Just a few hours after returning to work following a five-day strike, Nine journalists accepted an in principle enterprise bargaining agreement offer from management. 

Journalists will receive a pay rise of 11.5% over three years, broken into 4%, 3.75%, and 3.75% lifts each year. This is an improvement on the rejected offer that triggered the strike action, which was reportedly 3.5% per year.

The offer also met key demands the union MEAA made, around the ethical use of artificial intelligence, a commitment to report on diversity in the workplace, and an agreement to negotiate for a fair deal for freelancers. 

As part of Nine’s previously reported principles for AI use, the company is due to deliver a formal AI strategy in FY25.  

See also: ‘We start and end with humans’: Nine reveals its principles for AI use

There has been no word on the union’s calls for CEO Mike Sneesby and his executive team to forego their bonuses this year and next year instead of cutting 70-90 jobs.

The acting Director of MEAA Media, Michelle Rae, said it was “disappointing” that it took journalists going on strike “to focus management on coming to the table with an improved offer.”

“This could have been avoided if Nine’s managers had listened to the concerns raised by union representatives over many meetings. Instead, the company’s earlier failure to resolve the enterprise bargaining agreement and its announcement of up to 90 job cuts has caused reputational damage to Nine.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The accepted offer will be subject to a formal vote before being submitted to the Fair Work Commission for approval.

In a release sent to media on Thursday, Nine said its Olympics coverage had seen a “substantial across-the-board rise in digital consumption” during the period between 24 July and 30 July. The five day strike began on 26 July, the day of the Opening Ceremony, and included Nine Publishing journalists on the ground in Paris.

Readers were asked to not buy the papers or click on digital stories to support the strike, and to write to Nine management to stress the importance of a deal. Freelancers were asked not to file to Nine newspapers for the duration of the strike, which ended at 11am yesterday.

Nine Publishing said it recorded 69.2 million page views during the 24-30 July period, while nine.com.au reportedly brought in 6.1 million page views. 

A Nine spokesperson added: “We welcomed the MEAA’s decision today to resume negotiations, which supported a swift resolution of the outstanding issues. The new deal provides certainty for the business and our people as we continue to produce world-class journalism for our readers.”

On 1 August 1964, Channel 10 (then called Channel 0) was first broadcast in Melbourne, and six decades later, is celebrating its 60th birthday today.

10 News First presenter Sandra Sully joined the network in the early 90s, and tells Mediaweek that since joining, she “hasn’t wanted to work anywhere else.”

“I’m thrilled to actually be a part of the 10 family for so long and I’ve stayed there so long because the culture is so good,” she said.

“It’s always been the best place to work, and I have loved the ride.”

Sully was on air on September 11, 2001, breaking the news of the terrorist attack in New York and she says to this day, it is her most memorable moment working at 10.

“It was too profound for words. I think there are several generations that will never fully appreciate what that time was like.

Sully in front of the camera on September 11, 2001

“At the time, there was only one international cable network in the country, and the world just froze. We thought we were watching the beginning of WW3 unravel before our eyes.

“That’s without doubt the most significant news event for me.”

This Is It actor and co-host Brian James said the first televised words on Channel 0, the real start to Channel 10, was a test broadcast: “This is ATV Channel O, we are broadcasting a picture and sound so you may adjust your television receiver for this new channel in the Melbourne area. If you are not receiving a clear picture, we suggest you call your service man.”

One year later, 10’s first on-air female journalist, Tanya Halesworth, made her debut alongside Bill Peach, and co-produced and anchored a current affairs show on TEN-10 called Telescope. 

Halesworth was part of a group of women who became the first women to read television news bulletins in Australia, alongside Katrina Lee (Ten Eyewitness News), Margaret Throsby (ABC), and Melody Iliffe (QTQ-9).

In 1975, Channel 10 was the first station to go to air in colour. And 10 was home to Australia’s first primetime soap airing five nights a week, Number 96, and brought (at the time) taboo subjects like sex, infidelity, drugs, racism, and homosexuality into homes for the first time.

The first episode of the show in 1972 saw actress Vivienne Garrett appear topless, prompting protestors to picket the Channel 10 studios the next day. 

“We’ve always been the bold, cheeky network and the one that just took risks,” Angela Bishop, entertainment reporter at 10, tells Mediaweek.

“Things like putting MasterChef primetime, which then was a little cooking show in England and definitely was not on primetime, makes me pretty proud of the place.”

Bishop celebrated 35 years at 10 this year and says the most memorable story she worked on was Oprah visiting Australia in 2010.

Angela Bishop and Oprah Winfrey

“I was one of a handful of people on the planet who knew about her coming and giving the trip away to her viewers on the show. I had to keep that in a vault, I could not tell anyone.

“I then covered her whole visit here and did the first interview with her. She’s someone I have the utmost admiration for. To be able to bring all of her adventures to view is definitely the absolute highlight for me.”

In the 80s, Neighbours began, going on to become the country’s longest-running drama. No TV wedding has topped Scott and Charlene’s in July 1987. In 2018, the show aired TV’s first legal same sex wedding, officiated by Magda Szubanski. 

Ten said in a release: “While we can’t list all our favourite and memorable moments and whether you’ve joined us from your living room, travelled with us to the jungle, cooked with us, watched breaking news with us, cheered with us, giggled with us in the studio, on the set of a game show or on a panel, here’s to many more years of laughs, drama, and maybe a few more kidnappings in Ramsay Street.

“Thank you, our Aussie viewers, for being a part of our incredible story, we are your number one fan.”

Havas Media has acquired independent media agency and creative production company Hotglue, which it said will power its growth ambitions locally, and growth strategy globally.

The independent agency will merge with Havas Media Melbourne, and Hotglue founders Nick Smith, Lewis Hearn, and Matt Hearn will lead the new Havas Media Melbourne team once the transaction is finalised.

Havas Media Network AUNZ CEO Virginia Hyland joined Havas when she sold her own independent media agency, HYLAND, to the holdco in 2020. Hyland said the Hotglue acquisition will boost the business’ scale, and “ability to offer comprehensive solutions across the consumer decision making journey for our clients.”

“Following Hotglue’s success over many years, I have always admired the pedigree of the talented team, their strategic smarts and consistent delivery of high-quality results, which has driven their agency’s growth and success,” Hyland added.

“This acquisition supports our progressive Havas Converged strategy and operating system. I look forward to warmly welcoming the Hotglue team as we grow our Melbourne Village footprint, adding even greater depth of skills and expertise to our talented team.”

Hotglue was founded in 2010, with clients including L’Oreal, Bulla Dairy, Dulux, Transurban, Sorbent, Thirsty Camel, ISPT, Starward Whisky, IVECO, Walkinshaw, Tempur, and LaTrobe Financial. 

Co-founder Nick Smith said Havas approached his agency, and the co-founders will look to embed its “fantastic culture, social, media, and production capabilities and incredibly skilled workforce into the Havas network.”

“Since our inception 14 years ago, Matt, Lewis, and I set out to create the independent agency we always wanted to work in – one our clients deserved and an environment where our staff had the opportunity to flourish,” Smith said.

“It’s been a fun ride, and we’ve been successful in achieving just that. When Havas knocked on our door, and we got to know Virginia’s future vision, Havas’s sense of purpose, and their strategy for the future, it became abundantly clear that this was the next logical step for Hotglue and our team of over 55 dedicated staff.

“This move not only adds support to existing clients but further establishes Havas as a formidable presence in the Melbourne market.”

