Radio wrongs and bee-bashers

Shock jock

One of the stories shocking people on both sides of the Tasman is the ongoing saga of Kyle Sandilands and the radio rape claim. Sandilands is an Aussie media personality: he's one of the hosts of 'Australian Idol', and also co-hosts a radio show with fellow DJ Jackie O.

Last week, in one of those lame stunts radio shows use to boost ratings, they hooked a fourteen-year-old girl up to a lie detector, with her mother's permission, and asked her questions about her personal life - including whether she was sexually active.

"I've already told you (her mother) the story about this, and don't look at me and smile because it's not funny," was the girl's answer, before adding "Oh OK, I got raped when I was 12 years old."

Sandilands is known to court controversy, but he seems to have surprised even himself with his criminally half-witted response: "Right, and is that the only sexual experience you've had?"

Jackie O stepped in then and ended the segment - altogether too late.

There are so many people whose behaviour is absolutely reprehensible in this story. Firstly, the girl's mother. Her daughter had previously told her about being raped. Not only did she not contact the authorities about this, not only did she still think it was a good idea to put her daughter on air and subject her to questioning about sexual activity - but she smiled when the subject came up. This is the portrait of a deeply twisted and sadistic woman.

The producers of the radio show - which has now been taken off air indefinitely - must also cop some of the blame. Whoever green-lit the concept of this show should take a long hard look at themselves. And whoever was in charge of research and background checks on participants (if indeed, any of this was done) failed completely.

And then there's Sandilands, who in addition to having the show pulled, has also lost his job on 'Idol' over this fracas. Can we excuse his unbelievably inappropriate comment by suggesting he was shocked or panicked, that he simply blurted it out in an attempt to keep the show going? No. This man's job depends on him being able to think on his feet, and he failed.  He has, of course, apologised. But it will be a long time before his public forgets.

Amid the fallout of this sorry saga, most of the focus remains on Sandilands and what will become of him. Luckily, police and child welfare officers are also investigating the girl's claim of rape. Hopefully for her at least the result will be closure and healing.


2degrees

Gone are the days when only two giants warred over your cellphone cash. The 2degrees network has now launched, with the new kids on the block announcing a competitive pricing plan. So will you be sticking with your current network, or making the move?


Who smashes a beehive?

As a news editor I spend my days trawling through countless stories of crime, violence and abuse. But it doesn't cease to bewilder me how senseless and futile some crimes can be. Like a story today about a bunch of vandals in the eastern Bay of Plenty who took it upon themselves to smash up a bunch of beehives. Hundreds of thousands of bees have died and their owner is out of pocket by about ten grand.

Okay, so we're talking about the lives of a bunch of bees here - not the life of a human being. But while I can dimly comprehend the motives of someone who takes a human life, I cannot for the life of me understand an act like this. Did it make them feel important, or strong? Did they have something against bees, or the owner of the bees? Or did they think it was just fun to destroy something that wasn't theirs? I'm honestly stumped here.

Good day, sunshine

I'll end with some good news - the worst of winter is over! Today is the end of the solar winter, the three months with the least amount of sun. It's going to start getting lighter, and a little bit warmer, from now on. I can feel my mood lifting already!