"Macquarie Radio Network boss denies discount to lure advertisers back to Alan Jones show"
Following the controversial comments made by Sydney radio broadcaster, Allan Jones regarding the death of Julia Gillard’s late father, several companies decided to suspend, or axe all together, their advertising slots within his program. Despite this course of action, social media activists continue to campaign against Jones. One week after the announcement of suspended advertisements by executive chairman, Russell Tate, advertisements once again appeared on the show, explaining the suspension of these advertisements was a direct result of “cyber-bullies.” The suspension of the advertisements was said to be having an impact on small business owners.
What Media Mayhem says:
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| Radio broadcaster, Allan Jones |
Allan Jones comments made about the prime ministers late father are inexcusable. However, since these comments, his show, the radio station and his own image have continued to suffer, therefore an apology was issued. Since the original comments, social media has been used as a platform for the public to voice their disgust in Jones’ comments, creating hate statuses and pages on Facebook and Twitter. These people declare themselves as ‘social media activists.’ An activist can be officially defined as ‘an especially active, vigorous advocate of a cause, especially a political cause’ (Dictionary.com, Online). While these ‘social media activists’ fit this definition, many have advocated for their cause behind the safety of their online aliases. Russell Tate, Jones’ station’s executive chairman, issued a statement in which he declared the suspension of several advertisements a result of ‘cyber-bullies.’ This going to show, one person’s definition of an activist, is another’s of a bully. There is a very fine line between online activism and trolling and the impact social media can have, is severe. These ‘activists’ were insulted by the bullying Jones’ conducted, yet their solution has been to bully in return. As the old saying goes, ‘two wrongs don’t make a right.’ As mentioned earlier, Jones’ comments were inexcusable. But at least he had the courage to accept responsibility for his actions, issue an apology in a very public arena, and not hide behind the security of a computer screen.
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