Alan Jones radio show under review due to “appalling” Jacinda Ardern comments
Radio veteran Alan Jones has been put on notice after Macquarie Media announced a pending “full review” of his program.
This comes after his controversial comments about NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern that saw more than 100 companies withdrawing their advertising dollars from the radio station.
The scandal initially began when the 78-year-old Jones said that Ardern is a “complete clown”.
“She’s a clown, Jacinda Ardern; a complete clown,’’ Mr Jones said.
“I just wonder whether Scott Morrison is going to be fully briefed to shove a sock down her throat.’’
“She is a joke, this woman; an absolute and utter lightweight,” he said on social media.
Macquarie Media chairman Russell Tate publicly warned Jones that he would be sacked if he made similar comments in future.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Macquarie Media have reportedly sent a letter to advertisers pledging a review of Jones’ Breakfast Show on 2GB and 4BC.
“This incident has brought into sharp focus the need for all Macquarie Media broadcasters to ensure that the debate they bring to the microphone and the words they use are, at all times, respectful and reflect the standards expected today by our listeners, our clients, and the wider community,” the letter allegedly reads.
“Through this incident, we have experienced the ability of offended groups to greatly amplify their complaints and to actively disrupt you, our clients and your staff, who have done no more than seek to engage with the audience which chooses to listen to us,” Mr Tate said in the letter.
“Of course, we have seen valued commercial partners withdraw from Alan’s program, but the fact is we got it wrong in the first place and we must now do everything possible to ensure that doesn’t happen again,” he said.
“To that end, we have already commenced, with Alan’s encouragement and support, a full review of the 2GB/4BC Breakfast Show’s content, presentation and controls with a specific focus on audience and guest/third party engagement. That review will extend into all 2GB/4BC programs.”
As to what the “pending review” will uncover remains to be seen.