TIME TO PULL THE PLUG ON ALAN JONES
The only one who can silence Alan Jones is you.
Not 2GB. Not ACMA. And not the Liberal Party.
Jones is 2GB’s fourth-largest shareholder, commanding an audience of almost half a million people every week, but the Power Station sticks by its announcers through thick-headed racial vilification and thinly-veiled misogyny, because it makes money.
People power will topple the King of Talkback. Photo by Dean Sewell via afr.com.
ACMA is known as Australia’s Clayton’s Media Authority after finding Jones’ “chaff bag” comments about Julia Gillard did not incite violence.
And the Liberal Party speaks to its conservative base with the assisted amplification of the shock jocks.
These things will never change. So it’s up to us to pull the plug.
People power will topple the king of talkback.
“Noisy displeasure with advertisers and companies is incredibly powerful,” explains market researcher, Neer Korn.
“The paradigm has shifted, and any consumer with a phone or laptop can be a match for an expensive PR campaign.”
Already Woolworths, Mercedes Benz, Bing Lee, Freedom Furniture and Challenger have pulled their ads, prompted by a now 70,000-strong-and-counting petition on change.org.
Some regional affiliates have dumped his show, while organisers of an anti-coal seam gas rally have withdrawn his invitation to speak.
Woolworths’ withdrawal is significant: its head of government affairs, Simon Berger was MC at the Sydney University Liberal Club dinner where Jones made the comments; he donated a chaff bag jacket which was auctioned on the night.
At first, the company removed anti-Jones comments from its website, creating a new catchphrase, “Woolworths the fresh fraud people“.
But others, including Volvo, Virgin Australia, Toyota, Roses Only, Peter’s of Kensington, Hyundai, and Harvey Norman are conspicuous by their silence.
2GB tried to remove the sponsor list from its website, but you can still locate it here.
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59 Responses to this article
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Kath October 2, 2012
Yes. The ABC has just reported that Channel 7′s Kerry Stokes phoned the Alan Jones program this morning and pledged support. As did Bronwyn Bishop also. Astonishing!
Enough is enough. Alan Jones believes that the best form of defence is attack as you point out. I’m all for maintaining the rage against him. Most of us are just thoroughly sick of the vile, misogynistic, racist, small-minded rantings.
Enough is enough!
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Denise October 2, 2012
Out of curiosity, I listened to Alan Jones’ show from 05.45 – 09.00. He took dozens and dozens of calls in that time from his audience (Kerry Stokes, Bronwyn Bishop and Ian Leslie among them) who, almost universally, condemned his comments, welcomed his apologies, offered their support and talked of their own boycott of sponsors who withdraw their advertising. Be interesting to see which side has the most firepower.
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Lyn October 2, 2012
Everyone should go to change.org and sign their petition and then go to the sponsors and tell them they are not going to buy their products anymore. Finally they should turn off 2GB and not listen to this radio station again. People are defeating the purpose if they don’t like what Alan Jones said but still listen to the station he part owns.
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JoanneH October 2, 2012
Well, life is back to normal in Jonesland – the arrogant bully gave another ‘not sorry, poor me’ apology, and was comforted by his legions of brainwashed supporters. One even said her four year old child can see that Ju-liar tells lies all the time.
It would be comforting to hear some genuine words of condemnation for Jones’s vile comments from our Leader-in-waiting,Tony Abbott, who seems to have been in witness protection for the last few days.
The media are predicting that Jones’s departed advertisers will sneak back in a few weeks, so I hope the emails and petitions can be maintained.
I too have had enough!
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Buttercup October 2, 2012
2GB and Alan Jones do not get it, there is no room for the outrageous and terrible comment he made. We are sick of the hate speeches that he espouses. Happy retirement Mr Jones.
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Les Posen October 2, 2012
Hmmm…..boycotting those who pulled put their advertising. This will be interesting, even just to hear the justification from the meta-boycotters. All it might require is for a withdrawn advertiser to say, “yes, it does has something to do with not offending prospective purchasers, but it’s really about protecting our brand by non-association. We really think Jones is wrong and we’ll wear whatever losses may come our way.”
