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TV Tonight Awards: Best of 2024
Readers have voted Netflix series Boy Swallows Universe as the Best Aussie Drama and ABC’s Fisk S3 as Best Aussie Comedy in the 2024 TV Tonight Awards, reports TV Tonight’s David Knox.
It was the third win for Fisk with runners-up Colin From Accounts, Thank God You’re Here, Austin and The Office Australia.
Kitty Flanagan said, “When you make a show, you obviously hope people are going to like it but short of sitting in their living rooms watching them watch the show, how do you really know if they find it funny or not? Well, this favourite comedy award is a lovely way to find out. Thank you to all the viewers and the voters. We all have so much fun making the show so it’s wonderful to find out that viewers are really enjoying it too.”
Flanagan was also voted Favourite Female for the fourth year running.
She added, “I think maybe I won this award because I’m lucky enough to have been handed gigs on some of people’s favourite TV shows – like Utopia, Have You Been Paying Attention? and Fisk (although to be fair, I handed myself the gig on Fisk – didn’t even make myself audition. Completely “self-nepo-babied” that role). Big fat thank you to all the voters and TV Tonight, it’s a lovely boost to know that people are watching and enjoying your work.”
Click the link below to see the full awards list.
What’s inside the $1 million gift bags at the 2025 Golden Globes?
The Golden Globes have always been a showcase of glitz, glamour, and red-carpet moments, but there’s another tradition that has quietly become just as iconic: the gift bags. This year, these coveted bags, distributed to nominees and presenters, set a new standard in Hollywood’s gifting culture, boasting a record-breaking value of over $1 million,’ Forbes Australia’s Samuel Hussey, reports.
Far from ordinary freebies, these bags are curated with luxury experiences and bespoke items, serving not just as gifts but as powerful brand placements. They offer companies a unique opportunity to align themselves with Hollywood’s most influential stars.
Here’s what’s inside the 2025 Golden Globes goodie bags.
As it happened: Emilia Perez, The Brutalist and Shogun win big at Golden Globes
The 2025 Golden Globes delivered a night of standout victories, with Emilia Pérez taking home Best Musical or Comedy and The Brutalist claiming Best Drama, The SMH’s Melissa Singer, Michael Idato, Karl Quinn, Meg Watson, Brittany Busch and Garry Maddox, reports.
On the television front, Shōgun emerged as the big winner, sweeping multiple categories. The evening celebrated a diverse range of talent and storytelling, with heartfelt speeches and memorable moments that left audiences buzzing. As Hollywood’s awards season heats up, these wins set the tone for what’s shaping up to be a competitive year in film and television.
ASX 200 live: Nvidia hits record on Foxconn’s AI earnings; Trump denies watered-down tarriffs claims; Nippon, US Steel sue Biden
Welcome to the Trading Day blog for Tuesday, January 7. ASX 200 to waver as iron ore price pain continues. Nvidia hits new high after contractor Foxconn’s AI demand-driven record revenue haul. Trump denies watered-down tariffs report, but USD slips. US Steel, Nippon sue Biden government. Canadian dollar higher as Trudeau exits,’ The Australian’s David Rogers, Valerina Changarathil
and Joseph Carbone, report.
ASX 200 futures are 0.2 per cent higher at 8260 points after US trading ended.
On Wall Street, the S&P 500 index rose 0.6 per cent and the technology-focused Nasdaq climbed 1.3 per cent, but the Dow Jones index closed flat.
US 10-year bond yields settled near 4.62 per cent. Yields on longer-term US bonds, a key benchmark for borrowing costs across the economy, have been climbing steadily since the start of December, reflecting investor bets on strong growth, elevated inflation and large federal budget deficits.
Oil prices are lower, breaking a five-day winning streak, with the global benchmark Brent crude near $US76.24 per barrel and the US WTI around $US73.48 per barrel.
Gold futures are 0.4 per cent weaker near $US2646 per ounce.
Iron ore prices on the Singapore exchange fell to $US97 per tonne, signalling another rough day for major Australian iron ore producers.
Trump headaches to dog Fox and the Murdochs in 2025
Rupert Murdoch has sailed into the new year with more bad news in tow, even as the media mogul strives to resolve the succession struggle that threatens the future of his empire, the SMH’s Colin Kruger reports.
Just days after Christmas, Fox Corporation lost a motion in the US courts to dismiss a lawsuit from his fellow investors.
They are seeking to hold the Murdochs personally liable for Fox News pushing claims that the 2020 US election was stolen, with voting machines from Smartmatic and Dominion largely to blame, despite knowing this was false.
At the heart of the issue is what role the Murdochs, and Fox Corp board members, played as the network struggled to keep faith with right-wing viewers who were deserting it after it dithered over the issue in the days following the 2020 election result.
Fox has already settled the Dominion defamation claim in 2023 for a record $US787 million cash. Meanwhile, Smartmatic – which is also suing Fox for defamation – is still in the pre-trial information gathering stage of its case, but a trial date is expected to be set for later this year if Fox’s latest motion to dismiss the case fails.
Business of Media
Nine faces its make or break-up moment
At the heart of Nine’s challenges lies its core business—television. Operating costs hover around $1 billion annually, while earnings are dwindling as audiences and advertisers increasingly shift their attention elsewhere. This struggle isn’t unique to Nine; free-to-air broadcasters globally face similar pressures.
Streaming platforms, YouTube, and social media have transformed viewing habits, particularly among younger audiences. Meanwhile, advertisers favor more targeted digital solutions over traditional, high-cost mass-marketing campaigns. Over the past year, Nine Entertainment has been viewed as a potential break-up opportunity.