The now 65-person Havas Media team will grow Havas’ overall presence in Melbourne to a headcount of over 120 across media, creative, PR, health, and digital project management.

Group CEO of Havas Creative Network AUNZ and global chair of Havas’ PR Network, James Wright said the holding company wants to “strategically scale in Melbourne”, so “it’s important we add greater talents and capability into our media agency business.”

“With the expertise and brilliance of Nick, Lewis, Matt and their team we will have a significant foundation to further attract exciting new clients and talent to the Havas Group,” Wright said.

“We look forward to bringing the team across and building an even more powerful Melbourne Village.”

Yannick Bolloré, chairman and CEO at Havas, added: “Hotglue is a forward-thinking business that perfectly aligns with Havas’ global Converged strategy, sharing our deep focus on clients’ ever-increasing needs for cross-functional, fully integrated communications solutions driven by standout creativity and the best technology.

“The momentum they’ve created through their integrated approach to digital, media and content services is remarkable, and we are excited to see how their addition will support our continued, mutual growth.”

–

Top image: Lewis Hearn, Virginia Hyland, Nick Smith, and Matt Hearn

With the Paris 2024 Olympics in action, Mediaweek is catching up with the standout brand partners powering the Summer Games to hear first-hand from their marketing guns about running campaigns on the world’s biggest sporting stage. Today, we’re with Tim Morrissey, national deputy sports editor and sports commercial editor of Australian Olympic and Paralympic Team partner, News Corp. Morrissey is on the ground in Paris.

What does being an Olympics partner mean for your brand?

News Corp Australia has a proud history of supporting the Australian Olympic movement. Our sponsorship of the Australian Olympic Committee includes Paris as well as Los Angeles in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032. We also extended our sponsorship of Paralympics Australia to include Paris and the winter games in Milano Cortina in 2026. 

News has a deep commitment to covering all sports -– ranging from grassroots community level via KommunityTV all the way through to Olympic and Paralympic level. We always look forward to sharing inspiring stories that the games inevitably produce – stories that connect with our audience and unite us as a country.  

How are you covering the Olympics, and what does the contingent look like?

For the first time, News Corp Australia has brought its entire business together, sending a single, unified team to Paris. Forty-five journalists from the metro mastheads, The Australian, news.com.au, Fox Sports, and Sky News Australia are providing 24/7 digital and print coverage as well as video, social media, podcasting, blogs, newsletters and photography.  

Journalists from Vogue Australia, Body+Soul, Escape and delicious. are also in Paris giving our audiences insider knowledge and behind-the-scenes stories across fashion, art, entertainment, where to stay and what to eat.

News’ ability to cover Paris is truly unrivalled – we have every angle covered, whether it’s breaking news, athlete interviews, insights and analysis, or all the colour from the ground. All of the content can be found at a dedicated games hub, parisnews.com.au.

What are you hoping that coverage achieves for commercial partners?

From print to digital, social media, video, photography, and podcasting, News Corp Australia is the gateway to the games, spanning multiple touch points across every platform, giving commercial partners the chance to reach 17.7 million* Australians.

News Corp Australia has several key commercial supporters for Paris, including Harvey Norman, Woolworths, Omega, and Asics.

We are able to help our partners stand out in a traditionally cluttered environment by creating tailor-made solutions giving clients much more meaningful integration, ensuring unrivalled visibility, reach and engagement.

What’s a campaign you are really proud of?

An example of a truly integrated campaign is Harvey Norman’s partnership with News Corp Australia. It started back in February and continues through the Olympics and finishes at the end of the Paralympics.

A key element of the partnership is sponsorship of News’ En Route to Paris podcast, an 18-part series hosted by Australian water polo star and three-time Olympian Rowena Webster. The series features interviews with Olympians, both past and present, including Harvey Norman Olympic brand ambassadors Ariarne Titmus, Jye Edwards and Sally Fitzgibbons.   

Harvey Norman is also the exclusive sponsor of News’ Olympic and Paralympic countdown liftouts. The monthly liftouts feature interviews with a variety of athletes as they prepare for Paris. 

Official Olympic Launch Guide

News’ official Olympic launch guide, with Ariarne Titmus on the cover, is also sponsored by Harvey Norman. The guide contains special athlete features, predications, events you cannot miss as well as a comprehensive event schedule. 

Olympic Countdown Liftout

Finally, our dedicated Olympic and Paralympic hub, parisnews.com.au, which houses News’ comprehensive expert coverage, live event blogs and daily podcasts, is a premium destination for our partners, like Harvey Norman, to own 100% share of voice sponsorship per day. 

How do you plan to build upon the Olympics momentum moving forward?

At News, sport is in our DNA. Our coverage starts at grassroots level and continues to the elite levels. We are committed to supporting Olympic and Paralympic sports in the lead up to Brisbane 2032. We are committed to identifying, celebrating and supporting junior athletes today who will compete in Brisbane in eight years time. We will continue to advocate for funding and support to ensure our future stars can pursue their dreams. 

Outside of the Olympics and Paralympics, we remain focussed on our coverage and commercial partnerships of the NRL/NRLW and AFL/AFLW seasons, Spring Racing, Summer of Cricket as well as tennis, netball, and basketball. 

At News, we are also continuing to invest in our dedicated premium sports brand, CodeSports.com.au. The sports-only digital masthead gives readers exclusive insights on their favourite sports and teams.  

*Source: Roy Morgan Single Source April 2023 – March 2024. 14+. News Corp Australia (excluding REA).

See also: CMOlympics: Michelle Klein on the ‘ideal platform’ for historic NRMA Insurance partnership

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Top image: Tim Morrissey

Thanks to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Australians have turned to Nine’s digital cross-platform ecosystem in “unprecedented numbers,” the business has said.

During the Nine Publishing strike that started on the opening day of the Games, the company reported that Nine Publishing recorded 69.2 million page views since the Games began (from 24 July to 30 July; the strike began on 26 July) while nine.com.au attracted 6.1 million page views. 

9Now recorded 1.3 billion minutes during the same period. The BVOD platform has provided 18% incremental reach, with nearly 50% of those who have watched the Olympics solely via 9Now being aged 18-39, the business said.

“The Olympic Games is simply the biggest digital event we’ve ever seen,” said Nine’s director of sales – sport Matthew Granger.

“Whether it be through streaming or through our premium digital brands, our multi platform content ecosystem is delivering a highly engaged premium environment for our partners at a massive scale, one that only Nine can provide as part of the greatest show on earth.”

Journalists employed by Nine Publishing “overwhelmingly” voted in favour of going on strike on the first day of Nine’s coverage of the Paris Olympics.

The Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) said the decision to take action followed Nine’s refusal to deliver a fair deal. Just hours after journalists from the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, The Australian Financial Review, Brisbane Times and WAtoday returned to work on Wednesday morning, they reached an in-principle deal with management.

On Tuesday, Nine CEO Mike Sneesby arrived back in Australia, after a week in Paris. MEAA members were contacted about an “urgent meeting” at Sydney’s Qantas international terminal and told to arrive at 3:30 pm to “welcome Sneesby back and remind him of the sacrifice you have made.”

Just over a dozen people showed up, wearing the matching t-shirts featuring a caricature of Sneesby running with the Olympic torch that have become synonymous with the pay deal campaign. Sneesby never appeared.

Nine’s Olympics broadcast has also experimented with using gaming tech to create a virtual studio, visually expanding the 7x7m “shipping container” the team is broadcasting from.

“It was the perfect opportunity to push Nine into a new area that I’ve been interested in, that being virtual sets and extended reality,” Alex Rolls, Nine’s head of creative and innovation at Wide World of Sports, told Mediaweek.

