Four Southern Cross Austereo Stations Breach Decency Rules with Sexist Matildas Comments

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) found that four Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) radio stations, including Triple M Sydney and Brisbane, breached decency rules by broadcasting sexist and derogatory comments made by Marty Sheargold about the Australian women's national football team, the Matildas. In February, Sheargold made disparaging remarks, including comparing the Matildas to "Year 10 girls" and stating he would "rather hammer a nail through the head of [his] penis" than watch them play, which sparked widespread backlash and over 100 complaints to ACMA. ACMA ruled the comments demonstrated contempt and disdain for women's sport and went beyond acceptable standards of decency, with member Carolyn Lidgerwood emphasizing that such sexist remarks have no place in Australian broadcasting. Despite SCA's defense that the remarks aligned with their core male audience's expectations, the regulator condemned the language and tone as offensive and demeaning. Following the controversy, Sheargold and Triple M mutually parted ways, with Sheargold issuing an apology acknowledging that his comments missed the mark. The ACMA is considering enforcement actions against the involved stations and will announce the outcomes publicly.