Mediaweek Premium will continue to feature interviews and insights from the leaders driving the Australian media industry, which have been enjoyed by Mediaweek Magazine subscribers for the past 28 years.

Mediaweek Premium launches at a reduced subscription cost. Monthly, annual and company-wide packages are available. More information here.

Some of the content we launch with:

Jim Carroll: The changing face of SBS News

Mediaweek Interview: Acast global chief executive – Ross Adams

Outdoor sector bracing itself for shakeup as James Warburton arrives at APN Outdoor

Mediaweek marketing masterclass: Jackie Lee-Joe, chief marketing officer, BBC Worldwide

‘A well thought-out shambles’: Kennedy and Molloy on their national drive show

Nine’s Hugh Marks on revenue growth, digital upside, success measurement and future of cricket

Seven’s Tim Worner on taking back #1, contract talks and AFLX future

Women’s Agenda publisher Angela Priestley: ‘There is space for a lot of players’

…and much more.

By James Manning

The channel has been running a new consumer ad campaign for SBS World News and Carroll explained they usually prioritise some market for the start of the year.

“It is a good time to promote our offerings when all our big shows are back in February – Insight, Dateline and The Feed. It is important to showcase the great shows we have in news and current affairs. We also highlight that we have made a strong push into digital over the past couple of years. Our news and current affairs content is available whenever and wherever you’d like it.”

Ricardo Goncalves, Janice Peterson and Anton Enus

SBS launched a new set for SBS World News at the end of 2017, which also included a redesign of graphics. “We think it is a much cleaner look that works well across all our platforms. We also launched a new website and a new app and to-date we are really pleased with the outcomes.”

With Anton Enus on leave, SBS News on weekdays is presented by Janice Peterson although she is joined on the set for sport by Mike Tomalaris while Ricardo Goncalves contributes finance news.

Some assets from SBS’s News refresh

“It is a nice big studio space and we wanted to give it some depth and it is the trend in Europe and the US that has been well-received by audiences.”

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Listen to James Manning’s podcast with Jim Carroll to be published later this week.

Speaking at the Deutsche Bank Media, Telecom and Business Service Conference in Palm Beach, Florida this week, News Corp CEO Robert Thomson has spoken about turmoil and upheaval in the media space.

Thomson started by noting that News Corp results “contrast quite sharply with those of other media companies”.

He said that the strategy News Corp adopted when the company was split in two – to be more digital, global and more focused – has helped grow the business.

“Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch and I are adamant the ecosystem has to change – not only for ourselves, but for media companies generally. [The old way] was distinctly dysfunctional – not only in a commercial sense, but in a societal sense.”

There is continuing upheaval in print advertising, with Thomson noting December was up YOY in the UK, but not the US.

As to what News Corp might do with regard to investing its cash balance, he said: “We are very conscious to create a long-term return for shareholders.

“We have made a couple of significant investments since the split. One was to buy publisher Harlequin for HarperCollins to make it a much more global and potentially digital company. [The other was growing publisher Thomas Nelson.] We are not going to pay for overvalued assets.

“Our value is being able to use our media platforms to turn around companies and enhance their value.”

News Corp Executive Chairman Rupert Murdoch (c Shutterstock)

When asked about competing with the “digital duopoly” of Google and Facebook, Thomson said: “We have obviously been the most outspoken media company globally on this issue for many, many years.

“We are in the middle of a profoundly important dialogue that is going to have an impact on not only our news sites which should benefit from this debate, but really on the way we think about news in the contemporary world.

“Our executives have been so articulate on this issue when others have shown a great degree of cowardice.”

When asked about the newspaper business, Thomson started talking the quality newspapers – The Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Australian.

“They are rapidly transitioning to high-end digital products with a high-end digital advertising audience. The amount of credit our great journalism deserves is not yet reflected in the digital environment. The advertising varies country by country and platform by platform.

“The Dow Jones subscription audience is 2.8m with The Wall Street Journal itself on 2.3m. The digital audience is an ideal platform for upsell. But we must get better, and we are getting better, on the upsell of information to people who need it.”

When asked about the Foxtel-Fox Sports merger, Thomson said: “We have a real opportunity to use our platforms in a more creative, consistent and intense way to aid Foxtel and Fox Sports, at the same time help the mastheads. The sports rights we have in Australia are unique and we purposely bought them long term.

“We have full confidence in Patrick Delany’s ability to transform the business. We have to prove to the Australian audience we have the best content and deliver in a way that makes sense in the contemporary environment.”

Thomson said with football codes starting their 2018 seasons, the next three months will be an important indicator of how the team at Foxtel is faring.

When asked about cricket rights, he noted they would not be paying a ridiculous price. “Are we interested? Absolutely. Do we think our involvement would help the sport in Australia? Cricket authorities should be aware we not only commit to the sport, but to the sport’s community.”

News Corp and Telstra have announced they have signed definitive agreements to combine Foxtel and Fox Sports Australia, with the aim of delivering premium and innovative content to Australians with ever greater quality, variety and efficiency.

The key commercial arrangements include:

• News Corp will have 65% shareholding in the combined entity and Telstra will have 35%.

• News Corp will appoint four directors (including the chairman) to the combined entity’s board and the senior executives, and Telstra will appoint two directors.

• News Corp will consolidate the combined entity into its financial statements.

The combined company will be:

• Putting greater emphasis on live streaming products and an expanded library, including Australian written, produced and directed programming.