“We went into the virtual direction because a seven by seven metre space for 22 hours a day for 17 days on Nine, no matter how good your set designer might be, it’s going to look small and it’s not going to be worthy of the event.”

See also: Mike Sneesby avoids protesters at Sydney Airport as journos return to work

Thinkerbell has been appointed as the agency partner for GWM Australia and New Zealand following a competitive pitch. Starting 1 October 2024, Thinkerbell will handle strategy and creative across brand, retail, dealer, and sponsorships.

This appointment follows the news that incumbent independent creative agency The Hallway parted ways with GWM, as confirmed in a statement released today.

Commenting on the appointment, Thinkerbell managing director Jaime Morgan said: “GWM has been going from strength to strength with record sales, excellent new products and outstanding value. We are thrilled to be their agency partner and we look forward to working together with them to further enliven the brand with a big dose of Measured Magic.”

The pitch process was launched by the Chinese-owned ute and SUV manufacturer as part of its contractual policies, which require regular agency reviews.

“Thinkerbell’s body of work over the past few years has been impressive and we look forward to working with them, delving into their ‘Measured Magic’ and partnering together to take the GWM brand to the next level,” said Steve Maciver, head of marketing and communications, GWM Australia and New Zealand.

The Hallway was first appointed as GWM’s agency of record in December 2021, managing brand strategy, advertising, digital, social, and CRM, replacing the previous agency, Havas.

During The Hallway’s tenure, GWM saw significant growth in the Australian market, achieving several top 10 industry sales results and positioning itself as one of the fastest-growing volume auto brands in the country.

In a statement to Mediaweek, The Hallway Partner Simon Lee said: “The work we’ve done with GWM, the team behind it, and the commercial impact we’ve driven deserves recognition beyond the standard playbook.”

As it seeks a new auto client to fill this category gap, Lee noted the agency has considerable expertise in the sector, and receives regular calls from other players in the category.

“We’re now in a position to seriously entertain these opportunities,” he said.

“Aligned commercial ambition and creative bravery are key criteria for us, as is a commitment to a long term partnership in which we can seriously shift the creative and commercial dial.”

In February, Thinkerbell won Hort Innovation’s integrated account – including creative, media, PR, and social – after a competitive pitch. Previously, TBWA managed the horticulture business’ creative, PR, and social accounts, while Atomic 212 was the brand’s media agency, appointed in early 2020.

See also: Thinkerbell picks up Hort Innovation’s integrated account

Although the podcast Mental As Anyone with J.Mo has been live online for several weeks now, host Jonathon Moran officially launched the series this week.

The packed launch event was held at one of Sydney’s most exclusive, and hard-to-find, locations – The Substation at Oxford Street’s Taylor Square precinct. The small room certainly qualifies as a substation. Guests have to navigate a narrow set of stairs that take them below street level. The entrance to the room sits between the Darlinghurst Courthouse, which is home to the Supreme Court of NSW, and the recently opened Qtopia – the home of queer history and culture.

Michael Clarke with J.Mo

The Mental As Anyone launch included an appearance from former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke, who hovered around the back of the room chatting to other visitors.

See also: Daily Telegraph’s Jonathon Moran launches new J.Mo podcast Mental As Anyone

J.Mo spoke about his motivation for making the series. He and Pro Podcast boss Darcy Milne revealed there will be a second series. J.Mo is currently negotiating the 10 female guests who will make up the second season.

Laura Dundovic

Laura Dundovic hosted the event, noting J.Mo has long been a friend and supporter for the model, actor, presenter, and academic.

Guests who navigated the media wall outside and then the rickety narrow stairs included Qtopia founding partner Sarah Murdoch and her good friend, News Corp Australia editorial director at News Prestige; Vogue, Vogue Living, GQ, Edwina McCann.

Sarah Murdoch and Edwina McCann (and top with J.Mo)

Guests from Seven included new director of news and current affairs Anthony De Ceglie, director of morning television Sarah Stinson, and co-host of The Morning Show, Kylie Gillies plus EP Chloe Flynn.

Anthony De Ceglie with J.Mo

Seven’s Sarah Stinson and Kylie Gillies with The Daily Telegraph’s finest

Other guests included Michael Cassel Group’s Lucie McGeoch, The Daily Telegraph’s James Willis, celebrity PR Morgan Bata, cricketer and reality TV star Cam Merchant, diamond trader and Sea Eagles fan Sam Rahme, actor Sarah Monahan, AI technologist and Transhuman founder Amanda Johnstone, and Sunrise nutritionist Sarah Di Lorenzo.

The podcaster with the Pro Podcast team Madi, Paddy, Darcy and Matt

Pro Podcast founder Darcy Milne worked on the project with J.Mo and was joined by his team that included Madi Hodder, Matt Fulton and Paddy Ross.

A number of podcast series supporters were unable to make the launch and sent their best wishes. That included the other guests from the first series of Mental As Anyone and J.Mo’s Daily Telegraph editor Ben English.

J.Mo has looked after his podcast sponsors, voicing ads for BYD, Wanderlust, and Chemist Warehouse at the start of each episode.

Mental As Anyone’s charity partner is the Gus Worland-founded not-for-profit foundation dedicated to building a mentally fit future, Gotcha4Life.

Listen to Mental As Anyone here.

Arrnott Olssen

Emily George and Maddi Mills

Alex Bateman

Kristy Marsh, Nicole O’Neil and Caroline Gaultier

View Media Group (VMG) has acquired specialist property communications agency The Property Agency (TPA).

TPA was formed in 2004 and currently has 35 staff in Sydney and Brisbane. The agency specialises in creative services for the property category with a focus on strategy, branding, and advertising campaigns for off-the-plan developments.

VMG executive chairman Antony Catalano said the team was “thrilled to welcome founder Bob St. Julian, managing partner Carl Mogridge and the entire team at TPA to the VMG family. I’ve been working with the team for many years and could not speak more highly of them as operators and the quality of the work they produce.

“We now complete our full service communications offering for developers & project marketers, adding creative services through TPA to the market-leading strategy, planning and performance media buying services offered by Today Media (formerly The Today Business).

“This will make things easier for clients with a single brief covering both creative and media, which will drive better alignment of the response to clients and ease of execution in the market.”

TPA founder Bob St. Julian added: “Aligning with VMG takes us into the future. VMG will connect our brilliant ideas, stories and experiences to property buyers like never before. It ensures The Property Agency remains at the forefront of property marketing, supporting our clients to create Australia’s most famous places to live, work and play.”

In May, View Media Group made five leadership appointments, including Sian Rowlands as MD, financial services to oversee VMG’s partnership with ANZ and build out the brokerage offering.

Damon Pezaro will oversee product strategy and development for the group as the chief product officer, while Jordy Catalano moved from the chief product officer role into the role of director of consumer services and markets.

See also: Catalano’s View Media Group makes five leadership appointments

SBS’ director of media sales Adam Sadler has resigned, and will step down after six and a half years leading SBS Media.

Jane Palfreyman, SBS’ chief marketing and commercial officer, will assume temporary leadership of SBS Media over the coming months, while SBS goes through a process to recruit a new director of media sales.

Palfreyman said that, in recent years, the SBS Media team has “made sure it always punched above its weight.”

“A lot of that has been due to Sads and the SBS Media leadership team’s focus on crafting a successful strategy which put SBS On Demand at the heart of our commercial offering,” she said.

