Friday November 15, 2024
REA Group teams up with LiveRamp to offer new data-driven advertising solutions
insights and more personalised campaigns, empowering advertisers to better target audiences while giving consumers more control over their data. The new offering, developed in collaboration with data platform LiveRamp, will launch in early 2025, aimed initially at media customers.
At the heart of this solution is the LiveRamp Clean Room, powered by Habu, which creates a secure data collaboration environment between trusted partners. This will allow REA to match advertisers’ first-party data with Australia’s largest and most engaged property audience on realestate.com.au, providing unparalleled targeting capabilities and more relevant, effective advertising.
Unlocking the power of data collaboration for advertisers
The new platform will enable media and marketing executives to access actionable insights, empowering them to optimise campaigns, improve personalisation, and measure performance more effectively. By leveraging privacy best practices, REA Group ensures that advertisers can engage audiences while maintaining compliance with evolving privacy regulations.
Rob Hudson, REA Group’s national sales director (Media), said, “Our personalisation strategy is central to realestate.com.au’s leadership, with over 11.9 million Australians visiting our platform every month. This new data collaboration solution will help our customers drive more effective campaigns, with consumer privacy at the forefront of our efforts.”
A partnership built for privacy-first advertising
As audience fragmentation continues to challenge marketers, the partnership with LiveRamp enables REA to offer solutions that support privacy-first advertising. Melanie Hoptman, managing director, APAC at LiveRamp, highlighted the strategic importance of this collaboration. “REA Group is a leader in the Australian market, and this partnership will help advertisers reach consumers at critical moments in their journeys while ensuring privacy compliance. Together, we’re making data collaboration more impactful and value-driven for all stakeholders,” she said.
With privacy concerns and new regulations on the horizon, REA Group’s commitment to data transparency and consumer consent positions them as a leader in privacy-conscious advertising, offering innovative solutions that give brands the confidence to engage Australian audiences effectively.
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Top image: Rob Hudson
The Ads That Made Us: McCain does it again, Lurpak pioneers food porn and Nescafé romanticises serialised storytelling
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.
Lucy Houldsworth, director – Communicado
Ahh McCain…you’ve done it again!
In the early 2000’s I worked on the McCain account, and we shot so many fun and iconic ads. They all had a certain quirky formula and sat under the umbrella – Ahh McCain… you’ve done it again! It has always stuck with me how powerful many of these ads were, and there was one in particular we keep bringing back.
Every time we aired it, sales would spike – McCain Baby Peas. It was first shot in 1994 and was aired multiple times up until the mid-2000’s. It always puts a smile on my face.
Alex Fallowfield, head of client services – D3
Lurpak ‘Potato’
In the UK during the 2000s, there was a standout series of adverts for Lurpack butter, particularly the potato one! The ability to take a humble baked potato and elevate it using only Lurpack felt like something we could all achieve.
There were extreme close ups of food, crisp sounds of the crunch & bubble of cooking and a sensuous Scandinavian voice detailing what we all wanted. It was very ASMR and really led the charge in the ‘food porn’ category. The ads were iconic and I still eat Lurpack.
Daniel Hedger, integrated strategist – Communicado
Nescafé Blend 43, 1992 (McCann-Erickson)
To this day if I hear a pan flute, I’m thinking of Nescafé Blend 43 and the ‘Valley’ campaign that ran in the early-mid 90s. We talk a lot about storytelling in advertising but this first 45 second spot gives us a full one act play: a woman moves to a country town, bonds with a handsome widowed shopkeeper over a cup of Nescafé Blend 43 as the man’s smiling young daughter looks on. The woman leaves the store and the daughter points out to dad that she left the instant coffee behind. Then that occasion-prompting tagline to wrap it all up: ‘Nescafé Blend 43: It gets you together.’
It’s all so warm and cosy. You can feel through the screen how hot that coffee is. It’s also clever because it features what instant coffee as a product can’t fix: it’s too hot to drink right away, so it’s the perfect time for a chinwag while it’s cooling down. It’s probably why a generation of people still order their coffee ‘extra hot’, trying to recreate that ‘coffee as social catalyst’ experience in cafes.
This was only the first in a series of ads following these same characters, culminating in a kiss between the woman (Gillian) and the shopkeeper (Roy), the first example of serialised storytelling in Australian advertising. The long running campaign built an emotional connection with the audience and over time helped them associate the brand with that cosy feeling (it also helped sales, according to this 1996 AFR article).
Do I still drink instant coffee? No but I’d put money on my first cup being Nescafé Blend 43.
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To take part in future editions of The Ads That Made Us, please email: [email protected]
Past editions of The Ads That Made Us.
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Top image: Lucy Houldsworth, Alex Fallowfield and Daniel Hedger
Disney’s Q4 2024 sees 14% growth in ad revenue, strong streaming outlook in Australia
The Walt Disney Company’s fiscal 2024 fourth-quarter results, released on 14 November, offer a glimpse into the media giant’s ongoing transformation, particularly in advertising revenue and strategic spending.
While Disney posted a 6% year-on-year increase in quarterly revenues, the company’s future strategies reflect both resilience and the rapid changes underway in the entertainment landscape. The growth in ad revenue, combined with significant investments in content and international expansion, could have a significant impact on the Australian market, especially regarding ad dollars and streaming strategies.
Key financial highlights
Disney’s total revenue for Q4 reached $22.6 billion, up from $21.2 billion in the same period last year. A notable highlight was the 14% growth in advertising revenue for Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) streaming segment, which includes platforms like Disney+ and Hulu. This led to a significant contribution to operating income, with Disney’s DTC businesses collectively delivering $321 million in operating income for Q4 alone.
