Thursday December 12, 2024

sydney radio ratings
Sydney Radio Ratings 2024 Survey 8: smoothfm 95.3 wins the last survey of the year

By Jasper Baumann

WSFM drops to #4.

Sydney Radio Ratings
GfK Survey 8 2024
Survey Period: Sun Sept 22 to Sat Nov 30

UP: 2GB +2.1
DOWN: WSFM -1.7

smoothfm 95.3 12.3% (10.3%)
Cume: 1,243,000 (+45,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 11.4% (9.1%)
Best Breakfast 8.3% (6.5%)

Nova’s smoothfm has risen to #1 and recorded a 12.3% share.

In breakfast, Bogart Torelli and Ron Wilson were up 1.7 points for an 10% share. Drive has risen 1.3 points to bring in a share of 11.4%, now first overall show in the daypart.

2GB 11.8% (9.8%)
Cume: 673,000 (+12,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 14.3% (11.0%)
Best Breakfast 18.1% (14.0%)

The Nine Talk station has risen to the second position in this survey, rising 2.0 points for a share of 11.8%

In breakfast, Ben Fordham is number one overall. He recorded a share of 15.1% – rising 2.8 points since the last survey.

KIIS 1065 10% (9.9%)
Cume: 1,192,000 (+36,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 13.0% (10.0%)
Best Breakfast 17.9% (13.9%)

KIIS is up 0.1 points for a share of 10%.

In breakfast, Kyle and Jackie O take the FM crown once again with a rise of 0.4 points, bringing the show to a 13.5% share. 

In Drive, Will and Woody are up 0.4 points for 9.5%, rising to second place in the daypart.

KIIS FM remains the top station in the 10-17 and 25-39 demographics, as well as in the 18-24 demo.

WSFM 9.9% (11.6%)
Cume: 870,000 (-7,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 9.4% (7.6%)
Best Breakfast 10.2% (7.7%)

WSFM has dropped to fourth this survey, recording a 1.3-point drop for a 9.6% share.

In breakfast, Jonesy and Amanda dropped 0.8 points, for a share of 10.5%.

Nova 96.9 7.6% (7.1%)
Cume: 1,188,000 (+41,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 7.7% (6.4%)
Best Breakfast 7.3% (6.3%)

Nova has risen 0.5 points, with a share of 7.6%. The breakfast lineup of Fitzy and Wippa with Kate Ritchie rose 0.5 points for a 7.4% share. The Drive lineup of Ricki-Lee, Tim and Joel was up 0.3 points for a 8.2% share.

104.9 Triple M 5.6% (4.8%)
Cume: 672,000 (-6,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 6.1% (5.0%)
Best Breakfast 5.8% (4.6%)

Triple M rose 0.8 points for a share of 5.6%.

In breakfast, Mick Molloy and Mark ‘MG’ Geyer have reflected the wider station, up 0.7 points for a 5.8% share. Drive was up 0.5 points. 

104.1 2Day FM 4.7% (4.5%)
Cume: 707,000 (+11,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 5.8% (4.7%)
Best Breakfast 5.4% (4.0%)

2Day FM has recorded a 4.7% share in the Sydney radio ratings, rising 0.2 points in survey eight. 

The Breakfast Shift with Hughesy, Ed and Erin has risen 0.1 points, bringing in a share of 3.9%. In Drive, Carrie and Tommy were down 0.3 points for a 4.8% share.

2UE 954 3.1% (3.3%)
Cume: 267,000 (+1,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 4.5% (3.3%)
Best Breakfast 2.9% (1.7%)

2UE has dropped 0.2 points for a 3.1% share this Sydney Radio Ratings. The station’s biggest demo was 65+, with a 8.2% share – dropped 0.1 points.

In breakfast, Trevor Sinclair dropped 0.4 points for a share of 1.7%.

SEN 1170 1.8% (2%)
Cume: 169,000 (+5,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 0.7% (0.4%)
Best Breakfast 0.8% (0.2%)

SEN has dropped 0.2 points for a 1.8% share. Breakfast with Vossy and Brandy was down 0.6 for a share of 1.9%.

Sky Sports Radio 1.4% (1.4%)
Cume: 179,000 (-5,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 1.7% (1.2%)
Best Breakfast 2.3% (1.2%)

Dropping 0 points, Sky Sports Radio has remained stagnant at 1.4%.

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Adam Ireland
Adam Ireland exits Universal Music’s BRING Agency: ‘I feel immense gratitude’

By Emma Shepherd

Under his leadership, BRING delivered record-breaking results and forged impactful collaborations with global brands, artists, and strategic partners.

Adam Ireland, the managing director of BRING Agency, Universal Music’s renowned music and culture division, has announced his departure, closing a career-defining chapter. In a heartfelt LinkedIn post, Ireland reflected on his tenure and expressed gratitude to colleagues, partners, and collaborators who contributed to the agency’s remarkable success.

“As I wrap up my time at BRING and look ahead to new opportunities, I feel immense gratitude and pride for all that we achieved,” Ireland wrote.

For Ireland, a seasoned marketer with a portfolio that includes campaigns for global giants like Coca-Cola, American Express, and FIFA, his time at BRING offered a unique challenge. “Was I clever enough, creative enough, collaborative enough to ever reach those heights? This role gave me the opportunity to find out,” he wrote.

Under his leadership, BRING evolved into Australia’s leading music and culture agency, recognised globally as a world-class operation. The agency achieved record-breaking results in 2024, a testament to its ability to connect brands with cultural moments in authentic and impactful ways.

Building a legacy of excellence

Ireland credited the agency’s growth to its exceptional team and their commitment to creativity, collaboration, and strategic thinking. “Through a growth mindset and business strategy, we built the leading music and culture agency in Australia,” he said, adding that their 2024 results underscored that “good people and good work is also great business.”

He extended his gratitude to BRING’s brand partners for trusting the agency with their most valuable assets and embracing innovative ideas. “Driving a brand into cultural relevance is often scary, and we never took that responsibility lightly,” Ireland noted.

Elevating artists and partnerships

Reflecting on the evolving music industry, Ireland highlighted the growing role of brand partnerships. He praised artists and managers who embraced collaboration, striking a balance between artistic integrity and marketing goals. “For all those who leaned in, I’m thrilled we helped you reach new and engaged audiences,” he shared.

Ireland also acknowledged the pivotal support of strategic partners and the Universal Music family, whose knowledge and enthusiasm helped elevate BRING’s work to unparalleled heights.

To Ireland’s CEOs, George Ash and Sean Warner, he expressed gratitude for their trust and leadership, even when he was new to the music industry. He also gave special thanks to senior executives Brooke Pilton and James Griffiths, whose dedication and friendship were instrumental in driving BRING’s success.

While his next move remains undisclosed, Ireland invited continued connections with those who share his passion for brand marketing, partnerships, and growth.

Keep on top of the most important media, marketing, and agency news each day with the Mediaweek Morning Report – delivered for free every morning to your inbox.

Vinyl Group - Concrete Playground
Vinyl Group to acquire Concrete Playground

By Alisha Buaya

Josh Simons: ‘They’ve built a trusted platform that audiences genuinely love, and their approach to storytelling will be a natural fit with our broader media strategy.’

Vinyl Group is set to acquire Concrete Playground Pty Ltd as it executed a binding heads of agreement, subject to entering into a Share Sale Agreement.

The Australian publication, launched in 2009, is a digital city guide that curates engaging events, experiences and trends in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland, and Wellington.

