By PatrickAvenell
Electrical retailer Bing Lee has withdrawn its advertising from Alan Jones’s breakfast program on Sydney radio station 2GB following the publication of comments Jones made regarding Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s late father John Gillard.
In a statement posted at midday on Tuesday 2 October 2012, Bing Lee management said it would be pulling its ongoing support of Alan Jones program but would be persisting with previously agreed arrangements with 2GB.
“Bing Lee would like to once again reinforce that we do not condone the comments made by Alan Jones,” said a Bing Lee spokesperson in a statement.
“In light of those comments, we have removed our advertising from the Alan Jones breakfast show as of last Sunday.
“As stated, we have withdrawn all our advertising from the Alan Jones breakfast show.
“We have launched our latest catalogue promotion on 2GB. This was printed prior to Mr Jones’s comments coming to light and as a result cannot be withdrawn.
“We will ensure we honour our previously stated position and Bing Lee will not be advertising nor will this promotion run within the Alan Jones breakfast show.”
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On Saturday 29 September 2012, Jones was recorded at a function saying that Prime Minister Gillard’s father had died of shame. In the past, he has also suggested that the PM be placed in a chaff bag and dumped into the sea.
Alan Jones is Sydney’s most popular and, arguably, most influential broadcaster. He is a part owner of the Macquarie Radio Network, which own the 2GB station. He has unsuccessfully run for parliament as a Liberal candidate several times over the past 30 years.
Meanwhile, Harvey Norman has not removed its advertising from the station despite concentrated pressure from internet users. In response to public feedback, a Harvey Norman spokesperson has issued the following reply:
“Thanks to all who have messaged us today – we value the feedback here and have escalated these comments to management. Thanks.”
This lack of action has led to several customers posting negative comments on the company’s Facebook page. The most amusing of these is from Rebecca Muller, who is clearly unaware of Harvey Norman’s several retail brands.
“Wake up Harvey Norman. How can you still be associated with…Alan Jones? 2GB is just as bad. I will now be going to Domain (sic).”
Harvey Norman owns the Domayne brand of retail stores, in addition to its Harvey Norman, Joyce Mayne and Space outlets.
UPDATED: Shortly after 3pm on Tuesday 2 October 2012, Harvey Norman released the following statement:
"The views expressed by Alan Jones are not supported by Harvey Norman. We do not condone his sentiments & have no adverts running on his show."