Face of Nation : Alan Jones says he is a victim of a ruthless social media campaign but remains unfazed by the mass exodus of advertisers. “It seems to be OK that you can, in social media, about Alan Jones say, ‘We should kill him’,” he told Nine News. “The language being used about me is extraordinary.” “I’ve got no comment about the advertisers, they can make their own judgment – but they go, there will be others to take their place.”
Media Watch criticised the 78-year-old shock jock on Monday evening over his now widely-condemned comments which led to advertisers withdrawing from his top-rating breakfast show. The ABC also aired audio of Jones arguing the New Zealand prime minister was a “lightweight” and shouldn’t be taking Scott Morrison to task over climate change.It was the “backhanders” comment that drew the most attention after the segment went to air, with several media outlets reporting that the comments were “new” and “fresh”.
On Tuesday, a member of Jones’ team called a Media Watch producer to claim the radio presenter had been taken out of context. 2GB sources admitted the call was an “angry approach” because a six-minute editorial had been cut down to highlight 15 seconds of Jones’ most offensive comments and, they believed, it did not accurately represent what he had initially said.
Media Watch sources said they stood by the segment and merely trimmed the audio into bite-sized grabs given their program is only 15 minutes in length.
“Oh, she’s excluded agriculture and methane … Now I hope Scott Morrison gets tough here with a few backhanders. He’s got a stack of staff. Someone should have him this morning with a full briefing. The fact is since 1990 New Zealand has grown carbon dioxide per capita by 10.8 per cent.”
In contrast, the comments Media Watch ran were: “This lightweight New Zealand prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, is challenging Scott Morrison over climate change … Now I hope Scott Morrison gets tough here with a few backhanders … Hasn’t got a clue, this woman.”
2GB sources said legal action was being considered. It is well-known among media circles that Jones is acquainted with ABC chair Ita Buttrose.
Jones’ comments on Thursday have resulted in several companies withdrawing their advertising from 2GB’s breakfast show, including gym franchise Anytime Fitness and hardware chain Total Tools.
Ms Ardern has largely brushed off the comments and stated she is open to criticism. However, the New Zealand Labour leader delivered a subtle sledge on Tuesday, telling a local radio program: “I understand that [Jones] of course used to be closely linked to the Wallabies… let’s just say that I think revenge is best served through a Bledisloe Cup.”
