Sunrise sports reporter Mark Beretta’s chat with AFL star Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin over beers last month has been found to be in breach of the alcohol marketing code.
On Friday July 5, Beretta, 58, and Franklin, 37, had a chat on Sunrise about his new ambassadorship position for Hahn Ultra Zero Carb beer, in which Buddy promoted the drink.
‘It’s zero carbs, I think that’s important! If you like to have a beer every now and then I think having zero carbs is really important,’ Franklin told Beretta.
‘It’s beautiful, smooth and nice and great to have one at 12:30pm,’ he added, before toasting his drink with Mark as they both took a sip of the sponsored alcohol.
The segment also prominently displayed the logo of the alcohol brand, as Franklin discussed what a great drink it was for people.
Upset viewers were quick to complain that they felt the interview, which was arranged by beverage giant Lion’s PR agency Thinkerbell, was just a thinly veiled alcohol promotion.
Further, the interview aired at 7:50am, at a time children might be watching.
The Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code Scheme panel ruled that while Lion had no editorial control over the segment, it was nevertheless arranged to promote the brand.
Sunrise sports reporter Mark Beretta’s chat with AFL star Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin over beers last month has been found to be in breach of the alcohol marketing code. Both pictured
On Friday July 5, Beretta, 58, and Franklin, 37, had a chat on Sunrise about his new ambassadorship position for Hahn Ultra Zero Carb beer, in which Buddy promoted the drink
‘It had the full intention of advancing Mr Franklin’s role as its product brand ambassador,’ they began.
‘It supplied the product shown and consumed in the interview and supplied the promotional video obviously hoping and reasonably expecting it might be used.’
Their findings were that the interview breached time of day restrictions for alcohol marketing on linear free-to-air TV.
Channel Seven addressed the findings in a statement: ‘The segment in question was an editorial interview, not paid content, and was filmed at 12.30pm the day before.
‘Sunrise is a news, public affairs and entertainment program aimed at an adult audience. Seven Network was not privy to the ABAC investigation.’
Upset viewers were quick to complain that they felt the interview was just a thinly veiled alcohol promotion
It comes after Franklin came under criticism for his new partnership with brewery Hahn.
The former AFL star, who retired last July, has signed on to be the face of Hahn’s latest campaign in a deal rumoured to be worth between $150 and $200,000.
However, he has received some backlash for partnering with the alcohol brand in what has been described as an ‘out of character’ move for the sportsman.
Insiders claimed the endorsement may suggest Buddy – who was on a $10million contract with the Sydney Swans before his retirement – needs the extra income.
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