More drama for Sky News following the hugely contested Blair Cottrel interview on Sunday, with the Victorian Government now banning Sky News from playing on the state’s Metro train system.
The government will no longer broadcast Sky News on its metro lines, with Victorian Minister for Transport Jacinta Allan tweeting “Hatred and racism have no place on our screens or in our community”.
I’ve directed @MetroTrains to remove @skynewsaustralia from all CBD station screens. Hatred and racism have no place on our screens or in our community. #springst
— Jacinta Allan (@JacintaAllanMP) August 8, 2018
Sky News has found itself in a world of strife following Blair Cottrell’s appearance on The Adam Giles Show on Sunday night which left a bad taste in many people’s mouths, with Sky News’ initial apology not enough to stop Craig Emerson from quitting his role as a commentator.
Emerson wasn’t the only one from the Sky News camp who voiced their disapproval of the interview, with political reporter Laura Jayes being vocal from the beginning.
Blair Cottrell is a far right-wing fascist who’s a self confessed Hitler fan. He’s boasted about using “violence and terror” to manipulate women. His rap sheet includes arson, burglary, racial vilification.
He’s not an activist. He’s just an arsehole.
— Laura Jayes (@ljayes) August 5, 2018
Adding to this, American Express has cut ties with Sky News, after Luxury Escapes vowed to pull its sponsorship of the show and Virgin Australia said it would launch an internal review.
American Express has made the decision to suspend advertising from Sky News, as recent content on the channel does not reflect our brand values.
— Amex Australia (@AmexAU) August 7, 2018
Outgoing Australian News Channel CEO Angelos Frangopoulos issued a statement saying Sky News has investigated the editorial processes in relation to the controversial interview, adding, “Cottrell will not be back on the channel”.