Its platform complements The Brag Media’s go-to-market strategy by tapping into a similar agency network, yet serving a distinct set of clients and briefs, thereby broadening Vinyl Group’s potential commercial reach and diversification.

Under the terms of the HoA, Vinyl Group would acquire 100% of the issued capital in Concrete Playground Pty Ltd in exchange for $3.5 million in cash (subject to standard adjustments) and $1.5 million in shares in accordance with the terms of a Share Sale Agreement to be entered into by the parties. The number of consideration shares to be issued will be calculated based on the fifteen (15)-day Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) of Vinyl Group shares on the ASX for the period immediately preceding this Heads of Agreement Execution Date. This would result in the issue of 12,676,413 ordinary shares at a price of $0.11833 per share. These shares will be subject to a twelve (12)-month escrow from the date of issue. Out of the $3.5 million cash consideration, $300,000 will be deposited into an escrow account as security for claims under the Share Sale Agreement for 12 months from the completion date.

Upon completion, Rich Fogarty, Concrete Playground’s founder & CEO, will depart the business to pursue new opportunities. Fogarty will work with the company between now and completion to ensure the staff and business are integrated smoothly.

Concrete Playground’s unaudited revenues over the past twelve months amounted to over $4 million, which would contribute a pro-forma EBITDA of approximately $1.5 million at completion. Integrated under Vinyl Group’s media division, the business is expected to deliver operational efficiencies and accelerate our timeline on achieving group-wide positive cash flow by six months.

Completion is dependent on certain conditions precedent customary for transactions of this nature including the parties entering into a Share Sale Agreement, the buyer giving notice to the Seller that Due Diligence has been completed, obtaining any necessary shareholder, ASX and/or ASIC consents and approvals, and no material adverse changes occurring between now and completion. Completion is expected to take place no later than 28 February 2025.

 “We are looking forward to working with Rich and the Concrete Playground team to complete this acquisition in early 2025,” Josh Simons, Vinyl Group CEO, said.

“They’ve built a trusted platform that audiences genuinely love, and their approach to storytelling will be a natural fit with our broader media strategy. Operationally, this acquisition will be significant for Vinyl Group — it would not only elevate our capabilities but also fast-track our path to sustained profitability, allowing us to deliver even greater value to our shareholders and partners.”

Concrete Playground founder and CEO, Rich Fogarty, said: “I’m immensely proud of everything Concrete Playground has achieved over the past fifteen years. This milestone reflects the talent, creativity and dedication of our team, along with the trust of our readers and partners.

“As the business transitions to new ownership under Vinyl Group, I’m confident their vision and resources will elevate Concrete Playground to new heights, inspiring even more people to discover the very best their cities have to offer.”

Toyota x Saatchi & Saatchi
Toyota launches new This LandCruiser Drives Us Home campaign via Saatchi & Saatchi

By Alisha Buaya

Mandie van der Merwe: ‘With this campaign, we set out to capture the spirit of generations of Australians who rely on their LandCruiser to be there for every moment that matters.’

Toyota Australia and Saatchi & Saatchi have unveiled the next chapter of the This LandCruiser Drives Us Home campaign, celebrating the new LandCruiser Prado.

The new LandCruiser’s off-road heritage and signature Toyota quality blended seamlessly with the modern utility and appointments of a luxury SUV.

Vin Naidoo, chief marketing officer at Toyota Australia, said: “Evident in its design and serious off-roading capabilities, Toyota went back to its roots to seek inspiration from the qualities that have made the LandCruiser such an iconic nameplate and delivered on the essence of that history.”

The integrated campaign pays homage to the LandCruiser legacy and the adventurous spirit of Australian drivers who explore every corner of this vast country. It highlights how the All-New LandCruiser Prado is the ultimate companion for these journeys, delivering unmatched capability, comfort, and reliability.

Mandie van der Merwe, chief creative officer at Saatchi & Saatchi Australia, said: “With this campaign, we set out to capture the spirit of generations of Australians who rely on their LandCruiser to be there for every moment that matters, whether they’re tackling the toughest terrains or simply heading home to loved ones. The LandCruiser isn’t just a vehicle—it’s a constant companion in life’s biggest and smallest journeys.”

The campaign will roll out across broadcast, online video, digital, print, CRM, sponsorships, social and in-store.

This follows Saatchi & Saatchi and Toyota Australia recent launch of the HiLux campaign. The integrated campaign, directed by Tim Bullock from Scoundrel, will be activated across key sponsorships, OOH, broadcast, BVOD, digital, radio, in-store, CRM and social with further extensions to follow.

See also: Toyota shows why the HiLux gets the job done via Saatchi & Saatchi

Credits:

Client: Toyota Motor Corporation Australia
Senior Manager, Marketing Operations: Andrew Wearing, Anthony Nobile
Manager, Communications – Commercial & Brand: Kylie Graham
Senior Brand Specialist – Commercial Vehicles: Kellie Burmeister, Brooke Butkiewicz
Brand Specialist – Commercial Vehicles: Abbey Harrington 

Creative Agency: Saatchi & Saatchi Australia
Chief Creative Officers: Dave Bowman, Mandie van der Merwe, Avish Gordhan
Creative Director: Piero Ruzzene
Creative: Robert Bamford, Ben de Klerk
National Director of Production: Michael Demosthenous

Senior Integrated Producer: Tamara Kennon

Chief Client Officer: Ben Court
Executive Strategy Director:  Joe Heath

Group Business Director: Zoe Kypros
Senior Business Director: Melanie Bunn

Business Manager: Jen Weston
Business Executive: Miles Donnellan

Media: Spark Foundry Australia

Production Company: MOFA
Director: Nick Kelley
Executive Producer: Llew Griffiths
Producer: Niko Aulich
DOP: Shelly Farthing-Dawe

Casting:  Citizen Cane Casting

Post Production: ARC
Editor: Johanna Scott
Colourist: Matt Fez
VFX Producer: Winnie O’Niel
VFX Artist: Eugene Richards

Audio: Massive Music
Composition: Nathan Cavaleri
Audio Post:  Ramesh Sathiah, Simon Kane
Executive Producer: Katrina Aquilia

Stills Production Company: Prodigious Australia
Producer: Lucy Burne
Photographer: Janyon Boshoff

Weekend Sunrise - David Woiwod
David Woiwod joins Weekend Sunrise after Matt Doran departure

By Alisha Buaya

Sarah Stinson: ‘He’s a passionate storyteller, he delivers news with integrity, and he has an outrageous sense of humour. Viewers are in for an entertaining ride!’

David Woiwod has been named as the successor of Matt Doran as the co-host of Weekend Sunrise.

The seasoned broadcaster, who returned from the US this week where he has been based for the past five years as 7NEWS US bureau chief. From Saturday, he will sit alongside Monique Wright.

Woiwod was Sunrise’s resident Melbourne reporter for four years before his stint in the 7NEWS Los Angeles bureau. He said: “Five years on the road as a foreign correspondent covering the world’s biggest events has prepared me for the major stories, early hours and bad coffee that 3am starts demand – I’m excited and ready.

“In all seriousness, this is a thrilling full-circle moment for me. I’m beyond excited to return to the Sunrise family and to keep telling the stories that matter most to Australians.

“Mon is the most talented, generous, hilarious and wickedly smart person to work with and I look forward to riding her coattails until the bosses notice. Aussies lead busy lives, so to be invited into their homes on precious weekend mornings is a privilege not lost on me.”

