Respected football journalist Carolin Wilson has written in detail for the first time about Sam Newman’s mannequin stunt on The Footy Show.
Wilson’s heartfelt, considered response makes a compelling argument against the mindless sexism of Newman and his mates.
I abhor political correctness and my first impression (without seeing the program) was that reactions to the stunt were over the top.
But having read more and after digesting Wilson’s article I fully concur that Newman and Channel Nine deserved censure.
Freedom of expression is fine if it’s exercised responsibly. A measure of that is whether it causes offence and/or is in the public interest.
It’s not possible to say that stapling Wilson’s photograph to an underwear-clad mannequin was in the public interest and it did cause offence.
Comedians, like cartoonists, have licence that others don’t have because people understand their role and the context of their delivery.
While Newman is on the show to entertain, he’s not a stand-up comic and he takes part in serious football discussions. I can’t defend his actions as comedy.
Last word to Wilson:
As David Gyngell said several weeks ago: “Keep reminding them what you stand for and what is and what is not acceptable.”
Good on her for holding her ground and staying with Footy Classified.
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