Media Roundup: Apple's age-check tech, Lattouf takes aim, ARN's revenue jump, NRL’s bold Vegas play and Coles gains ground
See the top industry stories trending today.
Tech
Apple's new age-checking tech could support Australia's social media ban
Apple is set to shake up social media access for kids, introducing a tool that could help enforce Australia's proposed ban on under-16s using certain platforms.
As Josh Taylor writes in The Guardian, later this year, the tech giant will roll out a declared age range API for iPhones and iPads, allowing app developers to verify a user’s age with parental consent.
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Can Nvidia keep the market rally alive?
Investors hoping Nvidia would reignite Wall Street's momentum may need to temper expectations.
As David Rogers writes in The Australian, while the AI chip giant's latest earnings and outlook were solid, they lacked the blockbuster surprise needed to counter recent market jitters and a wave of tariff concerns.
Despite Nvidia's staggering 525% stock surge over two years, the question remains - can it deliver enough upside to reverse the broader sell-off?
Radio
ARN's CEO reveals strategy behind their growth play
Despite economic headwinds, ARN has delivered a 9% jump in revenue to $365.6 million, with EBITDA soaring 30% to $93.1 million.
CEO Ciaran Davis attributes the success to a sharp focus on international expansion, digital transformation, and disciplined cost management.
Speaking with Mediaweek, Davis outlined how ARN is positioning itself for the future, with digital audio emerging as a major growth driver.
Television
Lattouf takes aim at ABC's top brass in unlawful dismissal case
Antoinette Lattouf has accused ABC executives of unfairly dismissing her based on a "stereotyped assumption" not applied to other high-profile journalists like Laura Tingle and Patricia Karvelas.
As James Dowling reports in The Australian, as her Federal Court battle reaches its final stages, Lattouf's legal team pointed the finger at four key decision-makers - outgoing managing director David Anderson, former chair Ita Buttrose, ex-content chief Chris Oliver-Taylor, and audio content boss Ben Latimer - as orchestrating her removal.
Her lawyers argue that the ABC's decision to end her contract was not about journalistic standards but a “purely pragmatic” move to sidestep controversy.
NRL's bold Vegas play: Trump, Dana White, and a PR storm
The NRL is sticking to its bold bid to bring Donald Trump and UFC boss Dana White to Allegiant Stadium for its Las Vegas season-opener, despite backlash that saw White Ribbon cut ties.
As Adrian Proszenko reports in The Sydney Morning Herald, ARLC chairman Peter V'landys even pitched to Trump on Fox & Friends, unveiling a match ball stamped with "TRUMP."
Trump's attendance remains uncertain as he’s scheduled to be in Palm Beach on Friday night. The Canberra Raiders also invited White to sound their Viking horn pre-game, but he’ll be out of town.
Retail
Mosaic Brands workers fast-tracked for entitlements
Thousands of former Mosaic Brands employees will get early access to the federal Fair Entitlements Guarantee, securing payouts as nearly 700 stores shut down. More than 2,800 staff are set to benefit.
As Amelia Swan writes in The Australian, the fashion giant - owner of Millers, Noni B, Rivers, and more -collapsed after failing to sell its remaining brands. With no buyer, receivers confirmed the entire portfolio had folded.
Coles gains ground as Woolworths cuts back
Coles is winning the value perception battle, with CEO Leah Weckert crediting its pricing strategy for better-than-expected sales growth.
As Carrie La Frenz reports in The Australian Financial Review, the supermarket giant outpaced Woolworths in the first half of the financial year, reinforcing its position in the highly competitive grocery sector.
While Coles thrives, Woolworths is in cost-cutting mode, announcing a $400 million reduction and a slimmed-down product range to reassure investors.
Agencies
Val Morgan: a story of resilience and reinvention in advertising
In the years leading up to the pandemic, Val Morgan was on a winning streak. "If you look back at kind of 2018 to 2019, we had two incredible years of cinema," recalls Paul MacGregor, director of strategy and marketing at Val Morgan. "That was driven by the Marvel franchise - Avengers: Endgame was probably the pinnacle of that."
With audiences flocking to cinemas in record numbers and advertising opportunities thriving, Val Morgan was at its peak. But that momentum came to a screeching halt in early 2020.
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