Streaming
If the NBA and NFL move to Disney+, where does it leave Foxtel?
As reported by The Sydney Morning Herald’s Calum Jaspan, Disney+ is expected to bring live sports content to its Australian platform, potentially disrupting Foxtel’s long-standing arrangement with ESPN.
Foxtel and its streaming service Kayo currently hold exclusive broadcasting rights to top US sports leagues such as the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, college sports, and UFC through a deal with Disney-owned ESPN. However, this agreement, set to expire in July, may not be renewed if Disney shifts these offerings to Disney+.
The move could pose significant challenges for Foxtel, which was recently acquired by British sports streaming giant DAZN and is already navigating financial pressures.
News Brands
What on earth is happening at The Washington Post?
As reported by Crikey’s Daanyal Saeed, The Washington Post, the third-largest masthead in the United States and a cultural icon immortalised in Oscar-nominated films, is grappling with significant turmoil.
This week, the paper cut around 4% of its workforce—impacting approximately 100 employees in business divisions, including most of its communications team. The layoffs follow a controversial decision by billionaire owner Jeff Bezos, who reportedly overruled the editorial board’s plan to endorse Democrat Kamala Harris for the recent US presidential election. Historically, The Washington Post has backed Democratic candidates in every election since 1976.
The non-endorsement led to a wave of backlash, with over 250,000 subscription cancellations—about 10% of the paper’s subscriber base—and triggered the departures of several high-profile staff, including investigative political reporter Josh Dawsey and White House reporter Tyler Pager.
What does the future hold for Sky News Australia after Foxtel’s sale?
As reported by Crikey’s Daanyal Saeed, News Corp wrapped up 2024 with a major surprise—the sale of its 65% stake in Foxtel Group to British sports streaming giant DAZN in a deal valued at $3.4 billion. Telstra, which owned the remaining 35%, also exited the business, marking the end of three decades of cable television dominance for News Corp.
While DAZN is best known for sports streaming, the acquisition includes non-sporting assets such as streaming platforms Binge and Flash. However, Foxtel’s conservative news channel, Sky News Australia, was excluded from the sale, leaving questions about its future. The licensing agreement for the “Sky News” brand is set to expire in 2025 or 2026, raising speculation about what lies ahead for the channel and its prominent hosts like Andrew Bolt and Rita Panahi.
ABC Chair wants more younger audiences. Here’s the top shows they are already watching.
As reported by TV Tonight’s David Knox, ABC Chair Kim Williams has made it clear that engaging younger audiences is a key priority for the national broadcaster. Speaking at the National Press Club last November, Williams emphasised the importance of connecting with viewers under 40, describing it as a matter of “intergenerational equity” and part of the ABC’s civic duty.
While advocating for increased funding, Williams outlined a vision to ensure the ABC serves all Australians, regardless of age. This raises the question: What is the ABC doing to capture the attention of younger viewers?
According to Roberta Allan, ABC’s head of programming, acquisitions & streaming, the shows attracting the most significant mass audiences are also the ones resonating strongly with the 16–39 demographic.
Regulation
Proposal for surge in TV booze ads faces pushback – even from the alcohol industry
A proposed draft code by Free TV, the lobby group for commercial free-to-air broadcasters, has sparked controversy, even drawing opposition from the alcohol industry itself. As reported by The Australian’s Sophie Liu, the changes would allow for an additional 800 hours of alcohol ads on prime-time television, extending M-rated programming by two hours on weekdays and up to five hours on weekends, public holidays, and school breaks.
Surprisingly, Alcohol Beverages Australia (ABA) and other industry bodies, including Cocktails and Spirits Australia and Brewers Association, have opposed the proposal. ABA executive director Alistair Coe highlighted the industry’s commitment to a globally recognized regulatory framework, expressing concern over the potential for expanded alcohol advertising.
A national poll by the Foundation for Alcohol Research & Education (FARE) found 90% of Australians are concerned about the increased exposure to alcohol ads, particularly during times when children may be watching. FARE CEO Caterina Giorgi called on the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to reject the proposal, emphasizing its failure to meet community expectations.
Radio
Real reason star quit Marty Sheargold’s Triple M radio show
Loren Barry, a key member of The Marty Sheargold Show on Triple M since its launch in 2021, surprised fans when she announced her departure from the national afternoon program in November last year. In an interview with news.com.au’s Andrew Bucklow, Barry shared the reasons behind her decision and spoke about her new role as co-host of The Hot Hits on the Hit Network.
Barry revealed that she left the show to pursue new opportunities that would challenge her and help her grow within the radio landscape. “Time is ticking, and I’m not getting any younger,” she said, explaining that she felt it was the right moment to step away, despite her strong bond with the team.
Barry also reflected on her long-standing professional relationship with Marty Sheargold, whom she credited with teaching her everything she knows about radio. While she hasn’t spoken to Sheargold since her departure, she expressed gratitude for their nine-year friendship and working relationship, joking, “I don’t send Christmas cards, but if I did, he would be top of the list.”
Social
Steve Bannon condemns Elon Musk as ‘racist’ and ‘truly evil’
In a surprising escalation within Donald Trump’s far-right following, former Trump adviser Steve Bannon has launched a scathing attack on Elon Musk, branding the billionaire “racist” and “truly evil.” As reported by The Guardian Australia’s Chris Michael, Bannon pledged to remove Musk from the Maga movement and block him from having top-level access to the White House.
Speaking to Italy’s Corriere della Sera newspaper, with excerpts published on Breitbart, Bannon criticised Musk’s views on immigration and expressed frustration with his growing influence. “I made it my personal thing to take this guy down,” Bannon said. “Before, because he put money in, I was prepared to tolerate it – I’m not prepared to tolerate it any more.”
Bannon further vowed that Musk would be sidelined by inauguration day, stating, “He will not have full access to the White House. He will be like any other person.”
Sport
Famous actress turns heads at Aus Open
The Australian Open has always been a magnet for high-profile celebrities, and this year is no exception. As reported by news.com.au’s Maddison Brennan-Mills, the tournament continues to draw billionaires, Hollywood stars, pop icons, sporting legends, and fashion moguls to Melbourne Park.
One famous actress stole the spotlight with her appearance, turning heads with her style and presence among a star-studded crowd. The Australian Open remains not just a sporting spectacle but a glamorous stage for unforgettable celebrity moments.
Theatre
After 800 shows, Australia’s ‘larrikin’ Hamilton learns to say goodbye
As reported by The Sydney Morning Herald’s Mary Ward, Jason Arrow, who plays the lead role in the Australian production of Hamilton, faced a unique challenge when stepping into the character of Alexander Hamilton. Unlike in American history, where Hamilton is seen as a revolutionary hero, Australian audiences might perceive him as an overconfident and flawed figure.
“To resonate with Australians, Hamilton needed a touch of ‘larrikin’,” Arrow explained, sharing how he brought moments of levity and humour to the role to ensure audiences connected with the character. “You don’t want them to hate him.”
Since its Australian debut at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre in March 2021, Hamilton has faced its share of challenges, including COVID-19 lockdowns and reduced-capacity audiences. Despite these hurdles, the production has toured Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland, and internationally, before returning to Sydney for its final performances this month.