Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

ABC Bans Violent Jokes After “Relaxing Video” Backlash

8/13/2026

36 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

ABC will ban violent jokes after a Gina Rinehart satire sparked backlash.
Complaints about the “A Very Relaxing Video” aired on 12 July rose to 988.
Ombudsman Fiona Cameron said the segment did not breach harm rules but fell short of expectations.
Hugh Marks apologized Thursday, announced the new rule banning violent jokes, and faced criticism from Cassandra Parkinson and Alan Sunderland.

1 of 1

Story summary

ABC will ban violent jokes after a Gina Rinehart satire sparked backlash.
Complaints about the “A Very Relaxing Video” aired on 12 July rose to 988.
Ombudsman Fiona Cameron said the segment did not breach harm rules but fell short of expectations.
Hugh Marks apologized Thursday, announced the new rule banning violent jokes, and faced criticism from Cassandra Parkinson and Alan Sunderland.