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JoanneH October 2, 2012
Alan Jones’s influence extends further than his rusted-on listeners. Many taxis, small convenience stores, hairdressers etc. have 2GB on all day. I have been told anti Government false ‘facts’ by many people who tell me that either they, or friends etc. heard it from Alan Jones or other similar commentators. He also appears frequently on breakfast TV shows giving his pro-Liberal comments on recent news, and a few years ago he had regular spot on Channel nine – even during election campaigns.
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Ro.Watson October 2, 2012
Onya Tracey~ I am clumsy about how to access social media~ you lot on Eastern seaboard are far away~ but get the drift~and reckon there is a need to say out loud and what is wrong with what Alan does~ meanwhile another great photo caught, and now displayed which very much supports the gist of this article…
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Glenis October 2, 2012
Alan Jones is just like Kyle Sandilands, a fuss will be made, sponsors will pull out BUT in a month all will be forgotten and the ratings will be up again…….I am so used to this sort of thing now. Everyone makes a fuss but basically nothing changes. Look at Mitt Romney’s recent comments. Sad but this happens all the time.
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Kcapes October 2, 2012
Just to correct you, Virgin Australia actually DID SAY not too many days ago that they were not affiliated with Alan Jones…
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Susan October 2, 2012
I too have signed the online petition and emailed all sponsors of 2GB calling for them to remove their dollars. My reason for doing so is less about the grubby Alan Jones but more that I want to change the way politics is conducted in the country – with facts and intelligence, not abuse and opinion. Your point about continuing the boycott of sponsors is crucial. Most people find it too hard to do this, but “maintaining the rage” is the ONLY way to make an impact.
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Annie Also October 2, 2012
I am guessing that those who listen to Jones ( I don’t except when I am at a dentist or a hairdressers and am FORCED to) don’t read anything or hear anything that does not agree with them. I also figure that those who rang in this morning ( I did not listen) were cherry-picked (vetted)so that only those who were in support got a hearing…for I knew of some fb people who were planning to get on first thing to express their disgust.
So much for ‘free’ media…and it certainly is not ‘fair’….Enough of our dumbing down through such awful people…and if the population at large cannot tell the difference between a ‘lie’ and a ‘broken promise’ then we are surely on the road to USA style representation.-
Janet October 2, 2012
That’s terrible. Imagine having to listen to Alan Jones while someone cut your hair or drilled your teeth. This must be a reason to find a new hairdresser and dentist. My dentist gives me any DVD I want to watch while he works. And my hairdresser talks to me.
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commonsensegirlonline October 2, 2012
Just turn 2GB off, do yourself a favour and listen to some music – your stress levels and your body will love you for it.
As for his so-called apology: I nearly choked on my cup of tea when I heard that he’d said (amongst other things such as using the word “we”, not “I”) that people were jealous of him. Just how deluded can he be?
Once again, he is not taking responsibility for what HE said, never mind the royal “we”.
I refuse to listen to any talk back radio – reading about jerks such as Alan Jones is enough to turn my stomach. And besides, I don’t need other people to form my opinions – I can do that well enough all by myself, thank you very much!
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Airdre October 2, 2012
I agree. We have to stick with this. The avocation of violence against women specifically, and politicians and people in general makes our society a poorer place. I would like commentators to speak of inspiration and courage, not hate and spite. Alan Jone’s comments were small, mean and nasty and they shame the people who support him. I do believe we have space for different views, but not vitriol, catcalling and vile personal attacks.
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Lilly October 2, 2012
Alan Jones refers to himself in the third person. A psychologist could have a field day with that.
I feel dreadfully sorry for him because how could anyone be happy if that kind of bitter language spewed from your lips with such regularity.
I think he is an attention seeker crying out for help. And if Bronwyn, Kerry and the like won’t help, let us, yes all of us, do what we can to help him. Right off the airways.
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Jenny October 2, 2012
So, he’s offensive. This isn’t new, or, even news.
And his audience figures are being stated as few hundred thousand in various reports. Our population is 22 million.
What he said was offensive. And, you may not agree with his politics. But, he is entitled to them, the same as everyone else is entitled to their opinion, and their politics.
