Kyle says sorry to avoid radio axe
Under pressure from sponsors and radio management, Kyle Sandilands makes a belated U-turn.
- Published by David Knox
- on
- Filed under News
Kyle Sandilands has apologised -again- for verbally attacking a journalist who wrote a negative review of Kyle and Jackie O’s Night with the Stars.
But this time his tone has altered significantly.
“I took my remarks too far and for that – and the offence caused to [journalist] Alison Stephenson and those exposed to my comments – I sincerely apologise,” he said.
“I regret the impact this has had on our (radio) clients and our hard-working staff, who have had to weather a storm of criticism in the media and on social networks.
“I regret that so many had to bear the brunt of my actions.”
The contrite apology contradicts the shrift “sorry” statement he made on the day following his caustic comments. Back then he said, “We live in a country of free speech, you’re allowed to say what you want and so am I.
“If you took a personal offence to it Ali I’m sorry, but maybe you should think again before you start going [against] different people.
“You can have your personal opinion, but I will also have mine because that’s the country we live in.”
But since then a string of advertisers withdrew their sponsorship of his programme. With a campaign waged by change.org some 15 brands, including Coles, Bunnings, Vodafone, McDonald’s, Ford and Blackmores, put $10m of revenue in jeopardy.
Foxtel did not reply when asked about its continued sponsorship of the radio programme.
Media also called upon Jackie O to take a stronger line with her long-term radio partner. A senior producer also resigned, but was reported as unrelated to the controversy.
“I have been in radio for more than 10 years, my show is based on controversy, I give as good as I get and I have never been shy in expressing my opinion,” Sandilands said.
“In the heat of the moment I reacted badly to criticism of my television program.”
Seven declined to comment on the radio scandal despite Sandilands judging its family show, Australia’s Got Talent.
Despite the furore and loss of advertising Sandilands will return to radio next year, “with a fresh and positive outlook on breakfast radio”.
Source: smh.com.au
31 Responses
He doesn’t actually acknowledge that his comments were completely inappropriate – “I took my remarks too far…” is not “I’m sorry for threatening you and calling you the derogatory names and using the sexist and crass language that I used”! The campaign to pressure his sponsors to leave has had results – at last count, 62 sponsors have deserted his program and many of the largest ones have confirmed that they will not be back in 2012. He needs to be shown the door!
The KS time bomb continues to tick down to the inevitable conclusion .
Well articulated! @ Secret Squïrrel says: December 10, 2011 at 3:36 pm
Not good enough, sponsors should keep avoiding him and he will be sacked.
He does a u-turn only because he’s almost fired and then probably almost not re-hired. The people he works with should tell him an apology at last minutes doesn’t cut it no more.
He has more lives than a cat, no matter how big the cat is!
Top bloke who says it as it is…..people need to get over it and move on. There is more important things happening in the world than trying to get Kyle axed like seriously grow up you idiots!