“I want to thank Sads for his significant contribution to the business going back 15 years. He leaves SBS Media in very strong space with a world-class team delivering excellent outcomes for our clients.”

Over this period, Keiran Beasley, national sales manager – of TV & Digital; Lee Callagher, national manager – operations and digital product; and Kate Young, national manager of CulturalConnect, will be elevated in their roles.

Jane Palfreyman, SBS Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer (centre), with some members of the SBS Media Sales leadership team (L-R): Lee Callagher, National Manager – Operations and Digital Product; Kevin Harris, Head of Operations and Trading; Kate Young, National Manager – CulturalConnect; Keiran Beasley, National Sales Manager – TV and Digital.

During Sadler’s tenure, he spearheaded SBS On Demand’s opt-out for advertising in certain categories and SBS’ Beyond 3% Initiative, which grew media spend in the First Nations media sector.

Sadler said that SBS Media has “truly been a force in the market in recent years.”

“We have shown how SBS is a force for good at the intersection of public and commercial media. We have led the market in the shift to digital video, but we have also led on other key areas such as responsible advertising and investment in First Nations Media,” he said.

“The senior team is in a really strong position and now is the right time for me to move on to new challenges.”

SBS becomes the second major broadcaster to lose its sales lead in recent months. In June, Seven’s veteran sales lead Kurt Burnett was one of a number of top execs impacted by a series of redundancies at the network.

Alone Australia remains one of SBS’ top achievements this year. In May, following season two’s BVOD success and overall growth on SBS On Demand, Sadler told Mediaweek that the event nature of the series brings in millions of people to SBS’ platforms and allows viewers to sample different content.

“Around 20% of season 2 Alone viewers have gone on back to watch season 1,” he said.

“For a platform like SBS On Demand, with its deep library, this is tremendously important as Alone is driving our active watchers and bringing people into the platform.” 

In 2023, Alone Australia drew more than 1 million viewers for each episode, with almost half of its audience coming from digital.

SBS recently promoted Keiran Beasley to the role of national TV and digital sales manager to replace Andrew Mudgway, who resigned from the broadcaster in December following SBS’ decision to relocate the role back to Sydney from Melbourne.

See also: Alone S2 drives SBS On Demand growth and ‘tremendous ROI’ for advertisers

The KIIS Network has launched a national campaign urging everyone to perform regular self-breast checks following Ali Clarke’s diagnosis.

Last month, the co-host of Max & Ali in the Morning on Mix 102.3 in Adelaide shared her breast cancer diagnosis and will be taking time off for treatment.

Following her announcement, BreastScreen SA recorded its second-biggest day of bookings ever, with 779 women scheduling breast screens. This surge in appointments was only surpassed by the day Kylie Minogue revealed her cancer diagnosis.

Kicking off today, KIIS Breast Check Day will be held on the first day of every month to remind listeners to check their breasts with the cheeky tagline, “Have you felt yours lately?” The goal is to normalise and promote regular self-exams as a crucial health habit.

“We are incredibly proud to launch this initiative,” said Lauren Joyce, ARN chief strategy and connections officer. “Ali’s bravery has inspired a wave of action, and we want to keep that momentum going. Regular self-checks can make a huge difference, and we’re here to remind our listeners to take that important step.

“By dedicating a specific day each month, we aim to foster a national culture of proactive health management, empowering women to take charge of their well-being and reduce the incidence and death rates of breast cancer. This initiative will educate our audience on detecting the signs and symptoms of breast abnormalities, ultimately saving lives, and easing the burden on families and the healthcare system.”

The initiative will roll out both on-air and on social media platforms, with promos running across the network. Personal stories and testimonials from breast cancer survivors and health experts will be featured, along with live breast checks to demonstrate the proper techniques.

On social media, the hashtag #KIISBreastCheckDay will feature visual content such as graphics, short videos, and educational infographics.

Clarke said: “We are encouraging everyone to feel their boobs or get friendly with
their breasts on the first of every month. Because there isn’t a cure for breast cancer it is all about early prevention.”

Joyce added: “We want to make sure everyone knows how to do a self-check properly.

“People avoid monitoring their breast health because it can feel awkward – both to do and to talk about.  By delivering practical and regular reminders in our signature tone of voice, we aim to normalise the conversation and give people the confidence they need to change habits around preventative health.”

KIIS Breast Check Day launches today and will occur on the first day of every month across the KIIS Network on KIIS 1065 Sydney, KIIS 101.1 Melbourne, KIIS 97.3 Brisbane and Mix 102.3 Adelaide.

See also: Hayley Pearson to fill in on Mix102.3 following Ali Clarke’s breast cancer diagnosis

Compiled by Tess Connery

SCA and Cricket Australia announce new, seven-year broadcast and digital audio rights agreement for Triple M and LiSTNR

Triple M and Cricket Australia have announced a new multi-year agreement that will see the network retain the cricket’s exclusive FM metro broadcast rights, together with digital audio metro DAB+ rights to be broadcast via radio and podcasts for the next seven seasons.

David Warner

Under the agreement, SCA’s Triple M and LiSTNR will broadcast all the Australian men’s internationals games played in Australia, including Tests, One Day Internationals and T20 internationals, and this summer will, for the first time, add the three Australian women’s T20 international games against England to its coverage.

Additional cricket content will also be available via LiSTNR podcasts.

[Read More]

Tony Armstrong returns to share the greatest sports stories for the new season of The Pool Room

ARN’s iHeart has announced the return of the 2023 Best Australian Sports Podcast, The Pool Room with Tony Armstrong for a third season.

With the world’s attention will on the biggest sporting event of the calendar, the podcast tells some of the most notorious and unbelievable stories from the games from years gone by.

Who is the Australian Olympic champion and fallen soldier honoured with a statue in a small town in the north of France? What is the story with the over 200 medals the USA won at the 1904 St. Louis Olympics, are they all theirs to claim? As well as the rise of the Green and Gold – how our greatest failure on the world stage gave rise to a new generation of athletes and put Australia on the path to Olympic glory.

[Listen to The Pool Room with Tony Armstrong here]

BBC podcasts to tell the story of the Legend of Takhti

In new seasons of the podcasts, Amazing Sport Stories and Mostanad, the BBC World Service brings Legend of Takhti in English and Persian. A collaboration between BBC World Service English and BBC News Persian, these podcasts tell the story of Iran’s iconic wrestler Gholamreza Takhti whose sudden death in 1968 shook the nation.

Legend of Takhti / Ostureh Takhti is a personal journey for presenter Rana Rahimpour, as she tells the story of the first Iranian wrestler to win a medal at an international competition, an Olympic and world champion seen as an embodiment of the spirit of Iran. He was well loved, even by those who fought against him. Then, in January 1968, Takhti was found dead in a Tehran hotel room.

Rahimpour takes a deep dive into the complicated relationship between Iran and its heroes – and explores the way that legends, myths and rumours can eclipse the personalities at the heart of a story. Looking at how she feels connected to Takhti’s story, Rahimpour says: “There was this man I felt I knew all my life, yet I realised I knew so little about him. I felt an urge to uncover the truth and answer the question: who was Gholamreza Takhti?”

Amazing Sport Stories: Legend of Takhti will be available on BBC Sounds from Monday 19 August, and from Monday 26 August on most other podcast platforms.

Podcasters shine in ACRA nominations

The stars who will be battling it out for a win at the 35th Australian Commercial Radio & Audio (ACRA) Awards have been revealed.

The 2024 ACRA Awards are organised by Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) and will be held at The Star in Sydney on Saturday 12 October.

