Channel 7 and SBS follow Channel 9’s ban of controversial Greenpeace recycling campaign – Coke purchases ‘Greenpeace’ Google Adword
Channel 7 and SBS have followed Channel 9’s lead and banned a controversial Greenpeace recycling advert which launched earlier this month.
Despite clearance and classification by Free TV- the industry regulatory body – a Channel 7 representative called the ad ‘inappropriate’ before issuing the ban order.
In just over a week, the ad – which fingers fizzy drinks giant Coca-Cola for blocking recycling legislation – has been viewed over 850,000 times on YouTube.
Says Reece Turner, Greenpeace campaigner: “None of the channels have clarified why an ad that has passed their own industry body’s standards is unfit to air. The most logical conclusion is that the networks fear losing advertising revenue from Coca-Cola.
“Frankly, it’s astounding to find ourselves in a situation where a company that sells fizzy drinks can control what Australians have the right to watch on TV.”
To compound the media blackout, Coca-Cola has further attempted to control the debate by purchasing nearly every conceivable Google Ad Word relating to recycling and cash for containers. It seems the beverage giant has even gone so far as purchasing the search term ‘Greenpeace.’
Says Turner: “With over 80% of Australians in favour of cash for containers scheme (Neilson poll 2012), Coke’s spurious arguments are losing in the court of public opinion. Now, instead of doing the right thing, the corporation is trying to use its muscle to shut down discussion.”
In response Vanessa Pine from Coca-Cola says: “Coca-Cola is committed to measures that improve recycling and reduce litter in Australia. We disagree with Greenpeace about the best methods for doing that and we’re happy to have that debate. Indeed, we continue to have this conversation in stakeholder meetings, on facebook and via our blog.
“Adwords (or paid search) is a legitimate and transparent means to help people understand our position on recycling and why we don’t support container deposits. Greenpeace are entitled to their opinion, but the idea that we are trying to shut down debate is simply not supported by the facts.”
8 Comments
Watching the war between Coke and Greenpeace unfold live via Google adwords. Greenpeace is back in the game!
A major PR fail for Coke, who are on the wrong side of the ecology, the wrong side of the control of information, and the wrong side of the consumers who would be happy to guzzle their dubious, sugar filled product, if it weren’t for the fact that their packaging is toxic to animal life.
Some one should tell them to wake up, and I think Greenpeace has done just that.
Have they purchased the Google ad word ‘cokeapaloosa’?
On so many levels, their strategy is all but erasing ‘Open Happiness’
Errm, why wouldn’t they go for the Bogans who drink Coke and drop the bottles on the beach?
“The most logical conclusion is that the networks fear losing advertising revenue from Coca-Cola.”
You’re absolutely right there.
These bastard diabetes merchants are just shutting down dissent, and making things look worse by denying it. Now, we can all look forward to a truly retch-inducing “greenwashing” campaign in the near future from Cockup-Cola, as their PR and ad agencies rush to disperse the damage.
Try going down the beach to pick up bottles instead…damn, that’s one PR idea already.
Yaaaaaaaaah Greenpeace.. Boooooooo Coke 😀
Coca – Cola – GROW UP
If only some other fizzy producer could make a Zero clone, Coke would be gone for good!