Upon the release of radio ratings survey four, Nine Radio’s head of content Greg Byrnes says Ray Hadley‘s 20th year of consecutive survey wins in mornings is “truly remarkable.”
“He’s not just gotten over the line, he’s had a 1.1 point increase for a 16.4% share, it’s really wonderful to see him get that recognition,” Byrnes told Mediaweek.
“We’ve even marked the occasion with a staff cake during the 10 o’clock news. He’d be the first to thank his hundreds of thousands of listeners who tune in every day right around the country.
“The survey also revealing number one results in Sydney and Melbourne, along with the record cume result in Perth, highlight the strength of our always-on, live and local content.”
In Sydney, 2GB recorded a 14.0 share (up 0.7) and in Melbourne, 3AW recorded 13.7.
In the breakfast shift, 2GB’s Ben Fordham Live was #1 in Sydney with a share of 17.0 (up 0.4) and 3AW’s Breakfast with Ross and Russ was #1 in Melbourne with 19.6.
This week, Nine confirmed a sub-licensing agreement that will allow the ABC Local Radio network to broadcast the 2024 Paris Olympic Games to listeners on 891 ABC Adelaide, 105.7 ABC Darwin, 936 ABC Hobart, 666 ABC Canberra and DAB+ channels in those markets.
Byrnes says the agreement is extremely important as it ensures that every Australian can have access to the Olympic Games.
“From a strategy point of view, we wanted to maintain exclusivity around streaming and commercial rights, and we’ve certainly done that.
“But the ABC partnership is important because there are markets that we don’t broadcast into, and the ABC does, so we’re more than happy to come to an arrangement with the ABC.”
Today marks two weeks until the Olympic Games start across Nine, and Byrnes states he is pleased with the “wonderful and solid” foundation that has been laid across the year in the leadup.
“The results from this survey show we have a strong foundation for the Olympics, and our brand new Olympic studio at 2GB in Pyrmont will be our hub, along with 20 odd people on the ground in Paris. It’s an exciting time for us.”
The board of the Craig Hutchison-controlled Sports Entertainment Group has announced the sale of the NBL team Perth Wildcats.
Earlier this year the Perth Wildcats owner revealed it had sold 4% of the business which helped the business during a credit squeeze.
Hutchison acquired a 95% share in the Perth Wildcats for $8.5 million in 2021 from long-time owner Jack Bendat, who died seven months later at the age of 96. Bendat was a former long-time partner in business with Kerry Stokes.
Craig Hutchison
The confirmation of the sale of the Perth NBA team comes after an SEG ASX announcement on May 30. Back then Hutchy’s company reported it had received a non-binding offer from West Australian cybersecurity entrepreneur Mark Arena. That offer was for a 90% share for $40m.
That offer has now turned into a deal as per this ASX announcement from SEG:
SEG has signed a binding contract for a staged sale of a 90% interest in Perth Wildcats over two years at a $40m enterprise valuation which occurs as follows:
• $21m for 52.5% by no later than 30 October 2024
• a put and call option for $15m for the further 37.5% by no later than 30 June 2026
• a put and call option for the final 10% with scope to potentially increase based on trailing financial performance to be settled after 30 June 2028.
SEG added the completion of Stage 1 of MTACI’s acquisition is conditional on some group restructuring being completed.
In the 2023-24 NBL season, the Perth Wildcats exited the playoffs after making the semi-finals where they lost to the eventual NBL champions JackJumpers 2-1 in the best-of-three series.
New Perth Wildcats owner Mark Arena. (Main image: Perth Wildcats)
For the past two weeks SEG chief executive officer Hutchy has been working remotely and taking some leave as he visits New York. During the trip he attended the NBA draft and also started the early celebration of his impending 50th birthday.
Listen to Hutchy talk about his New York trip on the latest Sounding Board podcast.
Six weeks ago the NBL reported on significant growth in a number of key areas in NBL season 24 when compared to the previous season:
A 26% increase in broadcast numbers, 118% increase in web and app views, and 26% increase in media exposure.
The League also reported on increasing team values:
The value of clubs has skyrocketed with the NBL becoming the fastest growing sports organisation in Australia and New Zealand, and MTACI’s[Wildcats] offer comes after owner of popular honey and skincare brand ‘Manuka Doctor’ Matthew Pringle acquired a three per cent stake in the New Zealand Breakers.
Earlier this year NBL owner Larry Kestelman sold a 10 per cent stake in Melbourne United for $4 million, which has valued the NBL24 runner-up at $40 million.
JackJumpers owner Kestelman also recently told The Australian talks surrounding the impending sale of the recently crowned NBL champion Tasmania JackJumpers remain ongoing at a valuation of more than $30 million.
Earlier this year Mediaweek reported that SEG revealed in its first half FY24 results it booked a loss of $1.5m after tax. The company reported the figure included a $783,000 one-off charge relating to acquisitions and restructuring.
Revenue for the six months was up 8% to $63m. Expenses climbed from $58.5m to $63m.
At that time SEN reported current borrowings of $28m with bank debt of $27m. It reported it had reached an agreement with its lender Commonwealth Bank.
Back then there was commentary that the combined value of all of SEG’s team licences could be worth $40m. The sale of the Wildcats has blown that valuation out of the water.
SEG continues to control Melbourne Mavericks (netball – the most recent acquisition), Bendigo Spirit (WNBL), Otago Nuggets (NZNBL) and Southern Hoiho (NZ Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa).
See also: Future of SEN: Hutchy’s debt deadline, CFO quits, NZ sale, teams valued at $40m
Melbourne SEN breakfast with Garry and Tim
The SEN radio network’s flagship station, Melbourne’s SEN 1116am, just this week is celebrating another record ratings result. Its breakfast line-up achieved the highest breakfast ratings in the history of the station.
Breakfast with Garry Lyon and Tim Watson (Tuesday – Thursday), Kane Cornes and Nathan Buckley (Monday), and Kane Cornes and David King (Friday) achieved the highest breakfast share with a 5.2% share among All People 10+.
