THE NOTIONAL BROADCASTER:

SYDNEY: The ABC says changes it will make to its editorial guidelines on satire and violence in the wake of an apology it issued to mining magnate Gina Rinehart mean it will wipe from its archives all material linked to the 1970s comedic character Aunty Jack. (main picture)

ABC managing director, Hugh Marks, announced changes to the guidelines after he apologised for the content of a satirical short film made as part of ABC TV’s Race Around The World program which referenced Ms Rinehart. (below)

The ABC has since confirmed that all episodes of the 1970s program The Aunty Jack Show would now be destroyed because they would fall foul of the revised editorial guidelines.

ABC spokesperson, Tess Patton, said the destruction of the archival material was necessary because the Aunty Jack character’s catchphrase – “I’ll rip your bloody arms off!” – was deemed to meet the new anti-violence guidelines.

“As the notional .. err, I mean national broadcaster we need to ensure we always respond to community opinion as reflected in news, …err, I mean as reflected in News reports,” Ms Patton said.

When contacted at her Wollongong retirement home, Aunty Jack said she was disappointed at the move by the ABC.

“I am seeking a meeting with Hugh Marks (below) to discuss his plans but have been told by his office that he is currently unavailable,” she said.

“Apparently he is hospital waiting for a donor to become available so that he can receive another spine transplant,” she said.

“I’m told surgeons have tried to implant a spine in him a couple of times previously, but they keep being rejected. But I’m prepared to wait.”

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