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Opinion
The keyboard warrior of Twitter
In this guest post, NBN staffer Scott Rhodie writes an unofficial, personal view on his experience with a hostile Twitter critic.Last night I had a strange incident. While on Twitter I noticed someone saying that Australia’s NBN is already outdated. I wrote a small note back explaining they were incorrect.
And their response? The lovely gentleman (whose Twitter profile says: ‘Father of 5 kids, Loving Grandfather of 10 Grandchildren,and 2 Great Granddaughters. love to give heaps to Pollies and Poofters’) said to me: “Go and lick Gillards C*** out U commie Prick”
What's in a name?
In this guest post, Moensie Rossier wonders about the power of names for brands and marketers.
Brands have been having a bit of fun with names lately, not to mention a fair bit of success. Interbrand just named a headhunting firm Cloak & Dagger. And ‘Share a Coke’ showed how much power there is in a name.
The Coke campaign effectively short-circuited the usual mechanics of communication. It undoubtedly stroked people’s egos. But, I believe, its success stems from the fact that it directly and automatically affected people’s behaviour, rather than doing so indirectly by shaping attitudes.
Best ads from Super Bowl 2012
The Super Bowl is all done and a team from North America won. But as well as some sort of sporting event, it’s the world’s biggest advertising showcase. See the best of them right here… and please tell us what you think.
How to debunk media myths
In this post, UWS’s Ullrich Ecker, John Cook and Stephen Lewandowsky argue that cognitive science can help PRs form strategies in managing media misreporting.
A growing cohort of commentators has bemoaned the descent of contemporary political “debate” into a largely fact-free zone.
How about simply focusing on what consumers want?
In this guest post, Peter Mountford argues that brands should think more about what is really going on for consumers
Who here is hoping their favourite brand of toilet paper is going to be organizing a flash mob on their way home from work today?
What the Optus web copyright victory means
In this analysis first published on The Conversation, RMIT’s Marita Shelly examines the implications of Telstra’s defeat over the online rights to the AFL broadcast deal
This week’s Federal Court ruling that Optus customers are able to view sporting matches minutes after they are streamed live without breaching copyright is a landmark decision that alters our understanding of copyright law, and has significant implications for the AFL’s broadcasting rights deal.
Does Gina Rinehart’s bite of a chunk of Fairfax make her an oligarch?
In an article that first appeared in The Conversation, Mark Rolfe wonders whether the mining magnate’s move could turn Fairfax into something resembling America’s Fox network.
Australia’s richest person Gina Rinehart has moved to increase her stake in Fairfax Media, owner of The Age, Sydney Morning Herald and a number of radio stations. Rinehart has already shown her desire to play a role in public life, campaigning against former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s aborted mining tax. She has also demonstrated a willingness to make media investments to ensure her pro-business worldview is promulgated.
What does this latest move by Rinehart mean?
Gillard's Australia Day crisis
PM Julia Gillard’s media adviser Tony Hodges has been forced to resign over the Australia Day tent embassy debacle.
It came after it emerged he had revealed opposition leader Tony Abbott’s whereabouts, leading to both politicians being rescued by police in ugly scenes.
Mumbrella editor Tim Burrowes and advertising practitioner Jane Caro debate the topic on Weekend Sunrise’s masters of Spin segment:
The biggest cock-up I made in business
In this guest post, Chris Savage urges agency staff to live the brand.I still shudder when I think about how incredibly stupid I was when I made the biggest stuff up of my career. And then, 18 years later, I did it again. Do not make this mistake with your clients. Ever.
Hey Groupon. Thanks for fucking up email
In this guest post, Daniel Monheit warns that group deal overload is devaluing email marketingEmail marketing used to be fabulous. Back in the heady days of 2010, brands would work hard to build up well qualified databases, upon which they’d bestow carefully crafted correspondence filled with information, offers and incentives. The recipients, of course would be delighted: “Oh look! An email! From one of my favourite brands! And it’s 40 cents off at Woolies this week!”.
The staggering sway of Harold Mitchell
The Power Index today names Aegis Media chairman Harold Mitchell as the most powerful person in Melbourne. Andrew Crook profiles him.
Harold Mitchell takes pride in dispensing with the niceties. When The Power Index visited his South Melbourne private office before Christmas, fresh remains were scattered all over the boardroom table.
