Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2012/04/04/shock_jocks_trash_nbn_ads/

Shock jocks take NBNCo cash, then trash its ads

UPDATED WITH MP3s:Live reads pulled after DJs criticise NBN

By Simon Sharwood

Posted in Networks, 4th April 2012 00:48 GMT

NBNCo's plans to win over the hearts and minds of middle Australia have taken a hit, after two prominent radio announcers editorialised before reading paid ads which explained the company's role as a wholesaler.

Fairfax media reports Ray Hadley and Andrew Moore both prefaced paid ads with their opinions that the NBN is a waste of money.

Click here to listen to one of Hadley's reads and here to hear Andrew Moore at work.

NBNCo's General Manager, Communications, Andrew Sholl contacted The Register and said the ads " ...were read by 24 presenters over six talk stations. Hadley and Moore were the only two presenters ... that presented any difficulties."

"We removed the ads from those slots because [radio station 2]GB could not guarantee that they would be read without being subject to editorialising or misinformation. As recompense, GB has given us make-goods, with live reads and pre-records in other slots."

Live reads are a common form of radio advertising and see announcers read advertising copy, often without flags that the content has been paid for. The turgid plainly commercial nature of the copy means audiences usually understand the content is an ad. Announcers do not always read directly from the script, a situation many advertisers are happy with as the personalised embellishments added by some announcers are seen as adding credibility.

It is, however, unusual for an announcer to editorialise negatively before a live read, given that advertising pays their wages.

"We’re keeping our options open regarding further metro AM advertising going forward," Sholl said. ®