Media Roundup: ABC's costly legal blunder, Rednote restrictions hit Aussie MPs, Tesla class action and Pete Evan's social media return
See the top industry stories trending today.
Brands
ABC concedes legal misstep amid $1.1m court battle
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Tech
Rednote restrictions hit Aussie MPs amid Chinese voter outreach
Some Australian MPs have seen their Rednote accounts restricted - a development that comes as efforts ramp up to engage Australian-Chinese voters ahead of the federal election.
As Sarah Ison reports in The Australian, experts note the timing raises questions about the coincidence.
Rednote, also known as Little Red Book or Xiaohongshu, now has more than 300 million users globally, with nearly one million in Australia.
Tesla class action: Phantom braking under fire
Brisbane law firm JGA Saddler has launched a class action against Elon Musk's company Tesla, alleging the electric car maker's semi-autonomous systems are putting Australian drivers at risk.
As Tim Biggs reports in The Age, the lawsuit centres on "phantom braking" – sudden, unexplained deceleration that mimics emergency stops without any clear hazard.
The action challenges Tesla to address these erratic braking incidents, highlighting the broader implications for consumer trust in advanced automotive technology.
Meta in the hot seat with Pete Evans back on Facebook and Instagram
Conspiracy theorist Pete Evans, known for his controversial views, has sidestepped his previous bans from Facebook and Instagram by operating accounts under his own name.
As Cam Wilson reports in Crikey, despite being banned in late 2020 and 2021 for spreading COVID-19 misinformation, Evans has resurfaced on the platforms
He now runs a Facebook page called "the Paleo Way" and an Instagram account titled "Evolve Network," raising questions about the consistency of Meta's enforcement practices
Television
Network Ten settles $1.15m cost dispute with Lisa Wilkinson
Network Ten has sealed a deal to pay Lisa Wilkinson $1.15 million to cover her legal expenses in defending Bruce Lehrmann's defamation suit, putting an end to a lengthy standoff with her former employer.
As Michaela Whitbourn reports in The Sydney Morning Herald, under the agreement, Ten will indemnify Wilkinson for costs incurred in the case.
The broadcaster had already contributed $558,548 towards her legal fees - a figure considerably lower than the $1.8 million initially sought by Wilkinson.
Australia's Eurovision Shake-up: Go-Jo to serve 'Milkshake Man'
Australia's 29-year-old pop sensation, Marty Zambotto – known as Go-Jo – has been named the nation's Eurovision entrant for the tenth time.
Zambotto is set to hit the international stage with his latest single, "Milkshake Man," promising a fresh spin on the contest.
Following last year's win by Switzerland's Nemo, the contest returns with 37 countries set to compete, as Switzerland hosts the event.
ABC boss denies 7:30 bias claims amid senate estimates questioning
ABC director of news and current affairs Justin Stevens has dismissed claims that 7:30 host Sarah Ferguson favours interviewing left-leaning independent senators over those on the right.
As David Knox reports in TV Tonight, the remarks came during a Senate Estimates session in Canberra.
Queensland Senator Gerard Rennick questioned the network, saying he had asked several times for an interview with Ferguson but was knocked back.
Streaming
Max streaming service launches in Australia
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has officially announced the launch of its premier streaming service, Max, in Australia on Monday, 31 March 2025.
This move is set to reshape the Australian streaming landscape, offering a comprehensive content library that spans iconic brands and franchises.
Max will serve as the central hub for a diverse range of content, bringing together HBO Originals and Max Originals, including highly anticipated series such as The Last of Us, House of the Dragon, Euphoria, and Peacemaker.
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