MediaWorks to pay $1k for ‘socially irresponsible’ promo

30th October 2020 By Samantha Worthington | samantha@foodticker.co.nz | @foodtickernz

MediaWorks Radio has been ordered to pay $1000 by the Broadcasting Standards Authority for a “socially irresponsible” alcohol promotion on one of its shows. 

It followed an interview featured on The Rock’s The Morning Rumble in April this year, where a social media influencer spoke about his ability to drink alcohol in record time.

During the interview, the influencer expressed his desire to do nothing but “get pissed” during the Covid-19 alert level 4 lockdown period.

Initially, MediaWorks upheld the complaint and apologised for the broadcast, but Alcohol Healthwatch referred the matter to the BSA because it believed further action was needed.

In its referral, the organisation told the BSA it believed the station’s listeners “may be drawn” from demographic groups in society that had “high rates of hazardous drinking and harm”.

The BSA then upheld Alcohol Healthwatch’s complaint, ordered MediaWorks to broadcast a statement and to pay $1000 to the Crown.

“The harm caused by the broadcast, and the seriousness of the conduct were at the higher end of the spectrum,” the BSA said.

MediaWorks had said training was being held to ensure employees were aware of the importance of the alcohol standard.