 
Channel 10 Studio, Australia
- From: ABC
- April 20, 2010
CHANNEL 10 has apologised for a series of tasteless jokes on its Good News Week program which targeted children with autism, causing outrage among parents.
Upset parents had demanded a public apology for the comments made during the program, which aired nationally last night.
Autism, a life-long disorder that affects social interaction and communication skills, was the subject of several jokes by British comedian Russell Kane. He told host Paul McDermott that his comedy festival team “went at you like an autistic kid on a drum, we destroyed you”.
The joke offended parents, with many contacting the network demanding an explanation and apology.
Today, Ten issued an apology. However, the network also defended McDermott, saying he attempted to make it clear the jokes were out of order.
“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,” a spokesperson said.
Rowena Wells was watching the program with her husband and 13-year-old son, who both have autism spectrum disorder. She said she was “disgusted” that nothing had been done to edit out the comments.
“It was not necessary. This kind of rubbish is just not funny,” the 41-year-old Melbourne mother told AAP today.
The issue also hit the web, with many parents blogging about their displeasure.
One blogger, Beet, on the site Aussie Mummy Bloggers wrote: “Russell Kane is one guest that I hope never to see again on the show – he was truly vile.”
The leading provider of autism-specific services in Australia also received a number of complaints. Autism Spectrum Australia spokesman Anthony Perl said the comments have not helped raise awareness of the disorder.
“Making a stereotype comment like they did is way off the mark. As well, it shows a lack of understanding,” he told AAP.
“Those sorts of comments should not have been put to air,” he said.
Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities Bill Shorten said he’d had “plenty” of upset parents on the phone about the comments.
“I love a good laugh and comedy and I’m not a wowser. But where it stereotypes vulnerable children it goes too far,” he told AAP.
“What don’t they understand about making fun of a disabled kid?”
Mr Shorten invited the show’s producers to meet with him and parents’ groups to discuss autism and encourage a better understanding of the disorder.
The Ten spokesperson said the network was a strong supporter of autism awareness. Ten also planned to increase its Community Service Announcement commitment for the AEIOU Foundation, which works with children with autism and their families.
A link would be added to the Good News Week website for viewers who wanted to get involved with an autism support organisation, the spokesperson said.
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