ANZAC lowlights

Among many highlights, there were also a number of low points during the coverage of the ANZAC Day 100 year commemorations. Media Watch presents its top three.

And finally tonight to celebrations of ANZAC Day, where there’s been enough media coverage to last another 100 years.

And while most of it was good and some of it was excellent, there were a few front runners for our “Worst of ANZAC Award”

With the first being Woolworths.


Fresh in our memories

— Woolworths

How did no one at Woolworths or the ad agency say, ‘Hold on fellas, is that really a good idea?’

And how on earth did Zoo Weekly then go ahead and make a similar mistake?

Its special ANZAC commemorative issue shows a bikini-clad model on the front cover holding a poppy.

And predictably there have been howls of protest.

These have been followed by a technical knockout from the Department of Veterans Affairs, who told Media Watch:


Zoo Magazine did not seek permission from the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs to use the word ANZAC in association with their commemorative issue ...

— Department of Veterans’ Affairs Spokesperson, 24th April, 2015

Following that message from the DVA, Zoo’s online ads were duly removed. But the magazine is still on sale.

But for our winner we can’t go past SBS soccer presenter Scott McIntyre who unleashed his real thoughts about the ANZAC legend on Saturday afternoon and soon found his career was paying the ultimate price .


SBS reporter Scott McIntyre fired over Anzac tweets

A HIGH-PROFILE SBS reporter has been fired after tweeting “highly inappropriate and disrespectful comments” about the Anzacs.

— news.com.au, 26th April, 2015

McIntyre’s tweets included this sweeping attack on modern day Australians


Wonder if the poorly-read, largely white, nationalist drinkers and gamblers pause today to consider the horror that all mankind suffered.

— Twitter, @mcintinhos, 25th April, 2015

And this shot a minute later which took aim at the ANZACs themselves,


Remembering the summary execution, widespread rape and theft committed by these ‘brave’ Anzacs in Egypt, Palestine and Japan.

— Twitter, @mcintinhos, 25th April, 2015

As you can imagine there was a storm of outrage.

And even though McIntyre is only a sports reporter he was shown the door.

Since then there has been a huge debate about whether his sacking is an attack on free speech.

Well, for what it’s worth, I don’t think it is.

Free speech allows you to say what you like and not be jailed. It does not give you protection from trashing your own career.

As comedian Rhys Muldoon tweeted:


Remember:
You're only one tweet away from ruining your life.

— Twitter, @rhysam, 26th April, 2015

Wise words, easily forgotten.

And you can read more about all tonight’s stories on our website, where you can also get a transcript and download the program.

You can also catch up with us on iview and contact me or Media Watch on Twitter.

But for now until next week that’s all from us. Goodbye.

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