Moreover, Disney’s sports segment saw a 7% year-on-year growth in domestic ESPN advertising revenue, further cementing the value of live sports in their content strategy. These strong advertising results are a testament to the growing value of both traditional and digital ad spend, particularly within Disney’s broader strategy of content diversification and regional expansion.
Where the revenue is being spent
While Disney’s ad revenue growth is impressive, the company is also making significant investments to future-proof its operations. A key area of focus is the Entertainment segment, which reported an impressive 23% growth in operating income for Q4. This growth is driven by a combination of high-profile content like Inside Out 2 and Deadpool 3, and the ongoing success of its DTC streaming offerings. Disney plans to continue to double down on its streaming business, despite challenges like the competitive streaming landscape and evolving consumer behaviour.
Disney also announced strategic plans to boost profitability in its DTC segment, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) expected to grow by high-single digits in fiscal 2025. Notably, the company’s guidance highlights a targeted $875 million increase in DTC operating income, which includes adjustments to offset losses in India — a market where Disney has been making significant inroads through its regional streaming strategies.
Another key investment area is Disney’s Parks & Experiences segment, which continues to grow strongly, with record-breaking revenue and operating income for the year. However, Q4 saw a slight decline in operating income from international parks, signalling the ongoing challenges of balancing global expansion with operational costs, particularly as Disney invests in expanding cruise line offerings and new park experiences.
What this means for Australia
For Australia, the key takeaway is Disney’s increasing emphasis on ad revenue as a cornerstone of its DTC growth strategy. With ad spending on platforms like Disney+ and Hulu rising, Australian marketers and advertisers can expect to see a continued shift towards streaming platforms as key vehicles for targeted advertising. Disney’s investments in content and technology to improve ad sales will likely translate into more advertising opportunities in Australia, particularly as Disney+ grows its local subscriber base.
Disney’s global growth strategy, particularly in expanding its content library and leveraging live sports, suggests that Australian audiences can look forward to more localised content and sports offerings on Disney+ and ESPN. For instance, ESPN’s Australian offerings could see further integration with Disney’s other platforms, bringing sports content in line with local viewing habits.
Additionally, Disney’s ongoing expansion of its Experiences business, including theme parks, could have ripple effects in the Australian market. With rising tourism levels in the Asia-Pacific region, Disney may increasingly focus on its Australia-based operations, potentially targeting both local and international audiences in a growing leisure and tourism market.
Looking ahead
CEO Bob Iger struck a confident tone in his statement, citing Disney’s solid Q4 performance as evidence that the company has emerged from a period of significant disruption stronger than before. He said, “This was a pivotal and successful year for The Walt Disney Company, and thanks to the significant progress we’ve made, we have emerged from a period of considerable challenges and disruption well positioned for growth and optimistic about our future.”
With a clear focus on both short-term profitability and long-term growth, Iger highlighted that Disney is well-positioned to continue driving returns for investors through its deep content portfolio and expansive media assets. “Our solid performance in the fiscal fourth quarter reflected the success of our strategic efforts to improve quality, innovation, efficiency, and value creation,” he added.
Snapchat adds location-sharing to its Family Centre, boosting privacy and brand engagement
Snapchat is rolling out new location-sharing features in its Family Centre, reinforcing its commitment to both safety and privacy while offering brands fresh opportunities to engage with teens and families. With 350 million monthly active users engaging with Snap Map, these new tools are set to redefine how brands interact with Snapchat’s younger, privacy-conscious audience.
The 13th annual update focuses on increasing transparency and control for families, giving parents more insight into their teens’ location-sharing preferences. For marketers, these updates create new opportunities for location-based advertising, real-time engagement, and campaigns built around family-friendly messaging — all while maintaining the trust of a privacy-aware demographic.
Ben Au, public policy Lead for Australia and New Zealand at Snap Inc., said: “Snapchat is designed differently from more traditional social media – it’s a place for real-life friendships. We’ve always had extra protections for teens, but there is no finish line when it comes to safety.
“We’re committed to making Snapchat an even more fun and safe place for people to connect, and we’re pleased to introduce these new features to our Family Centre parental tools to help our community do just that.”
The new Family Centre features announced today include:
Snapchat’s new location-sharing tools within Family Centre now allow parents to request their teen’s live location. This opt-in feature fosters transparency and builds trust, allowing families to stay connected while giving teens the autonomy they value. Parents can also share their location back, creating an open exchange that aligns with Snapchat’s commitment to fostering real-life friendships.
Privacy and safety at the core: A key appeal for marketers
For marketers, the new location-sharing transparency provides valuable insights into how teens engage with Snapchat. Parents will soon be able to view which friends their teens share their location with on Snap Map, facilitating informed conversations around privacy settings. This gives brands a unique opportunity to tailor location-based content and campaigns to fit within users’ preferences while reinforcing privacy-first messaging.
The new travel notifications feature also offers families added peace of mind. Parents can select key locations, such as home, school, or extracurricular activities, and receive notifications when their teen arrives or departs. This real-time information provides both families and marketers with new opportunities for timely, context-driven engagement, potentially allowing brands to connect with users based on their specific locations and schedules.
Au highlighted the importance of these features for building a safe, supportive platform for young users. “We know that safety is paramount, especially for families. With these new features, Snapchat is not only enhancing the way families stay connected, but we’re also giving parents more visibility into their teens’ experiences. Our focus remains on offering privacy-first tools that let teens and families make their own decisions about how they engage with the platform.”
Location-based opportunities for brands and advertisers
The new features provide marketers with an exciting opportunity to create hyper-local, contextually relevant campaigns. With the ability to track specific locations, brands can deliver targeted offers or messages when users arrive or depart from key places. Whether it’s a special promotion at a nearby store or a location-based event invitation, these tools allow for smarter, more timely advertising.
