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‘All-Asian Mall’ story breached three media codes ‘All-Asian Mall’ story breached three media codes
(5 days later)
Channel Nine’s A Current Affair will issue an on-air apology after the Australian Communications and Media Authority ruled that the story “All-Asian Mall” portrayed people of Asian ethnicity in a negative light.Channel Nine’s A Current Affair will issue an on-air apology after the Australian Communications and Media Authority ruled that the story “All-Asian Mall” portrayed people of Asian ethnicity in a negative light.
ACMA found that A Current Affair had breached three of its codes – relating to inaccurate factual material; placing “gratuitous emphasis” on ethnic origin; and provoking “serious contempt” of someone’s ethnic origin – by airing the story.ACMA found that A Current Affair had breached three of its codes – relating to inaccurate factual material; placing “gratuitous emphasis” on ethnic origin; and provoking “serious contempt” of someone’s ethnic origin – by airing the story.
The story, “All-Asian Mall”, claimed that a shopping centre in Castle Hill had been overtaken by Asian retailers. Controversial former politician Pauline Hanson made a brief appearance on the segment in which she recalled her maiden parliamentary speech that warned Australia of being “swamped by Asians”.The story, “All-Asian Mall”, claimed that a shopping centre in Castle Hill had been overtaken by Asian retailers. Controversial former politician Pauline Hanson made a brief appearance on the segment in which she recalled her maiden parliamentary speech that warned Australia of being “swamped by Asians”.
Following the screening of the piece on 7 November last year, Channel Nine and Ben McCormack, the reporter who conjured up the story, were deluged by complaints from shop owners and local residents.Following the screening of the piece on 7 November last year, Channel Nine and Ben McCormack, the reporter who conjured up the story, were deluged by complaints from shop owners and local residents.
ACMA found there were multiple inaccuracies in the story, such as the claim that Asian speciality shops would occupy “almost all” of the lower level of Castle Mall in Castle Hill. In fact, just four out of 16 retailers were to be Asian-focused shops.ACMA found there were multiple inaccuracies in the story, such as the claim that Asian speciality shops would occupy “almost all” of the lower level of Castle Mall in Castle Hill. In fact, just four out of 16 retailers were to be Asian-focused shops.
A reference to “Aussie shopkeepers” being “kicked out” was also false, ACMA ruled.A reference to “Aussie shopkeepers” being “kicked out” was also false, ACMA ruled.
The communications watchdog said the piece was guilty of conveying “negative misinformation” and “inflammatory language” about Australians of Asian ethnic origins. A Current Affair had used language that implied people of Asian origin didn’t belong in Australia, ACMA added.The communications watchdog said the piece was guilty of conveying “negative misinformation” and “inflammatory language” about Australians of Asian ethnic origins. A Current Affair had used language that implied people of Asian origin didn’t belong in Australia, ACMA added.
Chris Chapman, chairman of ACMA, told Mumbrella that Channel Nine’s planned apology was the first time a commercial broadcaster had agreed to screen an acknowledgement it had breached the code. Channel Nine will also remove the segment from its website.Chris Chapman, chairman of ACMA, told Mumbrella that Channel Nine’s planned apology was the first time a commercial broadcaster had agreed to screen an acknowledgement it had breached the code. Channel Nine will also remove the segment from its website.
ACMA is unable to fine, prosecute or force a media outlet to report its findings.ACMA is unable to fine, prosecute or force a media outlet to report its findings.
In a statement, Chapman said: “I commend TCN (Channel Nine) for acting on the ACMA’s recommendations. The broadcaster is to be congratulated for taking a mature approach to matters of such concern, and for being transparent with its viewers.”In a statement, Chapman said: “I commend TCN (Channel Nine) for acting on the ACMA’s recommendations. The broadcaster is to be congratulated for taking a mature approach to matters of such concern, and for being transparent with its viewers.”
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