Share a Coke with… the moronic masses
The most-read story on Mumbrella last year, with not far off 100,000 page views, was a fairly humdrum yarn about the launch of Coca-Cola’s name-on-a-bottle campaign.The headline, “Coca-Cola puts people’s names on bottles in ‘Share a Coke’ campaign”, though hated by any self-respecting sub-editor, was loved by Google. And in rushed what can be politely described as the public.
Assumptions kill creativity
In this guest post, Gual Barwell disagrees that the sales success of the Old Spice social media campaign was overstated.Yesterday’s post from Cathie McGinn suggested the Old Spice campaign failed to connect with consumers. Based on the facts and figures, I disagree.
What Old Spice and Wieden + Kennedy has done and done phenomenally well is to create a franchise.
The SMH's readers (are wrong) editor
We are now about five months into the reign of Australia’s first readers’ editor. And I don’t think it is working.
It struck me at the time of Judy Prisk’s appointment to the Sydney Morning Herald that the fact that her boss was editor-in-chief Peter Fray was not going to be ideal if she was going to be the independent voice of the reader.
The emperor's new fragrance: Old Spice’s campaign failure
In this guest post, Cathie McGinn slays a sacred cow of 21st century marketing – the highly awarded Old Spice campaign.One of the biggest myths of recent times (by which I mean a story of great heroism and triumph we’d all like to believe but deep down know to be untrue) is the Old Spice social media campaign. It’s been much lauded and awarded as an example of outstanding content, a creative and collaborative way of connecting with consumers and driving a record increase in sales.
Chris Smith to return to 2GB on Monday after Christmas party suspension
2GB afternoon host Chris Smith’s office Christmas party hangover will finally come to an end on Monday, the company said today.
Smith was suspended from the Macquarie Radio Network’s Sydney flagship station after lurid allegations emerged involving him groping female members of staff. He then gave an interview to the Sunday telegraph in which he described himself as an alcoholic.
In a statement today, MRN chairman, Russell Tate said: “Chris Smith will return as the host of the 2GB Afternoon Show from next Monday. I have had several discussions and meetings with Chris during the course of his suspension, which resulted from unacceptable behaviour at the 2009 Christmas party. Chris has demonstrated unqualified remorse and fully understands the seriousness of his actions. He has made a full apology to those involved and they have accepted his apology.
“Chris has committed to an ongoing program of counselling and professional help. In light of this commitment and his acknowledgement that any recurrence of this behaviour will not be tolerated, we have agreed that he will return to his on air role at 2GB.”
January 29th, 2010 at 11:06 am
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Comments
29 Jan 10
11:14 am
How long before he starts taking the high ground on “moral” issues like Bill Henson again?
29 Jan 10
11:29 am
If I sexually harassed girls at my place of work, I certainly would be ‘let go’. If I had Smith’s history of sexual harassment, they probably would not have ever hired me, and definitely not on a $450,000 contract. Is he really remorseful for his actions or what he stands to lose?
Presumably he is only back because they could not cancel the contract on legal grounds as no official complaint was made. This is either an ethically bad decision or a sad legal outcome.
29 Jan 10
2:54 pm
Does anybody under 45 listen to 2GB?
29 Jan 10
4:45 pm
Chris Smith is a danger to us all
29 Jan 10
4:53 pm
Chris Smith is an outstanding presenter and he’s only human. If he’s truly remorseful of his actions and the women accepted his apology then for God’s sake leave the guy alone! He’s had time to reflect on his bad behaviour and how many other people act stupid at a Christmas party!? It’s not like he went out and murdered anyone!
29 Jan 10
4:55 pm
And by the way… yes, there ARE people under 45 that listen to 2GB… I happen to be one of them!!
29 Jan 10
5:33 pm
Do you work for them too, Kristie? Or are you and Chris just related?
29 Jan 10
5:46 pm
it was strange to hear that Chris behaved in an appalling way given to what he was saying about John Dellabosca’s affair,
29 Jan 10
8:26 pm
Blokey Station, Blokey attitude. The Channel 9 of Radio.
29 Jan 10
9:39 pm
2GB boardroom meeting on the fate of Chis’girls name’ Smith.
Singo; ‘What do we do with this lowlife?
