ellymc - On Rape, Rage and Channel Nine

October 6, 2010

So if you are reading this, I’m sure you’ve come across this story. Pretty disgusting, but hey, he’s a fool, you wouldn’t expect much. Then came this. Pay particular attention to the final two paragraphs, where Channel Nine clarifies KAK’s comments by saying the responsibility “cuts both ways with this kind of thing.”

“The responsibility lies with the girls as well as with the guys when you’re talking about alcohol-fuelled situations at three o’clock in the morning.”

I’m not going to insult your intelligence by explaining why this is indescribably unacceptable, especially coming from one of the largest media companies in the country.

I read about this and felt so sick and disempowered and horrified, I just wanted to curl up and cry. Then I got my rage on and decided that I would do something. I live in a regional city; we have a local Channel Nine affiliate station. I endured half an hour of their programming tonight (ACA for anyone wondering, my response to that half hour is a whole story in its self) and made a list of local advertisers. I will be writing a letter to each of these advertisers tomorrow asking them if they endorse Channel Nine’s comments and if they would consider pulling their advertising from the local affiliate. I know this will only have a minimal impact, but at least I’m doing something.

I also made a list of national advertisers. I will post a guide letter and the contact details of these companies. If you could all get on board and send letters too that would be amazing. Please help me to restore my faith in humanity after the horror of the comments thread the second article.

5:00am | URL: http://tmblr.co/ZH3IZy1AogNN

(Notes: 15)