picture via Sunshine Coast Daily.
Earlier in the year, we were suggested to write a blog post on the nationalistic narratives surrounding ANZAC day. The first thought that popped into my head was a reference to ex-SBS reporter Scott Mcintyre’s controversial tweets from 2015 ‘disrespecting’ the honour of the ANZAC tribute.
I didn’t want to comment an opinion, this is my professional blog and from McIntyre’s prompt dismissal from SBS, I would hate to have my professional record tainted in the same way. However, rather than discussing the content of the tweets, I will discuss the ways in which McIntyre was expelled from an institution for not sharing the same values.
The SBS has long been a left leaning corporation being the forefront for Australia’s World news. However, this political alignment did not lean far enough to support McIntyre’s attack on one of the nation’s most patriotic and well-revered days of respect, leading him to be sacked. This is an example of a member of collectivist, institutional thought pushing his individualism and ultimately tainting the company’s brand.
SBS’s statement read:
“Mr McIntyre’s actions have breached the SBS Code of Conduct and social media policy and as a result…SBS apologises for any offence or harm caused by Mr McIntyre’s comments which in no way reflect the views of the network.”
As this did not reflect their views, SBS stated that McIntyre did not represent the shared values of the institution he was working for and breached his Code of Conduct as a member of their staff. Their sacking was then an expression of an institution’s need to regulate and structure the brand identity of the network.