ScoMo-Aly TV Stoush Proves A Fizzer As Viewers Tune In To The Footy Instead
Prime Minister Scott Morrison came face-to-face with The Project host Waleed Aly last night following days of back and forth accusations about whether the PM suggested using an anti-Muslim agenda to the Coalition’s advantage in a 2011 Fairfax report, yet it appears Australia wasn’t all that interested in tuning in.
Despite the exclusive interview secured by The Project, according to last night’s OzTAM metro numbers, only 387,000 Australians tuned in to watch the PM and Project host go head-to-head.
And, judging by the rest of last night’s TV numbers, Aussies far prefer the footy with 728,000 tuning in for Seven’s AFL opener and a further 411,000 for Nine’s NRL coverage.
The ScoMo-Aly interview was the result of an emotional editorial delivered by Aly following the Christchurch terror attacks, which was shared more than 12 million times on social media.
The editorial sparked a backlash from the PM’s office, claiming Aly’s comments were untrue.
Furthermore, in the days following, many media outlets reported that Morrison attacked Aly, with the PM suggesting the allegations were a “disgusting smear” and an “appalling lie”.
A spokesperson from the PM’s office told B&T that Morrison never attacked nor criticised Aly.
“The PM wasn’t actually criticising Waleed,” the spokesperson said.
“The question he was asked [by ABC TV] was focused on the Fairfax article from 2011. That’s where the original allegation came from.
“The back and forth has been about whether that was factual or not – which it’s not – but Aly has presented it as fact.”
The ABC TV transcript about the 2011 claim says nothing about the Project and is only referencing the 2011 Fairfax article, according to the spokesperson.
The spokesperson continued: “This is not some throwdown with the Project.”
Last night’s Project interview saw Aly sit down with Morrison, questioning the PM on whether the Australian Coalition had a problem with Islamaphobia.
Morrison said: “No, I don’t believe so.”
Morrison continued by saying many Australians did not understand Islam and were afraid of it, but affirmed the Coalition did not have a problem with the religion.
The interview also saw Morrison address the allegations in a 2011 Sydney Morning Herald report that claimed he urged shadow cabinet to “capitalise” on Muslim immigration concerns, to which the PM said “never happened”.
Morrison continued to deny the government had an issue with Muslims but conceded there were some concerns across the Australian nation.
“No, I don’t think the party has a problem. I don’t think the Liberal Party, as a total group, has that problem. And I don’t think the National party does either,” he said.
When asked whether Australia had an Islamophobia issue, Morrison said: “I don’t know if Australians understand Islam very well, and that can often lead to the fear of things you don’t understand, so by definition that’s what it leads to.”
Latest News
Young Guns Versus The Old Guard: Who Adds More Value to Our Industry?
What is more important to the advertising industry? Seasoned experience or fresh thinking? That’s the hot topic set to spice things up when the industry’s Debate Club comes to Cannes in Cairns, presented by Pinterest this June. That’s right, the house will debate ‘Young Guns Versus Old Guard: Who Adds More Value to Our Industry? […]
70% Of Aussies Don’t Have Green Power Plans ENGIE Says In Major Brand Campaign Via HERO
Launching today is a new player in the retail energy category, ENGIE. Formally Simply Energy, ENGIE, via HERO will show it’s possible to have both affordable and sustainable options for customers via a major brand campaign. Research shows that over 70 per cent of Australians believe environmental sustainability is the responsibility of government and corporates […]
PrettyGood Launches Offering Brand & Media Solutions For Australasian SMEs
PrettyGood, a brand and media solutions business, has launched into the Australasian market, offering affordable, transparent and unbiased marketing solutions to the underserved and overwhelmed small and medium business (SME) community. Founded by marketing industry expert Hamish Smith (lead image), PrettyGood aims to reset the media and branding landscape by providing honest results without corporate […]
A Blunt End: Dolphins Medicinal Cannabis Sponsorship At Risk