Podcasting ACRA finalists:

Podcast host/s of the year

Amanda Keller; Double A Chattery, Sydney, NSW, ARN
Amelia Oberhardt; Secrets We Keep: Shame, Lies and Family, Brisbane, QLD, SCA
Ant Middleton; Head Game, Nova Podcasts, Sydney, NSW, NOVA Entertainment
Brittany Hockley & Laura Byrne; Life Uncut, ARN / iHeart, Sydney, NSW, ARN
Christian McEwan; The Dragons Den i98FM, NSW, WIN Network
Hamish Blake & Andy Lee; The Hamish & Andy Podcast; LiSTNR, Melbourne, VIC, SCA

Best podcast by a radio show

Elly & Taz; Sunshine Coast, QLD, Great Southern Land Media
The Kyle & Jackie O Show, KIIS 1065, Sydney, NSW, ARN
Neil Mitchell Asks Why?; 9Podcasts, Melbourne, VIC, Nine Radio
The Reporter: True Stories; 6PR Mornings, 6PR, Perth, WA, Nine Radio
Triple M’s Marty Sheargold Show; Triple M 105.1, Melbourne, VIC, SCA

Podcast of the year

Crime Insiders; Jennifer Goggin, Holly Mitchell, Ed Gooden, Linc Kelly, LiSTNR, NSW, SCA
The Hamish & Andy Podcast; Hamish Blake, Andy Lee, LiSTNR, VIC, SCA
Hannah’s Story; 9Podcasts, Queensland, VIC, Nine Radio
It’s A Lot Podcast with Abbie Chatfield; Abbie Chatfield, Lem Zakharia, Oscar Gordon, Amy Code, Julia Toomey, LiSTNR, NSW, SCA
Secrets We Keep: Shame, Lies and Family; Amelia Oberhardt, Ellen Leabeater, Jake Morcom, Nial Fernandes, LiSTNR, QLD, SCA

Best new talent – podcast

Brittney Saunders, Nova Podcasts, Sydney, NSW, NOVA Entertainment
Eliza and Liberty Paschke, 9Podcasts, Melbourne, VIC, Nine Radio
Joey Watson; LiSTNR, Sydney, NSW, SCA
Tony Armstrong, iHeart, Melbourne, VIC, ARN

[See the full list of nominees here]

J.Mo’s Mental As Anyone: Sarah Murdoch, Michael Clarke, and A-listers launch new podcast series

Although the podcast Mental As Anyone with J.Mo has been live online for several weeks now, host Jonathon Moran officially launched the series this week.

The packed launch event was held at one of Sydney’s most exclusive, and hard-to-find, locations – The Substation at Oxford Street’s Taylor Square precinct. The small room certainly qualifies as a substation. Guests have to navigate a narrow set of stairs that take them below street level. The entrance to the room sits between the Darlinghurst Courthouse, which is home to the Supreme Court of NSW, and the recently opened Qtopia – the home of queer history and culture.

[Read More]

The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has appointed the Advertising Council Australia (ACA) as its official national representative in Australia.

The strategic partnership will see ACA join an international network that sets benchmarks for creative excellence and innovation in advertising.

The ACA will play a key role in supporting local agencies and clients, nominating Jury members, organising the Young Lions competition, and hosting events and screenings of Lion-winning work throughout the year.

“Partnering with Cannes Lions is the natural progression in ACA’s established program of work to champion creativity,” Tony Hale, CEO of ACA, said.

“With the industry going through such disruption and change, it is essential that we develop greater confidence in creativity’s ability to generate growth across all aspects of business.

“We are thrilled with the partnership and the natural synergies between our pillars and the roles of WARC and Contagious, and look forward to collaborating with Cannes Lions over the coming years.”

Ed Pank, the managing director of WARC APAC and SVP Lions Division, is in Australia for WARC’s ‘Creative Impact Unpacked’ event series in Sydney and Melbourne. The sessions for senior brand marketers aim to demystify marketing effectiveness.

“To be represented locally by one of the most credible and authoritative bodies in Australian advertising is a great fit for Cannes Lions,” he said.

“We look forward to collaborating with the ACA team across all the LIONS brands, including WARC and Contagious, to push the boundaries of creative marketing that matters in this key market for the business.”

Simon Cook, CEO at LIONS, added: “For over 70 years, Cannes Lions has served as a convening force for the global creative community, and we are delighted to now be able to offer that community the unique expertise from Advertising Council Australia. There is so much creative talent in the region, and we look forward to welcoming that talent, along with their ideas and energy, to the festival.”

–

Top image: Ed Pank and Tony Hale

oOh!media has secured the long-term contract for Melbourne’s five new Metro Tunnel stations.  

The Metro Tunnel will create an end-to-end rail line from Sunbury in the west to Cranbourne/Pakenham in the southeast, featuring bigger trains and five new stations. 

The Metro Tunnel is set to open in 2025. 

Awarded by Cross Yarra Partnership, a consortium comprising investors Capella Capital (Lendlease), John Holland, Bouygues, and John Laing, oOh!media will manage the fully digital small and large format Out of Home network.

Management will include installation, operation, maintenance, and advertising services. 

The Metro Tunnel’s five new underground stations each have retail outlets, and are located in key parts of Melbourne – Arden Station in North Melbourne, Parkville Station in the Parkville health and education precinct, Anzac Station on St Kilda Rd’s commercial and residential precinct, and State Library and Town Hall stations in the CBD.  

The Metro Tunnel will provide underground passenger connections to the City Loop at Town Hall and State Library stations. It will include Melbourne’s first tram/train interchange at Anzac Station, and bring rail access to the city’s health and education precinct in Parkville. 

Aoife Kealy, director, commercial development and services at Cross Yarra Partnership, said The Metro Tunnel was “set to transform public transport in Melbourne.”

“We are excited to appoint oOh!media, whose innovative approach to managing Out of Home advertising makes them the ideal partner to engage and reach the thousands of daily passengers using the new stations.”   

The addition of Metro Tunnel adds to oOh!’s existing rail portfolio in Melbourne and the soon to be launched digital Sydney Metro and Martin Place station shopping precinct.  

Robbie Dery, oOh! chief commercial operating officer said winning the Metro Tunnel contract “reflects oOh!’s commitment to investing in strategically important and valuable Out of Home opportunities that connect advertisers with audiences in dynamic, urban environments. 

“With the expansion of our rail network in Melbourne, and Sydney’s Metro, brands can target high value premium audiences at scale across Australia’s two busiest capital cities.”

See also: Chris Freel: Christmas in July is a marketing wake-up call ahead of the real festive spending frenzy

The 9Network’s TV ratings for Tuesday’s broadcast of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 (up until 2am AEST) secured a National Total TV Reach of 9.859 million across Channel 9, 9Gem and 9Now.

Olympic Games Paris 2024 Day 4 Night Session (7pm-9pm) was Australia’s number one program with Total People and all key demographics. It recorded a National Total TV Reach of 5.457 million, a Total TV National Audience of 2.034 million and a BVOD audience of 287,000. This session saw Australian Swimming stars Kyle Chalmers, Mollie O’Callaghan and Shayna Jack power through their 100m freestyle heats, while Kaylee McKeown and Iona Anderson battled it out in their 100m backstroke semi final, finishing first and third. The action in the pool also saw the Australian men’s 4x200m freestyle team book their place in the final by posting the fourth-fastest time of the heats.

