Australian broadcaster issues apology

Stand-up Russell Kane has been criticised for mocking autistic people on an Australian TV show.

A comment he made on an edition of the topical show Good News Week recorded at the Melbourne comedy festival had some viewers up in arms – forcing broadcaster Channel Ten to issue an apology.

In banter with host Paul McDermott, Kane referred to their clash on a televised comedy debate earlier in the festival. He said: ‘We went at it like an autistic kid at a drum and destroyed you.’

The audience response was muted, and McDermott said: ‘You can see they don’t like autistic humour here.’

Offended viewers made their views known on Channel Ten’s website, saying the broadcaster had a responsibility to edit out the comments before the pre-recorded show aired.

A spokesman for Autism Spectrum Australia also joined the criticisms, saying: ‘Making a stereotype comment like they did is way off the mark. As well, it shows a lack of understanding. Those sorts of comments should not have been put to air.’

One viewer said ‘It was disgusting. I will never watch this show again. Making fun of people with disabilities is not humour.’

Another said: ‘I feel when TV makes it OK to joke about people with disabilities people will do it too and that is exactly what people with disabilities fight every day.’

And a third posted: ‘You are horrible people mocking autistic people. My son has severe autism and I tell you it is no joke. Shame on you, Ten, for letting this go to air.’

However, another viewer who said their life had been affected by disability told the complainants to ‘lighten the hell up’ and that they should have expected dubious-taste jokes from a show with a reputation for such material

In a statement today, Ten said: ‘We are sorry for any offence the autistic comment may have caused but felt Good News Week host Paul McDermott's immediate comment of “you can see they don't like autistic humour here” made it clear it was a step too far.

‘Ten is a strong supporter of autism awareness. We are looking at opportunities to increase awareness of issues surrounding autism through our regular programming line-up and will include a link on The Good News Week website for viewers who would like to get involved with an autism support organisation.’

Published: 20 Apr 2010