Sam Thompson, group radio director of Sports Entertainment Network, commented: “We are thrilled to see SEN 1116am achieve record ratings with our breakfast line-up. The 5.2% share in the breakfast slot is a testament to the compelling content delivered by our talented team of Garry Lyon, Tim Watson, Kane Cornes, Nathan Buckley, and David King.
“With Friday night the most prized and highly competitive football landscape, the strong and winning performance of AFL Nation is a credit to SEN’s chief caller in Gerard Whateley and the entire AFL Nation Team.”
The ratings also climbed significantly in GfK Survey 4 at SEN Sydney and SENQ in Brisbane.
See also: Radio Ratings, GfK Survey 4, 2024
InfoSum has promoted long-time chief operating officer Lauren Wetzel to chief executive officer.
Wetzel takes over from Brian Lesser, who has led InfoSum as chairman and CEO since 2020.
Before joining the data collaboration platform and data clean room provider in 2020, Wetzel held senior strategy and operations roles at AT&T, Xandr, and Deloitte.
Lesser will remain an advisor during a transition period, and his new role is set to be announced in the coming weeks.
Mark Suster, board director at InfoSum and partner at Upfront Ventures, said: “Lauren is a pioneer in the data collaboration industry, having been involved with data clean rooms before the term even existed. She has run day-to-day operations at InfoSum for years as COO and as a board member. I’m thrilled to watch her continued growth as the new CEO of the company after many years under the mentorship of Brian Lesser.”
Wetzel said of her new role: “I’ve had the privilege of leading InfoSum’s operations as it’s grown exponentially since 2020. As I transition into this new role, I am excited to build on InfoSum’s position as the global leader in data collaboration.
“We will continue to deliver innovative solutions that empower customer-centric businesses to execute data-driven advertising that resonates with consumers while prioritising their privacy,” she added.
News of Wetzel’s appointment comes after Samsung Ads launched a data clean room solution powered by InfoSum this year.
The partnership enables clients from Samsung Electronics’ advertising division to maximise the performance of their data-driven advertising strategies within InfoSum’s privacy-focused environment.
Samsung Ads’ advertising partners will be able to match against Samsung’s Smart TV footprint and its demand side platform (DSP) with a focus on data integrity through InfoSum’s decentralised data clean room technology.
See also: Samsung Ads launches data clean room solution with InfoSum
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Top image: Lauren Wetzel
EssenceMediacom has appointed Sarah James as chief investment officer. James brings over 15 years of experience in media investment to the GroupM agency.
Her most recent role was as managing director of Initiative Melbourne. She previously led the Woolworths agency, a 60-person team as part of Dentsu.
In her CIO role, James will lead EssenceMediacom’s Media Solutions and Investment across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, working with GroupM CIO Melissa Hey to oversee a client portfolio of close to $1bn in client media spend.
“Sarah is an exceptional talent in media,” Hey said. “She brings a unique and dynamic skillset to the role in EssenceMediacom, that goes beyond what you might expect from a traditional chief investment officer. I’m excited for her to join our team.”
She will be responsible for defining and executing EssenceMediacom’s Breakthrough investment and implementational planning strategies for our clients, fostering strong media partner relationships, and continuing to drive innovation across all media channels.
Pippa Berlocher, CEO of EssenceMediacom Australia, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Sarah to the family. Sarah’s background speaks for itself. She’s a dynamic, people-first leader, who gets the digital, tech and data space and I have no doubt she’ll lead our Media Solutions and Investment team with vision, passion and care.
“Transformation excites her and her strong digital background makes her phenomenally well placed to lead, helping our clients breakthrough in the digital age. Sarah’s deep understanding of the evolving media landscape, coupled with her proven leadership skills, make her the ideal candidate to lead our investment team into the future.”
James said of her new role with the agency: “The opportunities within media investment have never been greater, with innovation, precision media and emerging tech allowing us to deliver truly exceptional value for clients.
“I’m incredibly excited to work alongside Pippa and the entire team, leveraging their expertise and our collective passion to drive impactful results. I can’t wait to get started,” she added.
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Top image: Sarah James
Initiative has promoted Megan Davey to the newly created role of head of Melbourne from general manager, Melbourne. Her new role with the Mediabrands agency follows the resignation of Sarah James, who has moved to GroupM’s EssenceMediacom.
Mark Coad, CEO Mediabrands and acting CEO Initiative ANZ, said he was delighted Davey has accepted the role and will continue to evolve her leadership journey at Initiative.
Coad said: “Since stepping into the GM role last year Megan has proved she is critical to the agency’s success. With Megan as part of its senior leadership team, Initiative Melbourne has flourished, and the agency will be in safe hands with her at the helm.
“Her passion for her craft has always been unwavering and her leadership skills have been crucial to enable the agency to grow, foster innovation and uphold its ambition to deliver exceptional client results.
“But what I admire most in Megan is her ability to lead her team to success; she teaches, mentors and encourages her team to be the best they can be every day, and the culture within Initiative Melbourne reflects this attitude. Her elevation to head of Melbourne is simply a no-brainer and I am excited about what the future holds as Melbourne continues to expand its market footprint.”
Davey said of her new role: “It is an incredible honour to be leading this dynamic team in such an exciting period for our industry. Keeping pace with the ever-evolving and challenging media landscape is what our clients demand and we remain even more committed than ever to delivering innovation and business results for our clients through the effective use of media. I am very excited about leading my team and our clients to success.”
Her tenure at Initiative commenced in 2016 when she joined as client director. After moving through the ranks, she was promoted to general manager in 2023. Her new role is effective immediately.
Coad concluded: “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Sarah for her tremendous contribution to the business. She is a talented leader and her passion and energy have earned her the respect and admiration of her team and clients alike. We wish her every success in her new role.”
