Torchlight protest at racing ad on Sydney Opera House

[webfact]

Torchlight protest at racing ad on Sydney Opera House

By Jonathan Barrett

 

People protest against the projection display at the Sydney Opera House, in Sydney, Australia October 9, 2018 in this still image taken from a video obtained from social media. ALLISON HORE/via REUTERS

 

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Hundreds of Australians flickered torches on Tuesday at the sails of Sydney's Opera House, aiming the light rays to disrupt horse-racing advertisements projected on its facade, in a protest against the use of the building to promote gambling.

 

A firestorm of criticism erupted after the government of the state of New South Wales overruled the management of the World Heritage listed building to allow the advertisements for the A$13-million ($9.2-million) Everest Cup.

 

Despite the protesters' efforts, televised pictures showed the projection, which began about 20 minutes earlier than planned, remained clearly visible and displayed horses' racing colours and barrier numbers.

 

"We are known for the Sydney Opera House; to use it to advertise a horse race is just taking advantage of it," said Aideen Keane, 16, brandishing a torch as she sat on the Opera House steps, with her mother, Lesa Hogan.

 

"I'm not against horse racing, but I don't want the advertising here," added Hogan.

 

The government's decision came after a top radio "shock jock", Alan Jones, urged the Opera House's boss to resign or be sacked for objecting to the promotion. Many politician see Jones as having great influence over voters.

 

He later apologised, but the backlash had already hit, splashed across newspaper front pages and news bulletins for days, with about 290,000 people signing an online petition against the promotion.

 

The outrage had already prompted racing authorities to drop plans to hold the barrier draw publicly, so as to avoid "security risks", and betting was suspended from noon until the announcement of the draw result in the evening.

 

Nevertheless, despite the torchlight, the results of the barrier draw were clearly visible, with short-priced runner and previous champion Redzel securing the prized inside barrier, closest to the rail, and bookmakers having resumed taking bets.

 

The Opera House did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but has previously directed Reuters to the state government.

 

The backlash was "a little bit hysterical," New South Wales sports minister, Stuart Ayres, who is responsible for racing regulation, told reporters in Sydney.

 

"This is a good opportunity for New South Wales and Sydney to come together," he added.

 

The Opera House sails have been used in art installations and to advertise events such as the Rugby Union World Cup, but not for commercial advertising.

 

($1=1.4148 Australian dollars)

 

(Reporting by Jonathan Barrett; Additional reporting and writing by Tom Westbrook; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2018-10-10

[canuckamuck]

People will protest anything these days. Being offended is the new crack.

[Credo]

24 minutes ago, canuckamuck said:

People will protest anything these days. Being offended is the new crack.

Well, I'd go and protest, but not about gambling.   Some of those horses used in racing are not well treated.   

[DoctorG]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Many politician see Jones as having great influence over voters.

Well he certainly has great influence over politicians.

[Emster23]

" The government's decision came after a top radio "shock jock", Alan Jones, urged the Opera House's boss to resign or be sacked for objecting to the promotion. Many politician see Jones as having great influence over voters."

Have you heard Jones' complete over the top rant and bullying of manager on this? Take a gander at this. Jones rant starts about 1:30 in if can't be bothered with more. Opera house story

[Odysseus123]

Pretty tacky..

 

The gross underbelly of the tall poppy syndrome.

 

Allan Jones should have been sent to shovel cloaca on an ocean lugger long ago.