Commentator won’t broadcast Origin or finals
The ABC has released a statement following the investigation into the on air comments made by David Morrow on Monday May 6.
The Grandstand commentator was suspended after racist comments were picked up by a live mic in pre-match banter with his sideline commentator. While not using it as an excuse, Morrow claimed that he did not know his comments were going to air.
The statement reads:
The ABC understands that the community holds it responsible for everything it broadcasts, whether accidental or deliberate.
David Morrow and the ABC accept that the on air comments:
– were in breach of the ABC’s Editorial Policies, specifically Section 7.7 of the Code of Practice, where employees must “avoid the unjustified use of stereotypes or discriminatory content that could reasonably be interpreted as condoning or encouraging prejudice.”
– do not meet the standards of behaviour expected of ABC employees under the ABC Code of Conduct, specifically part 4 demonstrating fairness, equity and professional behaviour
– do not demonstrate the ABC Values of Respect particularly in reference to valuing diversity
– are not a reflection of the ABC’s commitment to its Reconciliation Action Plan.
The ABC acknowledges it is essential to maintaining trust with audiences and with those who participate in or are otherwise directly affected by ABC content. The ABC accepts that a public broadcaster should never gratuitously harm or offend and takes very seriously the issues of discrimination and prejudice.
Mr Morrow has agreed to work with the NRL Indigenous Council on a program of cultural awareness and to undertake further ABC training in the areas of discrimination and appropriate workplace behaviour. Mr Morrow will continue to stay off air until this training is complete.
Mr Morrow has also agreed he will not call the 2013 State of Origin series, nor will he call any games in the 2013 NRL finals series. He will not undertake international travel on behalf of the ABC, for the rest of the calendar year.
At the completion of Mr Morrow’s required training he will resume on air duties calling the remainder of the NRL rounds.
Mr Morrow accepts the seriousness his actions and has apologised. He understands that there are certain responsibilities that come from working at a public media institution and that as a senior broadcaster he has a responsibility to set the standards of behaviour for his colleagues.
Mr Morrow has agreed to meet with the Bonner Committee, the ABC’s primary advisory and representative body on matters relating to indigenous staff, content and communities, to apologise and discuss how he can assist the ABC and the committee to meet the objectives set out in the ABC Reconciliation Action Plan.
The ABC recognises the contribution that many cultures make to the diversity of the Australian community, both as an employer and for quality content which educates, entertains and informs Australian life.