• Delivering new and creative products and packages across devices and platforms, with investment in exclusive content and technology, including a focus on high quality Fox Sports Australia productions.

• Expanding distribution channels for Foxtel and Fox Sports Australia products, along with developing greater operating efficiencies across the combined businesses.

• Levering the benefits of the assets and experience of News Corp in Australia and around the world.

News Corp Australia executive chairman Michael Miller with News Corp CEO Robert Thomson

News Corp chief executive Robert Thomson said: “The launch of the combined company will mark the dawn of a new era for our Australian business, and Foxtel and Fox Sports Australia will together be a formidable force. We will be able to use our powerful media platforms to promote the unique sports and entertainment assets in the two companies, and improve services for consumers and advertisers. Patrick Delany (pictured top) and his talented team will be absolutely focused on serving viewers compelling, contemporary Australian content and superlative sports coverage on personalised platforms.”

Delany will be chief executive officer of the combined company.

Telstra CEO Andy Penn said the combination of Foxtel and Fox Sports Australia with their content assets would position the company to strongly compete in the dynamic media market, and it would continue to be an important part of Telstra’s media strategy.

“Our customers are streaming more and more sport and entertainment on their TV at home and on their mobile devices while on the move. Telstra will be the exclusive telco sales agent for the combined entity on mobile and IP products and we will continue with our broadcast reseller arrangements,” Penn said.

News Corp Australasia executive chairman Michael Miller said: “Under the leadership of Patrick Delany, this company will provide the exclusive and quality content that Australian consumers demand and expect. It will broadcast and stream in the most exciting, innovative and engaging ways across all platforms.”

The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2018.

Read more:

Mediaweek February interview with Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany

Mediaweek February interview with Foxtel executive director of TV Brian Walsh

The last regular editor of Vogue Living was Neale Whitaker, who stepped down last year. He is now part of two hit TV shows – Nine’s The Block and Lifestyle’s Love It Or List It.

In her new role, which she starts immediately, Caratti will be responsible for the editorial direction and growth of the Vogue Living brand.

With over 12 years’ experience in media, including launch editor of Buro247.com.au and style editor at Vogue Australia, Caratti has a strong editorial and commercial approach to publishing with a sophisticated eye and modern take on lifestyle, fashion and culture.

Former Vogue Living editor Neale Whitaker

McCann said: “Rebecca is a talented editor with a deep understanding of premium content delivery and audiences across print, digital, social and experiential engagement. She also has a clear understanding of the ethos of a prestige brand such as Vogue Living.

“I’m delighted that Rebecca is returning to the Vogue brand to take on the new challenge of leading the development of Vogue Living. It is an important time for the growth of the brand as we further position it to an affluent female, fashion-forward audience with contemporary aspirations across design, interiors architecture, lifestyle, travel and entertaining.

“Vogue Living is a key focus for the News Prestige Network this year as we bring exciting new brand platforms to market.”

Caratti joined News in February 2015 as launch editor of lifestyle and culture brand Buro247.com.au. Here she was responsible for the editorial direction and growth of the digital platform in Australia. Before that she spent 15 months in London and Paris working as a freelance stylist and writer. Prior to her time overseas Caratti was the style editor at Vogue Australia. She was also market editor for Harper’s Bazaar.

Caratti said: “Returning to the Vogue family to edit a title with such a rich 50-year heritage is a thrill – and so is the chance to collaborate again with the wonderful Edwina McCann. I’m looking forward to injecting a fresh new perspective into the Vogue Living brand.”

By James Manning

Seven

Home and Away climbed from 648,000 on Monday to 682,000 on Tuesday.

My Kitchen Rules judges Pete Evans and Colin Fassnidge had to mark a takeaway challenge last night as teams had to not only cook dinner, but then deliver it to customers. The Tuesday episode did 1.01m after 949,000 a week ago.

The Good Doctor followed and, while still doing a very strong 838,000, it was the smallest audience yet for the US drama and the first time under 900,000. The series did 949,000 last week with episodes screened before the Winter Games over 1m.

Nine

A Current Affair saw a Tuesday audience slip to 864,000 after 884,000 on Monday. The Tuesday episode featured a report of soft sentencing in the criminal justice system and a report on contaminated land near Newcastle in NSW. Then followed a two-part story on a new Coles ad campaign and profiles of the food items that are now cheaper.

Married At First Sight then saw the Nine audience lift to 1.26m after 1.25m on Tuesday last week. A boys night out was one of the attractions for viewers.

Date Night then did 442,000 followed by the 2009 movie The Ugly Truth on 200,000.

TEN

The Project featured the Yellow Wiggle Emma, Josh Gibson’s Celebrity exit interview and a story about a community finding a house for a homeless father and son. The Tuesday episode did 574,000 after 570,000 on Monday.

Real Housewife Jackie Gillies left I’m A Celebrity last night with audiences of 569,000 and 556,000 watching the two parts to the program.

Hughesy, We Have A Problem then did 459,000 after 436,000 last week. An encore screening of the program later in the week has recently been doing 200,000+.

ABC

The Checkout looked at life insurance for superfund members with 472,000 watching.

A Catalyst episode on the human skin then did 496,000.

Hannah Gadsby’s Nakedy Nudes then did 294,000 after launching with 253,000 last week.

SBS

Insight attracted the channel’s biggest Tuesday audience – 196,000.

Earlier the UK Who Do You Think You Are? was a repeat of the Julie Walters episode on 193,000.

SBS World News was on 138,000 with Dateline attracting 134,000 later in the night.