‘Nose Bay’ apology
'The NOVA Entertainment network does not condone prejudicial commentary, ethnic stereotyping or bigotry of any kind'.
NOVA Entertainment came under fire last week after two of its flagship breakfast radio hosts, Fitzy and Wippa, made a “shout-out to the Jewish community” in “Nose Bay”.
The segment, which aired last Monday and is now under internal investigation by the network, saw the duo discuss nose sizes, before co-host Ryan Fitzgerald asked fellow presenter Michael “Wippa” Wipfli, “You guys live in ‘Nose Bay’, don’t you?”
The term is a reference to the Sydney suburb of Rose Bay, which has a large Jewish community.
Wipfli replied, “Shout-out to the Jewish community as Ryan serves up his best on a Monday morning.”
#BREAKING Nova Radio has this evening apologised for any offence caused to the Jewish community after a segment on the Fitzy & Wippa show earlier this week made a “shout-out to the Jewish community” in “Nose Bay”.A Nova spokesperson told The AJN the network “does not condone prejudicial commentary, ethnic stereotyping or bigotry of any kind”, adding, “We apologise if remarks made on-air have led to any offence within the Jewish community, or for that matter, to any of our listeners.”Full story: https://www.australianjewishnews.com/nova-crossed-the-line-over-jewish-joke/
פורסם על ידי The Australian Jewish News ב- יום רביעי, 15 ביולי 2020
Approached by The AJN after obtaining audio of the segment, a Nova spokesperson said the matter was being looked into.
“The NOVA Entertainment network does not condone prejudicial commentary, ethnic stereotyping or bigotry of any kind,” the spokesperson said.
“Accordingly, without reservation, we apologise if remarks made on-air have led to any offence within the Jewish community, or for that matter, to any of our listeners.
“Rest assured, as necessary, the appropriate steps will be taken by management internally to ensure our programming and content is consistent with community expectations and standards, and above all respectful of our listeners.”
However, despite assurances from management that “our enquiries are thorough, and the issues you have raised will be afforded the consideration they deserve”, The AJN had not heard back about Nova’s investigation by press time.
NSW Jewish Board of Deputies CEO Vic Alhadeff commented: “Everyone enjoys a good joke, but when it is based on an unpleasant stereotype and aimed at a particular group of people, it crosses a line. This one crossed that line. It was a feeble attempt at humour, delivered in poor taste.”
He added, “One expects a higher standard from Fitzy and Wippa, and we acknowledge the station’s apology and hope they will take greater care, going forward.”
A Jewish listener told The AJN, “It completely took me by surprise to hear two men on the radio, who I otherwise respect, making casual and nonchalant antisemitic remarks.
“I’m shocked that this rhetoric subsists in modern Australia.”
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