"Get stuffed": Alberici's fiery response to critics
Former ABC journalist Emma Alberici has defended herself against trolls who took aim at her for appearing on Sunrise, where she plugged insurance company Compare The Market.
The respected former economics correspondent has been hired as the chief strategy officer for insurance comparison website Compare the Market in September.
On Friday morning, she was back on the small screen to encourage Australians to drive a little further to save money on petrol - and it’s certainly raised a few eyebrows.
Would you like to save an extra $150 a year on petrol? @Albericie from Compare The Market says it's as easy as downloading an app and being willing to drive a little further ⛽💰 pic.twitter.com/eYPyRfMs5z
— Sunrise (@sunriseon7) December 9, 2020
Taking to social media, viewers shared their surprise after seeing the former Lateline host on commercial television in what seemed to be an infomercial for her company’s app.
“Sunrise?? Don’t catch racism while you’re there,” one follower said, referring to the program’s stolen generation controversy in 2018.
“Don’t sell your integrity which is broadly admired,” another said.
“I know you need to pay the bills, but Sunrise? OMG,” one more chimed in, while another added: “Not sure this is a good use of your talents?”
Others criticised her petrol advice: “How much additional pollution and emissions do you create in 4 mins extra worth of driving to save 41c? And what if you told a few hundred thousand people to do the same? And what impacts would that have on additional traffic?”
Get stuffed Twitter trolls @sam_armytage is my friend & @sunriseon7 is fun tv which we could all use more of. I was on there to let you all know that you can save money by using fuel price apps. This morning I saved 41c by driving a further 4 minutes down the road. Lighten up pic.twitter.com/g4GM2wtfLX
— Emma Alberici (@albericie) December 9, 2020
Defending herself, the journalist lashed out at “trolls”, telling them to “lighten up”: “Get stuffed Twitter trolls @sam_armytageis my friend & @sunriseon7 is fun tv which we could all use more of. I was on there to let you all know that you can save money by using fuel price apps. This morning I saved 41c by driving a further 4 minutes down the road. Lighten up.”