There are bigger issues in the world to be outraged about than this.
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Debra October 2, 2012
Really? He has apologised. Turn off his station, boycott his sponsors and move on. Sorry but in my world there are far greater issues that need to be contended with, like how I’m going to pay my crazy electricity bill that has more then doubled from the same period last year.
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Alice Shaw October 2, 2012
And what about as a woman the fact that you earn less on average than men. Will that help you pay your crazy electricity bill? The point about these behaviours and those of Kyle Sandilands and the Bulldogs who think they can spew sexually explicit insults at female reporters and so many other things that are too numerous to mention here is that there is a deep seated misogyny which seems to be becoming more and more acceptable in the media, in our government, in our society in general and that impacts on women everywhere. When women are consistently denigrated and portrayed by very public male figures as second class and “destroying the joint” then this infiltrates all walks of society and puts us in very real danger of going backwards to a time when we couldn’t vote and when married we could be sexually assaulted by our husbands because we were mere chattels.
That is why this is such an important issue.
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Lyn October 2, 2012
I sent a message to 7-eleven as well as several other sponsors The above organisation took the time out to email me back and to say that they have pulled their sponsorship. To them I say thank you.
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Random October 2, 2012
OK, so now I need to boycott the boycotters.
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Carole October 2, 2012
Can you believe that AllanJones is shocked at the amount of hate and anger directed at him.
Give Me A Break
The hate monger obviously lives in a bubble along with his HUGE. EGO.
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Anne October 2, 2012
In our home we have discussions with our children that even if you violently disagree with the views of a politician, you do not attack them personally. People carry on about the loss of manners in our society and then support this sort of behaviour. I suspect the audience of Alan Jones might be just that group of people.
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Kate October 2, 2012
I think there is a level of naiivety in this article and resulting responses. As the Kyle sandilands example has shown, more radio listeners are titillated and entertained by this rubbish than are disgusted by it. 90% of “reality” shows rely on scandal and bullying to attract viewers – the commercials certainly don’t show snippets of healthy interactions. I would go do far as to suggest that a large majority of those signing the petition to get rid of jones are themselves doing so because they are bullies themselves. Advertisers know this & the media know this. Things will not change.
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Julie Wright October 2, 2012
Kate I believe when someone who has power in the media and accuses a daughter of somehow contributing to her father’s death, then it is time to call it a day. As a community we are appalled at many things and a lot of us are saying…the world has gone mad. However Alan Jones has pushed the boundaries of no return and it really is up to the Australian community to say ‘you have crossed the boundary of decency’. I believe there is power in numbers and also power in the almighty dollar. At the end of the day, if 2GB is affected financially, they will boot Alan Jones off the air in a heartbeat. As he owns part of 2GB, he will experience small returns on his investment if he stays on. I am not a bully by saying these things, I am saying “how can we as a community let this slide to where someone can accuse another of such vile and hateful untruths. If Alan Jones gets away with this, then he will push the boundaries further again. His comments and thoughts are not representative of the Australian community and does not in any way benefit the Australian community.
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Mez October 2, 2012
Other than signing the petition, i have spent hours emailing and FBooking the companies still associated this morning with 2GB and AJ. It is not just his show but the radio station that he is a major shareholder in – they must boycott 2GB. Apparently McDonalds have just pulled out. We must maintain the rage – the only way to stop it is to hurt them in the back pocket! We must be vigilant that they do not return to advertise with them.
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liza October 2, 2012
It does seem odd that MR.jones can not see that what he gives out he gets back. All of us suffer from this effect on our politicians and it does not help them get down to government.As for Woolworths they have to be the most despicable retailers. ownership of every business imaginable and nothing stops them gutting small businesses.Gutting gamblers while they are at it.
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Lauretta October 2, 2012
The chaff bag comments and subsequent auction of the chaff bag jacket have done it for me. How can anyone justify that? What were Woolworths thinking? Do the young Liberals really think that this is what political discourse is all about? I sincerely hope not.