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Top image: Megan Davey
Harry McGregor, senior manager, digital marketing at Asahi Beverages, has told Mediaweek the continued influence of AI is what will change the game when it comes to the future of brand marketing.
McGregor took home the win for Marketing – Brands at Mediaweek‘s 2024 Next of the Best Awards.
Mediaweek caught up with McGregor to speak about the future of brand marketing, his biggest achievement working at Asahi and how he’s looking for innovative ways to connect with consumers and deliver commercial outcomes.
It’s incredibly gratifying to be recognised by the diverse group of industry thought leaders. Marketing can be viewed subjectively, so to have peers who you hold in such high regard recognise what you do publicly is incredibly fulfilling.
I think the obvious one is the continued influence of AI. Tech integrations and platforms that can help us make decisions and influence outcomes will continue to change the game. We’re already using AI to measure the ROI we deliver from our advertising through our partners Mutinex, who have built an incredible platform in GrowthOS.
Beyond this, AI is helping us deliver consumers’ seamless experiences with brands, tailoring journeys, messages, products for consumers to ensure that we’re delivering them the best possible interactions. The use of AI is a trend that I can only see growing and I believe that it should be embraced as an exciting development.
Captivating, Rewarding, Evolving
I’m really proud to be part of a team that learns from each other and constantly strives to deliver amazing work for our brands. We’re building something really special and it’s incredibly rewarding to be part of it.
I love what I do. I’d like to think that I’ll be continuing to look for innovative ways to connect with consumers and deliver commercial outcomes. The exciting thing about our industry is that it is constantly evolving so you never know what the future holds, but I’d like to think that if I can continue to grow and develop in this space, I’ll have the opportunity to work with teams and individuals, providing thought-leadership around consumer connections.
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Top image: Harry McGregor
Whether it’s a childhood jingle that you can still sing word for word, or a campaign that influences the way you work today, everyone has an ad that has really stuck with them.
Mediaweek has been asking the industry to take a trip down memory lane, to find out all about the ads that made us.
The Spray & Wipe series of television commercials
Who could forget the Spray & Wipe series?
I remember weeknights in front of the tele with the family and this advertisement standing out from the rest.
Featuring Paula Duncan, who I would read about in my mother’s “Woman’s Day” magazine was now frantically cleaning a house before unexpected guests arrive. She was brilliant!
I loved that they turned it into a series over a couple of decades.
The catchy jingle is what makes it so memorable for me and the relatability of a cleaning frenzy before guests arrive.
Pixie Caramel – Any Last Request?
The 1980s Pixie Caramel ad is pure genius! Picture this: our hero facing a firing squad, calmly requesting a Pixie Caramel bar as his last indulgence. As he savours every chewy bite, the guards doze off, paving the way for his daring escape. This comedic twist on a tense moment is elevated by its awesome art direction, casting, styling and sound design making it an absolute classic.
The Decore Shampoo Ad
Forget the usual bubble bath routine – the Decore ad transformed our family shower time into something much more musical! Seeing a family, just like us, belting out the “du du du du du du du” jingle together in the ad sparked a new ritual. That simple melody, even today, transports me back, a testament to the power of music to transform the ordinary. Decore might not have been the most luxurious shampoo, but its ad brilliantly captured the magic music brings to everyday moments, turning a chore into a joyful family memory.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1b3p8cJeNgc
See also: The Ads That Made Us: Too Many Rabbits, Dikembe Mutombo, Evolution
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Top image: Leanne Glamuzina, Brad Stevens and Jessica Hunter
Mediaweek’s Media Movers charts the biggest people moves in the industry over the past week.
This week:
Lisa Ronson has announced her next move as chief marketing officer of health insurer, Medibank. Ronson is set to start on 22 July.
Ronson’s appointment follows the departure of senior executive of brand, marketing, and customer experience Fiona Le Broq, who left on 25 June after nine years with the company for a new opportunity, as Medibank told Mediaweek.
Paul Luckett has shared news of his departure from News Corp Australia after almost a decade with the publisher.
He took to LinkedIn to say that his role as head of ad tech and commercial innovation was among those impacted by the recent restructuring.
As parent company Nine Entertainment makes extensive cuts, Pedestrian Group is transitioning “out of current brand licences,” alongside the departure of Pedestrian CEO, Matt Rowley.
Licensed brands to be dropped include Gizmodo, Lifehacker, Vice, Refinery29, and Kotaku.
Executive head of LiSTNR Podcasts Grant Tothill has appointed Clair Weaver to the newly created role of head of factual for LiSTNR.
Weaver’s career includes working with 60 Minutes as a producer, 9News Sydney as an investigations editor, The Australian Women’s Weekly as a senior journalist, and, as a reporter for the Sunday Telegraph and London’s Evening Standard.
Dan Fryer has joined Hello Social as executive creative director to expand the independent agency’s creative offering after five years with The Monkeys.
Fryer will lead Hello Social’s creative vision, collaborating closely with a full-service team of specialists across editorial, studio, production, talent, media and PR.
The Lab has promoted Rebecca Brody to managing director, Melbourne.
The newly created role cements the business’ growth plans, particularly in the Victorian capital, as it continues to enhance its suite of capabilities across qualitative and quantitative research, Behavioural Science, cultural analysis, data and analytics.
Broadsheet has appointed Nick Connellan to the newly created role of Australia editor to oversee daily operations of the editorial team and contribute to the strategic direction of local content
He will continue reporting to editorial director Katya Wachtel when she returns from maternity leave, while managing the team’s editors.
Man of Many has revealed its dedicated corporate site which aims to elevate brand visibility, attract advertiser inquiries, and offer comprehensive data and analytics to potential partners.
Dean Blake joins the Man of Many editorial team, focusing on the technology, entertainment, and lifestyle sectors. Beatrix Boon is also joining Man of Many and will work as a video producer. Boon previously worked at NOVA Entertainment, where she led video content production for the podcast team.