Snapchat’s focus on privacy and safety reinforces trust with brands and teens
For executives focused on Gen Z and teen engagement, Snapchat’s commitment to privacy-first design positions it as a trusted space for digital interaction. The platform continues to lead the way in offering opt-in location sharing, ensuring that users control their own information. This approach builds brand loyalty by making privacy a priority, an increasingly important consideration for both users and advertisers.
Au summed up the platform’s approach. “There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to safety, which is why we are constantly innovating. These new features are just one example of how we are listening to our community and adapting to the changing needs of parents and teens. Our goal is to keep Snapchat fun, engaging, and above all, safe for the next generation of digital users.”
Gina Rinehart attends The CEO Magazine’s Executive of the Year Awards as Glenn McGrath, and Louise Baxter are recognised
The 13th annual Awards recognise the best Australian business leaders in a black-tie ceremony hosted by Larry Emdur at The Star Sydney and attended by the likes of mining magnate Gina Rinehart.
Glenn McGrath, Louise Baxter, and James Thornton were among the business leaders honoured at The CEO Magazine’s Executive of the Year Awards.
Gina Rinehart and Gerhard Veldsman.
Glenn McGrath
McGrath was presented with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award for his work championing breast cancer awareness in his role as president of the McGrath Foundation. Together with his late wife, Jane, McGrath established the McGrath Foundation to address the chronic shortage of breast care nurses across Australia, particularly in rural and regional Australia.
Today, the Foundation supports over 233 breast care nurses, positively impacting the lives of thousands of Australians affected by breast cancer.
McGrath said: “Reflecting on my journey both on and off the field, I’m humbled by the support I’ve received along the way. Founding the McGrath Foundation with Jane was a shared dream to make a meaningful impact, and thanks to the generosity of so many Australians, that vision has grown beyond anything we could have imagined.
“Jane never wanted it to be about her or me; it’s about supporting families and the incredible work of our McGrath nurses. The success of the foundation today is due to our incredible team, who are as committed and passionate as ever.
“Knowing that our McGrath Breast Care Nurses now support thousands of women and families across the country fills me with immense pride. Tonight is a celebration of what we can accomplish when we come together.”
Glenn McGrath and wife Sara Leonardi
The CEO Magazine Founder, Chris Dutton, said: “Glenn McGrath epitomises what it means to be an exceptional leader both on and off the field. His dedication to excellence in sport and his tireless work with the McGrath Foundation have left an indelible mark on Australia.
“We are proud to honour Glenn with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating not only his iconic achievements in cricket but also his profound contributions to healthcare and community support across the nation. His legacy is an inspiration, demonstrating the incredible impact one individual can have when driven by purpose and compassion,” Dutton added
The CEO Magazine also introduced a new award category – the 100% Human at Work Award that recognises organisations that prioritise people and embrace core values of respect, equity, growth, belonging, and purpose. The award was won by Mirvac for its exceptional commitment to redefining the future of work and celebrates their innovative approach to workplace culture, including technology-driven workspace optimisation, leadership in mental health, and a sustained dedication to gender equity.
Sheetal Vyas, managing director of Virgin Unite said: “I am incredibly proud of the global movement that 100% Human at Work has been able to shape. We see this as a pivotal moment for all businesses to collaborate and shape a more human future of work. Building business and ways of working that serve humanity and create a better future for current and future generations.
“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to work together with The CEO Magazine for this award, which celebrates companies that truly show the spirit of 100% Human at Work.”
Larry Emdur, Anna and Chris Dutton
Overall CEO of The Year
James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel, was awarded the coveted CEO of the Year Award. Since joining nearly 20 years ago, he has led the company as its first non-founding CEO, achieving B Corp certification in 2018 and steering it through significant milestones, including record growth and pandemic recovery.
In 2021, he secured a record capital raise from Genairgy, and in 2023, Intrepid Travel reached its strongest financial and impact results. A member of the World Travel & Tourism Council Executive Committee and YPO, Thornton advocates for balancing purpose with profit, believing the private sector is crucial in addressing social and environmental challenges.
James Thornton
Thornton said: “It’s incredible for a small Melbourne-based adventure travel company to receive such recognition. At Intrepid, our mission has always been to create positive change through the joy of travel. In a world facing both geopolitical divides and a climate crisis, we believe travel reminds us of our shared humanity.
“Meeting people from different cultures and experiencing new places can ultimately make the world a better place. That’s been Intrepid’s purpose for the past 35 years.”
Louise Baxter, CEO and Executive Director of the Starlight Children’s Foundation, and Gerhard Veldsman, CEO Group Operations at Roy Hill Holdings, were recognised as runner-up and highly commended in the Overall CEO of the Year category, respectively. Gina Rinehart attended the event in honour of Gerhard Veldman’s award.
Meanwhile in the media industry space Judy Sahay, the CEO and managing director of Crowd Media Group, was named winner in the CEO of the Year Professional Services, followed by runner up Jason Tonelli, CEO of Zenith Media.
Louise Baxter, James Thornton, Gerhard Veldsman
Gina Rinehart and Gerhard Veldsman
100% Human At Work
Mirvac was recognised as a frontrunner for the 100% Human at Work Award due to its comprehensive initiatives that reimagine the modern workplace. Notably, Mirvac leverages AI and data analytics to create adaptive workspaces that meet evolving demands, outlined in their recent whitepaper, The Workplace of the Future. Mirvac’s proactive stance on mental health, including alignment with new psychosocial legislation and a commitment to stress mitigation, sets a new standard for organisational resilience and employee wellbeing.
The company is also a leader in closing the gender pay gap, having maintained a 0% like-for-like pay gap for the eighth consecutive year. By championing female representation in senior roles and traditionally male-dominated fields such as construction, Mirvac underscores its dedication to equality and inclusion.
