ABC comedy head loses title, keeps position
Jun 10
ABC Television’s Head of Comedy, Amanda Duthie has been stood down for her role in The Chaser’s “Make a Realistic Wish” sketch controversy. A statement from the ABC said the segment should not have been broadcast.
“We recognise that it caused unnecessary and unreasonable hurt and offence to our viewers and the broader community and we have apologised for this,” Managing Director Mark Scott said. “We have determined this was not a breakdown in our Editorial Policy processes but rather an error of judgement.”
Mr Scott said the processes are clear and amply set out in the ABC’s Editorial Policies. “Where staff are concerned about the potential for satirical material to cause harm they should refer the matter to the next level of management. In this instance, the Head of Arts, Entertainment and Comedy reviewed the segment and did not refer it up. This was an error of judgement.”
Ms Duthie’s role will be filled in the interim by the Executive Head of Content Creation, Courtney Gibson until a new Head of Comedy. She will, however, retain her responsibility for Arts and Education programming.
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bacco|007 June 10th 2009