It would be unfair to describe SBS television as the Australian media outlet most addicted to violence. It would be unfair unless every other outlet were scanned for their saturation with violence. At first sight however, it would seem extraordinary should any other television channel share the SBS preoccupation.
SBS cannot do anything about the violence coming to it through foreign news programs. Reports of wars in Palestine, Ukraine and the Sudan, conflicts across Africa, genocide against ethnic minorities in Myanmar, harassment of women in numerous countries including Afghanistan, starvation of children in many places and domestic violence in Australia make harrowing viewing. SBS should not be expected to shelter its viewers from these realities. On the contrary, it has a duty to follow up these stories and to keep Australians informed.
What does seem bizarre however, is that SBS television surrounds these horrific reports with programs that make war and murder seem normal. Someone at SBS seems to be obsessed with stories about Nazis and the two world wars. Indeed, when you look at the movies on offer on Channel 32, the likes of Bridge on the River Kwai, The Scarlet and the Black and The Eagle Has Landed dominate.
And beyond those movies with military content, many others contain violence as a source of conflict resolution. But before the villains get their come-uppance in these dubious morality plays, they have plenty of opportunity to create mayhem, slaughter innocents and force the avenging angels to become like them. He — almost always he — who kills best, wins.
It is inevitable that SBS will promote theses movies across all its channels. Violent trailers involving explosions, shootings, physical assaults, spying, lying and the full range of negative emotions make neat bookends for the violence in the news.
Not to be outdone by these little samples from programs made overseas, SBS also boasts many “original” programs that centre around violence. Inverted commas are appropriate here, in that there really is nothing original about these programs which are made to fit familiar patterns. Crime and vengeance are the dominant themes. Forgiveness and compassion feature nowhere.
Curiously, the SBS statement of values, gives no guide to the incompatibility warning about standards. The five values listed are admirable. They concern the behaviour of SBS staff, but would be appropriate for any organisation and have only broad relevance to the role of SBS as a media outlet.
The sometimes splendid Indigenous channel (34) is the only outlet which seems prepared to offer numerous boxing programs. It also seems not to appreciate the violence implicit in coverage of rodeo events. These events hint at violence against animals specifically and the environment generally.
Perhaps it would be preferable if SBS showed serious concern about “distressing material” and stopped running it outside news reports. This could help slow down the growth in militarism across Australia. It might even be a contribution toward the prevention of domestic violence.
Dr Tony Smith is a former political science academic with interests in elections, parliament and political ethics.
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