Mirvac’s Group CEO and managing director, Campbell Hanan said: “We are incredibly proud of this recognition today. We have worked hard on real change and implementation for ten years to be recognised as leading the way when it comes to a people-first culture as well as in gender equity, in a tangible and authentic way, rather than just in quotas and policies.
Judy Sahay
Jason Tonelli
“We are delighted with our progress and impact to date; however, we know our work is ongoing. The property and construction sectors have made excellent progress, but there is more to be done, and Mirvac is fully committed to striving for our sector to be a place where everyone feels they belong.”
Intrepid Travel was honoured as the runner-up in this category, applauded for its commitment and dedication to creating an inclusive, empowering and supportive workplace.
During the glamorous, black-tie event, guests enjoyed performances by Sydney contemporary harpist Rebekah Chandler, multi-award-winning violinist Yena leading the Strings of Life quintet, Australian singer-songwriter Reigan and DJ Claire Elliott, one of the world’s most in-demand and trusted female DJs.
The judging panel included Christine Holgate, CEO, Team Global Express; Ronni Kahn, CEO and Founder, OzHarvest; John Karagounis, Executive Chair, The CEO Circle; Colleen Callander, Former Sportsgirl CEO, Author and Keynote Speaker; Lorna Jane Clarkson, Founder, Lorna Jane; Jose Da Silva, Group CEO & Executive Director, Wilson Group; Mark Nielsen, Global CEO, Talent International; Miles Wilson, CEO, O’Brien Glass; Travis Auld, CEO, Australian Grand Prix Corporation; Chris Dutton, Founder, The CEO Magazine and Anna Dutton, Co-Founder and Executive Director, The CEO Magazine.
Anna Dutton and Christine Holgate
Winners of The CEO Magazine’s Executive of the Year Awards 2024
OVERALL CEO OF THE YEAR
Winner: James Thornton CEO Intrepid Travel
Runner-up: Louise Baxter CEO & Executive Director Starlight Children’s Foundation
Highly Commended: Gerhard Veldsman CEO Operations Hancock Prospecting (Roy Hill)
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Glenn McGrath McGrath Foundation
100% HUMAN AT WORK
Winner: Mirvac
Runner-up: Intrepid Travel
CEO of the Year Banking, Financial Services & Insurance
Winner: Christian Stevens CEO & Co-Founder Flint & Farmers Finance Australia
Runner-up: Kate Farrar CEO Brighter Super
CEO of the Year Construction, Transport & Logistics
Winner: Pat Tallon CEO Civmec
Runner-up: Sam El Rihani Chairman & Founder Decode Group
CEO of the Year Energy & Mining
Winner: Gerhard Veldsman CEO Group Operations Roy Hill Holdings
Runner-up: Guy Chalkley CEO Endeavour Energy
CEO of the Year Healthcare
Winner: Yasser Zaki Global CEO Tender Loving Care
Runner-up: Raj Khillan Director Western Specialist Centre
CEO of the Year IT & Telecommunications
Winner: John Paitaridis CEO & Founder CyberCX
Runner-up: Gavriel Schneider Group CEO Risk 2 Solution
CEO of the Year Manufacturing
Winner: Pamela Jabbour CEO & Founder Total Image Group
Runner-up: Martin-Ulrich Ripple Group CEO ANCA CNC Machines
CEO of the Year Not-for-Profit
Winner: Louise Baxter CEO & Executive Director Starlight Children’s Foundation
Runner-up: Scott Maggs CEO & Founder Skin Check Champions
CEO of the Year Professional Services
Winner: Judy Sahay CEO & Managing Director Crowd Media Group
Runner-up: Jason Tonelli CEO Zenith Media
CEO of the Year Property Development & Real Estate
Winner: Anouk Darling CEO Scape Australia Management
Runner-up: Daniel Laruccia CEO, Founder & Managing Director Spyre Group
CEO of the Year Consumer & Lifestyle
Winner: James Thornton CEO Intrepid Travel
Runner-up: Susan Wheeldon Country Director AU, NZ & Ocea
How to buy tickets for the Mediaweek 100 lunch, 2024
Australia’s most prestigious media event, the Mediaweek 100 lunch, returns for 2024 at the Pearl Ballroom, Crown Sydney, on November 22.
The Mediaweek 100 celebrates the leaders who are at the top of their game, alongside the teams driving their success at Australia’s leading media companies.
After what has been a turbulent year, this annual event attracts the industry’s most influential people.
You can buy your tickets here.
This year’s list is set to look quite different from previous years as there have been many big changes in the industry. In 2023, spots #1 and #2 were taken by former Seven CEO James Warburton and former Nine CEO Mike Sneesby, respectively and both are no longer in those roles.
Warburton placed in the #5 spot on 2022’s list while Sneesby placed #1 that year.
Other execs who appeared in 2023’s top 10 lineup included Nova’s Peter Charlton, oOh!media’s Cathy O’Connor, Are Media’s Jane Huxley, Paramount’s Beverley McGarvey, ARN’s Ciaran Davis, SCA’s John Kelly, Foxtel’s Patrick Delany and News Corp’s Michael Miller.
See the full list of names for 2023 here.
James Warburton, former CEO of Seven West Media
You can view the full criteria and enter the Mediaweek 100 here.
While you don’t have to be nominated to make the list, our application portal is open to encourage submissions.
KEY DATES
Submissions close: Tuesday, 12 November 2024 (11.59pm AEST)
Event Date: Friday, 22 November, 2024 (12pm AEST)
Location: Pearl Ballroom, Crown Sydney
Sydney Radio Ratings 2024 Survey 7: WSFM new market champ, then smooth
Sydney Radio Ratings
GfK Survey 7 2024
Survey Period: Sun Aug 11 to Sat Sept 14 & Sun Sept 22 to Sat Oct 26.
