Networks want more of the Plebiscite ad pie
With $15m in advertising campaigns, networks are not happy about that law on political ad blackouts.
- Published by David Knox
- on
- Filed under News
Commercial Free to Air networks want more of the advertising pie for the upcoming Plebiscite on Same Sex Marriage, and are objecting to an ad blackout similar to that which applies for elections.
Free TV Chairman Harold Mitchell said: “As we saw in the Federal Election, an advertising blackout period has no relevance and is ineffectual in the modern media landscape.
“Introducing another blackout period for the plebiscite that singles out commercial broadcasters is no longer appropriate in a converged media environment. It is one thing to have these ridiculous limitations in a piece of legislation that is 25 years old, but totally ridiculous to have it in a new piece of legislation. The Bill seems ignore the existence of the internet and continues to entrench the antiquated regulation of commercial television.”
Networks have been objecting to clauses surrounding political ad blackouts in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 for some time.
In the past some networks have also been criticised for rejecting anti same-sex marriage advertising, but with both sides of the campaign now receiving $7.5m in government funding networks are singing another tune.
“The plebiscite blackout period will simply replicate what occurred during the election where both sides of the debate will simply transfer their advertising from television to digital media platforms and social media,” Mitchell said. “We are calling on Parliament once again to get rid of this outdated provision which only serves to put commercial broadcasters at a disadvantage to all other digital media.”
8 Responses
Never mind the hate. Show us the money.
Why was there no plebiscite in 2004 when John Howard changed the Marriage Act?
It is unbelievable that this country is about to spend $175 million dollars on a vote on something that is supported by the majority of people and can be passed easily in parliament for next to nothing right now like so many other countries have done both above and below Australia in terms economic standing. Ridiculous that we will have to put up with the ads and I especially feel for the effect the no campaign will have on some already struggling enough with their own sexuality.
“Now”, added Mitchell, “would you be so kind as to help us remove our heads from this large and tasty honey-pot? We seem to be quite stuck!”
Bob Hawke tried to outlaw political advertising in 1991 because of the cost to political parties. Instead TV stations would be forced to show two minute talking head presentations from each of the party leaders without charge. Two elections – the Tasmanian and ACT elections – were held under the new rules. TV and radio stations took it to the High Court and won and political advertising made a comeback.
What Pleb ad pie? Its not gonna happen is it? The usual pollie ads are full of hate. If this thing goes ahead debate without hate needs to be strictly enforced on all sides.
Whilst visiting my very elderly mother in the Shady Pines Rest Home yesterday, was asked “so what’s Mr. Abbott about with this same sex thing?” “No mum, it’s Mr. Turnbull this week”. “Whomever, so this same-sex marriage thing, is he going to make it compulsory? You can only marry someone of the same sex?”.
Oh dear god no, please don’t change it!! It’s such sweet relief when the blackout comes into play! I spend all of my time avoiding FTA during election campaigns purely to avoid obnoxious election advertisements.