The Tarpitting of Alan Jones

Andrew Bolt is discussing the attempts by GetUp to drag Alan Jones before the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)

The complaint says the 2GB broadcaster was wrong when he stated human beings produce only 0.001 per cent of carbon dioxide in the air.

Several climate scientists have insisted the claim is inaccurate, and the proportion of carbon dioxide in the air today for which human beings are responsible is closer to 28 per cent. They base this on the difference between the pre-industrial concentration of CO2 (about 280 parts per million) and the current concentration of about 390 parts per million..

GetUp! has also alleged Mr Jones contravenes another section of the code of conduct which requires broadcasters to give ‘’reasonable opportunities’’ to ‘’significant viewpoints’’ on ‘’controversial issues of public importance’’.

Boo frickin' hoo. So change the channel.

There is a problem however. If Jones wins this case. And the next one. And the dozens that will follow, it still costs a tremendous amount of time and money.

The 'activists' know this. Alan Jones' management will at some point have to decide if it is worth it. Unlike the taxpayer funded ABC, they have an obligation to return a profit. As with much vexatious litigation, if there is no disincentive against activist groups making frivolous claims, then even if the defendant 'wins', it is a Pyrrhic victory.

I'm sure they'd be welcome on his program for a live debate. I wonder if they'd go.