2GB loses court case

The Macquarie Radio Network have lost their court case to overturn the new rules from ACMA forcing presenters to reveal when the company is receiving consideration from a sponsor. (See earlier story here)

The new rules, closing what is referred to as the 'Alan Jones loophole', come into force on 1 May.

Macquarie had sought an injunction saying it was impossible for the station to comply with disclosure rules because on any given day 2GB had between 100 and 300 ads and it could not expect producers to be aware of all deals in place to spruik products or services on air. 

"It's one thing for a regime of disclosure of agreements but quite another to impose a requirement that compels a broadcaster to repeatedly interrupt a politician with disclosures,'' said Macquarie's QC Tom Blackburn in the Federal Court. 

Justice John Griffiths rejected Macquarie's request for an injunction saying that the company could have acted sooner if they wished to contest the rules.