INSIDE MEDIA: Raygun blew it … again PLUS media turmoil as Erin Molan, Chris O’Keefe and Ray Headley quit

INSIDE MEDIA: Raygun blew it ... again PLUS media turmoil as Erin Molan, Chris O'Keefe and Ray Headley quit

[ad_1]

In our column that takes you inside the world of media, we explore whether Reagan is being honest with her fans | And big moves in the media world with retirements and “resignations” to layoffs and controversial appointments.

RAYGUN BLOWS HIM AGAIN

A carefully crafted statement from a celebrity can often change minds when that celebrity is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. A bad one can often make things worse.

Rachel ‘Raygun’ Gunn was heavily criticized last week for forcing a musical parody based on her story to be shut down just hours before it premiered after threats of legal action. So, she took to social media to offer a sympathetic perspective on her decision.

It wasn’t good. Let’s review her statement (which you can see in the video above).

Rachel 'Raygun' Gunn explains why she shut down a music parody
Rachel ‘Raygun’ Gunn explains why she shut down a music parody credit: Instagram

“We were completely blindsided by it.”

so the Comedian doesn’t have to get your permission to prank you. That would be like saying a stand-up comedian has to relate to every person/celebrity they make fun of. The world doesn’t work like that.

“Unfortunately, the backlash was swift. People assumed that we developed it, that we approved of it, and it damaged many relationships, both personal and professional,” she added.

I’m calling BS on that.

In every article, every TV story, it was obvious that the creator of Raygun: The Musical, Steph Broadbridge, is not related to Rachel Gunn.

“That’s why my management and legal team had to work so quickly to stop the musical,” she said.

why

All you had to do was explain that you had nothing to do with the musical to anyone who asked.

“It was a real shame that the show had to be canceled so close to the start. I know the artist would have put a lot of work into it, and it really sucks. But if we had known about it earlier, there might have been a different outcome.

Calling BS again.

It’s not up to you to approve of the parody – portraying someone as a comedy or parody is actually protected under Australian law. You’re just lucky the theater you threatened didn’t get legal advice and cave in so easily.

“You can’t take the joke isn’t the problem here. It was never about the money either. I’ve been approached to be on almost every reality TV show out there and I’ve turned down big money because I’m not into it,” she said.

Look, I think it’s about fame and money. I think this whole thing is about fame and money.

So I guess we can assume Raygun is NOT happening. I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here as reported. It would look really bad if she appeared on this show now.

“I also want to take a moment to correct some of the misinformation. Yes, I kept my name and my now famous kangaroo silhouette pose, which is used on almost every Reagan merchandise, which I don’t make a profit from by the way. And the reason we did that was because we were made aware that there were apps from other countries trying to trademark my name and image for commercial purposes,” she said.

I don’t really have a problem with that. I have no doubt there are plenty of people trying to cash in on her Olympic glory (I mean, none more than her, but whatever).

“Regarding the kangaroo dance, I have not trademarked it or claimed ownership of the kangaroo dance trademark,” Reagan said.

However, Steph Broadbridge disputes this claim.

“They also said I’m not allowed to dance because she owns the kangaroo dance,” the comedian said in the video he released announcing the musical’s cancellation after legal threats from Gunn’s team.

Gunn is also accused of trademarking the Broadbridge poster for the musical.

“Halo is trademarked on my poster, which is flattering, I hope they do something fun with it,” she said.

If Reagan was hoping this video would make her sympathetic, it backfired big time. Here she comes across as manipulative and motivated by no more than self-interest.

LOCKS AND RESIGNATIONS — WHAT A WEEK IN THE MEDIA!

They call it the silly season for a reason! It’s been hard to keep up with all the changes happening in the media world this past week as companies reset for 2025.

RAY HADLEY RETIRES

It was a fitting farewell on Friday for the current talkback king as 2GB’s Ray Hadley was surrounded by family, friends and colleagues. There’s no doubt that he’s been a controversial figure over the years, including allegations of harassment, but there’s no denying that his ratings are impressive. Hadley exits having won 161 of 162 polls as he takes part in his second-last poll before retiring.

Ray Hadley was brought to tears during his final broadcast
Ray Hadley was brought to tears during his final broadcast credit: Nine

CHRIS O’KEEFE – RESIGNING?

Still at 2GB and there was a shock announcement with Drive host Chris O’Keefe announcing his resignation.

“Today is my last show and my last day in journalism,” O’Keefe said out of the blue during his show.

“As much as I have enjoyed my time here at 2GB and my 13 years at Nine, the time is right to make the call to move on.

Now I’m always suspicious when people announce a resignation with immediate effect, but reports in the AFR say O’Keefe has kept the news quiet so as not to interfere with Ray Headley’s big day.

It’s actually a believable story – or some great spin.

O’Keefe says he will start a political advocacy company.

“You know I love politics. I know the players inside out and I’ve always been fascinated by small business, so that’s what I decided to do,” he said.

With Mark Levy replacing Hadley, the search for a lead host now begins. It’s a big change for Sydney’s biggest talkback station heading into 2025.

ERIN MOLAN – WITH A WART

Sky News has decided to cut ties with presenter Erin Molan in what has been a terrible year for the likeable presenter.

The suspension of her Friday night show comes after her Sydney breakfast show Husey, Ed and Erin was canceled in August without the team having an on-air farewell.

Erin Molan's video message about her ax from SKY NEWS
Erin Molan’s video message about her ax from SKY NEWS credit: Instagram

Speaking about his departure from the pay TV channel in a slightly quirky 5-minute video (which you can watch in the video player above), Molan said: “I loved every second of my time with Sky. My show. It became my goal, my passion, and apart from my little girl, basically my entire existence, which is very sad. I know And yes, I should go out more. So that’s already done, but I’m not. Actually, I’m just getting started. So I feel sorry for those who were hoping otherwise. I’m somewhat surprisingly a lot harder to kill than you’d think.’

“You see, the problem is, and it’s always been like this with me, I just care too much about you, about the world, about the peaceful existence of every single child, about the safety of women everywhere, all women about my daughter’s future.”

She provided an update on her social media platforms this morning after her video message was liked by X owner Elon Musk:

“The irony… years spent desperately trying to get his attention so I could interview him for my TV show… I’m talking thousands of emails to addresses I guessed (obviously badly), texting his sister’s best friend his 6th cousin twice removed from before school, as well as the intern at a law firm he MAY have used once 30 years ago, pathetically tagging him in posts like psychotic bunny cauldron… and then… out of the blue… the video I make actually confirms that I no longer have a TV show to interview anyone on… let alone him… HE LIKES 🙄🤯🤦‍♀️ This might just make me 🤷‍ ♀️😂 😂😂😂 Never give up on kids 😬😭😉”

Molan is clearly a talent, so we can’t wait to see what he does next (maybe he’ll finally get that interview).

CHRIS SMITH – HIRED

It’s a case of redemption for Chris Smith, who was recruited by 2SM to take over from John Laws, who retired this year.

Smith faced his demons after being sacked by Nine radio and Sky News for inappropriate behavior at a Christmas party.

Since then, Smith has been on the van and hasn’t had a drink as he tries to rebuild his life. While there will be some who think he doesn’t deserve another chance, I admire the fact that he publicly faced his bad behavior, apologized, and is working to change.

Life is an ongoing lesson and Chris has learned some tough ones. We hope that he will not miss this new opportunity.

Rob McKnight is co-owner of TVblackbox.com.au

[ad_2]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *