A Triple J newsreader has taken a thinly-veiled dig at Taylor Swift following the announcement of her new studio album, The Life of a Showgirl.
Presenter Jack James raised eyebrows on Friday’s breakfast show as he wrapped up his news bulletin by sarcastically announcing: ‘That’s the news for the day. I am off to announce my 12th studio album on my boyfriend’s podcast now.’
His comment clearly poked fun at Swift for unveiling her 12th studio album on this week’s episode of her boyfriend Travis Kelce’s New Heights podcast.
Triple J, an ABC-owned station that brands itself as an inde broadcaster, has made no secret of its dislike for Swift’s music due to its mainstream pop appeal, having largely excluded her music from its rotation for a decade.
Back in 2014, the station famously banned the songstress’ music after a social media campaign for her hit Shake It Off to take out the Hottest 100.
The campaign gained so much traction that even KFC jumped on board, with the fast food chain offering a $19.89 voucher – in reference to the pop star’s 1989 album – to customers who posted their favourite Swift song.
A Triple J newsreader has taken a thinly-veiled dig at Taylor Swift (right) following the announcement of her new studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, on Travis Kelce’s (left) podcast this week
Presenter Jack James (pictured) raised eyebrows on Friday’s breakfast show as he wrapped up his news bulletin by sarcastically announcing: ‘That’s the news for the day. I am off to announce my 12th studio album on my boyfriend’s podcast now’
The move ultimately breached the countdown’s strict policy of disqualifying artists who receive commercial endorsement.
‘Their #Tay4Hottest100 campaign bought Taylor a one-way ticket to Bansville,’ the ABC wrote in an article revealing the decision to disqualify her.
However, in a statement to Daily Mail in 2023, Triple J insisted Swift was not actually ‘banned’ from ‘s biggest annual music competition.
‘There has never been a ban on Taylor Swift as an artist appearing in triple j’s Hottest 100, however we were forced to disqualify one of her tracks in the Hottest 100 of 2014 because voting guidelines were breached,’ a spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, Swift’s decision to announce her new album on Kelce’s podcast has also ruffled some feathers among critics.
Hannah Ferguson, who has been described as a ‘next-generation feminist’ and runs the news commentary platform Cheek Media, had some thoughts on the pop star’s announcement, which she shared with her 193,000 Instagram followers on Tuesday.
‘YES I will be the first listener but imagine being one of the most successful women in the world and announcing your next huge career milestone on your boyfriend’s sport podcast,’ Ferguson wrote across an Instagram clip that showed her looking bemused.
Ferguson’s comments section was quickly filled with followers who were confused by her stance.
Triple J, an ABC-owned station that brands itself as an inde broadcaster, has made no secret of its dislike for Swift’s music due to its mainstream pop appeal, having largely excluded her music from its rotation for a decade. (Pictured: Cover art for Swift’s new album)
Back in 2014, the station famously banned the songstress’ music after a social media campaign for her hit Shake It Off to take out the Hottest 100
‘YES I will be the first listener but imagine being one of the most successful women in the world and announcing your next huge career milestone on your boyfriend’s sport podcast,’ Ferguson wrote across an Instagram clip that showed her looking bemused
‘Why yuck someone’s yum? This is an exhausting take,’ one person commented, while another said, ‘This is a strange take.’
‘Imagine being bothered by this,’ wrote someone else, with one more saying, ‘This ain’t it. Support women and whatever decision they make to better themselves.’
Others supported Ferguson’s view, with one fan commenting, ‘Hard agree. I get she wants to boost up his podcast but, I don’t see why he has to be involved in such a huge announcement for her mammoth career.
‘It’s out of character for her to be on a podcast period, let alone announce a new album on there. Will listen regardless and love that she is happy but for us very long term Swifties we know this is a strange move.’