UM Australia has promoted Michael Mellington to the newly created role of head of media planning. Mellington, who was previously head of partnerships, Melbourne, will lead the agency’s national media planning team and bring his experience to the forefront of UM’s media planning craft.
The Australian and Prestige titles have unveiled a new leadership team to drive the next phase of audience and commercial growth, led by managing director and publisher Nicholas Gray and editor-in-chief Michelle Gunn.
Sophie Raptis has been appointed general manager, commercial for The Australian and Prestige Titles. Raptis returns to the Australian market to join the business in this new role and will be responsible for driving revenue growth and partnerships across the portfolio.
Other editorial leaders under Gunn, include Kelvin Healey, editor of The Australian, Edwina McCann, editorial director and publisher, prestige and Conde Nast Titles, Darren Davidson, managing editor and commercial director, Petra Rees, deputy editor, Georgina Windsor, deputy editor, Christine Kellett, head of digital, Claire Harvey, editorial director, Perry Williams, business editor, and Johnathan Barhoumeh, head of video.
Other recent senior appointments reporting to Gray are Suz Rolfe, current head of subscriber experience, will move to the new role of general manager, Marketing, Audience and Digital Development to drive audience growth and lead digital product management.
Chrissie Bell, appointed general manager, Subscriber Data, Platforms and Growth, will optimise revenue growth and enhance subscriber experience through platforms, data, pricing strategies and consumer operations for all News Corp Australia.
Helen McMurdo, current general manager, Tech Platform Partnerships, will continue to lead the strategy and execution for content licensing, technology platform partnerships, and content partnerships for all of News Corp Australia reporting to Gray.
TikTok has made several of its Australian roles redundant following large-scale layoffs affecting roughly 1,000 global employees of the social media platform.
EssenceMediacom has appointed Sarah James as chief investment officer, underscoring the GroupM agency’s commitment to investment strategies in the new communications economy.
Initiative has promoted Megan Davey to the newly created role of head of Melbourne from general manager, Melbourne.
Mason Rook has resigned from his role as commercial director of sales and operations for Australia and New Zealand at Guardian Australia.
DDB Sydney has appointed Rupert Price as chief strategy officer. He joins the agency’s Sydney office from DDB Group Aotearoa where he spent the last 12 years as its chief strategy officer. Price brings with him 25 years of industry experience in agencies across London and New Zealand.
The Royals have announced that Dan Beaumont, director and partner of ten years, will depart from the company by the end of this month.
The Royals confirmed with Mediaweek that Beaumont’s responsibilities will be handled by co-managing partner Andrew Siwka.
Beaumont joined the independent creative agency in 2014 from The Monkeys, part of Accenture Song. In a statement about his departure, Beaumont mentioned he is leaving for a “new project.”
“It’s been an incredible journey. I have learned a lot and I’m immensely satisfied with what we managed to achieve as a group,” he said.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working closely with so many talented Royals, who have passed through the agency in 10 years. I would like to thank our clients for trusting us with their business and I’m incredibly proud of the ideas and campaigns we’ve produced together. Looking forward, I believe now is the right moment for me to move on to an exciting new project (unfortunately that means I won’t be spending more time with family).
“I’m confident that The Royals will continue to thrive with Andrew, Steve and Dave. I wish them the best and thank them for their partnership over the last decade. Please don’t forget to water the plants for me.”
Andrew Siwka, managing partner and founder of The Royals, added: “Dan has been an integral part of establishing our national presence, and growing The Royals, so his contributions have been invaluable.
“Ten years is a long time so we’re understanding of Dan’s decision to leave the business and we look forward to seeing where he applies his seemingly limitless creative passions to next”.
Beaumont played a pivotal role in establishing The Royals’ Sydney office and in its achievements, including being named Campaign UK Global Independent Agency of the Year in 2023 and, most recently, receiving the AFR BOSS Best Places to Work award.
During his tenure, Beaumont worked closely with the agency’s portfolio of brands, including Fairfax, Campari, Snackbrands, Coates, MyState Bank, Athena Home Loans, Koala, Coopers Brewery, Mirvac, and Smartpay.
This departure follows The Royals’ recent announcement of winning Bega Group’s creative account for its Dairy Farmers brand. Bega Group put the Dairy Farmers creative account up for pitch in March after parting ways with its former agency of record, M&C Saatchi.
Mediaweek has reached out to The Royals and Beaumont for further comment.
See also: Bega hands Dairy Farmers creative account to The Royals
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Top Image: Dan Beaumont
105.1 Triple M Melbourne has confirmed a temporary Breakfast show: Triple M Breakfast with Wil Anderson, Dale ‘Daisy’ Thomas and Rosie Walton.
The show will run through the AFL season until Friday, 4 October, featuring a line-up of footy and comedy.
A permanent Triple M Breakfast lineup will be announced at a later date.
Starting 15 July, Wil Anderson and Collingwood premiership player, Daisy Thomas, will join the Breakfast show alongside Rosie Walton, a Triple M mainstay for more than 20 years.
Wil Anderson said: “I am a huge fan of Rosie, Daisy, and Triple M. I’m ready to take off the sub vest and help the team charge towards a run deep into the finals. I reckon listeners are going to love what we’ve got ahead.”
Daisy Thomas said: “I’m pumped to be setting an early alarm and having a laugh with the Triple M family every day for breakfast.”
Rosie Walton said: “I grew up listening to Triple M Melbourne and it’s a privilege to be part of the station I love. I’m so excited to share the mornings with Wil and Daisy.”
Triple M Breakfast will also include appearances from regular guests, including Melbourne Football Club captain Max Gawn, and AFLW star Sarah Hosking, with more guests to be revealed.
Triple M Melbourne content director, Jay Mueller, said: “We are thrilled to have the expertise of Wil, Daisy and Rosie to guide Triple M Breakfast through to the end of the footy season. These are three fantastic people, passionate about radio, music, and footy, who will create a show Melburnians will absolutely love.”
