Radio

The suspension of Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O is an opportunity not just for Austereo but for the entire radio industry to reexamine its standards. While I am generally against censorship, I make an exception for anything that will harm children as the Kyle and Jackie O lie-detector stunt demonstrably did. It is time for a strong and enforceable code of behaviour that puts people before ratings. I don't think Sandilands should be banished from the airwaves forever, but he must genuinely accept his share of the blame for what happened and undertake never to exploit children again.

2Day parent company Austereo has reportedly pulled the plug on the Kyle and Jackie O show - but only after Sandilands made himself unavailable. Media news and opinion site Mumbrella quotes this Austereo statement:

Kyle Sandilands’ management has advised Austereo that he is unable to perform his duties on-air at this time. Further, following a great deal of consideration and having consulted Jackie O and all stakeholders, Austereo has formed the view that it is in the interest of all parties, for the Kyle & Jackie O Show to go into recess until we have completed an across-the-networks review of the principals* and protocols of our interaction with our audience. This review commenced last Wednesday 29 July 2009.

Other media, including Sky News and news.com.au, are now running with this story. The cynic in me wonders if this a win for people power or a ploy to somehow make Sandilands the victim in this tawdry business?
* Presumably they mean "principles", unless they're going to ask some head teachers for advice on how to deal with children.