Marcus Paul on his sacking

Dear Friends and enemies in radio land!

I write with obvious reference to a number of recent stories about my departure from 2SM. I’m hoping this right of reply can put the issue to bed as I strive to move on to the next chapter of my 28-year media career.

Regarding the quiz question – I completely accept responsibility for the content aired, and have apologized numerous times. My reference in previous statements to a lack of support from the Super Network is simply how I felt it all played out – and I am comforted by the fact many leading figures in our industry have contacted me privately offering similar opinions.  It’s now time to move on from this incident – and I have, knowing that from what I have read most people believe an apology and a brief suspension would have sufficed.

I refer to a comment written by a Radio Today reader below:

This was clearly the straw that broke the camel’s back.

The guy had absolutely no idea who his audience was. He was trying to be a radical lefty on an AM commercial talk network.

Anyone with even a tiny bit of experience in radio will tell you that you that commercial AM talk is conservative heartland – especially on the regional stations he was networked into.

His pandering to left wing radicals was not going to attract any listener over from TripleJ. But he kept doing it – over and over.

Did he honestly think that his near radical left ranting was doing the super network any good? Radical left show leading into John Laws… it was breaking every talk programming rule.

To be honest, I’m surprised he lasted so long.

In my opinion there are simply so many things incorrect with this assertion.

To begin with is the emailer suggesting talk radio should ONLY be for those who support a conservative or ‘right leaning’ point of view?

If so, then I’m sorry to say – talk radio in the country is on its death bed.

Is the emailer suggesting holding current Government’s in NSW and a Federal level to account for their use of taxpayer (our) money makes you a ‘radical lefty’? If so, then again – talk radio Networks might as well pack up and turn off their transmitters.

I am first and foremost a qualified journalist. My job is NOT to be an echo chamber for the LNP Governments – it is to provide a ‘fair and accurate’ commentary on issues as they play out. That is how a ‘democracy’ is supposed to work – and where ‘free speech’ must play a vital part.

I have audited the content on my program for the past six months – and it is very clear I hosted the most balanced news / talk program in Sydney and NSW. In fact, there were more ‘right’ leaning guests on the show than from the so called ‘left’ Labor and Greens. That is a fact. Many people applauded the fact my program provided a platform for all – including The Greens, One Nation, and the major parties.

Each day my broadcasts covered the news – this included the leading stories from NewsCorp papers that were ‘leaked’ by Premiers and Prime Ministers media people. I would think the job of a responsible broadcast journalist is to challenge and query these ‘drop points’ by allowing Opposition parties to comment, and for listeners to also provide their opinions via numerous outlets whether it’s on an Open Line, via email or on social media.

Of course I gave my opinion – and it was always backed up by researched evidence, be it treasury documents, newspaper articles from ALL sources, and most importantly, public opinion. Remember them? The public? A majority of whom it is very clear are tired of a Prime Minister who has failed to meet their expectations. My growing program had little to do with the fact public opinion is clearly favouring a change in political leadership. I dare anyone on this platform to argue how any successful talk back announcer should have a firm opinion.

Isn’t the job of a broadcaster to tap into public opinion? I would have thought so. I would also think the mandate for any program is to grow its audience share and provide an outlet that is reflective of their views and concerns. The emailer to Radio Today quite clearly thinks otherwise, and that if I’m targeting regional elderly listeners or rusted on conservatives then I’m doing the right thing. What utter rubbish.

Marcus Paul In The Morning, like it or not (and many didn’t) was a fast growing multi-platform news and talk radio program that aimed to do one thing – and that was to increase the numbers listening to 2SM breakfast, and to provide an alternative to the very polished and accomplished Ben Fordham on 2GB. By all measurements available to us, this was happening. The on-line listenership (via Streema) has tripled in my tenure, and on average The Marcus Paul In The Morning social media site was reaching one million (sometimes more) people each 28 days. I fail to see how this is not doing the job asked of me.

Finally, I hold no ill will to Mr Bill Carallis at the Super Radio Network. In fact, I thank Bill for the opportunity to fulfill my dream of hosting a breakfast show in my home city. What I will say however, is that I believe his decision to axe me was wrong, and I’m saddened that some of my detractors within the Network obviously got into his ear, and that is sad. Bill, your Network needs to grow listeners for the future, something I was slowly but surely endeavouring to do. Marcus Paul In The Morning brought people in their 20’s,30’s and 40’s to AM talk radio – while also providing content for those 50 plus with regular discussions about issues affecting the elderly. I was doing my job – and the mere fact I garnered so much confected ‘hate’ from some, again proves that in my opinion I was doing it well.

 

Anyone got any work?

Marcus Paul.

 

 

Related article: Dan Jones on Marcus Paul’s sacking

 

Comment Form

Your email address will not be published.

Recent comments (28)
Post new comment
The wider industry
11 Feb 2022 - 10:56 pm

Radio today… how have we landed here. I’m so shocked and saddened.

    Editor
    17 Feb 2022 - 9:19 am

    This comment has been edited.

L.S
12 Feb 2022 - 1:11 am

Extremely well said prawny, as always. Will miss you but can’t wait for you to jump on youtube.