Radio Ratings Survey 4 saw 105.1 Triple M up 0.9 points for a 7.5 share. In his final survey on Triple M breakfast, Marty Sheargold was up by 0.7 points to 6.6%.
See also: Melbourne Radio Ratings 2024 Survey 4: 3AW on top, Kyle & Jackie O flat
Coles 360 is expanding its retail media offering by extending it to the group’s liquor business. Starting in August, Coles Liquor suppliers can book campaigns through the Coles 360 platform.
Previously known as Coles Media, Coles 360 is the group’s media service with a team of media professionals, strategy planners, and operational specialists. It partners with brands on campaign execution, offering omni-channel solutions to connect with Coles’ customer base.
Coles Liquor supplier brands will be able to connect with customers across its three liquor banners – First Choice Liquor Market, Liquorland, and Vintage Cellars – enabling them to advertise across the Coles 360 retail media network.
According to the supermarket giant, this capability makes Coles 360 “the only retail media network offering a food and drink proposition in Australia.” Coles 360 further plans to connect the food and drink suppliers to develop joint media plans based on similar audiences and objectives.
“We are excited to work with the Coles Liquor Group suppliers to help them connect with their customers in new ways and extend their reach to Coles supermarket customers by leveraging our extensive existing retail media network,” said general manager of Coles 360, Paul Brooks.
“That’s where the real opportunity lies. We have oversight of brands objectives so can help facilitate powerful partnerships that benefit both brands.
“We will also be able to demonstrate incrementality and provide insights into campaign effectiveness through our new measurement capability, Coles 360Impact, which I know Liquor suppliers will greatly benefit from.”
Paul Brooks, general manager Coles 360 & Mia Lloyd, general manager Coles Liquor customer loyalty
Mia Lloyd, general manager of customer loyalty at Coles Liquor, added: “We’re excited about the opportunities this integration brings. By using the extensive Coles 360 retail media network, we’ll be able to connect with our customers more effectively and drive brand growth for our suppliers. It’s a win-win.”
Coles 360 has already tested its omni-channel network with liquor suppliers, working with beverage company Lion on the launch campaign for the James Squire Limited Edition XPA in partnership with Masterchef.
Chloe Gibson, customer director for Coles, Field and eComm at Lion, said: “With more than 7,000 cases already sold, this launch sets a new industry standard, showcasing the power of an integrated activation plan in bringing our product to life both in-store and beyond.”
The update from Coles follows the June launch of its new sub-brand, Coles Simply, in collaboration with Melbourne independent agency the thrills, geared towards budget-savvy consumers.
See also: Coles launches budget-friendly ‘Simply’ range via the thrills
The Australian will publish a special 104-page 60th Anniversary Collector’s Edition magazine tomorrow, featuring influential people of the past 60 years.
From prime ministers, business titans and sports champions to musicians, scientists and artists, the list includes those who have shaped the nation over the past six decades, including John Howard, Sir Frank Lowy, Julia Gillard, and youngest list-maker Ash Barty.
The cover story features News Corporation chairman Lachlan Murdoch, who sits down with The Australian’s editor-at large, Paul Kelly, for an exclusive interview about journalism and his Australian family roots.
The Australian’s editor-in-chief, Michelle Gunn, said: “In our 60th year of publication we are celebrating journalism and what it means to our readers and the nation. The 60th Anniversary Collector’s Edition marks some of the highlights of The Australian’s presence on the national stage for the past six decades as well as looking to the future.
“We’ve always prided ourselves on our connection with our audience, it is a relationship built on trust, shared values, and a commitment to quality journalism. Highly engaged with our content, they understand that a healthy contest of ideas is needed to drive the nation forward.”
The issue also features six essays engaging in big ideas that will inspire a special podcast series of The Front, running each Saturday for six weeks from tomorrow. Essayists include Paul Kelly, Chris Uhlmann, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, Shankari Chandran, Professors Richard Scolyer and Georgina Long, and Trent Dalton.
Along with the Australian companies supporting The Australian’s birthday celebrations – Qantas, Harvey Norman, Hancock Prospecting, CommBank, Ampol and Woodside – the magazine is supported by advertisers including Rolex, Paspaley, Range Rover, Viking Cruises, Abercrombie & Kent, and Omega.
The Australian and Prestige Titles’ managing director and publisher Nicholas Gray said: “The collector’s edition is a celebration of our proud past and exciting future. We welcome the backing of our clients, whose support of the magazine and The Australian’s 60th program has helped bring outstanding journalism to our subscribers.”
The Australian’s 60th Anniversary Collector’s Edition is available online exclusively to subscribers at theaustralian.com.au and as a large-format magazine inserted into The Weekend Australian newspaper tomorrow, Saturday, 13 July.
Mark Humphries will join 7NEWS from Friday night to present a weekly satirical segment, The 6.57pm News.
The new segment will air tonight and will continue every Friday at the end of Seven’s 6pm bulletins. It will be broadcast live on Channel Seven and 7plus.
“After five years sullying the good name of the ABC’s 7.30, I’m delighted to now be sullying the good name of 7NEWS,” said Humphries.
“This isn’t some radical shakeup of the news, it’s just a three-minute segment at the end of the week. There’ll still be plenty of time for the program to talk about football matches that have already happened and football matches that haven’t happened yet.
“I believe I’ve been hired due to my vague resemblance to network star Dr Chris Brown. I’m looking forward to playing the back of Chris’ head in reverse shots on Dancing With the Stars.”
He continued: “With Matt Shirvington, Matt Doran and Matt Carmichael all working out of Seven’s Sydney studio, I’m here to prove that Seven does occasionally hire people who aren’t called Matt.”
Humphries first gained prominence as a presenter on ABC’s satirical news show The Roast and later on 7.30. Last August, the comedian and his 7:30 team – co-writer Evan Williams and director of photography/editor Chloe Angelo – were let go. ABC executive producer Joel Tozer blamed “a tight budgetary environment” for the decision.
