.
It is the Radio Station, who bears the largest responsibility for the
destruction of the DJ's career.
As for the young lady, she has a mother who is lacking in the most basic of
parenting skills.
Now, where is the young ladies father?
Obviously, we have not heard the end of this story.
Lets hope Australians can get past the knee jerk reactions of political
correctness.
www.OttawaMensCentre.com
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