News Brands
Prince Harry takes on Murdoch in court
Prince Harry’s lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers (NGN) has hit London’s High Court. The royal accused The Sun and News of the World of illegal practices from 1996 to 2011.
As Mark Landler reports in The Australian Financial Review, Harry is set to testify next month and says he’s pursuing accountability, unlike others, including Hugh Grant, who settled to avoid costly legal battles.
The case fuels Harry’s war with the British press, which he blames for forcing him and Meghan Markle to leave royal life in 2020.
Streaming
Optus Sport sale could see EPL land on Stan
Optus is exploring the sale of its sports streaming platform to Nine Entertainment, a move that could bring the English Premier League to Stan.
Optus disrupted the market in 2016 by snatching EPL rights from Foxtel, aiming to dominate sports streaming. Its current deal, worth $100 million annually and including the Women’s Super League, runs through 2028.
As reported by Zoe Samios in The Australian Financial Review, insiders say the telco began seeking buyers last year to sharpen its focus on core operations.
Television
Nine reporter Airlie Walsh settles harassment case
Channel Nine reporter Airlie Walsh has settled her sexual harassment claim against the network, with a confidential agreement finalised in the Federal Court.
As News Corp’s Samantha Maiden reports, Walsh, supported by Maurice Blackburn lawyers, had filed a human rights sex discrimination case. While specifics of the complaint remain undisclosed, Walsh confirmed the resolution over a year after initiating legal action.
The case has ignited fresh conversations about workplace culture within Australian media, highlighting systemic issues in the industry.
Nine’s Australian Open faces heat from Seven’s Big Bash
Channel Nine’s Australian Open coverage is off to a rocky 2025, with Seven’s Big Bash League proving a serious challenger in the summer ratings race.
Despite record-breaking crowds at Melbourne Park, Crikey’s Daanyal Saeed reports key cricket matches have outshone some tennis night sessions.
Unlike 2024, when tennis dominated, the absence of big names like Federer, Nadal, Barty, and Williams is being felt. Novak Djokovic remains a drawcard, but Seven’s cricket offerings, including the Women’s Ashes, are keeping the network firmly in the game.
Andrew ‘Lofty’ Lofthouse Bids Farewell to 9News Queensland
9News Queensland presenter Andrew ‘Lofty’ Lofthouse has announced his retirement to focus on his health.
Joining Nine in 2007, Lofthouse quickly became a familiar face, spending 16 of those years alongside his trusted on-air partner, Melissa Downes.
Reflecting on his career, Lofthouse said, “It’s been an incredible privilege. I’ve loved every moment, but now is the right time to slow down and focus on my health”.
Pictured: Prince Harry