Humphries has also appeared on The Feed on SBS, hosted Network Ten’s quiz show Pointless, and has been a regular on ABC’s Insiders since 2016.
Seven’s director of news and current affairs and Seven West Media’s editor-in-chief, Anthony De Ceglie, commented: “When the nightly news is done well, it’s always been about more than just breaking stories, the latest crime incidents, sports highlights or world events. It’s also about making you think, sometimes making you cry and hopefully making you smile.
“Mark’s new segment will use satire to cut through political spin and translate current affairs in the universal news language of taking the piss. We are thrilled to have his talents join the 7NEWS family.”
The news follows Seven West Media’s announcement of up to 150 job cuts in late June. Subsequently, three of its top staff – chief revenue officer Kurt Burnette, chief marketing officer Melissa Hopkins, and head of sport and managing director of Seven Melbourne Lewis Martin – announced their departures from the company.
See also: Seven West Media redundancies: Three of network’s top executives exit
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Top Image: Mark Humphries
EssenceMediacom, The Open Arms, and UnLtd have rallied the media industry together to support Do It for Dolly Day 2024, raising awareness and funds to create a kinder and safer world for Australia’s kids and communities.
This year’s campaign encouraged Australians to transform into community heroes by going blue on Do It For Dolly Day on Friday 10 May.
The fundraising campaign has so far resulted in $1,186,494 in donations for Dolly’s Dream to help deliver bullying prevention and online safety programs across Australia, representing a 54% increase YOY.
Dolly’s Dream was created by Kate and Tick Everett following the loss of their 14-year-old daughter, Dolly, to suicide after ongoing bullying. Dolly’s Dream is focused on changing the culture of bullying by addressing the impact of bullying, anxiety, depression and youth suicide, through education and direct support to young people and families.
Michael Watkins, communications manager at Dolly’s Dream, said: “We are so grateful for the continuous support from EssenceMediacom, The Open Arms, UnLtd and the wider media industry to help create a kinder world, free of bullying. It was incredible to see Australians go blue in such creative ways and at all corners of the country in memory of Dolly and to make a stand against bullying. Thank you to everyone who supported the campaign!”
The creative by The Open Arms encouraged Australians to go blue in creative ways and to make blue a ‘shortcut’ for the power of community to minimise the harm, impact and incidence of bullying.
Amy Hollier, co-founder of The Open Arms, said: “You realise how powerful the Dolly’s Dream message is when you physically travel the country to hear the stories of its very diverse kindness community. We waded in the Murray with an ultramarathon farmer and gas-bagged with grannies who trek the Simpson Desert, all to discover their deeply personal reasons for going blue.
“We captured their story in a way that would spark support in someone 1000km away, thanks hugely to the mighty media impact brought by EssenceMediacom, and the partnership of UnLtd. We are proud and privileged to partner with Dolly’s Dream, for the 5th year running in this vital work.”
The media campaign was driven by EssenceMediacom with over 41 partners supporting the campaign with $13,592,221 worth of pro bono media inventory across all channels donated by UnLtd’s industry partners. The EssenceMediacom team also got behind the campaign by going blue and organising office fundraisers in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, raising over $52k.
Katherine Pochroj, group marketplace director at EssenceMediacom, commented: “Our partnership with Dolly’s Dream is one of a kind. Seeing the incredible results from our third campaign together is humbling and demonstrates the impact the breakthrough work we are doing together delivers.
“The results this year are a testament to the hard work the incredible team at EssenceMediacom, Dolly’s Dream, The Open Arms and UnLtd are doing to change the lives of young Aussies and their families. We can’t thank our media partners enough for their support of Dolly’s Dream as these results simply wouldn’t be possible without them.”
Emily Long, account director at UnLtd, added: “We are so happy to see the Do It For Dolly Day campaign go from strength to strength each year thanks to the incredible support of EssenceMediacom, The Open Arms and our industry partners. These vital funds will allow Dolly’s Dream to continue providing life-changing resources for young people and their parents to combat bullying.”
Avid Collective welcomed more than 30 publishers to its ‘The future of branded and native content’ event at the pop-up gallery Incognito Art Show in Sydney’s Paddington on Tuesday.
At the event, the native content company launched its Publisher SaaS platform, which allows publishers to license their own version of Avid Collective’s platform to run campaigns they book directly with brands and agencies
Avid noted the core goals it aims to achieve for publishers with the platform is to improve publisher efficiency, client experience and accessibility.
Luke Spano, CEO of Avid Collective, said: “It was great to be able to share Avid’s platform product roadmap and create a collective opportunity to collaborate as a group on evolving that roadmap.
“We believe industry-wide innovation is vital to the media ecosystem, and digital publishers working together is a great approach to driving category growth within the broader advertising sphere. The interest and engagement from publishers in the room felt super high, and we’re excited to run more publisher-focused events into the future.”
Avid hosted its event at the Incognito Art Show to support the not-for-profit art show that exhibits over 15,000 original artworks to support two organisations; Studio A, which provides professional development for artists with intellectual disabilities, and We Are Studios, a fully disability-led, inclusive studio empowering artists.
The art show attracts amateur and professional artists who contribute A5 sized artworks, which are exhibited anonymously. The art is then sold for $100 to the public on a first-come-first-served basis, only after purchase will the artist be revealed on the reverse of the artwork.
By opening the registration to all, the Incognito Art Show removes the barrier to entry for aspiring artists to exhibit. In turn, the flat $100 cost lowers the barrier for aspiring collectors.
Avid ran a pro bono campaign to generate awareness of the Incognito Art Show, educate audiences about the initiative and inspire aspiring collectors to start building their wishlists. In partnership with publishers, Avid was able to get a mix of articles, social posts and EDM content to support the in-person sale event currently happening at Incognito.
