Executive producers Julian Morrow and Nick Murray’s The Checkout struck fear in the hearts of marketers in the same way journalists and producers would blanch at being mentioned on Media Watch.
The consumer affairs show called bullshit on marketers’ spurious claims, and had the gumption to go after the big guys (which, of course, is easier on the ABC). The likes of Kellogg’s, Jetstar, Coles and Cadbury all got a serving throughout the show’s 10-episode run. And Swisse, which Murray accused of “marketing placebos”, was so miffed it launched legal action against the pair, the ABC and presenter Craig Reucassel.
Its earlier episodes got more than a million eyeballs nationally once catch-up numbers were factored in and integrated viewer feedback of dodgy brand dealings.
Morrow, better known as part of satirical funster The Chaser, was also a presenter on the show and brought his trademark drollness to the series. Murray is the chief executive and co-owner of the largest local production outfit, Cordell Jigsaw Zapruder, and has been responsible for other hits such as Go Back To Where You Came From.
