World of the News

JK Rowling: Author of the Harry Potter book series, is writing her first novel for adults The British writer, 46, whose teenage boy wizard tales became international best-sellers and inspired a series of hit films, said on Thursday her new novel would be “very different” to the Harry Potter books that made her a household name and turned her into a billionaire. The Simpsons 500th Episode: Our favorite four fingered family, The Simpsons, have reached another milestone. On Sunday the 19th The Simpsons aired their 500th episode, “Long Last Leave”, Episode 14 of Series 23 to be precise. Since first airing December 17, 1989 the Simpsons have gone on to become an an institution of hilarity. Springfield’s all over America have never been the same. Australian Media Roundup: Fairfax’s 40 percent drop in revenue is about to take it’s toll on employees, the Seven Network ups it’s profits and market share. Meanwhile, Ten Network Holdings has warned that its half-year profits will be significantly down on the year before due to a drop in revenue from its television and outdoor advertising divisions. Rupert Murdoch’s latest venture, The Sun on Sunday kicks off this weekend, the challenge for Murdoch’s new Sunday tabloid: Keep the scoops, drop the sleaze.  Drone Journalism: ABC has a superlative piece on one of the emerging tools in modern journalism ‘No Brooks it’s not your finger followed by your halitosis‘ Drones play an increasing and controversial role in modern warfare. From Afghanistan and Pakistan to Iran and Yemen, they have become a ubiquitous symbol of Washington’s war on terrorism. World of the News Online: Gannett, the largest United States newspaper chain, has announced plans to begin charging for online access to its 80 US dailies by the end of the year with the exception of flagship USA Today. Read the full article »»»»

Will Apologetic Rant HALT The Kyle Sandilands Money Exodus

It seems the exodus of money has finally quietened Kyle Sandilands? The enormous mouth of the kiwi radio personality has churned out some rubbish in it’s time. Sandilands has been pulled from the air more than once in his radio career, after several absolutely shameful tongue lashings:  ”Magda Szubanski would lose more weight in a concentration camp” and then of course there was the moral high Sandilands reached when a 14 year old girl who he’d had hooked up to a lie detector revealed she was raped when she was 12. Sandilands latest on-air rant against journalist Alison Stephenson has perhaps woken the impresario? His rant in November triggered an online petition calling for major sponsors to withdraw their support for his radio show, owned and run by Southern Cross Austereo. Coles, Bunnings, Vodafone, McDonald’s, Ford and others were among the first to announce their decision to boycott the 2DayFM host. Sandilands said he regretted that his staff had to “bear the brunt” of his actions. READ MORE

The Sandilands Money Exodus Continues

It seems even without Sandilands around the exodus of money hasn’t slowed at radio network Austrereo? That beast that is Kyle Sandilands, may be on his summer break, but it hasn’t stopped advertisers from extending their boycott of his breakfast radio show. In a new blow to Southern Cross Austereo, at least 15 major brands have pledged to not advertise on any of Sandilands’s programs in 2012. Some of big brand names including Coles, Bunnings, Vodafone, McDonald’s, Ford and Blackmores said their boycott of the 2Day FM host would extend into next year. The Sandilands debacle started after a female journalist wrote a review of Seven’s Kyle and Jackie O television show which aired on November 21. The following morning Sandilands launched into an on-air attack of the News Ltd journalist. A statement released by Australian grocery behemoth Coles, on the Change.org website Tuesday said: “Our very clear position in relation to the offensive and inappropriate comments made by Kyle Sandilands remains that we are not and will not advertise on programs hosted by him.” The gorgeous Jackie O must be wondering who she’s going to be sat next to in the new year? READ MORE

The Sandilands Exodus Continues

It seems even an exodus of money won’t quiet Kyle Sandilands? The enormous mouth of the kiwi radio personality has churned out some rubbish in it’s time. Sandilands was pulled from the air more than once in 2009 after one bad taste stunt turned into several absolutely shameful acts:  ”Magda Szubanski would lose more weight in a concentration camp” and then of course there was the moral high Sandilands reached when a 14 year old girl who he’d had hooked up to a lie detector revealed she was raped when she was 12. Sandilands’ latest on-air rant against journalist Alison Stephenson will not likely get him permanently removed from any form of lens or microphone? It will cost Austero a pretty penny though!

On-air, Sandilands branded Ms Stephenson “a fat bitter thing”, a “fat slag” and a “little troll” after she wrote an article critical of his Seven Network TV show A Night With The Stars. Sandilands threatened to “hunt down” the news.com.au journalist.

While it’s little surprise that more high-profile companies are pulling advertising dollars from the Austereo network’s Kyle and Jackie O Show, it will however be a major surprise if Austereo’s lackluster management does much more than it’s usual 2 week suspension of the tiresome Sandilands. Having someone with moral fortitude or talent  has never been a focus for Austereo, a shock jock without a thought, seems to be the future of inane radio.

Even as the dollars exodus continues, it’s unlikely we’ll ever be rid of the ranting Sandilands, the math is pretty simple, his shock sells! Read the full article »»»»