Small Firms Resume Ad Spots on Alan Jones’ 2GB Radio Program
Advertisers for Alan Jones' controversial 2GB breakfast show have started trickling back after more than a week of absence, seemingly proving earlier analysts' view that the exodus of corporate sponsors from the popular radio program would be temporary.
Following the decision by Macquarie Radio Network last week to leave out advertisers from Mr Jones' talkback show, small and medium-sized companies appeared all set to be heard again alongside with the Sydney shock jock.
A few weeks ago, firms succumbed to the numerous social media campaigns that urged the public and corporate sponsors to boycott Mr Jones, who earlier had invited criticisms and condemnations by quipping in a Liberal function that the father of Prime Minister Julia Gillard died of shame.
All major and minor sponsors have removed their advertising space from the 2GB show because of the backlash created by Mr Jones' remarks but on Tuesday small brand names have resumed their support for the morning program, The Australian reported.
However, conspicuously absent were "Mercedes Benz, Woolworths, ING Direct and Coles," the News Ltd publication said, big brand names that were deemed major contributors to the 2GB program's reported monthly advertising revenue of $2 million.
In a statement, Macquarie Radio Network Executive Chairman Russell Tate confirmed reports that Mr Jones' show has lured back a number of corporate sponsors but he refused to provide further details on the matter, Fairfax Media said in a report on Tuesday.
Mr Tate had earlier pointed to modern form of censorship and cyber bullying as the reasons that forced Macquarie to temporarily ease out advertising spots from Mr Jones' show.
And the companies' return, according to social media-based protest group Destroy the Joint, only showed that "Macquarie Radio Network no longer cares about community standards. So it is up to us to let advertisers know what the Australian community accepts."
"Our community politely requested that Macquarie Radio Network and its employees sign our pledge to stop sexism and misogyny. They have ignored our repeated requests," the group told Fairfax Tuesday.
Destroy the Joint is only one of active online campaigners that attracted thousands of supporters in their pitch to pressure companies from Mr Jones' show.
The group vowed that they will continue monitoring the 2GB radio program, enjoining the public at the same time to remain actively involve on its online drive to expose the firms that were supportive of Mr Jones.