“While the segment may have contained some unfavourable descriptions of those susceptible to the virus, being homosexual males, the segment was intended to bring about awareness to the community of the public health risk surrounding the transmission of the monkeypox virus and the availability of a vaccine to prevent transmission against infection,” the radio broadcaster wrote in its submission to ACMA.

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KIIS has been contacted for comment.

ACMA Chair, Nerida O’Loughlin, described Sandilands’ comments as overly disparaging and insulting.

“We acknowledge that the program’s audience does not expect the presentation style of either the program or the presenter to always be formal and nuanced,” O’Loughlin said.

“Although there was a basis at the time for a public discussion about [monkeypox] that involved reference to gay sexuality, the segment went beyond any acceptable standards by conveying that gay men were irresponsible, were a risk to the community and did not deserve any sympathy even when presenting for medical assistance.”

In March, ACMA found that the Kyle and Jackie O show breached decency standards in a separate investigation following Sandilands’ comments about the 2020 Paralympic Games. In the segment, which was aired in September 2021, he referred to the Paralympics as the “Special Olympics” and labelled the games “horrific”.

Following the ruling, ARN agreed to deliver sensitivity training to the program’s hosts, producers, censors and other relevant staff, and to report its progress every six months for two years. The next progress report is due on September 17. The watchdog said the broadcaster will incorporate findings from the most recent investigation into future training and reporting.

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