“We’re delighted to welcome David back to the Sunrise family and can’t wait to begin this exciting new chapter with him at the helm of Weekend Sunrise,” Sarah Stinson, Seven’s director of morning television, said.

“David’s depth of experience, strong work ethic and authentic warmth make him the perfect choice for this role. He’s a passionate storyteller, he delivers news with integrity, and he has an outrageous sense of humour. Viewers are in for an entertaining ride!” she said.

Wright added: “I’ve been a big fan of Woi for years, particularly his ability to move between reporting in a war zone, to covering American politics, natural disasters, interviewing the biggest celebrities on earth and everything in between.

“But all of that is insignificant to the awe I felt witnessing his moves on the dance floor at a Sunrise Christmas Party a few years ago. I even think he crowd-surfed at one point. Massive respect. I can’t wait to spend weekends with such a legend.

”Hailing from Melbourne, Woiwod is no stranger to the intensity of live reporting having spent two decades covering the biggest stories in Australia and around the world. Woiwod most recently spent two months in Israel during the war and notably faced rocket fire from Hamas while reporting live on air from the Gaza border.

As US Bureau Chief, he led 7NEWS’ US Presidential election coverage including the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, the history-making Republican National Convention, and Joe Biden’s sensational campaign withdrawal.

Woiwod has also been at the scene of America’s biggest tragedies – including school shootings in Texas and Tennessee, as well as deadly US race riots and the devastation caused by hurricanes, wildfires and floods.

He gained exclusive access to Cuba’s Guantanamo Bay for the Bali Bomber’s court appearance last year and was also the only Australian journalist on the scene in Canada’s Newfoundland province during the Titan Submersible tragedy. Woiwod reported live from Windsor Castle’s Long Walk during Queen Elizabeth II’s final funeral procession and covered the 2022 Winter Olympics in China under strict COVID isolation. He also led Sunrise’s coverage of New Zealand’s White Island volcanic explosion tragedy in 2019.

From Australia’s devastating Black Summer bushfires to Hollywood’s biggest red carpets, Woiwod’s varied work reflects a deep commitment to storytelling often under the most challenging circumstances.

Top image: David Woiwod

Keep on top of the most important media, marketing, and agency news each day with the Mediaweek Morning Report – delivered for free every morning to your inbox.

rules don't apply
Rules Don’t Apply: Unlocking Play – How Games Bring Us Together with Chloe Appleby

By Jasper Baumann

‘Games allow people to become a bit more playful’.

As part of its presence at SXSW Sydney in 2024, The Growth Distillery hosted a series of 10 vodcasts (a podcast with video) hosted by Dan Krigstein and branded Rules Don’t Apply.

The final guest in the series was Chloe Appleby, games curator at the Powerhouse Museum.

Appleby delves into the incredible power of games as a cultural force. From fostering self-expression to unlocking childhood memories, Chloe reveals how games are far more than entertainment – they’re a bridge that connects generations, builds communities, and inspires creativity.

Discover why the games industry has outpaced film and television, and why now is the time to recognise its potential. Chloe shares insights on how playfulness can enrich our lives, practical advice for parents navigating online gaming with their children, and how games can bring people together in unexpected ways.

Whether you’re a lifelong gamer, a curious parent, or simply someone looking to rediscover the joy of play, Chloe’s perspective will challenge you to rethink the role of games in our society.

Krigstein: Are games and play becoming more important?

Appleby: Absolutely. I mean, it’s a testament, even my job is a testament to that.

Krigstein: What are the ingredients of good games?

Appleby: It’s quite biased. If you were to ask someone who plays Fortnite or Call of Duty, they’ll be like, yeah, first person shooters, um, more guns and bloodshed. But for me, it’s getting into the stories behind it. I want to see the developer pour their heart out into a game and I want to see them become more creative, which is what Games allow people to become a bit more playful.

See also:
Rules Don’t Apply: The Battle for Creativity: AI vs. Humanity with Futurist Brian David Johnson
Layne Beachley first guest on Rules Don’t Apply vodcast series from The Growth Distillery

Afterpay taps into Swedish language in new campaign with IKEA

By Alisha Buaya

Katrina Konstas: ‘Our campaign celebrates Swedish style while emphasising the flexibility Afterpay offers.’

Afterpay and IKEA Australia have unveiled a new campaign spanning out-of-home, digital, and social channels.

The campaign, developed by Afterpay’s in-house team, playfully taps into IKEA Australia’s iconic Swedish heritage, using Nordic language to capture attention while highlighting that Afterpay is now available in-store and online at IKEA.

Following the partnership going live in mid-November to coincide with the IKEA Black Friday sale, this campaign, launched on December 9, aims to increase awareness of Afterpay’s availability at IKEA, for those entertaining over the holidays and planning their next home project during the summer.

By purchasing at IKEA using the buy now, pay later lender, customers can enjoy flexible payment options, making their holiday shopping and home improvement projects more manageable.

The campaign features 18 large-format out-of-home panels strategically placed near IKEA stores in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, and Adelaide.

“We’re thrilled to bring the convenience of Afterpay to IKEA customers across Australia,” Katrina Konstas, country manager at Afterpay, said. “Our campaign celebrates Swedish style while emphasising the flexibility Afterpay offers. Whether you’re buying a holiday gift or tackling a home project, Afterpay empowers you to manage costs with ease.”

Erin Falconer, marketing communications manager, IKEA Australia, said: “We love it when a partner truly speaks our language at IKEA, and Afterpay has taken it to the next level by going full Swede! With a shared desire for a campaign that stops Aussies in their tracks and grabs attention, we believe this creative execution delivers for both brands.

“Since launching Afterpay in mid-November, we’ve seen an incredibly strong response from IKEA customers, with around 600 orders via Afterpay per day, enhancing the shopping experience by making it more convenient and affordable.”

AFTERPAY-IKEA campaign (1)

CREDIT

Afterpay Team
Head of Creative at Cash App + Afterpay: Luke Martin
Director Trade and Partner Marketing: Kevin Azzopardi
Senior Marketing Manager: Emily Marshall
Creative Director: Ben Smith
Creative Director: Matt Dunn
Creative Director: Chris Larcombe
Creative Operations: Sheena Demby
Public Relations: Lauren Benson
International Brand & Integrated Marketing Director: Mik Wagner
International Brand & Integrated Marketing Manager: Bianca Balliro

IKEA team
Country Marketing and Insights Manager: Kirsten Hasler
Marketing Communications Manager: Erin Falconer
PR: Emma Losco

Media Agency: Kaimera

Creative Production Agency: Dijitally

Keep on top of the most important media, marketing, and agency news each day with the Mediaweek Morning Report – delivered for free every morning to your inbox.

2024 Vevo - Shaboozey
Shaboozey, Sabrina Carpenter, Taylor Swift, and Eminem: Vevo reveals which artist was Australia’s most watched music video of the year

Steve Sos: ‘We’ve been spoiled by the number of massive global superstars visiting our shores this year across every genre of music.’

Shaboozey has topped Vevo Australia’s most-watched music video of the year in 2024 with his hit A Bar Song (Tipsy).

The video amassed nearly 5 million views in Australia and marks a landmark year for country music on Vevo’s network. Country music video viewership in Australia has increased 11% year-over-year and grown 31% since 2022.

Steve Sos, managing director of Vevo APAC, said: “Vevo’s annual charts not only celebrate the videos and artists that defined the year, but also provide valuable insights into the cultural zeitgeist.

