image: wqxt.com
The BSA ordered the broadcaster to “read an agreed summary-of-decision statement on Breakfast within a month.”
Given his history, Paul Henry appears to believe this abusive (‘schizo’, ‘unnatural’ homosexuals, ‘moustache on a woman’ and this ‘retarded’ comment) bullshit is part of his ‘charm’. I don’t agree. It’s pathetic attention-seeking discrimination and denigration, just as the BSA found.
Enough.
Drop him.
I noticed, that apart from an “appropriate[ly] word[ed] statement from TVNZ,” there is no fine. The Broadcasting Standards Authority seems to have no real teeth. Why are they not levying a fine at TVNZ? Without the ability to monetarily punish broadcasting organizations how can they ever expect compliance?
Yes, agreed.
Name and shame is not working. In fact some egoists, in their desperate clawing to be noticed, might even see such a ‘yellow card’ finding as a notch in their belt.
A hefty fine would help send the message.
Hey, I’m all for edgy humour, a la EXTRAS, but Henry’s denigrating schoolboy jokes have no redeeming features, and giving him a third, fourth, fifth chance is nutty. – P
I agree. Why anyone would want to employ such a foul an odious individual as Paul Henry is beyond me. Such a mean spirited attack directed at people who cannot defend themselves’ carries the classic stamp and mark of the “bully.” But, Mr. Henry’s behavior goes deeper. Only someone with a severely crippled sense of self-esteem could stoop that low.
The job of “Shock-Jock,” is one of entertainment. So the question is: does TVNZ consider Mr. Henry’s version of entertainment their version of entertainment? Obviously it does because Mr. Henry remains gainfully employed.
The short and skinny of it is this: regardless of “appropriate[ly] word[ed] statement[s],” from TVNZ. TVNZ must believe as Mr. Henry believes. It is the employee, and the words of that employee, who are a direct reflection of the couth and civility of the employer.
It is really up to TVNZ to decide exactly what kind of corporate culture they want to project. So far, the continued employment of Mr. Henry tells me all I need to know.
Worthwhile comment from Brian Edwards…
http://brianedwardsmedia.co.nz/2010/08/i-return-reluctantly-to-the-topic-of-paul-henry/#more-3743
[…] own views of Paul Henry and his (un)suitability for TV are summed up in Say goodbye to Paul Henry the abusive try-hard. But I’m not running a ‘hate’ campaign either. – P Share […]
[…] And good on him for reading that ‘fan letter’ out. That’s much better than stewing on it, or being wounded by it. As someone who’s had my fair share of anonymous sock-puppet abuse and castigation (and some not anonymous) well, as I said, good on Henry, even if I’m not a fan myself. […]
[…] the bullyboy TVNZ. See also Say goodbye to Paul Henry the abusive try-hard. Share […]