AUCKLAND (APNZ / Pacific Media Watch): At least four companies are pulling advertisements from RadioLive in further fallout over two of its talkback hosts' discussions on the Roast Busters scandal, APNZ reports.
Willie Jackson and John Tamihere have been criticised over the way they interviewed an 18-year-old girl who said she was friends of one of the gang's victims on Tuesday.
They were forced to apologise yesterday but that was not enough for some, and today's show saw a guest panellist storm out after a heated on-air row.
Now it has emerged that a number of advertisers have withdrawn their support of the show and RadioLive while the pair remains on air.
ANZ, Yellow and Freeview have confirmed they are cancelling their ads on the show, and AA Insurance has indicated the same.
It came after blogger Giovanni Tiso contacted around 30 companies which advertised on the Willie and JT Show yesterday, asking them if they would reconsider their support of the programme.
Countdown not withdrawing
He has so far received four responses, only one of which, from Countdown, said they were retaining their contract with the station.
ANZ said it was concerned over the reported comments of Tamihere and Jackson and had suspended its advertising schedule on RadioLive until further notice.
"While having freedom of speech is an important part of a well-functioning media, it comes with responsibilities. ANZ believes Radio Live has overstepped the mark and as a result is pulling its advertising until further notice.''
Yellow chief executive Chris Armistead said: "We had a small portion of advertising with Radio Live as part of a broader radio campaign. In the current environment we have decided to withdraw our advertising from RadioLive for this campaign.''
Freeview general manager Sam Irvine said the company did not want to be associated with the opinions expressed on the show.
"It's not a viewpoint that's shared by Freeview as a brand so we will be asking that we have our ads on other shows,'' he said.
AA pulling out
AA Insurance did not return calls to confirm its position, but in a statement to Tiso the company said: "In light of the way the interview was conducted and the subsequent apology, we are removing all advertising from this programme pending our full review.''
Countdown said it had not changed its advertising, saying topics or personal opinions expressed "are out of our control'', but said it would discuss the issue with its marketing team.
In a statement, MediaWorks said: "We are not able to comment on clients' advertising campaigns as these details are commercially sensitive, but RadioLive would like to reiterate that we in no way condone the actions of the ‘Roast Busters’ or any violence against women.
"We apologise unreservedly for any offence or distress caused to listeners, clients or others by Willie and JT's interview with Amy.''
Sources at RadioLive said the pair had been called in for a meeting with the station's general manager.
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Pacific Media Watch