The Parrot;’ No worry’s, I got arrested once outside a men’s toilet and got away with it. Leave it up to me boy, Preach and moralize about hypocrisy…um that should do it’.
Montion passed.
29 Jan 10
11:24 pm
I am appalled that your radio station would allow this person to again be heard on radio. 2GB seems to have no respect for women , this person has treated women badly before , at Channel 9, so this is not one off. The women he ” groped ” are probably worried about their position at this radio station ,so have said nothing. I am moving up the dial to the next station, where at least they treat women with respect.
30 Jan 10
12:07 pm
Adrian, Kristie still lives at home and her Dad, Athol, has araldited the tuner knob of the wireless set to 873 (except they still have all the Australian station call signs printed on the dial).
30 Jan 10
12:11 pm
Correction Ken, Alan Jones was arrested loitering inside the toilet flashing his dick. Great stuff isn”t ,it if anyone else did what Smith and Jones did they would be out of work and completely denounced by the shock jock fraternity. Smith is a serial offender, and has the hide to write a book on stalking!Sounds like he sure is well qualified on the subject. Another bullshitter blaming a bi-polar alcoholic condition. What a coward Smith is .He should hang his head in shame. Why don’t we try and call Jones and Smith on Monday to discuss these incidents, like you’ll get through ha ha ha.
Maybe Belinda Neal should call him. Smith gave her heaps for weeks. The funny thing is ,what the hell can he discuss with any credibility on air,? Guess he’ll stick up for drunken football players and pollies from now on, and take on an on- air counselling style. Hang your head in shame Smith, your a liar and a gutless disgrace to the Radio industry.Bi-polar, sure. Alcoholic, just an out of control binger who can’t keep his hands off woman.
30 Jan 10
7:01 pm
Geeeeeeeee Guys !! Are you all perfect ?? There have been/are some very famous
people in various walks of life including Kings, Presidents, Politicians and to my mind, the worst of all, ordinary PRIESTS ( as they are placed in a position of Trust)……who have committed sexual misdemeanours & more serious offences & whom, it would appear, have, in some instances “gotten away with murder” (as the saying goes) We all have skeletons in our cupboards & I am convinced that we all possess a “dark” side !! Chris would be only too painfully aware that this is his very last chance on air !! He has sought help, it seems, and is sorry for his actions. I wish him Good Fortune & sincerely hope that his Afternoon Show will be # 1 top rating again !! If I sound a bit too lenient, then that is because I have walked in Chris’s shoes…was helped & have got my Life back again…more beautiful than ever !! Best of Luck Chris !!
31 Jan 10
2:09 am
I wouldn’t listen to that radio station anyway.
31 Jan 10
6:42 pm
Time tp Give Chris Smith a second Chance. Surely women at 2GB can find forgivenesss in their hearts for Chris Smith. This will bring younger listeners to 2GB from Nova, 2DauFM, Mix 106.5FM & TrupleJ.
31 Jan 10
6:44 pm
Remind me if I’m wrong but doesn’t this presenter hammer anyone who has done anything wrong then blames illness. He usually says things along the lines of “it is not an excuse to blame illness for bad behaviour”.
So what does he do – comes out with a sob story to a newspaper of how he is a bipolar, alcoholic.
I hope people give Chris Smith the same treatment he was only too happy to dish out to others in the same situation.
Sadly I doubt it will be the case – all you will hear on 2gb is welcome back Chris, isn’t is great to hear you on the air and similar.
1 Feb 10
9:41 am
Hi everyone, Chris Smith is a real person. Please don’t put him down, I know the man and you don’t so how can you say things about him if you only read what has been in the press? Lets put aside things that has happend as you can not repair them… Let Chris do what he does best on the best Station Sydney’s 2GB 873..All the best Chris… Love Rev…
1 Feb 10
1:18 pm
Good to hear Chris Smith NOT screening calls and taking critiicism
Certain other people who’ve recently been involved in controversy have made sure that not one negative call has got to air
1 Feb 10
3:22 pm
Once again its all about him ,Chris Smith”I’ve been beating myself up over this”. So you should you fool. Not a sincere word of apology to the poor women involved.What about naming and apologising to ALL of the woman you assaulted, instead of leaving us wonder if the women reading the news were Smiths victim’ s now suffering as a result of his drunken behaviour. Notice this womaniser didn’t chat to them on air beyond a token introduction. Seems he has been warned off. Hope he is restricted to working with his hands above the desk for their sake.
