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Friendly Jordies 'Gatekeeper' posted this on twitter today:
I am quitting Friendlyjordies
It is with sadness, but also frustration and relief, that I am resigning from my position at Friendlyjordies. I have been a part of the Friendlyjordies team since the beginning of 2019 and since then I feel I have contributed much to the growth and success that we have had on our podcast as well as helped build a community of people who all stand behind the common goal of bringing Australia away from the direction we are heading.
However the continual and ongoing handling of controversies; both past and present, internally and externally, has driven me to part ways with the team and the show. I feel I cannot continue to work on and support Friendlyjordies in good conscious. Somewhere along the way the channel and the show that I once loved lost it's way and I cannot continue to help spread a message that I no longer wholeheartedly believe in. I joined this team as a way of feeling like I was helping to contribute positively to society in someway; unfortunately I question whether or not that is the case anymore.
I wish the boys the best of luck with their future endeavors and hope that the work of Friendlyjordies ends up being a net positive in the long run.
Several mistakes and you
didn't talk to Jordan or Marcus Paul
from 2SM .
Jordan regularly appears on Marcus Paul
In The Morning Show.
Many Friendlyjordies fans have become
ardent Marcus Paul supporters.
Many 2SM social media postings have Friendlyjordies
fans using the #KingPrawn to show support
Marcus Paul .
Three points.
First, social media may well be a way to build a network of loyal listeners to a main terrestrial broadcast such as Marcus Paul's breakfast program on 2SM. From the comments, the podcaster builds a network on social media, but is also heard on broadcast radio. There may well be other intelligent speakers who develop a social media profile and end up being heard on broadcast radio.
Social media may well be a less expensive way to promote the main broadcasting station.
Unfortunately for 2SM there is no reliable measure in the ratings system since 2SM's statistics may be convoluted with the "other radio" which is currently 16%.
Two, why do all the commentators have to be male? I'm not talking about the "serious" female broadcasters such as PK or Fran or Amanda on RN, or Cassie (1000) or Susan (1900) on 2BL (702ABC) or Deborah on 2GB. Why isn't there a space for a female presenter with her own program in the style of a Stan Zemanek or Alan Jones who takes on a particular political narrative with her forthright views?
Third, on the other hand, commentators in general are neither investigative reporters and have had little influence in major national infrastructure even if the commentator has the 'ear' of the major decision makers. For example despite Alan Jones' crusade for more coal-fired power stations and an implementation of Dr Bradfield's re-direction of water from Northern Queensland, none have been implemented, despite the PM Scott Morrison appearing on Alan's program.
In sum, social media may well be a less expensive way of building a broadcaster's profile compared to advertising. Unfortunately, 2SM does not participate in the ratings, and counts amongst the 16% of the audience listening to 'other stations'. While we have 'serious' broadcasters such as Fran, PK, Amanda, Susan and Deborah, we need to hear more opinionated female broadcasters in the style of Stan Zemanek or Alan Jones.
On the other hand, commentators are not investigative reporters, and unfortunately, despite the good intentions of the broadcaster even crusading for major infrastructure programs, have not been able to realise their vision.
Thank you,
Anthony of exciting Belfield
I commend your efforts and articles. In this case however, I believe there to be a major omission and that in relation to the efforts of Marcus Paul in relation to this story. Whilst 2GB is mentioned several times, the one fellow who has Friendly Jordies on his innovative breakfast programme seems to have not received a mention. Not sure if you were unaware of this or simply chose to leave it out and, if so, for what reason? In any case I commend Marcus for inviting a wide range of guests, with multiple views and from a wide range of platforms onto this programs. I find it invigorating that a younger audience is finding talk back radio and is being exposed to multiple points of view (which is increasingly rare in the media) and that some are making this happen. Well done, Marcus.
Dean Mackin
Dear Deano,
You had a great program when your were on 2SM. You too accepted speakers whose views may or may not necessarily agree with you. You complied with the law in not defaming or hurting anyone, but management were unwise take you off the air because of a particular narrative.
By saying this It does not mean I agree with everything you said. Whatever your views, you stimulated discussion. It's a pity that the weekend afternoons on 2SM was inconsistent (I've said this elsewhere) with sports one week or two weeks then one or two weeks of talk.
It is unfortunate that commentators whether they are Alan Jones, Eric Baume, Ormsby Wilkins, John Tingle and you and the 'wisdom' of the talkback callers have not been able to influence the major policy decisions such as major infrastructure projects as coal-fired power stations and directing the waters from Northern Queensland. On top of that, even when NSW had the 3x3 petrol levy in the late 1980s until the introduction of the GST in 2000 no freeways were built with the 3x3 levy except tollways: answer 3491, page 20, https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/la/papers/Documents/2008/5-august-2008-questions-and-answers/082-QA-S.pdf No freeways were built with the 3x3.
I hope Deano that you make a return to the air,
Thank you,
Anthony of exciting Belfield
Deano and Dave,
Thanks for your comments. We will get some views from Marcus at 2SM for a follow up report.