Controversy has arisen surrounding Channel 7, Australia’s official free-to-air broadcaster of the FIFA Women’s World Cup after commentators spoke over the top of a Welcome to Country during the opening fixture of the tournament.
During the opening match ceremony in Sydney on July 20, ahead of the Matildas’ match against Ireland, Dharug Elder Aunty Julie Jones delivered a Welcome to Country speech while accompanied by Jannawi Dance Clan dancers.
However, three Channel 7 presenters talked over the performance during the live broadcast of the ceremony, causing Aunty Julie to express disappointment to NITV that Channel 7 “silenced the voices and the storytelling of women that have been a part of the oldest living culture on the planet”.
“We were just in shock at first I think because we’re telling the girls this is going to be seen around the world,” she continued.
“The…