“Furthermore, having a Country music video at the top of Vevo’s Australia Top 10 for the first time is reflective of the evolving diversity of tastes among Australian fans.”

2024 VEVO EOY CHARTS AU TOP ARTISTS

Australia’s wide-ranging music tastes

In the top video chart, Eminem’s Houdini earned the No. 2 position, driven by a stellar debut that made it the top premiere in Australia this year on Vevo.

Post Malone’s I Had Some Help (feat. Morgan Wallen) followed closely in third position, marking a major milestone as his foray into Country, with 4.49 million Australian views.

Sabrina Carpenter continued her standout year, claiming the No. 4 and No. 5 spots with Espresso and Please Please Please respectively.

Other notable entries include viral Hip-Hop moments like Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us (2.53 million Australian views), as well as Sabrina Carpenter’s Taste and JoJo Siwa’s Karma, which were also some of the biggest video premieres of the year in Australia.

Global superstars leading Australia’s Most Watched Artists on Vevo

Taylor Swift remains Australia’s most watched artist on Vevo accruing 47.58 million Australian views over the past year. Eminem follows with 24.44 million Australian views and Country music heavyweight Luke Combs secures third place with 18.47 million Australian views. Post Malone rounds out the top four with 17.44 million Australian views.

Sos said: “We’ve been spoiled by the number of massive global superstars visiting our shores this year across every genre of music. The blend of Country, Pop, and Hip-Hop in this year’s top videos represent a great cross section of some of those artists and shows just how varied and passionate Australian music fans are.”

Top image: Shaboozey

Keep on top of the most important media, marketing, and agency news each day with the Mediaweek Morning Report – delivered for free every morning to your inbox.

ARN - casefile
Podcast Ranker November 2024: Casefile True Crime new #1, Hamish & Andy drop

By Jasper Baumann

Full Story from The Guardian Australia debuts at #14.

iHeart’s Casefile True Crime is #1 on the November 2024 Podcast Ranker with 879,550 monthly listeners and 2,110,618 monthly downloads.

LiSTNR’s Hamish & Andy podcast dropped 1 spot to take rank #2. It recorded 868,685 monthly listeners and 1,670,609 monthly downloads.

The highest debut on the chart for the month was Full Story from The Guardian Australia, in at #14. It received 307,000 monthly listeners in November, and 686,000 downloads.

Guardian Australia’s managing director Rebecca Costello, said: “We’re thrilled that Full Story has debuted at number 14 on the Australian Podcast Ranker. It reflects Guardian Australia’s commitment to delivering quality journalism in innovative formats. It’s a testament to the trust our listeners place in us and the exceptional efforts of our talented team.”

LiSTNR has wrapped up 2024, recording 7,124,155 monthly listeners.

LiSTNR had 62 podcasts ranked within the Top 200 on the Podcast Ranker. Popular podcasts in the top 50 include Hamish & Andy, Happy Hour with Lucy & Nikki, Crime Junkie, It’s A Lot with Abbie Chatfield, SmartLess, The Howie Games, and The Mel Robbins Podcast.

Executive head of LiSTNR audience and growth, Grant Tothill, said: “It’s great to see the gap between audience and monetisation starting to narrow. With 70% of podcast advertising now involving some form of AdTech, LiSTNR is well positioned to continue to drive the commercial podcast marketplace.

“Creating premium podcasts with our talented creators has always been a part of our DNA. It’s great to see audience growth month on month with some of our titles and for others to retain their audiences, helping us to continue to be the number one podcast sales network in Australia,” Tothill concluded.

ARN’s iHeart is celebrating 55 consecutive months as Australia’s #1 podcast publisher.

In November, iHeart recorded over 6.9 million listeners and 19.4 million downloads. Four of iHeart’s podcasts ranked within the top 10.

Corey Layton, ARN’s head of digital audio, said: “Achieving 55 consecutive months as Australia’s #1 podcast publisher is a testament to iHeart’s ability to deliver exceptional, genre- defining content that resonates with listeners nationwide. The surge in interest for news-related content highlights the growing role podcasts play in shaping conversations at home and abroad. As we prepare to welcome incredible titles like the BBC podcast slate in 2025, we’re excited to continue setting new benchmarks for podcasting excellence.”

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Broadsheet launches The Hot List: A guide to the best dining and drinking in your city

By Jasper Baumann

The Hot List is sponsored by Square.

In a world brimming with dining guides, Broadsheet is redefining the way we discover restaurants with the launch of the Broadsheet Hot List.

Proudly sponsored by Square, the Hot List pairs Broadsheet’s editorial expertise with Square’s deep knowledge and innovation within the hospo industry, continuing a partnership that began in 2023.

The Hot List is a dynamic weekly updated guide that highlights the most exciting places most worth your time and money right now, regardless of price point or style.

The Broadsheet editors, led by Callum McDermott, the new incoming Hot List editor, hand-pick the list and update it weekly, evolving it alongside the dining landscape. It will include:

• Icons like Sean’s Panorama in Sydney or France-Soir in Melbourne, which remain at the top of their game.
• Newcomers, offering the first word on venues that have earned the coveted Broadsheet tick of approval.
• Suburban cafes, noodle joints, bakeries and delis that are quintessential local experiences.

The Hot List is unranked, reflecting the diversity of moods, budgets, and occasions that shape dining choices. It recognises that a pub can be as worthy as fine dining, depending on the context. As platforms like Tiktok and Instagram flood diners with unverified recommendations, the Hot List stands apart.

Broadsheet editors curate the list using internal search data, insider industry insights and their own dining experiences. This expertise makes the guide indispensable for locals and tourists alike, offering a trusted cheat sheet for experiencing the best of Australia’s dynamic hospitality.

Broadsheet founder and publisher, Nick Shelton said, “I am very excited about the Broadsheet Hot List. We have always sought to shine a light on the people, operators and venues that make our cities such wonderful places to live. After 15 years our hand curated directory now counts nearly 6,000 venues – its an exhaustive list of all the best venues in Australia. With the launch of the Hot List, which updates weekly, we showcase the hundred or so places we are MOST excited about at any point in time.

“If someone is visiting Melbourne or Sydney and asks me where I think they should eat or drink, I’m not going to send them 6,000 suggestions. I’m going to send them the Hot List.”

Credits:

Broadsheet

Erin Butler – Senior Campaign Manager
Nicole Martin – Campaign Manager
Chrissy Voss – Studio & Strategy Director
Camille Repellin – Senior Sales & Partnerships Manager
Claire Booth – National Sales & Partnerships Director
Ben Siero – Design Lead
Rory McKenna – Senior Product Manager
Simone Crick – Director of Operations
Nick Connellan – Australia Editor
Dan Cunningham – Acting features editor (Food & Drink)
Callum McDermott – Hot List editor

Square

Stacey Lowther – Head of Integrated Marketing Australia
Jessica Parker – Senior Integrated Marketing Manager
Remy Hayes-Webb – Associate Brand Manager

Alchemy One

Huong Nguyen: Managing Partner
Paul Scarf: Group Strategy Director
Cara Sayer-Bourne: Business Director

World Vision launches Boxes for Better campaign with EssenceMediacom
World Vision launches Boxes for Better campaign with EssenceMediacom

By Alisha Buaya

Carl Colman: ‘This initiative exemplifies breakthrough thinking in the humanitarian aid sector, which often relies on more traditional media channels.’

World Vision and EssenceMediacom have launched a campaign that builds emotional connections and drives child sponsorships with Amazon.

