The Footy Show loses major sponsor over Sam Newman tirade

IN RESPONSE to Sam Newman’s angry rebuke of journalist Caroline Wilson, one of The Footy Show’s biggest supporters has walked.

The fallout continues.

THE Footy Show has had a rollercoaster year.

After starting the broadcasting season with the loss of long-time host Garry Lyon, the AFL branch of the program enjoyed a major boost with its first female co-host in Rebecca Maddern, with her debut performance breaking a six-year viewership record.

The show was once again thrust into the limelight last week when host Sam Newman injected himself into the furore that were Eddie McGuire’s sexist remarks about journalist Caroline Wilson.

In response to uproar over McGuire claiming he would pay $50,000 for Wilson to be held under water, Newman unleashed a damning attack on the journalist live on air.

“If you’re going to want to be treated equally, the point is, don’t complain when it’s too equal,” Newman said.

“The jig’s up Caro, honestly and truly. You’re becoming an embarrassment. And even if you were underwater, you’d still be talking.”

Sam Newman’s attempt to back up Eddie McGuire has created havoc for The Footy Show.

Now, just a week later, the show has taken another major hit.

Long-time major sponsor Nissan has reportedly pulled its support for the show, with the car company due to end their deal with Channel Nine at the end of the 2016 season.

While Nissan refused to publicly confirm the split, Fairfax Media reported the organisation was unhappy with Newman’s comments, and that “sources” had confirmed the sponsorship would come to an end this year.

“The comments made by Sam Newman that were broadcast on The Footy Show last week do not align with Nissan’s brand values and we have discussed this matter with Channel Nine,” a Nissan spokesman told The Age.

“As you would expect, Nissan’s ongoing marketing and sponsorship arrangements are commercial in confidence.”

Senior Nissan executives allegedly met with Channel Nine management on Thursday to discuss future agreements.

One of the show’s three major sponsors, Nissan has held an agreement with both the AFL and NRL productions since 2009. The company is expected to continue its arrangement with The NRL Footy Show.