You've reached our premium or archival content
To access this page, and more great content just like it, you need to become a paid subscriber.
If you already have an account, please login.
Otherwise, registration is quick and you'll have access instantly after payment.
My concern with live reads are as follows.
First, does the presenter have a say in whether the advertised product or service falls within the presenter's ethos.
For example a dodgy builder or financial services provider wants a particular presenter to do a live read of a product or service. But the ethics of the producer of the product or service may not accord with the presenter.
Another example may be a product made by slave labour or meat products contrary to the presenter's vegetarian lifestyle.
For the latter, it would be hypocritical of the presenter selling meat while living a vegetarian lifestyle.
Secondly, how far can a live read go beyond the allocated time affecting other scheduled content?
A corollary is the live reads by Graham Kennedy on television. His live reads were known to go for many minutes more than the allocated time, often mocking the product with comedic genius.
An example amongst many extended ads are Graham Kennedy (RIP) and Bert Newton (RIP) advertising Raoul Merton shoes in 1962.
https://www.nfsa.gov.au/collection/curated/graham-kennedy-and-bert-newton-live-ad-raoul-merton-shoes
These ads were meant to be a few minutes but went on for more than 20 minutes.
Let's not forget the many advertisements for dog food where the dog relieves itself or refuses to eat the advertised product.
In these cases, the ads are mocked and the time for the advertisement eats into the other scheduled items on the show.
Would that be allowed today?
Thank you
Anthony, something to think about, Belfield in the land of the Wangal and Darug Peoples of the Eora Nation