News Corp chief peeved by improper social media use

News Corp chief’s warning for journalists using social media to put down their own.

Cartoon: Johannes Leak.

Many editors and media executives think their journalists are out of control on social media. One in fact was bemoaning the very circumstance over several beverages with Diary just last week. But those same execs are loath to intervene and give their troops a dressing down. That changed last week with an unusually strongly worded memo from News Corp Australasia executive chairman Michael Miller. The memo, which sparked speculation across the company, told staff that News Corp encourages “robust conversations, strong opinions and provocative ideas” and social media was a “quick, effective way to promote and market our great journalism and innovations”. But it also pointed out staff were expected to adhere to the social media policy. “This means we should not be disparaging of colleagues or other areas of our company on social media. We should also use appropriate language that is neither obscene nor derogatory. Unfortunately some recent examples that have been drawn to my attention have been over the top and are of no benefit to us as a company or the reputation of our journalism.” Who could he be talking about? Diary has no idea. But take your pick: sports columnists calling rugby league “shit”, the usual bickering between Sky News presenters past and present and loads of other examples. “We take this seriously,” Miller told Diary. “We are committed to setting high standards for professional ­behaviour.”

C-bomber sacked

Where to next for the Daily Mail Australia’s C-bomb offender, April Glover? After our item appeared last Monday, the junior reporter was sacked for publishing her description of reality television contestants as “vapid c..ts”, which remained online for two hours. The MEAA union demanded her reinstatement and criticised work practices at the Mail, but executive editor Lachlan Heywood hit back, saying the publisher was “a significant employer of young — and senior — journalists in Australia at a time when the industry is suffering from widespread cutbacks”. One Mail source told Diary that the decision to sack Glover was made after local editor Barclay Crawford and executive editor Lachlan Heywood consulted senior management in London. One source said London ordered the sacking, but others dispute that. Crawford gave an impassioned speech to staff on Tuesday praising Glover’s talents. And many have been impressed by Glover’s way with words after reading the offending paragraph: “Florence initially rose to fame on Matty J’s season of The Bachelor, before unsuccessfully trying her luck at love again in Paradise,” she wrote. “But most people who were educated at a high-school level know these vapid c..ts only go on the shows to find mediocre Instagram fame and make a living promoting teeth whiteners and unnecessary cosmetic procedures.” Glover is well regarded by former colleagues, with predictions she will land on her feet. But where? Glover once interned at MamaMia and founder Mia Freedman wants to reach out. Diary thinks Glover should look to the ABC. Tom Ballard’s Tonightly show is peppered with the C-bomb but instead of getting axed, gets renewed for second series which will hit screens in June, with comedian Dan Ilic taking over as executive producer. Maybe Glover could be the first guest.

Beauty and the budget

Does Women in Media, the MEAA-backed networking and mentoring initiative, actually have members who, er, work in the media? Invitations have gone out from the Art Gallery of NSW communications team inviting members to “Beauty and the beastly: a feminist reading of The Lady and the Unicorn” at the gallery. The event is scheduled for 6.30pm on Tuesday May 8, when Scott Morrison delivers the budget.

Faux journo’s fury

Thanks to the many of you who contacted Diary after our items on Andrew Jaffrey. The “journalist”, whom we exposed for CV creativity and sending out sensational fake news tweets, was quiet on Twitter last week. But he sprang to life on Facebook, accusing one of his followers of betrayal. “This means one of you isn’t a friend but an opportunistic slug.” He then threatens defamation. “I will enjoy renting out your house and draining your bank account with enough left over for you to rent a caravan. I’ll make sure there’s a toilet installed so when you speak shit you’ll have an audience.” Colourful, but Diary stands by our ­report.

Night in the slammer

A sensational message from Facebook Australia and New Zealand boss Will Easton. “On Friday 4th of May I will be handing over my mobile phone and getting dressed in overalls — to spend a night in prison.” Gee, that escalated quickly. But no, Easton’s night in the slammer is not due to the global storm over the social media site nicking the personal information of 87 million users. Easton is participating in the media and marketing industry’s social purpose organisation UnLtd’s Adland Bail Out fundraiser, raising money for Whitelion, which works at giving life-skills to youth at risk of jail. About 60 execs will don overalls and spend a night in the Yasmar Juvenile Detention Centre in Sydney’s Haberfield. Easton was unaccountably absent from the group publicity photo showing execs behind bars. Maybe the optics were not so good. But he will be in good company, with other executives taking part including Tony Kendall of HT&E, Rob Atkinson of ARN, OMG’s Peter Horgan, Lou Barrett of News Corp, Kim Portrate, ThinkTV and Danny Bass, IPG Mediabrands. But Easton had better get a wriggle on. Last time Diary looked, Easton had raised $0 of his $1000 target.

Slow and steady

Modest ratings and divided critical opinion for Andrew Denton’s big return to television after six years. His Seven program Interview attracted 578,000 viewers, enough to win its 9pm timeslot but a far cry from the glory days of the ABC’s Enough Rope in the noughties. Denton and his production company Legacy Media hope the program will be a slow build and future guests will include surfer Mick Fanning and the comedian Ross Noble. Legacy is a partnership between Denton and long time associates Jon Casimir and Peter Thompson. But contrary to industry rumour, former Nine chief executive David Gyngell is not involved. “Way back David and I talked about doing a talk show and we did talk about forming a company together,” Denton tells Diary. “David’s a friend and somebody who I respect enormously and like enormously. But in the end David’s up in Byron leading a family life and he decided that’s not what he wanted to do. I still speak to David quite ­regularly.”

All Maxed out

A clash between over eager Max Markson and Saxton Speakers Bureau last week over Mark Bouris. Guess who won? The event in dispute was the tacky looking Million Dollar Agent Summit on Tour, fronted by Mark Bouris and a whole bunch of agents Diary has never heard of but would be terrified of if he happened to be blocking their way to a sales commission. Earlier in the week Markson was spruiking a “Private VIP Dinner Ticket” with Bouris, which included VIP seating, VIP photo opportunity, full recording of the event and “learn from the man who hosted Channel 9’s Celebrity Apprentice and who is currently working on his new show The Mentor to air nationally on Channel 7 in 2018”. That’s if you felt there were any useful lessons. Alas, such an opportunity (priced at $1500 each!) has been cruelly taken away, as Max revealed late on Friday. “He will not be participating at a dinner at these events and no recordings will be made or made available of Mr Bouris. Mr Bouris is represented by Saxton Speakers Bureau. I apologise unreservedly for any inaccuracies and misrepresentations that may have been written or implied in, or as a result of this email.” Classic Max!