02 September 2008
The attached response was received with regard to a National ME/CFS Association letter outlining concerns at the way ME/CFS is portrayed in the series "Very Small Business" to be aired by the ABC shortly.
To: Paul Leverenz (President)
Date: August 30, 2008
Dear Paul,
I am writing in response to your email to Debbie Lee, Executive Producer of
Very Small Business. In accordance with ABC policy, your correspondence has
been referred to me for response.
Thank you for your interest in the program, with particular reference to the
character of Ray Leonard played by Kim Gyngell. I note that you reference
publicity materials in which Kim's character is described as someone "who
suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome and depression."
To contextualise, at the start of "Very Small Business" we meet Ray who is
taking his first steps back into the world after six years out of the workforce
since discovering that his daughter was not biologically his. Ray is a
considered, intelligent and sophisticated former journalist who enters a
world totally alien to him; working for charlatan small businessman Don Angel who
runs "The Worldwide Business Group". There is a reference in the first episode to
CFS where Ray says that he has been suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and
Don offensively responds by describing it as "Yuppie flu". If you have the
opportunity to view the episode, this response is in keeping with series'
intension to parody Don's bigoted and offensive nature.
CFS is not however played out as a major theme throughout the show. The
intention of this series is to affectionately parody the entrepreneurial
aspirations of middle Australia and the lengths that some might go to in
order to get a break. It also has a classic "odd-couple" comedy pairing of Don
Angel who is full of big ideas that he can't seem to deliver on with Ray Leonard
who just wants to find a path back to a sense of grace and love. The series does
not seek to reinforce stereotypes, satirise or stigmatise sufferers of CFS
(Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or ME) or depression, or to trivialise these subjects.
I would like to assure you and your members that in producing this series,
the producers of "Very Small Business" were conscious of the ABC's relevant
policies regarding discrimination and stereotypes. These are set out in section 11.8
of the ABC's Editorial Policies, as follows:
11.8 Discrimination and stereotypes
11.8.1. In presenting content, the ABC has a responsibility to treat all
sections of society with respect and to avoid the unnecessary use of
prejudicial content.
11.8.2. To avoid discrimination, content should not use language or images
which:
(a) disparage or discriminate against any person or group on grounds such as
race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, age, disability or sexual preference;
marital, parental, social or occupational status; religious, cultural or
political belief or activity
(b) are not representative and reinforce stereotypes, or convey stereotypic
assumptions about gender roles
(c) convey prejudice
The ABC considers that the representation of Ray Leonard is consistent with
these policies. Our Editorial Policies also have very strict guidelines
surrounding program credits, website links and content. As such, we are not
able to comply with your request for promotion of your organisation on air
or on our website. The ABC does however have a separate process for the approval
and broadcast of Community Service Announcements. If you wish to pursue this
option, please contact Fiona Patterson on (02) 8333 1500.
I'm sorry that I am not able to assist with your request on this occasion
but thank you for your good wishes and for bringing your concerns to the ABC's
attention.
Yours sincerely
Amanda Duthi
ABC TV
Head of Arts, Entertainment & Comedy
02 8333 3406
duthie.amanda@abc.net.au