Social
Elon Musk explains that controversial gesture
Elon Musk has shrugged off backlash over a hand gesture during the Inauguration Day parade, dismissing claims it resembled a Nazi salute.
The SpaceX CEO instead called it “an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm,” a sentiment echoed by the Anti-Defamation League, which combats anti-Semitism.
Sharing the ADL’s statement on X, Musk thanked the group and added his own quip: “Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired.”
Brands
Online retailer Catch to close amid global competition
Wesfarmers is closing online retailer Catch, citing rising losses and intense competition from international giants like Temu and Shein, reports news.com.au’s Cameron Micallef.
In an ASX statement, the retail group announced that Catch’s operations will wind down, with assets integrated into other divisions. Fulfilment centres will move under the Kmart Group, and digital capabilities, including supplier networks, will be absorbed across the business.
While 100 roles will be redeployed, 190 jobs will be cut. The closure is expected to cost Wesfarmers up to $60 million, with Catch projected to post a $40 million loss for the first half of FY25.
Television
Adrian Portelli turns on-air stunt into $50k charity donation
Billionaire Adrian Portelli has turned controversy into charity, donating $50,000 to charity after a stunt involving Nine’s Alex Cullen went south.
As reported by Molly Magennis on 7News, Portelli, eager to ditch his “Lambo Guy” label, offered the cash to the first TV journalist to call him “McLaren Man.” Cullen took the bait during a lighthearted exchange on Today with Karl Stefanovic last Friday, only to face disciplinary action from Nine soon after.
While Cullen was stood down over the incident, Portelli redirected the heat by donating the money to charity.
Seven West Media reverses restructure with Henry Tajer appointment
Seven West Media has brought in advertising heavyweight Henry Tajer, former IPG Mediabrands global CEO and head of Amazon Ads Australia, to lead its sales function.
As Calum Jaspan reports in The Sydney Morning Herald, the hire marks a significant reversal of last year’s restructure, which saw long-serving chief revenue officer Kurt Burnette depart as the company split into three divisions and cut 150 roles.
Expected to be announced this week, the move highlights CEO Jeff Howard’s push to refocus on driving revenue growth. Seven declined to comment on the appointment.
Joe Aston returns to the AFR
Joe Aston is set to rejoin The Australian Financial Review as a monthly columnist while gearing up to launch his new publishing and podcasting venture, Rampart, on February 10.
Aston, who helmed AFR’s Rear Window column for 12 years before stepping down in October 2023, said the move allows him to balance creative independence with his connection to what he calls “the best newspaper in the country.”
The publication’s Zoe Samios reports the announcement follows the release of Aston’s debut book, The Chairman’s Lounge, which delves into Qantas’ decline and sparked a political storm involving allegations against the prime minister over flight upgrade requests.
News Brands
Prince Harry’s case against Murdoch delayed
The opening of Prince Harry’s high-profile damages case against The Sun has been delayed, with both sides reportedly engaged in last-minute settlement negotiations after years of legal wrangling, reports The Guardian’s Caroline Davies.
The trial, originally set to begin Tuesday, was expected to last eight weeks and focus on Harry’s claims that journalists at News Group Newspapers used unlawful methods to invade his privacy and that executives covered it up.
However, an adjournment request was filed just before proceedings began, sparking hours of private talks. With no resolution reached, the judge ordered the trial to commence, prompting both sides to seek an appeal.
Pictured: Catch