Woolworths Supermarkets took to its LinkedIn on Wednesday, 4 November to announce its latest partnership with News Corp Australia.
The two have partnered to create ‘Thanks a Million’, a program which focuses on recognising those who stepped up throughout 2020, to help others.
Woolworths Group CEO, Brad Banducci explained, “The teamwork, practicality and overriding desire to help out a fellow Australian, has been nothing short of awe-inspiring.
“And so on behalf of Woolworths, I want to say thank you.”
Those who are nominated in the Thanks a Million program could receive a $200 Woolworths Gift Gard.
“We are proud to partner with News Corp to celebrate the human stories of 2020 with Thanks a Million, and I encourage you to nominate the people who you think deserve to be thanked,” said Mr Banducci on the original LinkedIn post.
However, the program is not coming without any criticism.
Currently #BoycottWoolworths is a trending hashtag on Twitter, as many people voice their disappointment with the latest partnership.
On 4 November, it just so happened that the Royal Commission to ensure a strong, diverse Australian news media closed.
According to the Parliament of Australia website, the petition reasoning involves:
‘…media ownership is becoming more concentrated alongside new business models that encourage deliberately polarising and politically manipulated news.
We are especially concerned that Australia’s print media is overwhelmingly controlled by News Corporation, founded by Fox News billionaire Rupert Murdoch, with around two-thirds of daily newspaper readership.’
One of the responses provided by Woolworths on their original LinkedIn post includes:
“After the challenging year Australia has faced, we’re keen to say thanks to everyone who has made a difference. This campaign will enable us to reach communities right across Australia to celebrate their contributions and express our gratitude.”