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liza October 2, 2012
Does this mean that the builders who listen non stop to Alan Jones will not be rushing back with Mc.Donalds’ cheeseburgers and leaving there wretched boxes around for someone else to clear up ? Hallelujah.
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Les Posen October 2, 2012
You know, it’s not just that he repeated what he’d heard at a function earlier in the day (in an attempt to offload blame), but that he used the Prime Minister’s relationship and her grief, for the amusement of others. As I fondly recall from the original “The Producers” (with Zero and Gene Wilder) after Springtime for Hitler is performed: “Well, talk about bad taste!”
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Margi Macdonald October 2, 2012
I’d really like to see the press shift it’s emphasis from Alan Jones now, and start exploring the relationships between Jones and Liberal Party leadership.
I’d also like to see an analysis of the general culture of the Liberal Party. Obviously, you’d do well to start with the breeding ground at Sydney Uni.
I’d also want to see some decent analysis of the women on the federal front benches on both sides of the house.
I want to know about misogyny and the Conservatives in our country.
This Alan Jones affair is the tip of a very ugly iceberg.
Get onto it.
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Sally October 2, 2012
All I can say is that this vituperative toe-rag is loving all the attention. Its part of the game for him – the bigger the insult, the bigger the pay cheque. Don’t believe for a minute that all those sponsors will maintain the rage and withdraw their financial support once this issue dies down. Ask yourself – why are these companies aligning their brands to his filthy show with its ugly, hateful rantings in the first place? They know the score with him, and they are complicit in their involvement in the first place. Any company that is happy to get into bed with a hellhound like Alan Jones in the first place, is going to get up with a bad case of mange! Maintain your boycott, voice your disgust, and lets get some worthy presenters and intelligent commentary back on the airwaves.
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Kate October 2, 2012
Julie wright I am not in any way disagreeing with you – his comment was vile! But any more deplorable than questioning an underage girl about her sex life and treating her rape dusmissively (per Kyle sandilands)? The fact is that the majority of listeners love a train wreck – why else listen to his show – and he, the station and his sponsors know it. Of course individuals can turn off and withdraw support for sponsors but I still believe that the impact will be so minimal that it will have no effect. As a society we are not just complacent but complicit!
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Anne-Maree October 2, 2012
The picture above says it all! Nasty! He looks nasty and is nasty! Just a bitter old queen is all he is!
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Ross October 3, 2012
So it’s not okay for AJ to say something highly inappropriate, but it’s okay for you to use the term “gay” pejoratively.
Your actions imply that it’s okay to put down gay folk – a step towards bullying a class of people.
Your actions are irreconcilable unless they are hypercritical.
Still I’m sure you will reconcile it in some way.
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Elizabeth October 4, 2012
So, gay people are a ‘class’. Sure does away with the need for a civil society, dontcha think?
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champ November 9, 2012
Disgrace! How can a man who is supposed be a role model to the future Australians, in the field of media behave so low, by this act he has let down his parents and his teachers, and his country.
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Ella October 2, 2012
There is only one way that AJ will notice or care and thats being hit in the hip pocket. Glad to see all the sponsors pulling out – thats people power!
As I said on change.org: “Enough is enough, go away and be quiet”.
What I find so surprising is that he can dish it out, but he cant take it. Complaining about the terrible things people are saying about him – AJ, if you cant take the heat, stay out of the kitchen – or just keep your mouth shut.
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Janice October 2, 2012
Totally agree that the main power we have is financial. Let’s make it clear to the sponsors of this show that we will not purchase their products while they support this man and his rantings. Write to the companies, broadcast to our own networks of friends,and keep it going as long as needed. Let’s turn this small beginning of revulsion by the sponsors into a landslide. If Alan Jones cannot experience shame at any level then let’s show our disapproval of his behaviour by causing a loss of his income.
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Enrico October 2, 2012
LOL. 75,000 Labor and Green voters – along with a handful of other left-wing loonies – signing a petition is going to change squat. They’ll be back on board in no time.
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marion October 2, 2012
poor old AJ ugly on the outside ugly on the inside.
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JL October 2, 2012
I disagree with most posters. I would support Alan continuing on radio.
