Commonwealth Bank puts 2GB breakfast host Alan Jones and Macquarie Media on notice

As 40 advertisers pull their dollars in the wake of host’s Ardern comments, now bank weighs in.

Alan Jones in his Sydney office. Picture: Renee Nowytarger

Commonwealth Bank has put 2GB breakfast host Alan Jones and Macquarie Media on notice over his comments about New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, which have already resulted in about 40 advertisers pulling their spend from the network.

CBA, which has been running an advertising campaign on Jones’ breakfast show, said it was “dismayed” by the offensive comments the broadcaster made about New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern.

(1/2) We have been dismayed by recent comments from Alan Jones about the New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

— CommBank (@CommBank) August 23, 2019

“We have been dismayed by recent comments from Alan Jones about the New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern,” a statement on Twitter and Facebook said.

“We note the comments by Macquarie management that Mr Jones’ contract will be terminated if there is a recurrence of this conduct. CBA’s ad campaign that has run recently on the Alan Jones program on 2GB, concluded today.”

Read more: Radio boss threatens to sack Alan Jones after remarks | Advertisers drop 2GB after Alan Jones’ Ardern comments | Anger as Nine bids for Macquarie Radio

Last weekend, Macquarie Media, which is in the midst of a takeover by Nine Entertainment, threatened to sack Jones after he called Ms Arden a “joke” in remarks relating to Australia and the Pacific on climate change.

Mr Jones also said Prime Minister Scott Morrison should “shove a sock down her throat” and should get tough with a “few backhanders”.

Advertiser backlash comes months after Jones signed a two year, $4 million-a-year contract with Macquarie Media.

(2/2) We note the comments by Macquarie management that Mr Jones’ contract will be terminated if there is a recurrence of this conduct. CBA’s ad campaign that has run recently on the Alan Jones program on 2GB, concluded today.

— CommBank (@CommBank) August 23, 2019

The Australian understands CBA currently has no advertising plans arranged with Jones, however that does not mean it has ruled out further advertising.

Commonwealth Bank is the latest brand to address Jones’ comments, which were made last Thursday in the early hours of his breakfast show.

Earlier this week, brands including IGA, Hyundai, Chemist Warehouse, Anytime Fitness, Koala, Accor Hotels and Nick Scali Furniture withdrew advertising spend in the wake of his comments.

Other brands to pull advertising spend include Lowes Australia, ME Bank, which said the comments did not reflect their values, as well as Snooze and Bing Lee. Computer repair company Geeks2U has also pulled its advertising spend, as has TripADeal and Palmers Glass.

Jones told Nine News this week he had “no comment” about advertisers pulling from the station.

“There will be others to take their place,” Jones said. Instead, Jones said he was the victim of a “vicious” social media campaign.

Nine, which inherited its 54.5 per cent controlling stake in Macquarie Media following its $4 billion merger with Fairfax Media in December, last Monday made a $1.46-a-share offer in cash to buy the rest of the radio group.