Olympic Games Paris 2024 Day 4 Night Session 2 (9pm-10:30pm) secured the evening audience across Australia with Total People and all key demographics. The broadcast, which saw the Boomers take on Canada in the Men’s Basketball preliminary round, and 2 time Olympian Natalya Diehm ride her way to the BMX Freestyle final secured a National Total TV Reach of 4.251 million, a Total TV National Audience of 1.759 million and a BVOD audience of 275,000.

Olympic Games Paris 2024 Day 4 Late (10:30pm-12am) dominated its timeslot across Australia with Total People and all key demos. It achieved a National Total TV Reach of 2.407 million, a Total TV National Audience of 881,000 and a BVOD audience of 163,000. Audiences in this slot saw Jess Fox secure her place in the Canoe Slalom C1 Final as Australia took on USA in the women’s Rugby sevens.

The 9Network was the No. 1 network across the 5 City Metro with Total People and all key demos, securing huge shares of 62.03% with People 25-54, 68.50% with People 16-39 and 52.40% with Total People.

9Now was the No. 1 CFTA BVOD platform across Australia with Total People and all key demos, with massive shares of 83.63% with People 25-54, 85.90% with People 16-39 and 81.78% with Total People.

Other 2024 Paris Olympics TV ratings
• Paris 2024 Olympics TV ratings: Sunday 28 July delivers more Gold for Australia and Nine
• Paris 2024 Olympics TV ratings: Opening Ceremony and Day
• Stan Sport sets new viewing record as people pay to watch 2024 Paris Olympics ad-free in 4K

Swinburne University of Technology has appointed Principle Media Group (PMG) to its media planning and buying account for the next three years.

The independent agency was chosen following a competitive process, replacing incumbent Initiative Media, which had managed the account since 2015.

Swinburne’s chief marketing officer Carolyn Bendall said PMG aligned with the university’s commitment to innovation and excellence in education.

“We are impressed by PMG’s strategic approach and their understanding of our distinctive brand promise to create the next gen now, and overall vision for Swinburne to bring people and technology together to build a better world,” she said.

“We look forward to working closely to leverage cutting edge digital and data-driven capabilities, elevate our media campaigns and enhance our visibility in the market.”

PMG will collaborate with Swinburne to integrate offline and online media channels, including search, and paid social.

“We feel enormously privileged in partnering with Swinburne University of Technology as they continue to push the boundaries of technology, innovation and entrepreneurship in further education,” PMG’s managing director Peter Toone said.

“Navigating this complex learner journey in an ever-changing media landscape is an incredibly exciting prospect, and one we feel well prepared for. We can’t wait to get started with the team.”

Last month, Principle Media Group opened the doors to its new offices at Botanicca3 in Swan Street, Burnley.

Speaking at the opening, Chris Nolan, founder and director of PMG said: “Our goal is to help our clients outgrow their competition, and we have pioneered the Plan To Grow method, to facilitate this. We believe that we have codified the role media plays as a growth driver for business.”

See also: Publishers gather as Principle Media Group opens new Melbourne offices

–

Top image: Peter Toone

Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) has launched the Power of Radio campaign, a new series of radio ads featuring the voices of major Australian brands. 

The campaign has been created by Eardrum, sister agency of Andy Maxwell and Ralph van Dijk’s new specialist podcast media agency, EarMax Media.

See also: EarMax Media: Andy Maxwell and Ralph van Dijk launch podcast media agency

The first phase of the campaign focuses on ANZ and Hendrick’s, taking a behind-the-scenes look at why their campaigns have used radio to talk directly to their consumer targets.

Jo Dick, chief commercial officer of CRA, said the Power of Radio campaign was designed to “amplify the message that investing just 11% of a campaign budget in radio can double its impact.”

“We have collaborated with these trusted and respected brands to demonstrate the true Power of Radio in action,” Dick said.

ANZ Head of Marketing (Commercial & Private Bank) Lucy Gribble said radio was a key element when advertising ANZ’s online business lending platform GoBiz

“We know small business owners are busy, time poor and on-the-go, so radio is a great avenue to reach them when they’re going about their normal day-to-day business,” said Gribble. “Additionally, business owners are such a broad audience that we like to use multiple channels to reach them.”

Ralph van Dijk, founding creative director at Eardrum, said that the “best endorsement for radio advertising” has been “all the successful brands that regularly use the medium.”

“During the making of the campaign, it was great to hear how these smart marketers have harnessed radio’s power to achieve a variety of marketing objectives. In fact, we had so much material, we could have made a campaign out of each advertiser.”

Marketing manager on Hendrick’s Gin & Innovation at William Grant & Sons, Nathan James added that the power of radio was in its timing: “We use radio to speak to consumers at the most appropriate time of day – ‘gin o’clock’. It was about owning the occasion, so radio was a natural channel to pick for us. It was important to us to use audio that captured our unique tone of voice and conveyed the feeling of refreshment.”

TerryWhite Chemmart (TWC) has launched a dedicated retail media network called ‘TWC Connect’, leveraging Zitcha’s unified retail media platform.

TWC, which has 600 community pharmacies across the country, is the latest major retailer to enter the Australian retail media market, which PwC predicts will hit $3 billion by 2027.

The Zitcha retail media platform will enable new opportunities in onsite and offsite media channels including Facebook, YouTube and Google, for TWC, with the potential to expand the offering into other channels on the horizon.

TWC has recently upgraded and integrated its Rewards Plus loyalty program of more than 2 million members, into the brands myTWC app. In addition, major TWC brand partners such as Bayer, L’Oreal and Unilever are already existing users of Zitcha’s platform.

Nick Hinsley, chief revenue officer, Zitcha said: “Retail media is transforming the way retailers, their brand advertisers and customers interact, creating a more curated and personalised shopping experience for customers.

“TerryWhite Chemmart understands the immense opportunities building and operating a retail media network can deliver and are looking forward to partnering with Zitcha, to work alongside our strong team of specialists.”

In June, Zitcha announced its partnership with MixIn, the retail media arm of Australian drinks and hospitality business Endeavour, for its off-site media across Meta’s Managed Partner Ads (MPA).

Martyn Raab, MixIn’s general manager, said the partnership will allow suppliers to “close the loop” on seeing how their Meta brand spending impacts their ad performance.

“By leveraging Zitcha and the measurement from MixIn, brands can see the performance of their activity to deliver real insights and campaign measurement. It means suppliers will be able to buy their Meta social media campaigns via MixIn and see which audiences viewed and responded to those campaigns.

“Suppliers will then be able to see if customers went on to purchase a product from the advertised brand through Endeavour Group channels such as BWS or Dan Murphy’s. It demonstrates a high return on investment through sales data at an anonymised cohort level.

“And one of the great things about this partnership is it protects the data of our consumers by never sharing personal information – the platform just sees them as an anonymous user.”

See also: Endeavour’s retail media arm partners with Zitcha

Internet provider Superloop is promoting its high-speed network with a new campaign tied to the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Ads at Record Speeds, by Leo Burnett and Zenith. The work is the first from the integrated offering by the Publicis Groupe creative and media agency for Superloop.

The campaign features Australian comedians Broden Kelly and Madeleine Stewart, with ad spots timed to the hundredth of a second to match sporting record speeds, including the Men’s 100m (9.58 seconds), the Women’s 50m Freestyle (22.93 seconds), and the Women’s 200m Cycling (10.15 seconds).

“Seeing as some people in Paris are attempting to do things at record speeds, we thought we’d challenge Broden and Madeleine to talk about Superloop’s incredible speeds at record speeds, too,” said Leo Burnett Australia associate creative directors James Beswick and Rowan Foxcroft.

“Unfortunately for Broden that involved him running a literal marathon whilst doing so.”