How about an apology to the people you have bitterly condemned over the years for far less offensive action eg our Prime Minister Rudd.You never let up on him, Belinda Neal and Tiger. You are a weak bastard with a Kmart plastic spine. Smith you are offensive and a very self centred man.Noticed you didn’t say you were giving up alcohol, rather you said you would leave it to your wife to monitor your drinking. Your can’t be serious.Shift the responsibility for your behaviour to your wife why don’t you .Oh yeah….it’s only a matter of time. Seems you constantly have your dick in your hand.
1 Feb 10
4:32 pm
Low life , filthy, warped scum, thats you Smith. Lets hope your daughters body parts aren’t groped. Your excuse for groping young woman, the cover of alcohol , Now all of a sudden your mildly bi-polar….sure! Your are so transparent and the most massive media hypocrite. How 2GB management expect people to work with you is beyond belief ,as you most certainly are.
1 Feb 10
4:50 pm
I remember last year when he wrote an opinion piece for a now defunct news website Livenews. He was so base that he had a line or few changing her surname to something defamatory for no reason other than he disagreed with her mild suggestion on public policy. Sorry, no details about it as it was so forgettable & pathetic.
Even worse were his rabid 2gb supporters with the most awful comments.
If only listeners were as ruthless as him & his colleagues on that hypocritical station.
Btw Marconi, hope you enjoy the “blokey” astrology readings…karma is a bitch.
1 Feb 10
4:51 pm
Good on you Chris !! … you have come through your 1st show for 2010 with “Flying Colours” … it takes a lot of guts to apologise & admit that you have behaved very badly … a lot of people, especially men, just cannot admit that they were out of order … some cannot or WILL not even say “sorry” … something to do with male ego or the old “power & control” thing. A great number of men will never seek the services of a professional person ie psychiatrist … they just “go down the pub” instead … and so the whole cycle of unacceptable behaviour begins again … I personally have witnessed this time & time again !! I would like your critics to “walk a mile in your shoes” before they judge. I know what I am talking about … I have been there & am lucky to be alive … Take care Chris .
1 Feb 10
7:13 pm
Nothing worse than a chubby, receding, unappealing ,middle aged married man, groping and trying to kiss young woman. The excuse of being smashed on alcohol doesn’t wash . From from what has been reported, he was an offensive human being that night and there are probably more incidents that are unreported. His wife and kids should be very worried. So Sad.And don’t knock the newspapers. talk radio uses newspaper story lines and information all day everyday. If it was a j groping jock from another station Smith would of been giving him/her absolute hell. Cause thats what he has always done. he said HE had a shocker on the news. What about the poor girls he drunkenly manhandled with a half a stiffy in his pants. And he had the shocker?Repulsive creature.
1 Feb 10
10:44 pm
And none of you blokes have never been off your’e face and carried on like that !
It should not have been mentioned and 2gb should bring in a responsible service of alchol policy!
Smiths biggest mistake was that he hammers other people all the time for this type of behaviour and yet he carries on like that himself!
If he didnt carry on with his high moral crap he would have been okay! Everyone would say we all make mistakes!
He has been very dishonest and a big let down to everyone, you should be vey ashamed Smith. And stop supporting the Labour party !
John singelton and Allan jones should show him the door!
Good riddons Smith you dishonest whimp!
1 Feb 10
10:49 pm
Tim Webster on 2ue looks like the way to go !
2 Feb 10
9:21 am
I don’t have a lot of sympathy for someone who mixes alcohol and anti depressants.(at the Christmas party) He is old enough (and ugly enough) to know better. Does he know better? Or is he just his old arrogant self who knows better than anyone else? I like Andrew Moore – he did very well for a more casual approach to the after lunch show. We’ve had the big guns with Alan & Ray (who I admire greatly) so its time for Andrew and his less confrontational approach.
2 Feb 10
10:25 am
Why bother defending this proven jerk. Expect more crap on air today, from him and his brainless admirers who couldn’t form an opinion of their own if they tried.Smith is a self indulgent ,” I had a shocker” ,young girl groping sicko!Pity help his daughter.