Can the ACMA shut down 2DayFM?
The courts will soon decide whether the ACMA has the power to determine if Sydney radio station 2DayFM broke the law over its disastrous Royal prank. With the station’s licence in the balance, Megan Reynolds investigates in a piece that first appeared in Encore.
This month when the Federal Court reviews 2DayFM’s application to block the Australian Communications and Media Authority from investigating a radio prank gone horribly wrong, it will be a landmark case. It will determine whether the regulator has the power to investigate and make findings about a criminal matter, even where the police have not.
Professor Mark Pearson, an academic specialising in media law, says: “The investigation is in the public interest, and the fact ACMA is proceeding with this matter shows it has the intent to act in the public interest and the station, by taking these proceedings, will show what the limits of that are.”
It’s the latest twist in a tragedy which has divided the industry for the last six months. The same goes for ACMA’s involvement. While the likes of Pearson argue that such an investigation is in the public interest, this week, the ABC’s Media Watch presenter Jonathan Holmes suggested ACMA is attempting to act as “prosecutor, judge and jury” on a criminal matter.
The professional engagement is regarded as a “shock jock’ and as such receives a Wikipedia article. The Australian incidents receive a section –
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S....._Australia
An edit on 19 April 2013 makes the observation ; [The brunt receiver of the shock jock effect is expected by a commercial management at most to burst into tears (..) not to commit suicide . .])
The Australian Media ethos _ Broadcast or Shock Jock ?
Shock Jock was an Australian television comedy series, broadcast on TV1.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shock_Jock
The series lasted for two series (2001–2002) and was created by comedian Tim Ferguson. It also starred Tim Ferguson along with Matthew Dyktynski, Michael Veitch, Tom Budge, Rod Mullinar, Sancia Robinson, Fiona Todd, Cassandra Magrath and featured many well-known Australian actors and comedians in guest roles.
It focussed on an Australian talkback radio station, CHAT-AM, in the 1980s. The introduction of FM radio in the early 1980s was leading to the slow demise of the AM band. CHAT-AM discovered shock jock Barry Gold (Matthew Dyktynski) and its fortunes were reversed.
Good riddance! that ear and mind pollution should be removed regardless. Every few weeks I receive a notification from the ACMA regarding another breach of the code by 2day. They clearly don’t take their social responsibility very seriously.
Another in line should be 2GB.