Brands
Lou Barrett on Tubi, engaged reach, and News Corp’s video growth
News Corp Australia’s managing director of client partnerships, Lou Barrett, is bullish on Tubi’s potential in Australia, describing it as a “sleeping giant” that’s primed for advertisers.
With connected TV (CTV) becoming a major player in media consumption, News Corp’s strategic move into the space through Tubi offers a promising new avenue for brands.
“Tubi is the big one,” Barrett tells Mediaweek. “We haven’t had any CTV in our stable before, which allows us to engage with advertisers who have traditionally focused on broadcast TV and streaming services.”
Clive Palmer ads put publishers under fire
The Newcastle Herald has apologised for running a front-page ad from Clive Palmer’s Trumpet of Patriots party, which declared “there are only two genders.” The ad’s removal from the digital edition underscores the growing tension between ad revenue and editorial values.
As Amanda Meade writes in The Guardian, Nine’s The Age is under fire from its own journalists for publishing Palmer’s ads, including anti-immigration and anti-Welcome to Country messages.
Friday’s edition carried the line, “We don’t need to be welcomed to our own country,” while Tuesday’s ad warned, “Too much immigration destroys infrastructure.”
Television
How a simple idea turned MAFS into a global TV powerhouse
Nine rarely comments on Married at First Sight, especially during controversy, but at the Australian International Documentary Conference, Head of Production Adrian Swift offered a rare insight into the show’s format success.
As David Knox writes in TVTonight, Swift credited MAFS’ longevity to its core premise: “Does an arranged marriage work better than swiping right?” Originally a one-hour observational documentary, the series was transformed by Endemol Shine Australia into a high-stakes format – complete with explosive dinner parties.
That shift not only boosted ratings and ad revenue for Nine but also made MAFS a lucrative global export.
Streaming
Disney+ doubles down on sports with ESPN launch in ANZ
Disney+ is expanding beyond entertainment, officially bringing ESPN to its Australian and New Zealand subscribers from 26 March 2025. The integration will see ESPN and ESPN2 channels, studio shows, live events, replays, and original programming, including the 30 for 30 documentary series, all housed within the Disney+ platform.
As Silvi Vann-Wall writes in ScreenHub, The move bolsters Disney+’s value proposition, giving sports fans access to marquee events like the NBA Playoffs, NCAA March Madness, MLB Opening Day, and the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Tennis star and NBA superfan Nick Kyrgios will front the local launch campaign, tapping into his crossover appeal.
Netflix’s Meghan gamble under scrutiny as reviews disappoint
Netflix executives are facing fresh concerns over With Love, Meghan, after the series received scathing reviews and failed to become a breakout hit. While a second season has been confirmed, insiders suggest this doesn’t guarantee a renewal of Meghan and Harry’s broader deal with the streamer.
As Bronte Coy repots on news.com.au, the lukewarm reception has also complicated Netflix’s business ties to Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever. Industry heavyweights like Variety and The Hollywood Reporter have been unimpressed, with Variety calling the show a “Montecito ego trip not worth taking.”
Despite briefly landing in Netflix’s Top 10, the series has struggled with critics and audiences, holding just a 20% viewer rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Tech
Atlassian fuels Williams F1 bid for a data-driven comeback
Mike Cannon-Brookes is putting Atlassian’s software in the fast lane, backing it to help Williams Racing claw back lost ground at this weekend’s Grand Prix. The Formula 1 team, which finished second-last in 2023, is leaning on Atlassian’s tools to streamline operations and close the millisecond gaps that define success on the track.
As Jared Lynch and Helen Trinca write in The Australian, Williams team principal James Vowles revealed the team was previously managing its 20,000 race car components with massive Excel spreadsheets – an outdated system that made car assembly a “miracle.”
By adopting Atlassian’s collaboration software, the team is aiming to modernise workflows and improve efficiency in a sport where real-time data is king.
AI-powered research: Olivia Newton-John institute partners with HPE
The Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute is embracing AI to fast-track cancer breakthroughs, teaming up with Hewlett Packard Enterprise to overhaul its data systems.
As Jared Lynch writes in The Australian, the partnership aims to enhance treatment strategies, using advanced computing to analyse vast amounts of patient data more efficiently.
A key innovation is the creation of digital twins – AI-driven models of tumours that help predict how individual patients will respond to treatments. Institute COO Christine De Nardo says the technology will accelerate research and improve patient outcomes in real time.
Legal
Jones’s legal team raises concerns over journalist’s dual role
Alan Jones’s lawyer has questioned whether Sydney Morning Herald journalist Kate McClymont’s involvement in his case represents a conflict of interest, arguing her dual role as both a reporter and a witness could influence public perception.
As Amanda Meade writes in The Guardian, Jones, who faces 35 historical sexual assault charges across multiple locations in New South Wales, was absent from Tuesday’s committal hearing.
His lawyer, Bryan Wrench, told the court he had reviewed the prosecution’s brief and noted that McClymont, who first reported on the case, has also provided a witness statement.
Retail
Brett Lee’s Sydney Beer Co enters administration
Sydney Beer Co, the craft brewery backed by former cricketer Brett Lee, has entered administration amid growing challenges in the beer market. RSM Australia’s Richard Stone and Brett Lord have been appointed to oversee the company’s future.
As Simon Evans writes in The Australian Financial Review, Founded in 2016, Sydney Beer Co had a strong presence in over 350 venues and major retailers like BWS and Dan Murphy’s.
It had also expanded internationally, exporting to Malaysia and the US. However, despite raising over $6 million last year for growth, the company struggled to stay afloat.
Business
ASIC warns directors: don’t ignore red flags in corporate culture
ASIC chairman Joe Longo has issued a sharp reminder to company directors, urging them to take personal responsibility for investigating poor behaviour within their organisations rather than relying solely on management’s reassurances.
As Glenda Korporaal writes in The Australian, His comments, set to be delivered at the Australian Institute of Company Directors conference, highlight the legal duty of directors to act when suspicions arise.
Longo points to recent corporate controversies where governance failures have allowed misconduct to escalate.
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