The campaign will also feature a 2 hour and 35-second skippable YouTube ad celebrating the Men’s Marathon Record. It will be supported by a launch across TV/BVOD, social media, YouTube, and OOH in Australia.

“We’re of the internet so we’re just joining the conversation at an opportune moment in the calendar,” said Superloop chief marketing officer, Ben Colman. “We like to play, so we’re always going to be a bit cheeky when we enter the chat.”

The consolidation of the Superloop account for Publicis came after Zenith was appointed as its media agency of record in December last year. Leo Burnett had already been creative agency of record, winning the account after a competitive pitch in 2022.

Publicis’ digital agency, Digitas, is engaged on a project basis to provide digital transformation solutions for the business.

See also: Superloop the challenger internet provider appoints Zenith Australia to media account

Credits:

Leo Burnett 
James Beswick – Associate Creative Director 
Rowan Foxcroft – Associate Creative Director 
Andy Fergusson – Chief Creative Officer 
Eryn LeMesurier – Senior Strategy Director
Laura Midalia – Senior Integrated Producer 
Michael Demosthenous – National Director of Production
Joe Giufffrida – Edit & Motion Graphic Lead
Daniella Garabedian – Business Director 
Elisa Donato – Business Manager
Nicole Denning – Senior Business Director 
James Walker Smith – General Manager 

Zenith
Ryan Varley – Head of Planning (Sydney)
Ewan Mitchell – Client Partner
Emily Robinson – Account Director
Nicola Carnevale – Account Manager
Lewis Hughes – Digital Director
Nicole Parish – Snr Digital Manager
Brendan Van Ryn – Group Investment Director

Superloop
Ben Coleman – Chief Marketing Officer 
Justin Payne – Head of Marketing Growth 
Nick Hack – Group Creative Director
Ellie Langer – Head of Brand & Comms 

FJORD
Directors:Jordana Johnson & Charlie Ford

Haven’t You Done Well Productions
Darren McFarlane – Senior Producer
Tom Rickard – Head of Commercial
Tony Luu – DOP
Cloe Jouin – Production Designer
Natalie Burley – Wardrobe & HMU

Charlie Ford and Jim Cruse – Offline Editors
CJ Dobson – Colourist 
Jon Holmes – Online Editor 
Rodney Lowe – Production Alley – Sound Production

To Kill A Dead Man – Composer

–

Top Image: Broden Kelly

Ārepa has launched its first above the line campaign, Sip Some Neuroscience, via their Trans-Tasman creative agency, jnr.

Ārepa, a New Zealand based food tech company, offers a range of natural products developed with neuroscientists, intending to benefit the brain. Its hero product, The Brain Drink, aims to enhance cognitive performance, reduce stress, and improve overall mental clarity.

The Sip Some Neuroscience campaign for The Brain Drink highlights how the drink is informed by gold-standard studies conducted by scientists. The media rollout for the campaign includes out of home and social media.

“It’s been a tough year felt across the whole industry, so we couldn’t be more proud to see our Brain Drink being celebrated in such a fun and creative way around the streets of Auckland and New Zealand, sharing our most important message: that our product  always has been, and always will be, informed by science,” said Ārepa co-founder, Zac Robinson. 

The work is the first from the indie creative agency jnr., founded by Ryan O’Connell and John Marshall earlier this year, since its appointment to lead brand strategy and creative services for Ārepa across Australia and New Zealand in June.

“It’s wild to think six months ago jnr. was still a pipe dream and now we are partnering with an amazing Kiwi company like Ārepa. We are proud to see the Ārepa brand out there  with a little bit of swagger,” said jnr. co-founder and managing director Marshall, Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Hāua, Ngāti Maniapoto.

“We’re hoping that this unusual combo will grab peoples’ attention. A drink for your brain is a pretty enticing and unique product, so who wouldn’t you want to wouldn’t sip some neuroscience?” added fellow co-founder and chief strategy officer O’Connell. 

See also: jnr. nabs Ārepa creative account across AUNZ

Bus Stop Films will hold its inaugural Driving Change Summit, an event designed to explore the employment of people with disability in the screen industry – on both sides of the camera, and above and below the line.

Held over two days on 18 and 19 November, the summit will bring together the disability and commercial advertising, broadcast, and production sectors.

Hosted at Bondi Pavilion and supported by the ABC, Netflix, and Screen NSW, the Summit will feature an array of international and local keynote speakers, panels, and in-depth conversations tackling crucial sector issues.

Disability advocate Keely Cat-Wells, founder and CEO of Making Space, will deliver a keynote address talking about her work in disrupting employment practices and policies in Hollywood.

Confirmed speakers also include the minister for social services, the Hon Amanda Rishworth; Leigh Sales AM; advertising consultant, disability advocate, and inaugural disability affairs officer at Media Diversity Australia, Lisa Cox; actor and the first person with a physical disability to hold a regular role on Australian TV, Louise Yates; and the ABC’s national disability affairs reporter, Nas Campanella.

Following its premiere at SXSW (USA), the Summit will also host a preview screening of the feature film, Audrey, starring author, writer, and disability advocate Hannah Diviney.

Diviney will speak alongside Audrey’s producer Michael Wrenn, and Daniel Valiente-Riedl, general manager of job access, on the journey that led to her landing the role and the support offered to the production through job access, the federal government’s main disability employment service.

CEO of Bus Stop Films, Tracey Corbin-Matchett OAM, said: “We are extremely pleased to be able to bring this initiative to life.

“Never before have the different sectors of the Australian screen and advertising industries come together to celebrate the disability community and explore how the dynamic sectors can do better and be better around disability employment.

“Content is the biggest driver of change, and this Summit will showcase how we can enact human rights, creative and economics outcomes through the employment of Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people.

“I encourage policymakers, producers, creatives and commissioners to join us in Driving Change.”

CX Lavender has been appointed to lead the student experience innovation program for Victoria University.

The Sydney-based agency’s work will span ethnographic and quantitative research, journey mapping, commercial opportunity identification and modelling, field validation, business casing, and delivery feasibility.

“We’re thrilled to welcome our new client Victoria University and realise this true transformation opportunity in partnership,” CX Lavender CEO Adam Washington said.

“Tertiary education student experience is among the most unchanged in any sector throughout the decades; VU’s vision and bravery when combined with our CX capabilities can shape the next gen of uni experience.”

Victoria University has broken norms in the tertiary education sector with its flexible Block Model offering. The university replaced traditional multi-subject studies across semesters with single subject intensive four-week blocks and offering small classroom-format learning for better educator connection and support.

Russell Downing, director of brand and marketing at Victoria University, said: “CX Lavender’s roots as a creative agency, paired with their expertise in CX research, innovation, product and modelling, made them the right partner to explode accepted category norms and bring all new thinking to the tertiary sector.

“We were also highly impressed with the agency’s in-house technical capability and adaptable approach, and we’re confident we’ll achieve great things together.”

Victoria University CMO David Llewellyn added the appointment “represents a significant step forward in enhancing the educational experience for students.”

“By focusing on innovation and creativity, our goal is to set a new benchmark for student engagement and satisfaction in the tertiary education sector,” he said.

The student experience program will inform Victoria University’s innovation initiatives, commencing 2025.

The win comes after CX Lavender appointed ex-Optus CX design lead Francesca Tschuchnigg as CX and innovation director this week.

The annual multi-day music and camping festival, Beyond The Valley, has confirmed its return this New Years with a marketing campaign called Experience Life in Technicolour, highlighting the vibrancy the festival brings to its attendees.