I just do not understand why politicians have lined up to worship at his feet. Let him waffle on. -
Annie Chickenstalker October 3, 2012
Greatest radio broadcaster since John Laws during his hey day. Just keep on keeping on Alan Jones. All these people saying they won’t/don’t listen to you. They do/will ! Next survey result will be huge. Advertisers cannot afford to not spread their message on the Jones Show.
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Ella October 3, 2012
Do get real Annie C, AJ raves and rents and causes a lot of ill feeling in the community, he is very devisive and in my opinion offensive – as the court ruled the other day.
One of my (girl) friends used to go on about the “dole bludgers, single mothers and the boat people” and we had quite a few “heated discusions”, until I found out that she listened to AJ.
Now I know the poor thing cant think for herself and I just change the subject when she sounds like a “crancky, mean spirited, old bloke”.
AJ is out of order and if his sponsors go back to supporting him we will boycot them.
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Mia October 3, 2012
On top of this hate mongers vile comments, maybe we should be asking 2GB why they would be affiliated with a man who has such a shady past and why he was “asked to leave” his job at a parramatta boys school.
The only time I would ever listen to his show is if chopper read was on and Alan jones didn’t have KAK to defend him:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=related&v=Dj3jrpQzCe0He is a racist and a misogynist and with a very dubious past who is payed $80 000 per week. Disgusting.
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anna October 5, 2012
My father died a year ago and if someone made those comments to me I would be very upset!. Who does he think he is? He isn’t speaking on my behalf that’s for sure. You would never say those type of things not even to an enemy, where is his judgement and humanity?
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Melinda Hughes October 5, 2012
We are two grandparents appalled by the abuse of Freedom of Speech. What messages are Alan Jones and others of his ill sending out to future generations. A line has to be drawn, enough is enough. If this nastiness does not stop we will see Australia slide into the gutter. Sponsors also have to answer to all their shareholders and customers, we can only use the weapons available to us, but we will still endeavor to remember our manners and show some respect – it sets us apart
Yours respectfully
John and Melinda -
Jill October 8, 2012
What Jones said was rude and tactless, but frankly a lynch mob like this is simply an excuse to get a voice SOME people don’t like off the air. So much for “diversity”.
I don’t recall this amount of orchestrated outrage when Catherine Deveny sent her disgusting, practically pedophilic Tweet about Bindi Irwin getting laid.
I don’t approve of what Jones said and I seldom listen to his show but there is NO WAY I am joining this kind of malicious campaign. If i don’t like someone’s show, I don’t listen.
Simple. -
rob October 9, 2012
This is no lynch mob, Jones is nasty and has followers who he entertains with crude illformed propaganda, sexist racist and incites hatred. He ridicules rational argument and boasts that he can get away with it. He is just a overblown mouthpiece for vested interests who has no humility or remorse for the damage he must know he is doing.
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Jill October 9, 2012
This is a lynch mob, Rob.
If you don’t like Jones, then don’t listen to him.
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Rhoda October 9, 2012
Honestly, what he said wasn’t decent. That’s it far as I’m concerned. It wasn’t DECENT. People supporting him need to realize that.
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David October 22, 2012
I believe in free speech and I am not a hypocrite like you , Tracy . Leave Jones alone . He is great and far outshines in his multifaceted ability to communicate . He leaves the lying disgraceful lollies and journos for dead . They all stew in their collective mediocre pots infused with jealousy .
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Fairy The Green One December 15, 2012
Jones has been arrogantly spewing viscious racist,misogynistic and divisive vitriole for quite some years. He gleefully delights in churning and fomenting loathing in his followers. His despicable, hateful comments were no different for him that day than any other day but this time ……some sponsors it appears….. might have a smidgen of morals and a conscience or are they simply running scared of public opinion? Let’s see for how long? But being incorrigible, Jones is too addicted to the self- inflated view he has of himself. He thrives on the echo of his opinions on talkback. Doubtful he’ll change.
Though he may be cunning with words- he has revealed too much of himself this time and he is a sour, compassionless, envious and power hungry old man.Though he may consider himself to be the bastion of all that is right and good- the edifice to himself is crumbling.