NRL team Dolphins have found themselves at the centre of a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) investigation over their partnership with Alternaleaf, a company that prescribes medicinal cannabis. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the TGA is reviewing the sponsorship deal over breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Act that bans the advertisement of prescription medicine. The […]
Slew Of New Creative Hires At Leo Burnett Australia
Leo Burnett Australia has announced three new additions to its creative team, with the hire of Lenna Boland as group creative director and two new Associate creative directors, James Beswick and Rowan Foxcroft. Lean Image: Lenna Boland, Andy Fergusson and Julia Sheehan. Boland is a seasoned creative director with more than 20 years of experience. […]
Under Armour Unveils Local “Live in UA” Campaign
Global sports performance brand Under Armour (UA) has unveiled its new brand platform, ‘Live in UA,’ tailored exclusively for the Australian market. The campaign offers a glimpse into the brand’s latest men’s and women’s autumn and winter essentials, which are anything but basic. This locally produced campaign showcases an expanded range of apparel, footwear, and accessories […]
Pepsi Launches New Look, Refreshing Classic Fashion Staples Via Special PR
Pepsi has marked its bold new era with a partnership with emerging designer Jackson Cowden, celebrating not only Pepsi’s new identity, but the reinvention of classic fashion items and conventions, via Special PR. Lead Image: Samantha Harris In partnership with a 22-year-old emerging ‘Digital Fashion Artist,’ the launch of the Pepsi Pulse Collection showcases Pepsi’s […]
Pure Blonde Returns To A Place Purer Than Yours In New Campaign Via The Monkeys
Ultra-low carb beer, Pure Blonde, has partnered with The Monkeys, part of Accenture Song, to relaunch the iconic brand. By re-establishing the original ‘A Place Purer Than Yours’ platform, Pure Blonde is returning to its lush, forested roots: by imagining a world uncorrupted by modern life. The film, directed by Freddy Mandy, features a trespasser […]
Spotlight On Sponsors: Carsales Strikes With Another Storm-Based Team
Canon is set to capture all the action of the 2024 Cliff Diving Championships. Meanwhile, Carsales has solidified its connection with storm-based teams. Lead Image: Harry Grant (Melbourne Storm) and Liz Watson (Sunshine Coast Lightening). Welcome back to B&T’s Spotlight on Sponsors series, where we break down all the major sponsorship news from inside the sporting world. […]
Commission Factory & AGL Energy Ignite Strategic Partnership To Empower Australian Energy Consumers
Affiliate and partnerships marketing platform Commission Factory has announced a strategic partnership with AGL Energy, Australia’s pioneering energy provider with a rich history spanning 185 years. This collaboration marks a significant milestone as AGL Energy embraces an advanced partnership platform for the first time, leveraging Commission Factory’s cutting-edge technology to scale and streamline its partnership […]
Allied Nabs Nicola Gold From Pico International Dubai
Allied Global Marketing (Allied), a full-service integrated marketing agency working with entertainment, consumer and lifestyle brands, has announced the appointment of seasoned executive Nicola Gold as business director APAC, brand experience, effective immediately. Gold assumes a pivotal role in building the Brand Experience offering as part of Allied’s strategy to develop a truly integrated full-service […]
Nine’s Push For Gold, Silver & Bronze Ad Opportunities Could Break New Ground In Broadcasting
Nine insists that AI won't dominate its Olympics coverage. And not merely because Bruce McAvaney doesn't understand it.
TV Ratings (16/04/2024): Toxic City Girls Too Much For Farmer Bert
Fans calling out toxic behaviour on Farmer Wants A Wife, seemingly unaware that's the very premise of any dating show.
Kaimera Wins Afterpay ANZ Media Account
Have couriers even started to mention you're overdoing the online shopping? Probably best to avoid this Afterpay news.
Industry Reacts: Stuff Group Swoops In To Save 6pm News After Newshub Closure
As you'll read here, New Zealand's media's in a right state of flux. And nor have they forgotten 1981's underarm.
a2 Milk Launches “Only a2 Will Do’ Brand Platform In First Work From BMF
A2 milk drinkers tend not to bother everyone with their gut health issues & it's a lesson for vegans & the gluten-free.