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Top image: Luke Spano
To celebrate the return of House of the Dragon, a prequel to the fantasy drama phenomenon Game of Thrones,” creative agency Thinkerbell has launched a new campaign for BINGE featuring duelling hot sauces inspired by the series’ Green and Black Councils: ‘Revenge’ and ‘Dracarys’.
Thinkerbell created the limited edition hot sauces to allow fans to pledge their allegiance to either the Green or Black Councils as they vie for the Iron Throne. The Black Sauce, ‘Dracarys’, for Queen Rhaenyra supporters, features carolina reaper, scorpion, and bird’s eye chilies, with a Scoville rating of 500,000 units. The Green Sauce, ‘Revenge’, for King Aegon supporters, contains green habaneros, charapitas, and jalapenos, with a rating of 35,000 units.
Each bottle is individually wax-dipped and packaged with labels that reflect elements of the feuding councils. Strict safety warnings are included:
‘DO NOT CONSUME IF YOU ARE SENSITIVE TO SPICY FOODS OR HAVE ANY RESPECT FOR YOU RECTUM WHATSOEVER’, and ‘CONSUMPTION OF THIS SAUCE MAY INDUCE A TRIP TO THE PORCELAIN THRONE’.
“Ahhh ahh, oh my god. Aaahhhhh, hot-hot-hot-hot!,” said Thinkerbell’s chief creative, Tom Wenborn.
“The idea at its simplest is that dragons breathe fire,” explained Thinkerbell’s head of craft, Keir Vaughan.
“So let’s make hot sauces that are so hot, you breathe fire. Beyond that, we really wanted to get to the core of the bitter feud between Houses and express this as two distinctly crafted label designs that felt iconically representative of both Houses and their Dragon Sauces. Above all, designs that are highly collectable, sharable and loved. And hot ”
An earned media campaign covered the launch across Australian TV shows including Sunday Night with Matty Johns and AFL Bounce, along with pop culture outlets like Man of Many and New Idea.
Fans in Australia have pledged their allegiance to either the Green or Black councils as part of a giveaway of the limited edition hot sauces on BINGE’s social channels. Celebrities, including House of the Dragon cast members Harry Collett and Bethany Antonia, Caroline Gaultier and Krissy Marsh from The Real Housewives of Sydney, St. George Illawarra Dragons players Kyle Flanagan and Jesse Marschke, Cam Mooney and Ruby Schleicher from the AFL Bounce crew, social media stars Luke and Sassy Scott, and Fox League duo Fletch and Hindy, were also invited to pick a side and test the sauces.
“Australia’s reaction to the launch of House of the Dragon season two has been phenomenal,” said BINGE’s marketing director, Fiona King.
“Our creation is set to ignite a legendary feud, and I’m so excited to see the reactions from fans as these sauces will literally make you breathe fire. We invite all fans to choose wisely and settle in with new episodes dropping weekly until Monday 22 July.”
The campaign is the latest in a series of work by Thinkerbell for the Foxtel Group’s streaming platform. In May, the agency launched Scene:Scents, candles designed to burn at a specific speed as a show plays, tied to scenes (including dog pee and the vet’s office) from BINGE Originals like Colin From Accounts, Strife, and The Twelve.
The work also complements BINGE’s overarching I Saw it on BINGE brand platform, established by the Thinkerbell. It released the second instalment of the platform in May with a campaign featuring protagonist Mike finding himself at a wake.
See also: Thinkerbell launches second instalment of ‘I Saw it on BINGE’
Credits:
Client: BINGE
Creative and Earned: Thinkerbell
Production: Hotel Bell
Hot Sauce: Bunsters Hot Sauce
Photographer: Chris Hillary
Stylist: Bianca Milani
Nine’s Tipping Point Australia recorded a total TV national reach of 1,435,000, a total TV national audience of 756,000, and a BVOD audience of 53,000.
Seven’s The Front Bar recorded a total TV national reach of 1,266,000, a total TV national audience of 572,000, and a BVOD audience of 27,000.
Also on Seven, Home & Away recorded a total TV national reach of 1,390,000, a total TV national audience of 860,000, and a BVOD audience of 117,000.
10’s airing of Bondi Rescue recorded a total TV national reach of 648,000, a total TV national audience of 325,000, and a BVOD audience of 20,000.
See also: TV Report 10 July 2024: Bondi Rescue highlights the busiest day in a decade for Bondi Beach
Nine’s Tipping Point Australia:
• Total TV nation reach: 337,000
• National Audience: 160,000
• BVOD Audience: 26,000
10’s Bondi Rescue:
• Total TV nation reach: 264,000
• National Audience: 140,000
• BVOD Audience: 12,000
Seven’s The Front Bar:
• Total TV nation reach: 398,000
• National Audience: 186,000
• BVOD Audience: 15,000
Seven’s Home & Away:
• Total TV nation reach: 435,000
• National Audience: 289,000
• BVOD Audience: 66,000
Nine’s Tipping Point Australia:
• Total TV nation reach: 125,000
• National Audience: 60,000
• BVOD Audience: 13,000
10’s Bondi Rescue:
• Total TV nation reach: 100,000
• National Audience: 55,000
• BVOD Audience: 6,000
Seven’s The Front Bar:
• Total TV nation reach: 142,000
• National Audience: 71,000
• BVOD Audience: 8,000
Seven’s Home & Away:
• Total TV nation reach: 154,000
• National Audience: 115,000
• BVOD Audience: 40,000
Nine’s Tipping Point Australia:
• Total TV nation reach: 1,145,000
• National Audience: 614,000
• BVOD Audience: 43,000
10’s Bondi Rescue:
• Total TV nation reach: 505,000
• National Audience: 250,000
• BVOD Audience: 16,000
Seven’s The Front Bar:
• Total TV nation reach: 1,000,000
• National Audience: 445,000
• BVOD Audience: 21,000
Seven’s Home & Away:
• Total TV nation reach: 1,095,000
• National Audience: 674,000
• BVOD Audience: 94,000
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.