The campaign announces the ninth edition of the festival, organised by Untitled Group and supported by national youth broadcaster Triple J. Untitled Group’s in-house team handled the concept ideation, creative direction, and bespoke BTV objects, while video production and editing were managed by the Group’s long-term production partner, Enamoured Iris.

Experience Life in Technicolour is launching across social media and street posters, paying homage to iconic films like Pleasantville and The Wizard of Oz. The visuals contrast ordinary life in black and white with the bright technicolour of the people and objects connected to Beyond The Valley.

This campaign comes amid a challenging year for Australia’s music festival scene, which has been devastated by the gradual disappearance of marquee events, including Groovin the Moo, Splendour in the Grass, Summerground Festival, and Vintage Vibes. Rising production costs and low ticket sales have contributed to the difficult environment.

“We wanted to take a different approach to launch Beyond The Valley this year,” said Christian Serrao, co-founder and managing partner of Untitled Group.

“Amid ongoing discussions surrounding the challenges festivals face globally, we aim to remind everyone of the joy and vibrancy that festivals bring to people’s lives. Our teaser video encapsulates this by portraying ordinary life as dull and monochrome, which comes to life and colour through Beyond The Valley.”

In June, a panel discussion hosted by The Brag Media to celebrate the launch of Variety Australia saw industry leaders propose solutions for key issues facing music festivals and live music in Australia. These issues include understanding changing audience behaviours and purchasing patterns, focusing on experiences, and addressing problems with insurance and heavy-handed policing. There was also a call for governments at all levels to help reduce operational costs.

Brands are also rallying behind the cause, with restaurant chain Nando’s recently debuting its three-hour ‘micro-music festival’ Chicken Shop Sessions, seeing the integration as a meaningful opportunity to support the local music scene in Australia and New Zealand.

Over the past nine years, Beyond the Valley has evolved into Australia’s largest music and camping festival. Last month, it was recognised as one of the best in the world, becoming the only Australian event to make DJ Mag’s Top 100 Festivals List.

Last year, camping and festival tickets sold out in under a week, with 35,000 attendees enjoying performances by RÜFÜS DU SOL, Peggy Gou, and Central Cee.

See also: Nando’s Tom Blackburn on inaugural Chicken Shop Session: Brands ‘are built by the role they play in culture’

Credits:
Concept, Creative Direction, Strategy, Exec Producer : Steph Mrmacoski (Untitled Group)
Creative, Design, Producer: Sam Hayes & Georgia Trelour (Untitled Group)
Videography – Director: Paddy Hassell (Enamoured Iris)
Videography – Producer: Megan Brocco (Enamoured Iris)
Videography – Edit, Audio & Special Effects: Paddy Hassell, Harry Anderson, Alejandro Aristizbal
Prop production: Valley Milk > Plakkit Printing, Nedd’s Milk
Song used: Sammy Virji – ‘If U Need It’

The Australasian Writers and Art Directors Association’s 45th AWARD Awards will take place virtually and in-person next month at Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art, as part of the This Way Up advertising festival of creativity.

The event aims to honour and celebrate the best in creative advertising, with a focus on both the individual and collective achievements within the industry.

On Tuesday 13 August and Wednesday 14 August, the non-profit association will host two virtual events to announce this year’s Bronze winners and highlight the campaigns awarded at least a Silver, which have the potential to win Gold.

The Gold and Special Award winners will then be revealed at The Gold Pencil Award Party, a key event on This Way Up’s festival schedule, at the MCA on the evening of Thursday 15 August, starting at 5pm.

“We’re starting earlier this year so that there is a respectful amount of quiet during formalities, after which everyone can kick up their heels and celebrate,” said chair of AWARD, Mandie van der Merwe.

“This is a night dedicated to recognising creative brilliance as well as our community spirit.”

Sydney-based record label Sweat It Out will provide the entertainment, featuring DJs Yolanda Be Cool, KLP, Mel Hall, and Mickey Kojak.

The awards presented will include The Grand Award, Individual Agency of the Year, Agency Network of the Year, Production Company of the Year, Creative Leader/Leadership Team of the Year, Individual Creative or Team of the Year, and Emerging Creative or Team of the Year.

AWARD will also announce AWARD School 2024’s national top student.

The This Way Up three-day festival will take place at the MCA from 13-15 August, featuring a range of talks, workshops, courses, award shows, and more curated for Australia’s creative community.

Confirmed keynote speakers include Chaka Sobhani, Nilesh Ashra, and Wade Kingsley.

See also: Chaka Sobhani, Nilesh Ashra and Wade Kingsley confirmed as keynote speakers for This Way Up

Tuesday 30 July 2024: VOZ Total TV Ratings Overnight Top 30 – Programs ranked on reach

Total People TV Ratings

Nine’s Olympics 2024 D4 – Night recorded a total TV national reach of 5,457,000, a total TV national audience of 2,034,000, and a BVOD audience of 287,000.

Nine’s 9News recorded a total TV national reach of 2,952,000, a total TV national audience of 1,538,000, and a BVOD audience of 200,000.

Also on Seven, Home & Away recorded a total TV national reach of 1,479,000, a total TV national audience of 853,000, and a BVOD audience of 118,000.

Home and Away saw Harper faced with a tough choice, Dana tried to keep a secret and Rory was backed into a corner.

10’s airing of Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly recorded a total TV national reach of 714,000, a total TV national audience of 273,000, and a BVOD audience of 10,000.

10’s airing of The Cheap Seats recorded a total TV national reach of 636,000, a total TV national audience of 303,000, and a BVOD audience of 10,000.

People 25-54

Nine’s Olympics 2024 D4 – Night:
• Total TV nation reach: 2,212,000
• National Audience: 793,000
• BVOD Audience: 168,000

10’s Dog’s Behaving (Very) Badly:
• Total TV nation reach: 227,000
• National Audience: 76,000 
• BVOD Audience: 5,000

Seven’s Home & Away:
• Total TV nation reach: 435,000
• National Audience: 257,000
• BVOD Audience: 66,000

10’s The Cheap Seats:
• Total TV nation reach: 235,000
• National Audience: 135,000 
• BVOD Audience: 6,000

People 16-39

Nine’s Olympics 2024 D4 – Night:
• Total TV nation reach: 1,213,000
• National Audience: 415,000
• BVOD Audience: 99,000

10’s Dog’s Behaving (Very) Badly:
• Total TV nation reach: 91,000
• National Audience: 29,000 
• BVOD Audience: 2,000

Seven’s Home & Away:
• Total TV nation reach: 179,000
• National Audience: 116,000
• BVOD Audience: 41,000

10’s The Cheap Seats:
• Total TV nation reach: 103,000
• National Audience: 52,000 
• BVOD Audience: 3,000

Grocery Shoppers 18+ TV Ratings

Nine’s Olympics 2024 D4 – Night:
• Total TV nation reach: 4,107,000
• National Audience: 1,563,000
• BVOD Audience: 225,000

10’s Dog’s Behaving (Very) Badly:
• Total TV nation reach: 570,000
• National Audience: 225,000 
• BVOD Audience: 8,000

Seven’s Home & Away:
• Total TV nation reach: 1,175,000
• National Audience: 676,000
• BVOD Audience: 94,000

10’s The Cheap Seats:
• Total TV nation reach: 508,000
• National Audience: 245,000 
• BVOD Audience: 8,000

Data © OzTAM and Regional TAM 2024. Not to be reproduced, published or communicated (electronically or in hard copy) in whole or in part, without prior written consent of OzTAM and Regional TAM.