The blowback from 2GB radio host Alan Jones’ comments about New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern has finally caught up with him, with the Macquarie Media show losing half of its advertising following the ad boycott that ensued.
The radio host faced major backlash over his comments, which included him saying Ardern should have a sock shoved down her throat.
Following the comments, some of 2GB’s most prominent advertisers on Jones’ show pulled their ads yet the effect hasn’t been revealed until now.
While the last two radio ratings since his comments have consistently seen Jones come out on top with his overall audience share not being impacted, it appears it has impacted Macquarie’s bottom line.
As reported in SMH, Jones’ show brings in around $12 million a year and is worth under 10 per cent of Macquarie Media’s revenue.
However, sources close to the issue told SMH that on an annualised basis, the advertiser boycott could cost the show about $6 million in advertising.
While some of the advertisers that pulled their ad from Jones’ show continued to advertise on other shows at the network, it’s believed in September the blowback cost Macquarie Media around one million.
It’s believed to be the biggest advertiser boycott Macquarie Media has experienced.
Nine declined B&T‘s request for comment.