‘Boxes for Better’ features a digital hub with custom-made craft videos showcasing eight creative ways to repurpose Amazon delivery boxes into engaging activities. The activities not only provide playtime but also create a lasting emotional impact by educating families about the similarities between their lives and those of children supported by World Vision.

The campaign is built around the concept of ‘positive parallels,’ demonstrating that children in need overseas share many commonalities with kids closer to home, particularly their love of play. By drawing these connections, World Vision aims to foster empathy and understanding among families using positivity and hope to showcase the impact of sponsorship. This is a unique approach to messaging, by showcasing the positive impact of child sponsorship, as opposed to confronting imagery to provoke action.

The crafts will focus on World Vision’s core support pillars, each representing a crucial aspect of the organisation’s mission:

Health: Creating a mosquito mask or doctor’s kit to learn about the importance of healthcare and disease prevention.
Clean Water: Building a hippo or crocodile to understand the significance of access to clean water.
Food: Assembling an oven or tractor to highlight the importance of food security and sustainable agriculture.
Education: Designing a school or guitar to emphasise the value of education and creative expression.

World Vision launches Boxes for Better campaign with EssenceMediacom

In collaboration with Amazon, EssenceMediacom developed an innovative campaign strategy that spans key Amazon touchpoints, including delivery boxes and Prime Video to drive meaningful engagement and action. Timed with the annual gift-giving season, the campaign guides recipients to the digital content hub.

Family-orientated influencers, who are excited to be part of the movement and spark conversation will amplify the campaign message through social media. Paid display ads will target World Vision’s high-value audiences. Additionally, advertisements across Prime Video will build awareness, all supported by a performance display campaign to encourage child sponsorships.

“This campaign is a testament to the power of creative thinking and strategic partnerships,” said Mark Little, head of lifecycle marketing at World Vision Australia. “By turning everyday Amazon delivery boxes into tools for education and play, EssenceMediacom has helped us not only engage families in a meaningful way during the festive season, but also shines a light on the important work we do around the world to drive positive change.”

“We are thrilled to see this idea come to life. This initiative exemplifies breakthrough thinking in the humanitarian aid sector, which often relies on more traditional media channels,” Carl Colman, managing director of EssenceMediacom Melbourne, said.

“Amazon’s widespread household presence and extensive reach allows World Vision to emotionally connect with their audiences at scale, during peak gift-giving season.

“This breakthrough approach has the potential to create a lasting impact on how humanitarian campaigns are perceived, engaged with and deliver emotional connections with our audience, driving child sponsorships.”

Keep on top of the most important media, marketing, and agency news each day with the Mediaweek Morning Report – delivered for free every morning to your inbox.

love island usa
Love Island USA season six available on 9Now

The sixth season features a new host, Ariana Madix.

Every episode of Love Island USA season six drops for superfans across the nation to watch exclusively on 9Now from Wednesday, December 11.

With a new host, Ariana Madix, and returning narrator, Iain Stirling, this season sees a range of new singles who are ready to spend their summer looking for love coupling up for the first time at Fiji’s favourite Villa.

In a wild attempt to find love in the Villa, shock eliminations and surprise arrivals ensure constant unpredictability, with challenges testing the strength of relationships, and anyone left single at risk of being dumped from the Island.

Entering the Villa in season six are: Deck Hand Aaron (26), School District Director Coye (28), Bottle Server Hannah (26), Day Trader Jana (27), Graduate Student, Kaylor (22), Medical Sales Manager Kendall (27), Aircraft Refueller Kordell (21), College Student Leah (24), Snake Wrangler Robert (25), and Media Planner Serena (24).

Love Island USA Season Six is available to stream for free on 9Now.

After seven weeks of drama, Tyra and Kale were crowned the winners of Nine‘s Love Island Australia in 2023.

After Kale made his return to the Villa for Tyra after being dumped, the pair were voted the favourite couple of the series over the other finalists, Lucinda and Zac and Savanah and Clint.

In previous years the winning couple were handed an envelope each, one containing $50,000 and the other nothing, determining who was in it for love or money based on whether they decided to split the cash with their partner or not.

This season there was a change. Earlier in the season, the top four couples were made an offer as individuals, testing who was in it for love or money to see if they’d take $20,000 from Sophie and leave the luxury Villa in Spain. Everyone turned down the cash and chose love.

For Love Island winners Tyra and Kale, they will also split an equal share of the winning cash prize of $50,000.

Affinity x Porsca
AFFINITY wins media account for Merrick Watts’s Posca Hydrate

By Alisha Buaya

Ed Stening: ‘They brought an unparalleled understanding of our business, our target audience, and innovative strategies to maximise growth.’

AFFINITY has won the pitch for start-up Posca Hydrate, a start-up co-founded by SAS Australia winner and media personality Merrick Watts, and Ed Stening, ex-GM Spirits at Lion

Posca combines ancient wisdom with modern science, and sugar- and stimulant-free drinks are all about hydration and electrolyte retention and will compete in the sports drink and hydration category.

The scope of the pitch was limited to finding an outstanding media partner to push the novel Posca story to the world. After adding demonstrable value to the business and marketing plan during and after the pitch process, the agency has also been appointed to work as an advisor and at a Board level.

Stening said: “AFFINITY was in a league of their own in our media pitch, outshining some of the hottest media agencies in the country. They brought an unparalleled understanding of our business, our target audience, and innovative strategies to maximise growth both in the short and long term well beyond what we’d expect from a media agency – an incredible achievement given we hadn’t even launched.”

“Since their appointment, they’ve truly gone above and beyond to ensure our success. Working with a team that are a constant source of advice, have the courage as partners to challenge our thinking, and constantly look for ways to drive growth – they’re living their growth accelerator label.”

Luke Brown, group CEO AFFINITY, said: “This was a business we really wanted to partner with. Opportunities to partner with founders who are ambitious and open to listening and doing things differently don’t come around often. The ingredients are all there: a unique product, genuine partnership and enormous potential.”

“It’s a privilege working directly with Ed and Merrick, to play a pivotal role in accelerating the growth of their business and help turn their vision into reality. We respect the responsibility to grow sales and distribution beyond launch, and the team have already delivered outsized wins to ensure Posca becomes a household name.”

Top image: Luke Brown

Keep on top of the most important media, marketing, and agency news each day with the Mediaweek Morning Report – delivered for free every morning to your inbox.

Carsales and bp partners to provide members with a fuel discount

By Alisha Buaya

Rafael Constantinou: ‘This collaboration reflects our commitment to supporting Australians throughout their car ownership journey.’

Carsales has teamed up with bp to provide its members with a valuable fuel discount that integrates seamlessly into their everyday lives through the carsales app by leveraging the nationwide reach of the British multinational oil and gas company.

As the cost of living continues to rise, carsales members can now access a 6 cent per litre discount on fuel*, redeemable via the carsales app at over 900 participating bp sites across the country.

This follows recent research from the digital auto marketplace highlights an increase in Aussies who have had to adjust their budget for a car due to the increasing cost of living and inflation (62%) and this was particularly the case for Gen Zs and Millennials.

“We’re excited to be partnering with bp to bring real savings and value to our members,” said Rafael Constantinou, executive general manager of marketing, content and customer at carsales.

“This collaboration reflects our commitment to supporting Australians throughout their car ownership journey. By integrating this offer into the carsales ap, we’re making it easier than ever for our members to save at the pump while delivering added value through convenient and seamless solutions.”