UP: 104.9 TRIPLE M +0.8
DOWN: KIIS1065 -0.9
WSFM 10.9% (10.7%)
Cume: 877,000 (-8,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 9.4% (7.6%)
Best Breakfast 10.2% (7.7%)
WSFM has risen to the top of this survey, recording a 0.2-point lift for a 10.9% share.
In breakfast, Jonesy and Amanda rose 0.7 points, for a share of 11.3%.
smoothfm 95.3 10.3% (10.3%)
Cume: 1,198,000 (-90,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 11.4% (9.1%)
Best Breakfast 8.3% (6.5%)
Nova’s smoothfm has remained stagnant to record a 10.3% share.
In breakfast, Bogart Torelli and Ron Wilson were down 0.1 points for an 8.3% share. Drive has dipped 0.2 points to bring in a share of 10.1%, holding second overall show in the daypart.
KIIS 1065 9.9% (10.8%)
Cume: 1,156,000 (-54,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 13.0% (10.0%)
Best Breakfast 17.9% (13.9%)
KIIS is down 0.9 points for a share of 9.9%.
In breakfast, Kyle and Jackie O take the FM crown once again despite a dip of 0.6 points, bringing the show to a 13.1% share.
In Drive, Will and Woody are down 0.9 points for 9.1%, dropping to third 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.
2GB 9.8% (10.2%)
Cume: 661,000 (-25,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 14.3% (11.0%)
Best Breakfast 18.1% (14.0%)
The Nine Talk station has dropped to the fourth position in this survey, dropping 0.4 points for a share of 9.8%
In breakfast, Ben Fordham is still number one in AM, but second overall. He recorded a share of 12.3% – rising 0.1 points since the last survey.
Nova 96.9 7.1% (7.1%)
Cume: 1,147,000 (-36,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 7.7% (6.4%)
Best Breakfast 7.3% (6.3%)
Nova has remained stagnant, with a share of 7.1%. The breakfast lineup of Fitzy and Wippa with Kate Ritchie rose 0.6 points for a 6.9% share. The Drive lineup of Ricki-Lee, Tim and Joel was down 1.1 points for a 7.9% share.
104.9 Triple M 4.8% (4.0%)
Cume: 678,000 (+32,000)
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 4.8%.
In breakfast, Mick Molloy and Mark ‘MG’ Geyer have reflected the wider station, up 0.5 points for a 5.1% share. Drive was down 0.2 points.
104.1 2Day FM 4.5% (4.7%)
Cume: 696,000 (-35,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 5.8% (4.7%)
Best Breakfast 5.4% (4.0%)
2Day FM has recorded a 4.5% share in the Sydney radio ratings, dropping 0.2 points in survey four.
The Breakfast Shift with Hughesy, Ed and Erin has dipped 0.4 points, bringing in a share of 3.8%. In Drive, Carrie and Tommy were down 0.7 points for a 5.1% share.
2UE 954 3.3% (3.8%)
Cume: 266,000 (-20,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 4.5% (3.3%)
Best Breakfast 2.9% (1.7%)
2UE has dropped 0.5 points for a 3.3% share this Sydney Radio Ratings. The station’s biggest demo was 65+, with a 8.3% share – rising 0.1 points.
In breakfast, Trevor Sinclair dropped 0.7 points for a share of 2.1%.
SEN 1170 2% (2.1%)
Cume: 164,000 (+9,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 0.7% (0.4%)
Best Breakfast 0.8% (0.2%)
SEN has dropped 0.1 points for a 2% share. Breakfast with Vossy and Brandy was down 0.1 for a share of 2.5%.
Sky Sports Radio 1.4% (1.7%)
Cume: 184,000 (-20,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 1.7% (1.2%)
Best Breakfast 2.3% (1.2%)
Dropping 0.3 points, Sky Sports Radio has dropped to a share of 1.4%.
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New Netflix teaser: Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz are Back in Action
Cameron Diaz is back on screens after almost ten years since her last film appearance, this time with co-star Jamie Foxx for the new Netflix original film, Back in Action.
“Everybody asks me the question: ‘Is Cameron Diaz coming back?’” Foxx told Netflix. The answer? Yes, and with a vengeance. In Back in Action, Foxx and Diaz play seemingly average parents with a big secret: They used to be incredibly skilled secret agents.
“We’re on a mission, and we take this opportunity where people might think we’re dead, to disappear off the face of the planet and start a new life and raise our family,” Diaz told Netflix. Of course, their old life inevitably comes a-knocking. Soon, the two are dragged back into the career they left behind, with explosive results.
Who’s in the cast?
• Jamie Foxx (They Cloned Tyrone, Day Shift)
• Cameron Diaz (There’s Something About Mary, Knight and Day)
• Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights, Bloodline)
• Glenn Close (Fatal Attraction, Hillbilly Elegy)
• Andrew Scott (All of Us Strangers, Fleabag)
• Jamie Demetriou (Barbie, Fleabag)
• McKenna Roberts (Skyscraper)
• Rylan Jackson (Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves)
Who are the creatives behind it?
Director: Seth Gordon
Writers: Seth Gordon and Brendan O’Brien
Producers: Jenno Topping, Peter Chernin and Sharla Sumpter Bridgett for Chernin Entertainment; Beau Bauman for Good One Productions; Seth Gordon for Exhibit A
Executive Producers: Jamie Foxx, Datari Turner, Brendan O’Brien, Tim Lewis
The film premieres on Netflix on 17 January 2025.
Australian Traffic Network launches rebrand that gets attention
After almost three decades, one of Australia’s largest broadcast media advertising platforms, Australian Traffic Network, has rebranded to reflect the evolution and future direction of the business. Now simply atn, the refreshed brand has also added the tagline ‘gets attention’, underlining its new promise and positioning.
