Australia’s broadcasting regulator has found Channel Seven Sydney Pty Limited breached classification rules by airing a segment containing domestic violence-related remarks during a March 2025 episode of fishing show Step Outside with Paul Burt on 7mate.
In an investigation report, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) concluded the episode was in breach of the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice for ‘PG’ content, which requires themes involving domestic conflict to be handled with care and in a way suitable for younger audiences.
“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.”
The finding followed a viewer complaint. Seven subsequently issued a public apology and withdrew the episode from 7mate and the 7plus streaming service.
Seven told the regulator it had relied on assurances from the programme’s producer that the episode would comply with the Code; however, the ACMA said licensees cannot contract out their responsibility to ensure compliance with broadcasting standards.
The ACMA said it is considering appropriate enforcement action and will announce the outcome once finalised.
The Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice, developed by Free TV Australia and registered by the ACMA, sets classification and other standards for free-to-air broadcasters, including how potentially sensitive themes must be presented in ‘PG’-rated programmes.