Amanda Woollard, bp vice president, marketing Australia and New Zealand, said: “By partnering with carsales, we’re bringing more rewards to Australian drivers, every time they fill up.  We’re keeping our customers at the heart of everything we do, and that means finding more opportunities to surprise and delight them with rewards while supporting their convenience and mobility needs.”

Customers can now access the offer by downloading the carsales app, signing up for a free carsales account, and scanning their unique BP Rewards Unlocked barcode within the carsales app when filling up with fuel at participating sites.

Keep on top of the most important media, marketing, and agency news each day with the Mediaweek Morning Report – delivered for free every morning to your inbox.

oOh!media - Retail First
oOh!media renews Retail First partnership to extend OOH network across 21 Queensland shopping hubs

By Alisha Buaya

Robbie Dery: ‘This expansion not only enhances engagement within these bustling retail hubs but also offers brands unprecedented opportunities to connect with over 83 million shoppers annually.’

oOh!media has renewed its long-term partnership with Retail First, extending its retail Out of Home network in Queensland across 21 large and medium shopping centres.

The outdoor advertising and media company will install a 100% digital network made up of 230 small format portrait screens, as part of the agreement with Retail First, managing agents for the largest privately owned shopping centre portfolio in Australia.

The Retail First portfolio, owned by YFG Shopping Centres and Trondage Enterprises, includes key centres such as Australia Fair, the shopping hub of the Gold Coast’s CBD with 12.1 million annual visitors; Toowong Village located just three kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD with seven million annual visitors and Mt Ommaney Centre, 16 kilometres south-west of Brisbane with 5.1 million annual visitors.

Retail First’s centres within 10 kilometres of greater Brisbane include Brookside Shopping Centre, Cannon Hill Kmart Plaza, Mt Gravatt Plaza and Stafford City Shopping Centre, Fairfield Gardens in addition to Toowong Village.

Combined, the 21 centres house more than 1,730 retailers with 83 million shoppers and retail sales of near $2 billion annually.

“We are delighted to extend our partnership with Retail First to deliver a 100% digital Out of Home network across 21 key shopping centres in Brisbane and the Gold Coast,” Robbie Dery, chief commercial operating officer, oOh!, said. “We are already well underway in installing a fully digital screen network, strategically positioned to reach consumers along the path to purchase.

“This expansion not only enhances engagement within these bustling retail hubs but also offers brands unprecedented opportunities to connect with over 83 million shoppers annually in a dynamic and impactful way.”

Le-Anne Parkinson, business development manager, Retail First added: “The introduction of a fully digital screen network across our portfolio marks an exciting step forward in enhancing the customer experience for the more than 80 million shoppers who visit our centres each year. We’ve built a strong relationship with oOh! and look forward to that continuing for many years to come.”

oOh! recently announced renewed retail agreements with The GPT Group (GPT) and QIC.

See also: oOh!media expands QIC partnership to represent large format digital screen network

Keep on top of the most important media, marketing, and agency news each day with the Mediaweek Morning Report – delivered for free every morning to your inbox.

Podcast Week: Podcast Ranker, Australia’s top 15 podcast advertisers for Q3, BBC Studios

Rules Don’t Apply: The Attention Economy.

LiSTNR wraps 2024 as Australia’s #1 sales representation podcast network

LiSTNR has wrapped up 2024, retaining its position as Australia’s #1 Sales and Representation Podcast Network recording 7,124,155 monthly listeners^, according to the November Australian Podcast Ranker results.

Adoption of LiSTNR’s AdTech Hub continues to drive growth, achieving a 166% year-on-year increase in the number of podcast campaigns utilising its advanced capabilities. The AdTech Hub clearly differentiates LiSTNR from local competitors, delivering cutting-edge advancements in digital audio advertising. Combining effectiveness with efficiency, the AdTech Hub has delivered significant ROI for advertisers through innovative tools like Dynamic Creative Optimisation (DCO) based on age, gender, fuel prices, and live contests; enhanced audience targeting with proprietary conversational tools; and Advertiser Data Matching via clean room solutions.

LiSTNR had 62 podcasts ranked within the Top 200 on the Podcast Ranker. Popular podcasts in the top 50 include Hamish & Andy, Happy Hour with Lucy & Nikki, Crime Junkie, It’s A Lot with Abbie Chatfield, SmartLess, The Howie Games, and The Mel Robbins Podcast.

Executive head of LiSTNR audience and growth, Grant Tothill, said: “It’s great to see the gap between audience and monetisation starting to narrow. With 70% of podcast advertising now involving some form of AdTech, LiSTNR is well positioned to continue to drive the commercial podcast marketplace.

“Creating premium podcasts with our talented creators has always been a part of our DNA. It’s great to see audience growth month on month with some of our titles and for others to retain their audiences, helping us to continue to be the number one podcast sales network in Australia,” Tothill concluded.

iHeart and Magellan AI unveil Australia’s top 15 podcast advertisers for Q3

ARN’s iHeart and Magellan AI have unveiled the top 15 brands advertising on Australian podcasts in Q3 2024, with online therapy provider BetterHelp emerging as the leading investor in Australian podcasts this period.

They invested heavily into Australian podcasts across a range of shows and publishers including Australian True Crime, Dyl & Friends, Morbid, The Imperfects, Toni and Ryan plus Outspoken.

The report also found an increased spend of 92% into the True Crime category year-on-year with Comedy podcast investment also on the rise.

The Top 15 Advertisers for Q3 2024 on Australian podcast advertising features brands from a broad range of categories including technology, finance, retail, and healthcare. Airbnb and Amazon follow BetterHelp on the list as having the highest investment.

The Top 15 advertisers for Q3 2024 are:

1. BetterHelp
2. Airbnb
3. Amazon
4. Wise
5. Commbank
6. Entain
7. ANZ
8. Specsavers
9. Unilever
10. Aussie Broadband
11. McDonald’s
12. Myer
13. Booking.com
14. Vanta
15. American Express

[Read more]

BBC Studios partners with iHeart to represent BBC Podcasts in Australia

BBC Studios and ARN’s iHeart have signed a multi-year partnership deal that will see iHeart represent BBC podcasts in Australia. iHeart will sell inventory across hundreds of hours of premium BBC podcasts as well as amplifying content in market.

The BBC is one the largest producers of audio in the world with a range of premium podcasts that are widely listened to by audiences in Australia and New Zealand, including BBC Global News Podcast, Football Daily, The Infinite Monkey Cage and History’s Youngest Heroes. Earlier this year a dedicated audio division was created in BBC Studios, paving the way for the company to fully realise the commercial opportunities in the global audio market.

The partnership provides advertisers with access to over 900,000 Australians who choose to listen to BBC content every month.

Louise la Grange, SVP, BBC Audio, digital news and streaming BBC Studios, said: “The BBC has a big and loyal podcast fan base in Australia. We’re delighted to partner with market leader iHeart for representing the BBC’s rich portfolio of shows including World of Secrets, The Global Story and You’re Dead to Me to the ad market in Australia where iHeart has enormous scale, deep expertise and a proven track record of representing premium brands.”

[Read more]

Rules Don’t Apply: The Attention Economy and how platforms shape our focus with Dr. Karen Nelson-Field

As part of its presence at SXSW Sydney in 2024, The Growth Distillery hosted a series of 10 vodcasts (a podcast with video) hosted by Dan Krigstein and branded Rules Don’t Apply.

The ninth guest in the series was Dr Karen Nelson-Field, a globally recognised authority on the attention economy.