Vic Lorusso, CEO of atn, said: “The brand change from Australian Traffic Network to atn is about drawing a line between the past and the future. Traffic will always be a core part of who we are – it’s in our DNA. But now, we’re more than just traffic, integrating into other high attention content like news, weather, sport and new fuel watch bulletins. Atn is all about the content Australians lean-forward for every day.
atn launches rebrand that gets attention.
“From Monday 18 November we’ll be offering atn-style integration with a new multicultural radio content offering, reaching 24% of Australians who speak a language other than English. Atn will be broadcasting nationally in languages including Italian, Arabic, Cantonese and more.
“A business like ours needs a brand that talks to the scope and scale of our offer – we’re truly unique in our ability to deliver broadcast reach; speed to scale; premium content; and intense message attention at the same time; so the move from Australian Traffic Network to atn was a no-brainer for us.”
Supporting the new brand positioning and identity, atn has also strengthened its sales team, appointing former senior Are Media executive, Karen Holmes, as national sales director and former oOh!media national head of agency sales, Wade James, as group sales director, Victoria and South Australia and former Nine group business director, Heidi Sayers as NSW sales director.
“This is as much a restage of our business as it is a rebrand. Everything we are doing is designed to reflect the renewed energy and commitment to atn customers – ensuring their brands get the attention they deserves day in, day out,” Lorusso, added.
Rebrand agency partners Andrew Wynne and Simon Rush of JOY, said: “The idea that atn ‘gets attention’ is a brand truth in more ways than one. In addition to earning attention through seamless integration into lean-forward content, atn has a wealth of data and neuro insights into attention itself. They get how attention works, and how they give brands an attention advantage at scale, at speed.”
Part of the ASX-listed Global Traffic Network Group, atn is one of Australia’s largest broadcast media advertising platforms with traffic reports spanning more than 200 capital city and regional radio stations across major radio networks and the Seven and 10 TV networks.
Key media, agency and marketing executives attended an attention-grabbing event held at Sydney’s iconic Catalina restaurant for the unveiling of the new atn.
Special appointed The Lottery Corporation’s creative agency of record
Special Australia has been appointed as the creative agency of record for The Lottery Corporation after 13 years with VML.
The creative agency will oversee the Australian lottery operator’s complex portfolio of high-profile brands, which include The Lott, Keno, Powerball and Oz Lotto, over the next three years, beginning in early 2025.
Ben Johnson, The Lottery Corporation’s general manager of marketing, said his team was excited to explore new opportunities and innovative marketing solutions with Special Group.
“Throughout the pitch process, we were impressed by Special’s exceptional strategic and creative expertise, as well as their collaborative spirit,” he said.
“What truly set them apart was their culture of kindness, honesty, and simplicity – values that align with The Lottery Corporation. In addition, their ability to tap into world-class strategic and creative talent, unrestricted by geography, offers a unique advantage.
“We’re eager to build a robust and enduring relationship with Special that continues to drive some of Australia’s most iconic brands.”
Lindsey Evans
New partnership marks exciting transition
Special Australia partner and CEO Lindsey Evans said: “The team at The Lottery Corporation blew us away with their energy, smarts and ambition. Their unwavering commitment to true partnership, super high standards and more human ways of working was evident right the way through what was a great process.”
Special Melbourne Partner and CSO Rebecca Stambanis added: “From the very beginning, we could feel the warmth, curiosity and collaborative spirit of the entire team. They are an incredible group of humans who want to do world-class work and have a good time doing it, so it is the perfect fit for us. We can’t wait to get started”.
A tribute to the outgoing partnership with VML
The creative agency’s appointment comes after The Lottery Corporation had engaged TrinityP3 to conduct a closed review of its creative agency arrangements.
Johnson said he thanked incumbent VML for the strong partnership that had helped evolve and elevate The Lottery Corporation’s portfolio of brands.
“Over the past thirteen years, our businesses have grown and evolved together, forging a partnership that has contributed to the success of our brands. Thirteen years is an outstanding achievement, of which we are very proud. We have loved working with the VML team and wish them every success in the future,” he said.
The Lottery Corporation, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, is the driving force behind Australia’s leading lottery games and licensed to operate in every state and territory except Western Australia, its brands include The Lott and Keno.
In addition to its digital apps and online platforms, The Lottery Corporation has more than 3,800 lottery outlets and 3,400 Keno venues in Australia, making it one of the largest retail operations in the country.
Media Movers: Psembi Kinstan, Susan Panuccio, Ben Shepherd, Sue Brenchley and Sam Hall
Mediaweek’s Media Movers charts the biggest people moves in the industry over the past week.
Psembi Kinstan has been promoted to chief creative officer of DDB Group Melbourne.
Kinstan joined DDB Melbourne in 2021, heading the DDB, Mango and Tribal teams. He instilled a culture of creativity at the agency and in his work with the leadership team, setting the agency’s vision ‘To do the best work of our careers and have the best time doing so’.
His efforts have helped grow the agency’s headcount to over 100, following major client wins, including Coles, Asahi CUB, Acciona, Movember, Mr Chen’s, Dabble, Funlabs, Agrifutures, Made by Dyslexia and Our Watch.
Kinstan was also integral in creating Smith Street – DDB & OMD’s best-of-Omnicom, bespoke Coles agency – while also building the agency’s social and innovation-led teams.
Susan Panuccio
News Corp announced last week that Susan Panuccio will step down from her role as chief financial officer on January 1, 2025.
She will be succeeded in the role by Lavanya Chandrashekar. Panuccio will continue in an advisory capacity for six months to help ensure a smooth transition and to support Chandrashekar.
