How show host Kyle Sandilands was humbled by Twitter - The "Sack Vile Kyle" campaign

It happened November last year, but the story is an extraordinary example of how social networks have altered the patterns of protest. That's why I post it here. It is also once more a proof of what I call News3.0. People will be more than ever part of the news ecosystem.

mUmBRELLA :: Almost exactly 16 hours passed between Kyle Sandilands, Australia, nasty attack on journalist Alison Stephenson and the world beyond his listeners noticing. And the way that this eventually became a news story was slightly more random than you may realise. Here’s how it happened.

The next night, like a rapidly diminishing number of viewers, I was watching Kyle & Jackie O’s Night With The Stars on Seven. I was one of many on Twitter who had a view. My tweet:

If you're not watching Kyle & Jackie O's Night With The Stars, tune in for a little piece of history - the worst Monday night TV of all time

— Tim Burrowes (@mumbrella) November 21, 2011

Naturally I was intrigued to see what the ratings would be like the next day. I made a mental note to examine the 15 minute breakdowns the next morning, to view the audience behaviour as the show progressed. Meanwhile, over at News Limited, Alison Stephenson was tracking the sentiment on Twitter. While it’s a crude tool, as Twitter only reflects the view of the tweeting demographic, not heartland Australia, it can be a useful first focus group.

Continue to read Tim Burrowes, mumbrella.com.au

"Sack Vile Kyle" campaign: If you think that this is the end of the story, continue to check out the website below operated by "@SackVileKylefb, ... a group of people petitioning to get Kyle off the radio and TV due to his disgusting comments." The campaign aims to "drive sponsors away" from Kyle & Jackie O's Night With The Stars. (Source: Jonathan Swan, "'Sack Vile Kyle' campaign drives sponsors away.")

Clipped from: sackvilekyle.blogspot.com (share this clip)

 

Comments

[SackVileKylefb]

We have now reached over 103 companies that have withdrawn advertising from Kyle & Jackie O. We are using several social media platforms including twitter, Facebook and our blogspot as you have so kindly linked. We are so grateful for all the support we have received over the last 2 months from members of the media & people who feel the same way we do and who want to make a difference. 4 women spread out around Australia aren't very loud, but the 500 people working tirelessly everyday with us, and the 33,000+ people who have signed the online petition at change.org make us very loud!!!!
Heather, Josie, Kate & Talia