Nelson-Field reveals how platforms dictate what we see, how we think, and where we focus. With over 3 billion data points collected across 17 countries, Karen unpacks the science of attention and the hidden mechanisms shaping our digital interactions.

Discover why not all reach is created equal and how user experience design, immersive formats, and platform engineering control what captures our attention. Karen also shares invaluable insights into the future of marketing, offering guidance on how brands can adapt to these dynamics to drive better results.

From the transformative potential of augmented reality to the surprising truths about attention measurement, this episode is filled with practical takeaways for marketers, innovators, and anyone navigating the rapidly changing digital landscape.

[Read more]

Podcast Ranker November 2024: Casefile True Crime new #1, Hamish & Andy drop

iHeart’s Casefile True Crime is #1 on the November 2024 Podcast Ranker with 879,550 monthly listeners and 2,110,618 monthly downloads.

LiSTNR’s Hamish & Andy podcast dropped 1 spot to take rank #2. It recorded 868,685 monthly listeners and 1,670,609 monthly downloads.

The highest debut on the chart for the month was Full Story from The Guardian Australia, in at #14. It received 307,000 monthly listeners in November, and 686,000 downloads.

Guardian Australia’s managing director Rebecca Costello, said: “We’re thrilled that Full Story has debuted at number 14 on the Australian Podcast Ranker. It reflects Guardian Australia’s commitment to delivering quality journalism in innovative formats. It’s a testament to the trust our listeners place in us and the exceptional efforts of our talented team.”

[Read more]

Dept - David Neal
David Neal joins DEPT as global chief financial officer

By Alisha Buaya

Dimi Albers: ‘David will help us unlock new opportunities and ensure that innovation remains at the heart of everything we do.’

DEPT has appointed David Neal as its new global chief financial officer (CFO).

Neal will bring together the global finance and operations team, driving innovation and streamlining processes by positioning finance as a strategic partner to the business.

“During my conversations with the leadership team and colleagues, I was invigorated by the energy and ambition within DEPT,” said he. “I realised this is a place where we can do things differently. I hope to transform finance into a true strategic partner, providing insights, analysis, and driving commercial growth.”

Neal brings substantial experience as a chief financial officer, with a proven track record in the marketing and advertising sectors across South and Southeast Asia and global leadership positions. Most recently, he served as the global CFO for Dentsu Creative and Dentsu’s production unit, Tag.

In his new role at the global digital agency, David will be based in London. He will leverage his extensive background to redefine the finance department as a strategic ally within DEPT, enhancing collaboration with other business units—especially Operations, and People & Culture. Neal will harness the potential of AI to transform financial processes, fostering a culture of relentless curiosity and innovation.

Dimi Albers, Global CEO, DEPT, said: “At DEPT, we’re all about keeping innovation at the core of everything we do. By bringing our Finance and Operations teams closer together, we are merging two key business areas to drive strategic growth. David will help us unlock new opportunities and ensure that innovation remains at the heart of everything we do.”

Neal is stepping into the role as Mickey Kalifa moves on after two years with the company.

Albers said: “Mickey has been instrumental in creating a more integrated and connected finance team, but his contributions go far beyond the numbers. He’s been an invaluable part of DEPT, leaving a lasting mark on our culture and everyone he’s worked with. We’re deeply grateful for all he’s done and wish him great success in his next chapter.”

In the past two years, the company has welcomed seven agencies and achieved remarkable growth, with revenues increasing by over 200%. This impressive performance is heavily supported by its AI services; currently, 50% of its global revenue is AI-enabled. DEPT continues to set industry standards as a B-Corp-certified agency, earning accolades such as The Webby Awards and The Lovie Awards’ Agency and Network of the Year, Campaign US Digital Innovation Agency of the Year, and Digiday’s EMEA Agency of the Year.

Top image: David Neal

Keep on top of the most important media, marketing, and agency news each day with the Mediaweek Morning Report – delivered for free every morning to your inbox.

Fren Family Travel Guides
TV Ratings 10 December 2024: Nine’s Travel Guides repeat wins Tuesday night

By Jasper Baumann

Seven News reaches 1.8m.

Tuesday 10 December 2024: VOZ Total TV Ratings Overnight Top 30 – Programs ranked on reach

Total People TV Ratings

Nine’s Travel Guides – Encore recorded a total TV national reach of 1,492,000, a total TV national audience of 686,000, and a BVOD audience of 50,000.

Nine’s 9News recorded a total TV national reach of 1,836,000, a total TV national audience of 1,157,000, and a BVOD audience of 87,000.

Nine’s A Current Affair recorded a total TV national reach of 1,486,000, a total TV national audience of 981,000, and a BVOD audience of 68,000.

Seven’s Seven News recorded a total TV national reach of 1,801,000, a total TV national audience of 1,168,000, and a BVOD audience of 58,000.

Seven’s The 1% Club UK recorded a total TV national reach of 1,098,000, a total TV national audience of 604,000, and a BVOD audience of 26,000.

10’s airing of The Project recorded a total TV national reach of 584,000, a total TV national audience of 259,000, and a BVOD audience of 14,000.

People 25-54

Nine’s 9News:
• Total TV nation reach: 498,000
• National Audience: 285,000
• BVOD Audience: 43,000

Nine’s Travel Guides:
• Total TV nation reach: 484,000
• National Audience: 212,000
• BVOD Audience: 27,000

Seven’s Seven News:
• Total TV nation reach: 457,000
• National Audience: 278,000
• BVOD Audience: 29,000

10’s The Project:
• Total TV nation reach: 206,000
• National Audience: 98,000
• BVOD Audience: 8,000

People 16-39

Nine’s 9News:
• Total TV nation reach: 219,000
• National Audience: 115,000
• BVOD Audience: 22,000

Nine’s Travel Guides:
• Total TV nation reach: 182,000
• National Audience: 80,000
• BVOD Audience: 14,000

Seven’s Seven News:
• Total TV nation reach: 178,000
• National Audience: 96,000
• BVOD Audience: 14,000

10’s The Project:
• Total TV nation reach: 80,000
• National Audience: 40,000
• BVOD Audience: 4,000

Grocery Shoppers 18+ TV Ratings

Nine’s 9News:
• Total TV nation reach: 1,461,000
• National Audience: 937,000
• BVOD Audience: 70,000

Nine’s Travel Guides:
• Total TV nation reach: 1,172,000
• National Audience: 547,000
• BVOD Audience: 41,000

Seven’s Seven News:
• Total TV nation reach: 1,457,000
• National Audience: 957,000
• BVOD Audience: 47,000

10’s The Project:
• Total TV nation reach: 460,000
• National Audience: 198,000
• BVOD Audience: 11,000

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.

Social media

Australia fights back against Zuckerberg with social media penalty fees

Labor will force big tech companies to pay for Australian journalism under a new scheme that seeks to punish platforms such as Facebook for refusing to sign content deals, raising the prospect of a financial penalty if they do not contribute to local news, the Sydney Morning Herald’s David Crowe and Paul Sakkal report.

The dramatic move will pile pressure on social media platforms to honour a “bargaining code” with publishers or face the risk of being forced to pay to keep operating in Australia, amid fears the failure of an existing code would cost news providers $1 billion over four years.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to release the plan on Thursday after months of talks about how to respond to Facebook’s threat to block news content if it is forced to pay and concern in some quarters that a tax on big American companies would upset US President-elect Donald Trump.

