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Off-air antics out of ACMA’s eye

It's just as well Sam Newman's latest incident happened 'off field'. ACMA has its eye on his on air performance.

newmIt’s just as well Sam Newman’s latest headline grabbing incident happened ‘off field’ and not on. ACMA has its eye on his on air performance.

Yesterday Newman was questioned for 90 minutes by South Melbourne police over an alleged ‘road rage’ incident in Middle Park. It has been reported that Newman had an argument with a woman who claims he had parked his car across two car spots. There were allegedly heated words and some damage, which could lead to charges.

Newman emerged from the police station flanked by the boss of GTV9, Jeffery Browne, also a lawyer. The Nine star repeatedly gave the ‘no comment’ line to waiting media.

The night before the incident, Newman had even interviewed footballer Barry Hall on The Footy Show, asking him about his own anger management issues.

Last year Newman underwent his own enforced counselling. On Thursday Billy Brownless asked him if his counselling had worked. True to form, he replied, “Of course it did Bill, you d***head!”

Meanwhile, Newman remains under ACMA-review. In May the broadcasting watchdog instructed Nine to inform it of any complaints it receives about the AFL Footy Show or Sam Newman for a period of six months.

But in its 24 page investigation report ACMA did not indicate what checks and balances it had made to ensure Newman’s training was either effective or comprehensive.

Last year Newman signed a $3m contract with the network over three years.