CASE NUMBER: 06/2007 – CLARK VS SABC RADIO – 5FM – DEROGATORY TERM – DIGNITY

A complaint was lodged about the use by the broadcaster of the term “carpet muncher” when discussing who the ugliest pop star was.  When name of a celebrity who is known to be a lesbian was mentioned, the presenter referred to her as a “carpet muncher”.  The broadcast of this term caused the complainant to experience a violation of her right to be equal as a homosexual.  Although this was not a complaint on behalf of the celebrity concerned, it was accepted that complainant represented a group of people whose collective dignity had been impaired by the remark.  Any member of the group who experienced an affront to her dignity can lay a complaint with the BCCSA. The broadcaster admitted to a violation of the Code but took steps to remedy the transgression, including the broadcasting of an apology. The Tribunal investigated the possibility of hate speech being uttered but found that in this instance there was no advocacy of hatred and definitely no incitement to cause harm.  A contravention of clause 38 was found and the complaint upheld, with a reprimand to the broadcaster.