The approach is expected to mandate financial costs on the platforms if they do not negotiate in good faith with news providers struggling in a hard advertising market and pay for articles shared with their social media customers.

Meta suffers major global outage as WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook down for thousands

Meta has suffered a major outage, with thousands of people across the globe reporting Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp are down, The Daily Telegraph’s Clareese Packer reports.

The reports began to flow in just after 4.30am AEDT on Thursday, according to Down Detector. More than 150,000 users across the three platforms reported outages on Down Detector.

Meta confirmed the outage in a statement posted to X. The statement read: “We’re aware that a technical issue is impacting some users’ ability to access our apps. We’re working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible and apologise for any inconvenience.”

[Read more]

News Brands

Judge rejects sale of Infowars to The Onion, says auction process was flawed

A federal judge has rejected the sale of the conspiracy platform Infowars to satirical news outlet The Onion after Alex Jones claimed that a recent bankruptcy auction was fraught with illegal collusion, the ABC reports.

The Onion was named the winning bidder on November 14 over a company affiliated with Jones. US Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez’s decision means Jones can stay at Infowars in Austin, Texas.

The Onion had planned to kick Jones out and relaunch Infowars in January as a parody.

At the end of a lengthy two-day hearing in a Texas courtroom, Judge Lopez criticised the auction process as flawed and said the outcome “left a lot of money on the table” for families of victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

“You got to scratch and claw and get everything you can for them,” Judge Lopez said. Judge Lopez cited problems — but no wrongdoing — with the auction process.

[Read more]

Prince Harry could face ‘extensive’ questioning in trial of claim against Sun publisher

Prince Harry could face an “extensive” four days of questioning in the witness box in his upcoming trial against the publisher of The Sun over allegations of unlawful information gathering, the Press Gazzette reports.

The Duke of Sussex and former Labour deputy leader Lord Tom Watson are bringing legal action against News Group Newspapers, which is set to head to trial in January 2025.

At a hearing on Tuesday, lawyers for both sides said how long they thought different parts of the approximately seven-week trial should take, including Harry’s cross-examination.

Anthony Hudson KC, for NGN, said that 30 articles will be included in the trial in the duke’s case, and that he would need to be questioned on each one.

[Read more]

Radio

Sunshine Coast 92.7 MIX FM radio’s Caroline Hutchinson on her career

For 26 years, Sunshine Coast radio listeners who have switched the dial to 92.7FM have heard the voice of Caroline HutchinsonThe Courier Mail’s Jarrod Tutbury reports.

The 92.7 MIX FM stalwart has been with Sunshine Coast residents through fires, floods and as they have emptied their pockets for others to give to charities the radio station supports.

With her retirement from radio and her final show coming up fast, she reflected on the highlights of her career. Caroline said her radio show had been extremely fulfilling and she had “loved it” all. “I feel very grateful for the love and support I have received for 26 years,” she said.

“People have been very kind to me and my family, inviting me to things, answering the call when I was doing charity stuff and telling funny stories on the air.”

[Read more]

Entertainment

Peter Jackson, ‘Lord of the Rings’ Cast Return to Hobbiton For ‘Rohirrim’ Launch

Peter Jackson and a starry line-up of cast members from “The Lord of the Rings” this week returned to Middle Earth for a special party, Variety Australia’s Lars Brandle reports.

The Hobbiton Movie Set hosted the gathering, a launch-pad for “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim,” the latest cinematic tale in J.R.R. Tolkien’s saga.

Actors Andy Serkis (Gollum), Brian Cox (Helm Hammerhand), Miranda Otto (Éowyn), Gaia Wise (Héra) and others were on hand, alongside the filmmakers director Kenji Kamiyama, executive producers Jackson, Jason DeMarco and Joseph Chou, producer Philippa Boyens, and co-screenwriters Phoebe Gittens and Arty Papageorgiou.

On the night, Wellington pop-rock act Drax Project performed “The Rider,” a new single from the movie’s soundtrack, performed by rising artist Paris Paloma.

According to a joint statement from Universal Pictures and Warner Bros., guests mingled with a stilt-walking wizard, a fire performer, juggling hobbits, fiddlers, flutists, and horseback riders. Also, themed cocktails were handed out, including “The Hammerhand” (blue margarita), “Wulf’s Revenge” (espresso martini), “Hera’s Fire” (apple pie), and “Fréaláf’s Fizz” (gin fizz).

[Read more]

Super Bowl Halftime Headache? How Jay-Z in the Headlines Could Impact Roc Nation’s NFL Deal

Over the weekend, a gloating 50 Cent took to Instagram to re-caption a still-popular meme that may have gone over fans’ heads.

The post, meant to dunk on his rap rival Jay-Z, is an image of 50 from his cameo on HBO’s Entourage, and it’s captioned: “Ok I don’t know what’s going on, but are we gonna still have the Super Bowl. 😟I’m just asking for a friend!”

If you don’t get the gag, don’t worry, you’re not out of touch, The Hollywood Reporter’s Kevin Dolak reports. The punchline here relies on you knowing that Jay-Z, who on Sunday was named in a civil suit accusing him and Sean “Diddy” Combs of raping a 13-year-old girl, runs the entertainment company Roc Nation, which has been producing the Super Bowl Halftime Show for the past five years. 50 Cent is also producing an investigative docuseries on Diddy for Netflix.

[Read more]

Streaming

This 13-year-old Aussie sitcom just cracked the US market

Laid is one of those very clever television ideas. Written by Australian screenwriter Marieke Hardy back in 2011, it is the story of a young woman who realises that her past lovers are starting to die one by one, and must begin piecing together her sexual past to unravel the mystery of what is going on, the Sydney Morning Herald’s Michael Idato reports.

It might have been a double blip on the Australian cultural copybook – a second season was made by the ABC in 2012 – but more than a decade later, the series has been rebooted for American TV. Which means this is the story of a 13-year-old modestly successful Aussie sitcom that just cracked the toughest TV market in the world.

“We love this premise, we love it so much, it’s so dark and so fun,” the show’s US co-executive producer, Sally Bradford McKenna, says. Co-executive producer Nahnatchka Khan adds: “Leaning into the romcom elements of the story was something that appealed to us while keeping this kind of danger, death streak going.”

[Read more]

‘Kick a ball’: Magistrate’s tirade in celebrity gossip podcaster’s court case

A magistrate launched into a fiery tirade about social media, saying he doesn’t “understand it” and “we used to have thick skin back in my days” during a court case over a podcaster’s episode about a former reality television star, The Daily Telegraph’s Aymon Bertah reports,

Megan Pustetto, who hosts popular celebrity gossip podcast So Dramatic, fronted Waverley Local Court on Wednesday after previously pleading guilty to two counts of contravening a prohibition or restriction in an AVO. Agreed facts revealed Ms Pustetto was issued and served an AVO for the protection of Dannii Erskine in November last year.

Ms Erskine appeared on the Seven Network’s Bride and Prejudice in 2019. However, agreed facts state the final order was issued and served on the accused on March 2 and no registration of the Victorian AVO, in NSW, was served until July 11.

Mr Barko admitted Ms Pustetto lived “in a world I know nothing of” and acknowledged she struggled with her mental health for some time. He said there had been “some conflict” between her and Ms Erskine which wasn’t “clear on the material”. He ultimately dismissed the two charges without conviction, declaring the offending was at the lower end of objective seriousness.

Ms MacDougall told The Daily Telegraph Ms Pustetto was “relieved with today’s result” and she “is looking forward to moving on with her life and focusing on her career”.

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