JASON ANDREW TOPPIN
12 Feb 2022 - 5:46 am

MARCUS
I HOPE TO HEAR YOU OMN SEN VERY SOON .
I SO ADVISE YOU TO FLY DOWN TO MELBOURNE AND MEET WITH SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT GROUP CEO AND MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR CRAIG HUTCHISON AND SIGN WITG SEN TO BE PART OF THEIR ONAIR TEAM IN SYDNEY BRINGUING LISTENERS FROM 2SN 1269 TO 1170 SEN WITH YOU.

Paul
12 Feb 2022 - 7:11 am

The fact the owner isn’t interested in being surveyed in the nation’s biggest radio market says alot about how non important 2SM is these days in the radio landscape and has been for a long time. Enjoy your exit.

Felicity Jess
12 Feb 2022 - 9:43 am

Their loss is your gain Marcus, onwards and upwards. Hold your head high, this too shall pass. I for one enjoyed your style and ability to question everything. Good luck for your future.

Daisy
12 Feb 2022 - 10:02 am

I have already made a comment earlier – i wish this man well – his show was too left leaning was not balanced – reason i never listened to his show – excerpts were enough – his voice type was not for me without explanation.
Long live talk back – 2SM is the only real talk back station – the others are full of advertorials – frustrating.

A lot of good talk back blokes are gone who now have their own shows else where – but – could make a come back if persuaded – and pigs might fly – listening to some presenters on 2SM is like listening to dad’s army radio…but one gets used to it.

Mr T
12 Feb 2022 - 2:34 pm

Said it once and I’ll say it again if Marcus Paul was making the station millions in profit per year as Hadley and Sandilands are for their employer Marcus Paul would not have been sacked. The quiz question was without a doubt very dumb and insensitive.. But hey he ain’t making 2SM millions in profit so they can afford to sack him..

Neil
12 Feb 2022 - 4:09 pm

Yes Marcus I know someone that needs a person to do a milk run early mornings. It’s your chance to change your career and have a stable job.

Alan Partridge
13 Feb 2022 - 7:00 am

Wow that was long, felt like it needed an ad break

Also if 2SM want listeners, run Graham Gilbert’s India calls for 3hrs each morning

Stuart
13 Feb 2022 - 9:10 am

To say he was not bias is utterly wrong, also how could he himself not vet that quiz question?

    Staff Writer
    14 Feb 2022 - 11:03 am

    This comment has been edited.

Bec
14 Feb 2022 - 12:45 pm

Can we move on from this Marcus Paul thing because it has become very boring

Maya Richardson
14 Feb 2022 - 8:46 pm

Hope you find a job soon Marcus. I m suŕe a man with your talent won’t be without work for long. Miss your program and barely listen to 2SM any more. Please letters us know when you get a new program. All the best Marcus.

Mack
15 Feb 2022 - 5:33 am

Personally I don’t think he was gaining listeners. Hardly anyone called the station when he was on the air. He also came across as very arrogant & rude and thought he was a lot better than he actually was as an announcer.
He didn’t fit well into the 2SM brand at all. Also was playing teeny bopper pop songs from KIIS FM all the time. That would have just drove the traditional 2SM listeners away to 2GB.

Robin
17 Feb 2022 - 10:23 am

i thought you were so biased towards Labor that every morning when you came on I turned you off, good riddance!!

Liza
18 Feb 2022 - 8:41 am

Miss Marcus very much, he said it as he saw it, interesting views, sometimes taken a bit sharply, but always giving people something to think about. I wish he could return and not have to listen to non descript talk back anymore. He was a breath of fresh air

Hillsman
21 Feb 2022 - 7:19 am

Marcus, the question that got you fired was just not appropriate, and you should have been put over the coals for it or your producer for letting it happen.
The sacking may have been a bit over the top, as Alan Jones has said much much worse and wasn’t held to account.
Besides that, who said over 50 was elderly, i’m just over 50 and far far from elderly, over the coals you go.

Geoffrey
23 Feb 2022 - 7:05 pm

The Radio station will be so much more enjoyable to listen to on my way to work every morning. Just sit in the corner of your room and suck your thumb you are disgusting

    Editor
    24 Feb 2022 - 7:03 am

    This comment has been edited.

Geoffrey
23 Feb 2022 - 7:57 pm

Go away and leave your massive left wing thoughts and comments in your screwed up mind. Australia doesn’t want dangerous idiots .on a positive. You had 2 idiots support people Mark and Paul .

Keith Lyons
24 Feb 2022 - 9:37 am

Video didn’t kill the radio star – management did!.
first Dean Makin then Markus Paul.
Are you next Richard King?

Alba
27 Feb 2022 - 2:03 pm

Good luck Marcus All the Best

Geoffrey
27 Feb 2022 - 4:21 pm

The Radio station will be so much more enjoyable to listen to on my way to work every morning now.

    Editor
    28 Feb 2022 - 8:06 am

    This comment has been edited.

peter
4 Mar 2022 - 6:53 pm

I felt he was to arrogant and cut people off he didn’t like,Maree from the shire

Tony Bennett
6 Mar 2022 - 6:58 am

If you were as brilliant as you say you are. They wouldn’t have SACKED you!
Dream on!

Bob McLennan
11 Mar 2022 - 4:37 pm

I’m hoping common sense will prevail and you will be re instated to your position.
You are a breath of fresh air in the Industry Markus and I believe one of the best announcers we have.

Best of luck mate, you are too good to lose.

Jobs

See all