The whole of Australia burst into joy when Ashleigh Barty defeated Danielle Collins to win the Australian Open women’s title. The win called for a celebration for everyone, including Barty herself. Joining a talk show on Channel 9, Barty was offered a beer by the crew. Accepting the bear, she went on to chat with former Australian tennis players Casey Dellacqua and Alicia Molik.
However, all did not go well as Australian TV presenter James Mathison criticized the act, alleging Channel 9 of ‘glorifying beer.’ Following a complaint, the Alcohol Beverages Adverting Code (ABAC) took over the matter for investigation. The agency released its findings earlier today.
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ABAC released findings of the investigation involving Channel 9 and Ashleigh Barty
The complaint raised into the matter accused the channel of glorifying and glamorizing alcohol. It also called the act deceptive if it was a paid promotion.
Clearing the allegations, the beer company Carlton & United Breweries responded to the complaint saying that it does not have any contract or partnership with Channel 9 to promote its products.
Aus Open champ? We'll drink to that Ash! 🍻#AusOpen – live on Channel 9 and 9Now. Ad-Free Live & On Demand on Stan Sport pic.twitter.com/opjazzqQuw
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) January 29, 2022
Taking all the statements into consideration and adding them to their investigation, ABAC released its investigation results.
The findings suggested that the incident did not breach any code, as it went on to dismiss the complaint. Supporting their findings, the Alcohol Beverages Adverting Code said, “Many Australians enjoy drinking beer responsibly, and we reject the notion that depicting panelists taking moderate sips of beer on television in any way constitutes irresponsible or offensive behavior.”
The findings did not end here. The organization gave a special mention to the timings at which the show was broadcasted. The show was broadcasted at 9.45 PM local time. As per the rules, that is a time slot in which alcohol can be advertised.
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Barty beats Danielle Collins to clinch maiden Australian Open crown
Top-seeded Ashleigh Barty reached the 2022 Australian Open finals in the most magnificent way. Even though she won the tournament without dropping a single set, the Aussie took away another unique record. In her run to the finals, Barty didn’t allow her opponents to win more than 3 games in 11 of the 12 sets played.
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American tennis star Danielle Collins, on the other hand, had a decent run in Melbourne Park during her race to the finals. She underwent a couple of three-set matches to reach the finals.
It was the 4th meeting of the two players with Barty leading 3-1 in the head-to-head race. Exchanging heavy groundstrokes, both players kicked off the first set by playing the highest level of tennis. However, it was Barty who got a decisive break and took the set, 6-3.
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Making a strong comeback in the second set, Collins battled the Australian and took the set to a tiebreaker. However, the home favorite bounced back in an emphatic manner to clinch the tie-breaker as well as the ‘happy slam’.