Can headlines really cause harm?
From sexist headlines to overtly disrespectful content creators, there is no shortage of misogynistic material in the Australian media landscape.
Content that condones, encourages or makes light of violence against women and children is inherently harmful. Let’s unpack how misogyny in media can contribute to a culture that condones violence, using the Kyle and Jackie O Show as an example.
What’s the go with Kyle and Jackie O?
The Kyle & Jackie O Show, hosted by Kyle Sandilands and Jackie “O” Henderson on KIIS 1065, is Australia’s most successful breakfast radio program, with an audience in excess of 1.7 million people.
The show is known to be crude and explicit, with segments often including graphic and aggressive sexual content. Sandilands, in particular, has a history of making offensive comments on-air towards women, people of colour and people with disabilities.
During Senate Estimates in November last year, Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young challenged the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to read transcripts of The Kyle & Jackie O Show out. ACMA Chair, Nerida O’Loughlin, refused stating they were not “appropriate for Parliamentary language”.
In response to more than 100 complaints about a 2019 segment – we’ve chosen not to include examples of the content due to its offensive nature - parent company ARN Media defended Sandilands’, stating the program “has an adult audience”. Is that true?
So, who is listening?
The Kyle and Jackie O Show airs between 6am and 10am on weekdays. A 2024 radio rating survey shows that KIIS 1065 attracts the biggest share of listeners aged 10 to 17 – approximately 18% over a 12-month period. This means that in Sydney, roughly 200,000 children and teenagers are tuning in to the station each week.
The Kyle & Jackie O Show also recently expanded into the Melbourne market, where KIIS 1065 attracts about 11% of the 10 to 17-year-old demographic - averaging an audience of about 150,000 per week.
Why does it matter?
The tagline of the federal government’s Stop it at the Start campaign is: “Violence against women starts with disrespect”. The campaign aims to prevent gender-based violence by influencing change to violence-supportive attitudes and behaviours. The campaign is aimed at young people aged 10 to 17 – the same age group that makes up a significant portion of the KIIS 1065 audience.
The promotion of disrespect towards women and harmful gender stereotypes can lead to young men believing they are entitled - or even expected - to dominate and control women; and young women can learn to tolerate or downplay gendered disrespect.
The more frequently young people see misogyny demonstrated, made light of, and encouraged, the more likely they are to think it’s ok to excuse or use gender-based violence. This is why it’s so harmful when media outlets allow sexist and misogynistic content to be published without challenge.
What can we do to challenge violence-supportive behaviour?
Adults – especially those with power and influence – have the potential to disrupt these harmful messages when we hear them and ensure children and young people live in world free from gender-based violence.
We can reflect on our own behaviour, biases and beliefs, and choose to model healthy and respectful relationships with all people, regardless of gender.
We need to have conversations with both adults and young people about the harmful impacts of gendered stereotypes, disrespect and discrimination.
By challenging violence-supportive attitudes and behaviours, we can support young people to safely explore and develop who they are, understand what it means to respect others and themselves, and grow into healthy, happy human beings.
Gender-based violence affects us all - which means we all have a responsibility to stop it before it starts.
Support
Content that condones or makes light of violence against women is never ok. For support, reach out to a loved one you trust or 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
