From the Crikey grapevine, the latest tips and rumours …

Fight for the freedom to bet online. The concept of the Anzac spirit is not just wound up in Australia’s own identity, there are are actual regulations around the use of the word Anzac being used commercially. As the Department of Veteran Affairs state:

“Under the Regulations no person may use the word ‘Anzac’, or any word resembling it, in connection with:

… any trade, business, calling or profession or in connexion with any entertainment or any lottery or art union or as the name or part of a name of any private residence, boat, vehicle of charitable or other institution, or other institution, or any building …”

Yet online bookmaker Sportsbet is using not only using the word Anzac but also a replica rising sun to rake punters in to bet on the footy on Anzac Day.

How appropriate is it for gambling to be linked to Anzac Day? When VB launched its “Raise a Glass” campaign back in 2009 — where it donates $1 from every VB sold on Anzac Day to Legacy — there were several criticisms over the link between alcohol problems in veteran fundraising. Paul Donaldson from VB told Crikey at the time:

“The role of alcohol in the Australian community is a complex one – both culturally and historically. VB was with our troop rations during virtually every conflict Australia has been involved in and yes, some returned serviceman turned to alcohol abuse in the aftermath of the national service we value so highly. We at VB acknowledge, as our partners at Legacy and the RSL do, that alcohol misuse and abuse is a serious problem, among the general community as well as amongst veterans.

We are saddened by stories of alcohol abuse, and as an organisation work hard to encourage responsible consumption in everything we do. We also believe that enjoying a few responsible beers and sharing stories about old mates is a valued tradition in RSL Clubs and hotels throughout Australia. And we do not feel it is out of place for Australia’s favourite beer to acknowledge the service of those fallen by making a significant and long-term contribution.”

Crikey contacted Sportsbet to ask if it received permission from the Department of Veteran Affairs to use the Anzac name and modified insignia and also to ask if any of the money gambled yesterday went to veteran charities. We didn’t hear back before deadline, but will update you when we do.

Spotted. Immigration Minister Chris Bowen, spotted leaving Yes Minister at Sydney Theatre in Walsh Bay last Tuesday night via comcar.

No joke, Hun gets no laughs from the ladies. On Tuesday we pointed out a Herald Sun yarn with the headline “Women can’t cut it, and that’s no joke” had mysteriously disappeared from the news site. One eagle-eyed comedy buff noted that if you google the URL then it appears that the search engine has kept a copy of the tagline “Women aren’t funny — that’s the final word from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival awards judges this year” under the story headline.

Oh great. Because the whole “women aren’t as funny as men” thing doesn’t get hashed over every few months.

Journalist jobs death watch. One radio insider contacted Crikey to let us know that DMG-owned Nova radio in Melbourne had let go of three of its six journalists. The news has been reported on industry site Radio Today:

DMG Radio have this afternoon halved the staff in their Melbourne newsroom, making three journalists redundant, including one of the last remaining members of the Nova 100 launch team, News Director Nikole Gunn.

Gunn, who was with DMG for 12 years, and journalists James Lake and Bree Roberts (right) will leave the company this week following the restructure.

Whilst most bulletins will remain Melbourne-based, it is believed that DMG will now be networking some of their on-air news bulletins from the Sydney newsroom.

It is understood that weekend news will be networked completely from Sydney.

Nova Melbourne saw a small drop in radio ratings during the last survey period. “And commercial radio wonders why it is a dying industry ..,” says our Nova spy.

*Do you know more? Send your tips to boss@crikey.com.au or use our guaranteed-anonymous form.