TV Report 11 July 2024:
NRL – Dolphins v Rabbitohs
Nine’s draw for the evening was the Dolphins v Rabbitohs, which saw the Dolphins dominate, beating the Rabbits 36-28 at Kayo Stadium in Redcliffe.
A Current Affair
The program investigated a bill dispute which resulted in two dozen used mattresses dumped in a customer’s driveway and met with a handyman hubby chipping in for a widow who lost her husband to prostate cancer.
Britain’s Got Talent
On Seven, Britain’s Got Talent saw judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli as they searched for golden-buzzer-worthy talent.
Home & Away
Earlier in the night was Home & Away as Tane strikes up a bond with Perri and Mackenzie fretted over Dean’s reaction to Levi.
The Project
The Project on 10 reported on the Greens’ supermarket prize freeze proposal and spoke to Lloyd Langford, Anne Edmonds and Herbie Hancock.
Taskmaster Australia
On 10’s Taskmaster Australia, contestants Josh Thomas, Jenny Tian, Lloyd Langford, Anne Edmonds and Wil Anderson were instructed to scramble a few eggs and the teams’ skill, nerve, and trust will be put to the ultimate test in the live task: blowing bubbles.
7:30
7:30 saw Sarah Ferguson interview US author Roxane Gay.
Grand Designs Revisited
In 2019 master carpenter Olaf and his partner Fritha built a triangular house on a tricky plot in West Sussex. Now presenter Kevin returns to see how life has been for Olaf, Fritha and daughter Lagertha.
Grand Designs: The Streets
Kevin McCloud revisits Jitinder whose house remained unfinished when he last met him – thanks to problems with moisture and his resin floor. Kevin goes back to experience the full majesty of his home.
SBS
Guillaume’s French Atlantic
Guillaume Brahimi took viewers through the luxury and refinement of Bordeaux, exploring its regal architecture, indulging in signature dishes, and discovering the allure of the most exclusive wineries in the world.
Duvall died in her sleep of complications from diabetes at her home in Blanco, Texas, according to Dan Gilroy, who had been her life partner since 1989.
Gilroy told The Hollywood Reporter: “My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley.”
The story is a period piece and completely original: In 1968, a government operative (Woody Harrelson) hires a marketing virtuoso (Scarlett Johansson) to convince the public – and Congress – that a troubled NASA can pull off its scheduled Apollo 11 moon landing. Stylish and devious, she clashes with the rigid launch director (Channing Tatum) and secretly – as a backup, to be used only in an emergency – arranges for a fake landing to be filmed on a soundstage. What’s the harm?
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has claimed the JB Hi-Fi-owned discount goods warehouse incorrectly told customers the only hurdle to qualify for a store credit, called StoreCash, was spending a certain amount of money on specific products online or in store
They were also required to sign up to receive marketing communications in order to obtain the store credit, the ACCC alleged.
The group said in its complaint filed on Wednesday, opens new tab that Brinker unlawfully used “Sabotage” in Chili’s social-media ads, falsely implying that the Beastie Boys endorsed the casual-dining restaurants.
Attorneys for the Beastie Boys and spokespeople for Brinker did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the lawsuit on Thursday.
Newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung as well as broadcasters NDR and WDR earlier jointly reported the news, saying the agreement gives network operators Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone and Telefonica Deutschland more time to replace critical parts.
Under the preliminary agreement driven by security considerations, operators will initially rid the country’s core network of 5G data centres of technology made by companies such as Huawei and ZTE in 2026, said the sources, adding that a final pact has yet to be signed.
DMGT, which also owns the Metro and the i newspapers, feared a “protracted regulatory process” amid potential competition concerns if it won the auction and said this could affect its ability to grow its own existing business.
The open auction process to buy The Telegraph and The Spectator magazine is restarting after a failed bid by the Jeff Zucker-led Redbird IMI, a joint investment vehicle between US private equity firm Redbird and Abu Dhabi-backed vehicle International Media Investments.
According to SBS its highest national Total TV Reach has been 944,000 viewers for Stage 2.
While Reach may be a contentious figure in ratings reports, it does become more contextully relevant when broadcasts can extend for over 5 hours. When a race finishes as late as 1:45am not everybody makes it to the finish line.
Helping to gauge its success is the broadcasting share SBS is attracting across the event. On Saturday it went above 10 and ABC to give SBS third place for the night at 14.7%. At the moment, Tour de France is helping SBS to double points every night.
See also: Tour de France 2024 TV Guide: Where and when every stage, plus commentator guide
Wondery will exclusively distribute and sell ads for Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, as well as co-produce two new podcasts. The agreement also includes a livestream of the show each year with Shepard and a first-look option for any new podcasts he creates.
The deal is part of a wave of new podcast deals being forged after a boom-and-bust cycle for the format over the past five years. It underscores how the format is evolving in its new, more sober era, and the new ways platforms are trying to monetise hot shows and their stars.
The addition of the former ABC and SBS comedian marks part of changes under news boss Anthony De Ceglie.
Ahead of the launch Humphries spoke with The Nightly, owned by Seven West Media, and addressed some concerns following his move to commercial news.
“I’m in two minds of trying to keep everyone that’s concerned about this segment, having them feel relaxed, but at the same time, feeling like I do want it to be something a bit different,” Humphries said. “I do want you to occasionally go, ‘Oh, that was surprising’ and ‘Oh, that was quite sharp. I do like to think that occasionally that stuff I do has a bit of teeth.
That case has now become a crucible in which the traditional playing pieces of documentary, docudrama and “based-on-a-true-story” television dramas are being put to the torch. At stake? The boundary between documentary and “true crime” or “true life” fiction.
Veteran journalist and broadcaster Ray Martin explores the grim subject as he plans his own funeral for the three-part SBS special “The Last Goodbye,” set to air from 14th August.
At 79 years of age, the five-time Logie Award winner, like the rest of us, isn’t getting any younger.