The group’s diverse assets—including television, publishing, streaming, radio, and a majority stake in Domain—are seen by many as more valuable if separated, rather than being housed under one umbrella. As reported by The Australian’s Eric Johnston, Nine’s parts are worth more individually, but the company’s share price ($1.26) lags significantly behind its sum-of-parts valuation ($1.65 per share).
This disparity, coupled with limited prospects for reversing the decline, has drawn Tanarra Capital’s interest. With Wylie’s history of pushing for decisive change, 2025 could mark a pivotal moment for Nine—whether it evolves or breaks apart.
Comedian Akmal Saleh reveals Richard Wilkins’ awkward blunder
Akmal Saleh left The Project panel in stitches as he recounted an awkward exchange with Nine’s veteran entertainment reporter, Richard Wilkins. The Egyptian-born comedian shared how Wilkins had once mistaken him for Anh Do, the Vietnamese-Australian media personality and painter.
“Recently I was on one of those morning shows, the Today show,” Saleh explained. “I think it was the Today show with one of the regular guests, I won’t mention his name … but it could have been Richard Wilkins.”
News.com.au’s Bronte Coy reports that Wilkins enthusiastically approached Saleh, saying, “Mate, I am a huge fan of yours. I love that show you do on TV,” mistaking him for the host of Anh Do’s Brush With Fame. Saleh hilariously pointed out the error, noting, “We’re not the same race!” which sent The Project panel into fits of laughter.
Michael Carrington retires
Former ABC executive Michael Carrington has announced his retirement, TV Tonight’s David Knox reports.
Carrington departed ABC as Director of Entertainment & Specialist in 2022 after 6 years with the broadcaster, includng as Head of Programming and Head of Children’s. In 2023 he partnered with producer Angela Faria for SeeView Productions and subsequently founded Carrington Media.
His career began at Channel 10 Sydney, where he worked on programs such as Ridgey Didge and Double Dare, followed by roles with BBC, LEGO Media, Cartoon Network, HIT Entertainment, and Zodiak Media. Amongst shows he helped shape were Charlie & Lola, LazyTown, The Amazing World of Gumball and ABC’s commission of Bluey.
Carrington said in a statement: “I’ve had the privilege to work with incredible talented people and help create content that has brought joy, education, and wonder to countless families. As I step away, I’m filled with pride knowing that the values of creativity, diversity, and inclusion that have guided me will continue to inspire the next generation of storytellers.
“I’m excited to see what’s next for this industry and grateful for all the moments we’ve shared.”
Streaming
This is why the world doesn’t like you’: Meghan Markle slammed over new show
Americans will “hate” Meghan Markle’s new show cooking “elevated” food with her A-list friends as they struggle, a royal expert has claimed,’ The Daily Telepgraph’s Tiffany Bakker, reports.
Netflix released a trailer for With Love, Meghan in which the former actress will share her ideas on cooking, gardening, crafting, flower arranging and hosting.
Guests will include celebrated chef Alice Waters, actress Mindy Kaling and close friend Abigail Spencer, one of the Duchess’ former Suits co-stars.
Rising prices have been a key concern for Americans in recent years.
The majority of Americans feel worse off than they did four years ago, according to several polls, as the world remains in a cost of living crisis.
It comes as US political commentator Meghan McCain also bagged the Duchess, calling her “out of touch” over the show while “Americans can’t pay for groceries”.
“I was originally a Meghan Markle supporter, I thought she was cool, stylish and refreshing,” said McCain on social media.
Sports
Russell Crowe wants to sell his South Sydney shares ‘
Hollywood superstar Russell Crowe wants to sell his multimillion-dollar share of the South Sydney Rabbitohs in a bombshell development on the eve of the NRL season, The Daily Telegraph’s Peter Rothfield reports.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal Crowe has been seeking potential investors both in Australia and overseas to take up his 25 per cent ownership, estimated to be worth between $15 and $20 million.
Crowe shares the ownership of the club with billionaires James Packer, Mike Cannon-Brookes and Rabbitohs members, all with equal shareholdings.
The superstar actor, who brought glitz and glamour to an old working class club and the 2014 premiership to go with it, will be walking away with a handsome profit.
Radio
‘Trashing heritage’: Former stars question WS FM’s name change
A popular Sydney radio station is under fire from veteran presenters who believe removing references to the station’s western Sydney heritage is a ‘crazy’ decision, with one former star saying the rebranding is ‘obscene’.
Weeks after WS FM took the top spot in the Sydney radio ratings last year, executives announced that the radio station would change its name to ‘Gold’, The Daily Telegraph’s Brenden Wood reports.
The relaunch removed the ‘WS’ reference to the popular station’s Western Sydney heritage. The station began as ‘2WS’ in 1978 – the ‘WS’ stood for Western Sydney – broadcasting from Seven Hills, but now broadcasts from North Sydney.
Former current affairs director at the radio station, Steve Raymond, expressed his disbelief and disappointment over the Australian Radio Network’s (ARN) decision to rebrand their station, effectively discarding the WS callsign, that has been a staple in Sydney’s greater west for nearly 50 years.
“I just don’t want to believe it,” Raymond lamented in a social media post.
Raymond, who worked at the radio station for 19 years, said the change “will trash nearly fifty years of tradition, heritage – and a loyalty bond that united 2WS and WS FM with the people of the greater west.”
“Sure ARN, you have long moved away from our humble home in Seven Hills… but to ditch our very callsign…I find obscene”, said Raymond.