Panuccio has been a key leader during a period of rapid expansion and transformation for News Corp since becoming chief financial officer in March 2017.
Schwartz Media has promoted Erik Jensen to chief executive officer, replacing Ben Shepherd in the role. The company explained Shepherd has resigned to pursue other opportunities, having worked effectively to bring new processes and thinking to the company.
“I have appreciated the opportunity to lead a business that is committed to the sustainability and support of independent public interest journalism,” Shepherd said.
“I am proud of the progress made this year and have full confidence Erik Jensen will continue to increase the positive impact Schwartz Media and its brands have on Australian readers and listeners. He has been an exemplary editor and journalist for over a decade and will make an equally strong chief executive.”
Shepherd joined Schwartz Media 10 months ago. During that time he has also built his three-minute LinkedIn weekly media and advertising newsletter called Signal.
Sue Brenchley and Sam Hall
Sue Brenchley and Sam Hall are stepping down from their roles with Fetch TV in December.
Brenchley, who has been marketing director for 15 years, will leave the company, which reaches over 710,000 households and 1.8 million Australians. She was an integral member of the Fetch TV executive team and built the business from an ambitious start-up to a key player in the Australian in-home entertainment landscape.
Hall, who joined Fetch over eight years ago as chief content and commercial officer, will also bid farewell to the company, having made a huge contribution as a member of the executive team and as the face of Fetch in the international content community.
Dominic Arena, Fetch CEO, will announce a refreshed Fetch executive team and organisation structure aligned to its Fetch 2.0 strategy in coming weeks.
Arena said: “Sue and Sam have been strong leaders on the front line of Fetch, and I thank them both for their contributions and dedication to Fetch TV over many years… I genuinely wish Sam and Sue all the best for their futures.”
Emotive has appointed Alice Tschuchnigg, former executive head thinker at Thinkerbell, as business & culture director.
Tschuchnigg will take the reins on a portfolio of high-profile accounts including Wotif, Mount Franklin and HelloFresh. Beyond her responsibilities in account management, Tschuchnigg will play a pivotal leadership role in overseeing the People & Culture program, helping to deliver on the agency’s vision, ‘the best place to work to do the best work of your life’.
Prior to her role at Thinkerbell, TschuchniggTschuchnigg was at BMF, leading the ALDI account, where she and her team secured multiple EFFIEs and D&AD awards. Before returning to Australia, Tschuchnigg spent three years at Droga5 New York, where she worked on global accounts.
Sammy J
Sammy J is set to turn off the microphone next month after five years as the host of ABC Radio Melbourne Breakfast.
He began hosting just weeks before the COVID pandemic hit in 2020, becoming a source of fun, information and companionship for locked-down Melbournians.
“Hosting Melbourne Breakfast was an unexpected opportunity that became an unexpected joy,” Sammy J said. “But radio demands all of you and deserves nothing less, and after five years I’m ready to trade the 4:15am alarm for more regular hours.”
“I leave with pride, gratitude, and a litany of cash-for-comment scandals that will be revealed in due course.”
NAB has appointed Natalie Lockwood as chief marketing officer (Executive, Group Marketing).
Lockwood brings a wealth of experience from her most recent role at Visa, where she served as vice president, brand and marketing for Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific over the past three years.
Prior to her tenure at Visa, she held senior leadership roles, including general manager of marketing at ASX Ltd.
Civic Data has appointed Paul Broomfield as senior consultant to lead its new Western Australia operation as local marketers face unprecedented challenges to their digital capabilities and investments.
Broomfield’s appointment comes amid rising concerns for marketing and privacy leaders alike, such as the convergence of Australian privacy reforms, Western Australia’s State PRIS legislation, and last week’s clear guidance and statement from the Australian Privacy Commissioner on ‘tracking technologies should not sidestep privacy obligations’.
Patrick Forth
Fabulate has appointed Patrick Forth as its new chairman. He joins the influencer marketing platform as it celebrates its five-year anniversary, having established a firm foothold in the Australian creator economy as the preferred influencer marketing technology partner of the majority of Australia’s influencer and PR agencies.
Forth was the former managing director of the Boston Consulting Group in Australia and has advised many onshore and offshore media/technology companies during his thirty-plus-year tenure at the consulting group. In 2022 was named on The Australian Financial Review’s list of most powerful consultants.
Matt Coote has been appointed as the country manager for GumGum in Australia.
Coote will lead the sales team, guide effective cross-functional strategies, and expand the contextual intelligence company’s footprint in Australia.
His focus will include driving revenue, strengthening relationships with agencies and clients, and representing GumGum at key industry events. He will also oversee trading deals, ensuring consistent value for partners and clients.
Nick Muncaster
News Corp Australia today announced the appointment of Nick Muncaster as Managing Director of its full service video production agency, Visual Domain.
He will spearhead the growth of the Melbourne-headquartered company, enhancing its reputation for the delivery of world-class content creation and production capabilities.
Muncaster brings more than 25 years experience to the newly created role, having worked for some of the world’s biggest advertising agencies including Ogilvy, Wunderman Thompson and most recently as Managing Director at AJF Partnership.
Muncaster said of his appointment: “In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving digital landscape, visual storytelling is more important than ever for brands and companies. I am thrilled to join Visual Domain to help our clients create impactful content that fosters stronger consumer connections, boosts engagement and drives sustainable growth.”
Nine has confirmed to Mediaweek that additional leadership changes have been communicated within its TV News division. The network is initiating both internal and external recruitment processes for news director positions in Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth.
Simon Hobbs, Nine’s Sydney news director, is the latest senior executive to exit the network. He has worked as director of news in Sydney since 2012.
