Trump tariffs
Trump’s trade war threatens Aussie start-up funding momentum
Australia’s start-up sector is showing signs of recovery, with nearly $1 billion invested across 100 deals in Q1 FY25.
As Amelia McGuire and Paul Smith report in The Australian Financial Review, the results mark the strongest opening quarter since the end of the 2022 tech boom, according to fresh data from Cut Through Venture.
But despite the rebound, total funding remains well below 2021 levels, when cheap capital flowed freely.
Social media
Zuckerberg’s Instagram confessions
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has admitted Instagram had a superior camera product when he chose to acquire the platform.
As Jody Godoy and Katie Paul report in The Australian Financial Review, the revelation, made during Zuckerberg’s second day on the stand in a Washington trial, supports the Federal Trade Commission’s push to unwind Meta’s purchases of Instagram and WhatsApp.
The FTC alleges Meta deliberately neutralised emerging threats to cement its dominance.
TikTok trade hacks spark fresh tensions
A wave of TikTok creators is flipping the script on global trade, encouraging Western shoppers to bypass tariffs and middlemen by buying directly from Chinese factories.
As Annabelle Droulers and Daniela Wei write in The Australian Financial Review, many claiming to produce goods for top brands like Nike and Lululemon.
While the trend is gaining traction in Australia, it’s a red flag for brand safety, pricing integrity, and retail partners.
Retail
Collins Foods drops Taco Bell to double down on KFC growth
Collins Foods is pulling the pin on Taco Bell in Australia, with the brand failing to fire in a market dominated by local favourite Guzman y Gomez.
As Eli Greenblat writes in The Australian, despite several refreshes, Taco Bell’s 27 Aussie stores have remained a drag on the balance sheet, posting a $1.1 million loss in the first half of 2025.
The decision clears the deck for the fast-food operator to go all-in on KFC, including ambitious expansion plans in Germany.
Frasers takes on Rebel Sport with bold Aussie retail play
British retail heavyweight Frasers is muscling into the Australian sports market, aiming to open more than 100 Sports Direct stores in a direct challenge to Rebel Sport’s long-held dominance.
As Carrie LaFrenz writes in The Australian Financial Review, the move includes a $60.4 million lift in its stake in Accent Group, the local owner of Hype DC and Platypus, to nearly 20%.
Backed by brands like Everlast and Slazenger, the global giant is making a serious play for share of wallet.
Tech
Google and Sphere give The Wizard of Oz an AI-powered reboot
In a world-first flex of tech and entertainment, Sphere Entertainment is turning The Wizard of Oz into a 15,000sqm visual spectacle, remastered with AI and set to premiere on Las Vegas’s jaw-dropping Sphere screen.
As Isabelle Bousquette reports in The Australian, The project involved developing new AI techniques to upscale, outpaint, and enhance nearly every frame of the 86-year-old film, transforming a 1930s classic into a fully immersive experience fit for the world’s most advanced venue.
With over 90% of the original film touched by generative AI, even the Scarecrow got a digital makeover.
Podcasts
Mr G returns with a mic and a subscription model
After nearly two decades out of the spotlight, Chris Lilley has revived his infamous alter ego, Mr G, launching a new character-led podcast aimed at loyal fans, and paying subscribers.
As Zara Powell writes in The Daily Telegraph, Mr G’s Room quietly dropped its first episode ahead of its official April 23 release, available exclusively via a $4.99/month Apple Podcasts subscription.
Brands
Qantas climbs global brand ranks as premium play pays off
Qantas has surged back into branding favour, lifting its value by $1.3 billion over the past year and climbing five spots to rank 16th globally in Brand Finance’s annual airline report.
As Robyn Ironside reports in The Daily Telegraph, it’s the flying kangaroo’s best result since 2019, driven by renewed customer investment, booming demand for premium travel, and a reenergised executive bench.
The airline also re-entered the top 10 strongest full-service carrier brands, now sitting at ninth after falling out of the list last year.
Streaming
Kayo Sports breaks streaming record
Kayo Sports has posted its highest streaming figures to date, clocking a record 844 million minutes viewed over a packed weekend of live sport from Thursday to Monday, a 16% increase on its previous record set in March 2025.
The milestone came off the back of a stacked sporting line-up, including AFL Gather Round, NRL, the Masters Tournament, Formula 1®, Supercars, MotoGP, UFC 314, Super Netball, the IPL, and NBA on ESPN.
Entertainment
Aussie star Cate Blanchett hints at retirement
Cate Blanchett says she’s ready to step off the stage and away from the camera, telling Radio Times she’s “serious” about leaving acting behind.
As Yiying Li reports on ABC News, while her family may be sceptical, the Oscar-winning icon appears set on shifting focus to life beyond film sets and red carpets.
The news comes as Blanchett promotes Black Bag, a London-based spy thriller directed by Steven Soderbergh and released in March.