Channel Nine could face the music by way of a $50,000 fine after breaching regulations for using the word ‘Anzac’ in a cash giveaway promotion on the Today show.
The show used ‘Anzac’ has the code word for its Mega Cash A Roo promo last week on the morning of Anzac Day, where people can enter the competition by phoning up.
However, the word ‘Anzac’ or any word resembling it is protected under regulations from being used in connection with “any trade, business, calling or profession or in connection with any entertainment or any lottery or art union or as the name or part of a name of any private residence, boat, vehicle of charitable or other institution, or other institution, or any building” unless approved otherwise by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.
TODAY SHOW: Anzac Day is sacred, how dare they release a blockbuster movie today!
ALSO TODAY SHOW: Win a block of cash with today’s competition codeword! pic.twitter.com/zRKw9nIOQw
— James Mathison (@jamesmathison) April 25, 2018
A spokeswoman for the Department of Veterans Affairs told Fairfax that Nine’s use of the word was not approved by Minister Darren Chester.
“Even if they had approached us, we wouldn’t normally grant them the use of the word Anzac in this manner,” she said.
Meanwhile, a Nine spokesman admitted to B&T that its use of the word was unfitting.
“The Today show is proud of its extensive support and celebration of Anzac Day and its important place in our national identity,” he said.
“We accept in hindsight it was an inappropriate use of the word. It was never intended to cause offence to anyone.”
The incident also comes after Today host Karl Stefanovic labelled cinemas’ decision to release the Avengers: Infinity War film on Anzac Day as “a grubby cash grab”.
“There might be some legitimate reason why the Avengers is opening on ANZAC day but I haven’t seen it…how on earth are our kids supposed to breathe in the significance of ANZAC day?” – @KarlStefanovic #9Today pic.twitter.com/VhlVk9vHoy
— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) April 18, 2018
