Communications Law Centre complaint prompts ABA investigation

The ABA has received a complaint from the Communications Law Centre following up ABC TV’s Media Watch story alleging possible breaches of the disclosure standards by 2UE’s John Laws and 2GB’s Alan Jones.

The complaint questioned whether Laws had breached the standard through an arrangement with NRMA which was not declared during an interview, and whether 2GB part owner Jones was in breach because of the station’s commercial arrangement with Telstra.

2GB CEO George Buschman spoke to radioinfo about the current situation following the Media Watch program and the Communications Law Centre’s complaint:

radioinfo: How do you feel about David Marr? Buschman: David Marr has got a job to do and he’s doing it. We believe we are complying and the ABA is OK with that, but now we have another new and exciting allegation which has to be dealt with.

radioinfo: Have you had official contact about this complaint? Buschman: Yes. The ABA contacted us last night asking for more documentation, which we are complying with.

radioinfo: Can you tell us Jones’ business arrangement with the station now that it will all soon be public? Buschman: No. We have nothing to hide, but it is appropriate that if these details become public it goes through the formal ABA enquiry process first.

The disclosure of the NRMA contract with Laws on the 2UE website says:

Parties To Agreement: NRMA Insurance Limited and John Laws.
Duration: 01/10/02 to 30/09/05

Obligation: To read live advertising and record radio commercials and voice over for tv commercials, to conduct promotional activity and appear in staff motivational videos. To promote NRMA Insurance and its Associates in Insurance Aust Group and its brands, products & services. To provide the personal endorsement of John Laws. Consideration: more than $100,000 but not more than $500,000 pa

The disclosure on 2GB’s website for Alan Jones lists only an arrangement with TCN Channel Nine for an amount between $10,000 and $100,000.

The Media Watch program suggested that because Jones is a shareholder in 2GB he benefits from the commercial arrangement the station has with Telstra, forming the basis for the inclusion of Jones in the complaint.