Tech
YouTube escapes kids’ social media ban
YouTube has been quietly exempted from the government’s under-16s social media ban, even as officials admit it’s not primarily educational.
As Amelia McGuire reports in The Australian Financial Review, internal briefings show the Google-owned platform was given special treatment, despite earlier claims about its learning value.
Meanwhile, Meta, Snapchat, and TikTok – left out of the exemption – are pushing back after meetings with the communications department this week.
Guardian Media Group joins OpenAI’s AI news club
Guardian Media Group, publisher of Guardian Australia, has struck a strategic partnership with OpenAI, joining News Corp and The Associated Press in signing deals with the AI giant.
As Daanyal Saeed reports in Crikey, under the agreement, the Guardian’s reporting and archives will be available in ChatGPT, with attributed summaries and article extracts.
The publisher will also roll out ChatGPT Enterprise to develop new digital tools and products.
WiseTech board digs into fresh claims against founder Richard White
WiseTech global’s board is sifting through new allegations against billionaire founder Richard White as part of an ongoing misconduct review.
As Max Mason reports in The Australian Financial Review, the ASX-listed logistics software giant abruptly halted trading on Thursday, citing governance discussions, with an update due by Monday.
White stepped down in October after reports surfaced of a $7 million Melbourne property purchase for ex-partner and employee Christine Kontos, a $2 million settlement linked to another former partner, and a 2019 intimidation allegation from then-director Christine Holman.
Telstra justifies price hikes with $800m AI-ready network upgrade
Telstra is backing its price increases with an $800 million investment to future-proof its network for the AI boom and stay ahead of TPG and Optus.
As Jared Lynch reports in The Australian, the telco is teaming up with Ericsson to boost 5G performance, with CEO Vicki Brady touting a shift towards “autonomous self-healing networks.”
Alongside the upgrades, Telstra announced a $750 million share buyback and a 5% dividend hike, riding strong mobile earnings and deep cost-cutting – including a 9% workforce reduction.
Retail
Super Retail tumbles as profit and shares take a hit
Super Retail Group’s profit slumped nearly 10%, triggering a 15% share price drop as inflation, rising costs, and a theft surge at Rebel stores ate into earnings.
As Eli Greenblat reports in The Australian, discount wars in auto parts dented Supercheap Auto, while higher wages and rent squeezed margins.
Rebel took a hit from increased shoplifting and a consumer shift to lower-margin gear. BCF saw strong demand, but Macpac struggled to keep pace.
New Asahi boss takes the helm as beer sales go flat
Amanda Sellers is stepping in as Asahi Beverages’ first female CEO just as Aussies turn away from beer.
As Patrick Durkin reports in The Australian Financial Review, consumption has plunged a third over 20 years, with a 3% drop last year alone.
It’s a tough backdrop for the $28 billion Japanese giant, which owns Carlton & United Breweries and controls nearly half the local beer market. Profits fell 8.2% in 2024, as drinkers opt for lower-strength brews and other alternatives.
Television
Nine faces reckoning as Domain drags on growth
Nine is at a crossroads, under pressure to define its future and cut loose Domain – its struggling property listings arm.
As Eric Johnston reports in The Australian, five years after merging with Fairfax, the experiment of bundling TV, streaming, digital publishing, radio, and real estate under one roof is showing cracks.
Publishing cash flow isn’t enough to prop up free-to-air TV, which faces structural challenges, or bankroll the loss-making Stan.
Legendary TV newsman Paul Mullins dies aged 79
Television news has lost one of its legendary figures today with the passing of Paul Mullins, Network 10’s long-serving state political reporter.
Mullins was a standout member of the NSW press gallery who was highly respected as a formidable journalist by politicians and colleagues.
Mullins started his career in newspapers before moving onto television, becoming the NSW state government reporter for 10, where he worked until his retirement.
Respected Seven presenter calls it quits
Sports presenter Abbey Gelmi has called time on her stint at Seven, opting not to renew her contract.
As Jackie Epstein reports in the Herald Sun, the weekend sports anchor since 2022, Gelmi confirmed her departure to the publication saying, “It’s the right time for the next chapter.”
Set to return from maternity leave after welcoming her second child in November, Gelmi’s exit wasn’t unexpected, with Seven also eyeing a fresh direction.
Film
Amazon takes the wheel on James Bond franchise
James Bond has a new boss, with Amazon securing “creative control” of the iconic spy series in a deal with longtime stewards Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.
As Rob Davies and Andrew Pulver report in The Guardian, the tech giant’s MGM Studios confirmed the agreement on Thursday, forming a joint venture with the Broccoli dynasty to oversee the franchise.
As for the price tag? Amazon says that detail is for their eyes only.