The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has found Channel Seven Sydney Pty Limited breached classification rules during the broadcast of a fishing show that included highly inappropriate comments about domestic violence.
The ACMA investigation found that the comments, made during an episode of Step Outside with Paul Burt broadcast on 7mate in March 2025, breached the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice classification rules for 'PG' content, which require themes of domestic conflict to be handled with care.
ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood said the ACMA did not consider the remarks dealing with a domestic conflict theme were suitable for an audience expecting to watch a light entertainment PG rated program.
"These were disturbing comments. They may have been intended as a crude attempt at humour, but they were totally unacceptable," Ms Lidgerwood said.
"Viewers were not warned at the outset that the program contained such themes and Channel Seven should have taken greater care in handling this sensitive and serious issue."
Following a complaint about the program, Channel Seven issued a public apology and removed the program from 7mate and 7plus.
The licensee submitted that it relied on assurances from the company that produced the program that the episode would comply with the Code. However, the ACMA does not consider that licensees can contract out their obligations to ensure that the content they broadcast is Code compliant.
The ACMA is currently considering appropriate enforcement action and will publicly announce the outcome once it is finalised.