Can You Recite It In Under 4 Seconds? Maccas Relaunches Iconic Competition With Modern Twist
Do you know what would make a fantastic ad? Drunk people at 3am trying to recite the ”two all-beef patties"
‘Liar, Liar’: Lehrmann Exposed As High Profile Defamation Case Comes To A Close
Having exhausted all avenues in his defamation case, is there only one option left for Bruce - reality television?
MECCA & Fendi Among Premium Advertisers For oOh!media Woollahra OOH Network Launch
If you've not been to the snooty suburb of Woollahra, the locals would like to thank you again for staying well away.
Yahoo Academy Announces Class Of 2024
This academy is strictly for "emerging leaders". Courses don't include 'sleeping at your desk' or 'bunking off early'.
Top 35 Media Leaders Announced For 2024 TikTok Agency Accelerator Program
Despite the ban threats, TikTok keeps marching on. Cementing its reputation as the Julian Assange of the tech.
AiMCO Announces First-Ever Diversity Webinar To Explore Inclusion In Influencer Marketing
Think influencer marketing's a little on the white side? This free webinar's for you. Sadly, it's not given TV ideas.
Anthony Ellis Promoted To CEO Of Publicis Media Exchange
Anthony Ellis takes the opportunity to thank the office fern in his press photo following recent work promotion.
Indigenous Stars 3% & Jessica Mauboy Fuel New Supercars Campaign Via WILDCARD
Jessica Mauboy brings the tunes to new Supercars campaign. Meanwhile, Shannon Noll promises a revenge best served cold.
Nine Launches New Look Olympic Experience 100 Days Out From Paris 2024
9Now rolls out Olympics push, but can it bring Aussie gold in handball?
Must-Watch Marketers At Cannes In Cairns!
Is there a better conference agenda than Cannes In Cairns, we ask? Sure, Captain Feathersword yet to put pen to paper.
Retail Media Demands A New Organisation Dynamic
There's no denying retail media's become adland's hot button topic du jour. Much like tomato being the soup du jour.
News Corp & NRMA Unite For Urgent Action To Fix Notoriously Dangerous Bruce Hwy
A top road safety initiative from News & the NRMA. If they could turn their attention to potholes next would be ideal.
Facebook And X Ordered To Remove Sydney Church Stabbing Video; Meta Swiftly Responds, X ‘Too Busy’ To Care
Tech giants ordered to stop running video of Monday's church attack. Not that it's bothered most major news sites.
Tara Ford To Serve On Titanium Jury At Cannes Lions
Monkeys seemingly ruling themselves out of back-to-back Titaniums, as agency ECD takes up Cannes red pen & clipboard.
“Be Like A Skunk At A Garden Party”: Author Patrick Radden Keefe On Investigating Pharma
Patrick Radden Keefe (pictured), author of global bestseller, Empire of Pain, talked to B&T‘s Nancy Hromin at the Samsung Jaipur Literary Festival about reputation laundering, aggressive marketing strategies and the privilege of still being able to practice pure journalism and be paid for it. Keefe’s in-depth reporting in publications such as The New Yorker and […]
Stuart Archibald Departs Half-Eponymous Agency, Archibald Williams
Stuart Archibald departs Archibald Williams after 12 years. And, no, it's not for golf & bowlo club-priced schooners.
B&T’s Campaign Of The Month Wrapped: Queensland Health’s Frightening Skin Cancer Campaign, Via CHEP
Queensland's beautiful one day, perfect the next but there's still lots that can kill you - crocs, skin cancer & XXXX.
TV Ratings (15/4/24): Amidst It All, Seven News Is The Most-Watched Program In Australia
Network 10 may have had a win in the courts yesterday but, alas, it appears viewers heard all about it on Seven.
Even More Cairns Crocodiles Awards Judges Added As Entries Go Gangbusters!
Cairns Crocodiles assembling ominous judging panel that just so happens to coincide with B&T's office sponge bake off.
“Bias Influences Who & How We Appoint”: Aimee Buchanan On Why Diversity In Leadership Matters
When Aimee speaks, B&T goes full Vanilla Ice: "Stop collaborate & listen, GroupM boss back with a brand new invention."