Online publisher labels Rudd access offer unethical as Vice avoids questions

July 17, 2013 12:12

Independent publisher Sound Alliance has denounced a ‘comment for content’ furore engulfing Naked Communications and a number of youth orientated websites this morning.

The Sydney Morning Herald today revealed that Naked Communications was fired by the Labor Party after approaching youth orientated outlets, such as Fairfax’s The Vine, Vice and Pedestrian.TV is some cases asking for free advertising and tailored editorial in exchange for an exclusive interview with Kevin Rudd.

Tim Duggan, content director of Sound Alliance, which runs the youth website Junkee and whose website was not approached by the ad agency, told Mumbrella Naked’s offer was both “extremely daft” and also “unethical”.

“Labor is entirely justified in cutting them off. This sets a dangerous precedent when access to someone like the Prime Minister is dangled as a carrot to try and influence, not only editorial input but also advertising as well,” said Duggan.

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Nic Christensen

Nic Christensen worked for Mumbrella from 2013 to 2016, in roles including deputy editor and media & technology editor. He is former media writer for The Australian and has also worked as a reporter for The Daily Telegraph and senior producer for Radio 2GB.

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3 COMMENTS

Dorothy 17 Jul 13

It’s a shame Alyx Gorman is heading over to Elle because she does an AMAZING job on The Vine and is a true champion of ethical editorial.

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Sean G 17 Jul 13

thats given that anyone who is young actually reads any of the press mentioned in this story – targeting these titles, all your going to get i the trashed hipster market.

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anon 17 Jul 13

Advertising agencies shouldn’t be doing PR – this is a classic example.

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