And the biggest beef of 2015 goes to…DJ Sbu vs Metro FM!
You would think that the radio station was done with Sbu after they suspended him but, nope they still have a bone to pick with him. Metro has allegedly conducted an audit on all of Sbu’s shows, and they want him to pay for all the times he mentioned MoFaya as that is considered free advertising for his energy drink. If you or your firm had been in such similar situations, then an independent CPA audit could help with matters. You could also try out companies with expertise in accounting practice sales to help you get in contact with the right kind of professionals.
The national radio station then allegedly conducted an audit on his shows and wanted him to pay for advertising his energy drink Mofaya for free.
As we all know Sbu was suspended about a week ago for advertising MoFaya during the Metro FM awards after all the celebrities attending the event were told not to represent any brand.
Sunday World reports that insiders at the station have confirmed the ongoing investigation.
“They pulled out all the tapes of the shows he had done for review to tally every mention he’d made of his energy drink,” an insider mentioned to the paper. “And since they consider it to be advertising, it must be paid for.”
Another insider from Metro mentioned that the radio station plans on issuing DJ Sbu with an invoice for the advertising but also mentioned that the invoice could amount to more than what the DJ can afford.
SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago was quoted saying that anyone who advertised a brand on the national broadcaster’s platforms be it radio or television had to pay “otherwise we will be setting a wrong precedent”.
Kaizer futher mentioned that it was not necessary to have a policy in place because all their employees know that they are not allowed to advertise anything for free.
“Why should we charge others, if someone can advertise for free?”
Kganyago then continued to mention that he was not aware of the audit on DJ Sbu’s shows for all the times he mentioned MoFaya on air.
“All I know is that Metro FM is dealing with the matter.”
DJ Sbu told Sunday World that he was not aware of the audits or the fact that Metro FM was planning on making him pay for the airtime he used.
“But I will pay the money if the same audits are done across the board because all the DJs mention brands during their shows,” said the DJ.
Sbu continued to say that he would consult his lawyers about the issue to ensure “I’m treated the same as other DJs at the station”.
DJ Sbu expressed that he feels that other DJs who mentioned “Gucci and Floydweather” on their shows and at the Metro FM awards should also be subjected to the same process and have their shows audited as well.
“I respect the SABC and its processes,” he said. “I’m prepared to pay the money, but I think it should be done to other DJs as well because I’m not the only one who mentions their brands on air.”
Metro FM spokeswoman Happy Ngidi said: “We have no knowledge of the audit that has been instituted.”
Sunday World also asked the spokesperson if they will be making Sbu pay for the airtime he used, Ngidi said: “We are in the business of selling airtime, this is our only valuable commodity as a broadcaster. Therefore, you will agree that just like in any business, how we manage our commodity is of great importance.
“The fundamental principle here is that no one who works for the station can be allowed to abuse airtime in any way.”
Geez, it all sounds so serious we really hope that Sbu sorts all of this out soon, cause this looks like a beef that isn’t ending soon!
