Marty Sheargold and his former radio station Triple M have been slammed by a media watchdog after his sexist outburst about the Matildas.
The disgraced presenter, 54, was booted from Triple M back in February following backlash over comments he made about the Australian women’s national soccer team.
Following an investigation into the matter, The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) this week found that four Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) stations – Triple M Sydney, Triple M Brisbane, Gold Coast FM, and Maryborough Broadcasting Company – breached decency rules by airing Sheargold’s controversial comments.
In a statement about the ruling, ACMA said that Sheargold’s comments ‘demonstrated a level of contempt and disdain for women’s sport, and more generally of women.’
‘The offensive themes were then exacerbated by the host referring to his genitalia in a further degrading comment about women’s sport,’ the statement said.
ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood stated that Sheargold’s language exceeded acceptable standards of decency.
Marty Sheargold and his former radio station Triple M have been slammed by a media watchdog after his sexist outburst about the Matildas
‘Sexist comments like this don’t belong in Australian broadcasting,’ Ms Lidgerwood said.
‘Even if the comments were an extremely ill-judged attempt at humour, a reasonable listener would have found them offensive and to have crossed the line.’
The ruling also noted that SCA decided to cancel the Marty Sheargold Show and part ways with the former radio star.
ACMA is now considering enforcement action against the licensees for breaching the code.
The comedian and actor was speaking on The Marty Sheargold Show hours after the Matildas had been defeated 2-1 by the USA in the SheBelieves Cup.
Fellow show host Troy Ellis brought up the topic and Sheargold gave his two cents on the national team.
‘There’s something wrong with the Matildas,’ he said.
‘They had that wonderful tournament out here [2023 FIFA World Cup] where we all fell in love with them, even though they didn’t make the quarters.
Following an investigation into the matter, The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) this week found that four Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) stations – Triple M Sydney, Triple M Brisbane, Gold Coast FM, and Maryborough Broadcasting Company – breached decency rules by airing Sheargold’s controversial comments
In a statement about the ruling, ACMA said that Sheargold’s comments ‘demonstrated a level of contempt and disdain for women’s sport, and more generally of women.’
‘You know what they remind me of? Year 10 girls… All the infighting and all the friendship issues, ‘the coach hates me and I hate bloody training, and Michelle’s being a b***h’.
‘Now I’m sorry to undermine the whole sport, but that’s what I think of it so you can stick it up your a***.’
The conversation then moved to Australia hosting the women’s Asian Cup next year.
‘Oh god. The Asian Cup,’ Sheargold said.
‘I’d rather hammer a nail through the head of my p***s than watch that. Got any men’s sport?’
In the wake of the controversy, Southern Cross Austereo revealed they had ‘mutually agreed’ to part ways with Sheargold.
‘Southern Cross Austereo takes its responsibility to listeners, shareholders, and clients seriously, and its programming should align with the standards and expectations of its audience,’ SCA’s chief content officer Dave Cameron said.
‘Right now, it’s clear this is a moment for reflection and review. Triple M and the wider SCA network will continue to take all necessary steps to support staff.
‘Sexist comments like this don’t belong in Australian broadcasting,’ ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood said. ‘Even if the comments were an extremely ill-judged attempt at humour, a reasonable listener would have found them offensive and to have crossed the line.’
The disgraced presenter was booted from Triple M back in February following backlash over comments he made about the Australian women’s national soccer team
‘A new Drive show will be announced in due course. Triple M acknowledges Marty’s contribution over the past four years, and we wish him well for the future.’
Sheargold released a statement on his exit from the radio network, adding an apology to the Matildas for his ‘sexist’ remarks.
‘Having mutually agreed to part ways with the Triple M Network, I fully understand the gravity of my comments,’ he said.
‘I’d like to sincerely apologise to the Matildas and the broader organisation. I would also like to thank my immediate team for their hard work and apologise for the situation they now find themselves in.’
