SEN boss Craig Hutchison issues apology to Anti-Defamation Commission for ‘inadvertent offence’

SEN boss Craig Hutchison has apologised over antisemitic comments made by a caller to his radio station that were broadcast on air.

SEN boss Craig Hutchison has apologised to the Anti-Defamation Commission for “inadvertent offence” over antisemitic comments made by a regular caller to the radio segment hosted by Tim Watson and Garry Lyon.

Caller “John from Epping” – a North Melbourne supporter – made demeaning comments about his club drafting Jewish star Harry Sheezel, saying it would be a financial boost for the club because his family would be “loaded with money”.

Lyon jumped in and angled the conversation towards Sheezel’s playing talents instead, saying, “I wouldn’t worry about that, I’d just worry about the fact that he’s a very, very good player, they reckon he plays a bit like Stevie Johnson, what about that?”

However, Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dr Dvir Abramovich argued Lyon and Watson should have denounced the comments on air, or the producer used the short delay to cut them out.

It came after Sheezel was subjected to a slew of antisemitic social media comments on the eve of the draft.

SEN CEO Craig Hutchison. Picture: Jay Town

Hutchison has since emailed Dr Abramovich to apologise, acknowledging the comments “could have been addressed on air” and that Lyon and Watson have spoken to the caller “several times” since the incident.

“Garry and Tim recognised the inappropriate nature of the comment and made a judgment call that it was best handled and discussed with John off air,” Hutchison wrote in the email.

“We are pleased with their intent to address it directly with the caller, but we do acknowledge that it could have also been addressed on air.

“Garry and Tim have always stood for an inclusive show for everyone. As a business, we pride ourselves on our standards and respect for all communities and acknowledge our role in the sports industry as leaders in this space.

“We appreciate you taking the time to discuss the matter today and once again apologise for the unintended offence this has caused, and your leadership in addressing this with us and with me directly.”

Dr Abramovich has accepted Hutchison’s apology and called on Lyon and Watson to use their platform to “speak out against intolerance and racism”.

SEN breakfast radio hosts Garry Lyon and Tim Watson.

“I accept the apology by Craig Hutchison on behalf of the radio station and Garry Lyon and Tim Watson which is sincere and heartfelt, as well as his acknowledgment that the hosts should have repudiated the caller’s bigoted slur immediately on air,” Dr Abramovich said.

“During our conversation, Mr Hutchison heard my concerns and immediately expressed his feelings of remorse, and I believe him when he says that Lyon and Watson did not have any intent to cause hurt or to give any legitimacy to antisemitism.

“It is my view that the SEN hosts now better understand why their failure to challenge the hateful expression and to speak out when they heard that reprehensible stereotypes about Jews was wrong.

“Public figures have a duty … we all have a responsibility to push back, at every stage, in every instance, and in every way that we can, against prejudice.

“My hope is that Lyon and Watson use the platform that they have and their public voice and following to speak out against intolerance and racism.”