Television
MAFS takes drama off-screen with police now involved
Nine’s Married At First Sight continues to blur the line between reality TV and chaos, with NSW Police now investigating an off-camera outburst by participant Paul Antoine.
As David Knox writes in TV Tonight, the 30-year-old allegedly punched a hole in a wall after learning his ‘wife’ Carina Mirabile had slept with an American rapper before their televised vows – a storyline seemingly made for ratings, but one that raises fresh concerns for advertisers.
As the drama unfolds, NSW Police confirmed to Sky News that an investigation is underway, while Nine executives scrambled for crisis meetings on Thursday.
Catalano’s play eyes Domain but what’s Nines move
When Antony Catalano sat down with Nine’s acting CEO Matt Stanton in January, the conversation wasn’t about old ties – it was about the future of Domain. With the Nine-controlled property platform struggling to gain ground against REA Group and lacking a permanent CEO, Catalano saw an opportunity.
As Sam Buckingham-Jones and Zoe Samios report in The Australian Financial Review, the former Domain boss, now leading View Media Group (VMG) alongside business partner Alex Waislitz, has been steadily building a digital real estate powerhouse.
Backed by Seven West and ANZ, VMG has positioned itself as more than just a listings site, offering media buying and tech services to the property sector – something Domain has yet to fully capitalise on.
ABC’s Stevens takes aim at News Corp but advertisers eye the bigger picture
ABC news director Justin Stevens didn’t hold back during last week’s Senate estimates hearing, taking a swipe at News Corp’s persistent coverage of the public broadcaster.
James Madden and James Manning reports in The Australian, responding to a question from Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Stevens framed the media giant’s scrutiny as more than just journalism, calling it an “obsession” that goes beyond fair critique.
While the ABC and News Corp have long been at odds, the debate raises a broader question for advertisers: where does trust sit in Australia’s media landscape?
Podcasts
Paul Kent’s media comeback but is his brand still bankable
Paul Kent was once a central figure in Fox Sports’ NRL coverage, known for his fiery takes and no-nonsense analysis.
Tech
Social platforms face hefty fines as eSafety tightens the rules
Social media giants could be hit with fines of up to $50 million if they fail to stop Australian children from accessing adult content under new industry codes submitted to the eSafety commissioner.
As Ben Smee reports in The Guardian, the proposed rules give tech companies six months to roll out stronger protections, forcing them to implement age verification and restrict explicit material.
For platforms that allow adult content, the stakes are even higher. They must introduce stricter safeguards to keep minors out, while services that prohibit explicit material will be required to actively detect and remove content, including depictions of self-harm and extreme violence. Compliance isn’t optional – it’s now a financial and reputational risk.
Apple’s budget play iPhone 16e offers savings but at a cost
Apple’s latest iPhone 16e trims $400 off the standard iPhone 16 price tag, making it a more budget-friendly option at $1,000.
As Tim Biggs reports in The Age, but this isn’t just another entry-level model like the now-retired iPhone SE – it’s a strategic play to capture cost-conscious consumers without sacrificing too much of the flagship experience.
To hit the lower price point, Apple has made a few calculated cuts. The 16e lacks some premium perks like better cameras, faster charging, and a brighter display. For buyers, the question isn’t whether it’s a good phone – it’s whether those missing features are worth an extra $400.
Retail
Country Road names new boss as retail giant seeks stability
Country Road has tapped former Sergio Rossi CEO Helen Wright to lead its namesake brand, bringing in a seasoned executive at a time of leadership shake-ups. Wright, an Australian with global luxury experience, steps in after a turbulent year for the retailer, which is still searching for a new group chief executive.
As Carrie LaFrenz reports in The Australian Financial Review, her appointment comes as parent company Woolworths Holdings, the South African retail giant that once owned David Jones, looks to steady the ship.
Recruitment firm Spencer Stuart is leading the search for a new CEO, with Raju Vuppalapati expected to depart. Meanwhile, Country Road – known for its elevated basics like denim and tees – aims to regain momentum in an increasingly competitive fashion market.