His departure follows last week’s sudden exit of Queensland news director Amanda Paterson, who was called into a meeting shortly before staff were informed of her departure. According to The Australian, Paterson has now sought legal representation.
Chloe Woodhouse
Brand activation agency Because ANZ is accelerating business development across Australia and New Zealand, appointing Chloe Woodhouse as the newly created director of growth.
Collaborating with brands such as Woolworths, Sydney Water, Kraft Heinz, and AGL, Because blends live shopper and digital to build relationships between brands and consumers.
Woodhouse joins Because ANZ to capitalise on the growing demand for brands to harness activations and foster stronger relationships with consumers to drive consideration, loyalty and sales both in the short and long term.
Urban List, a lifestyle publisher, has strengthened its executive team by appointing Alex Dickinson as head of content. Dickinson has over 15 years of global media experience.
Dickinson began his career at The Courier-Mail before moving to New York, where he held key roles at The New York Post, Bloomberg, and the former Gizmodo Media Group.
As executive managing editor at Gizmodo, he was instrumental in growing the reach of brands like Gizmodo, Lifehacker, Deadspin, and Jezebel, collectively attracting a monthly audience of over 100 million.
Following a prestigious Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University, Dickinson joined The Code Company, a software agency focused on web infrastructure for media organisations.
Are Media launches inaugural Gourmet Traveller Hotel and Travel Awards
Are Media has launched its inaugural Gourmet Traveller Hotel and Travel Awards, celebrating the best hotel and travel experiences across Australia.
Entries open for Australia’s best hotels and resorts
Entries are now open with award categories spanning the tourism industry, with the list of Australia’s best will be revealed in May and one property crowned Gourmet Traveller Hotel of the Year.
The awards are inviting hotels of all sizes to enter the awards, which will comprise three key categories: Hotel of the Year, Boutique Hotel of the Year and Resort of the Year.
The Hotel of the Year award is open to properties of all sizes across Australia. Boutique Hotel of the Year is limited to hotels with fewer than 50 rooms, and Resort of the Year is open to coastal and rural properties and lodges in regional or remote locations.
The awards will also recognise the country’s Best New Hotel, Best Hotel Dining, and crown the Cruise Line of the Year.
Joanna Hunkin
Judging will feature a panel of luxury travel experts, lead by Gourmet Traveller editor Joanna Hunkin.
Hunkin said: “Australia has its own style and perspective when it comes to luxury travel and we want to celebrate the properties that work so hard to capture that, delivering unique, singular experiences.
“The world is full of beautiful hotels that are indistinguishable from their international counterparts. That’s not what these awards are about. We are looking for the hotels that create a sense of place and share an Australian sensibility, while still delivering world-class service.”
Gourmet Traveller readers will also have their say when the People’s Choice Awards open in January, with categories including Airline of the Year, Best Loyalty Program and Favourite Hotel Brand.
Are Media general manager, luxury, Nicky Briger, said: “We are thrilled to announce this prestigious new addition to Are Media’s 2025 line up. Next year is set to be a huge one for Are Media’s luxury group with the Gourmet Traveller Hotel and Travel Awards serving the first taste of what’s to come.
“Our luxury titles are produced by people with decades of experience in their fields, people who are bound by a shared passion to uncover the new, now, next and best for our discerning audiences who are hungry for information. The luxury group speaks to this collective audience of over 1.1 million seeking prestige fashion, beauty, food, dinning and luxury travel.
“The Gourmet Traveller Hotel and Travel Awards will attract an audience primed for high-end brands, presenting a unique way to deliver real value and drive results for our audiences and partners. Partnership opportunities available,” she said.
Winners to be announced in June 2025 issue of Gourmet Traveller
Winners will be announced in the special June 2025 issue of Gourmet Traveller, which will be dedicated to celebrating the best of Australia. In addition to winners being announced, a list of Australia’s best hotels will be published on gourmettraveller.com.au with reviews written by the judging panel.
Spotify’s Now Playing event: Uninterrupted Video Podcasts to roll out first in Australia
Spotify founder and CEO Daniel Ek took to the stage in LA at Spotify’s Now Playing event to share details of a multiple new product announcements that will first roll out in Australia.
Video consumption on Spotify has been exploding, with more than 250 million users having streamed a video podcast on Spotify. At the same time, the number of creators actively publishing video monthly on Spotify has grown by more than 50% year over year, including popular shows like The Comment Section, The Joe Rogan Experience, Call Her Daddy, The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett, Rotten Mango, Therapuss with Jake Shane, What Now? with Trevor Noah, Modern Wisdom, Erika Taught Me, and more.
Daniel Ek
The range of new video offerings announced are aimed at helping creators grow their audience and better monetise their video podcasts while also providing fans a more seamless viewing experience.
Below are the announcements with all features available today unless otherwise noted:
• Uninterrupted Video Podcasts: Beginning in January, Spotify Premium subscribers in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada can watch their favourite podcasts uninterrupted by dynamic ads.
• Spotify Partner Program: Beginning in January, this new program will give eligible creators access to a powerful new monetisation system. The Spotify Partner Program has two components: Premium Video Revenue and Ads:
– With new Premium Video Revenue, creators in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia can earn revenue based on video consumption from Spotify Premium subscribers beginning in January.
– With Ads, enrolled creators earn a share of revenue every time a dynamic ad monetised by Spotify plays in their episodes both on and off Spotify.
• Spotify for Creators: The platform is evolving Spotify for Podcasters, Spotify’s free, all-in-one podcast hosting and analytics platform, to Spotify for Creators to better serve the needs of today’s multiformat creators with a more expansive and streamlined platform.
– The platform features a new mobile app experience, robust analytics, a suite of new monetisation options, tools to customise shows’ presence on Spotify, creator-fan interactivity features, and turnkey audio and video distribution.
• Podcast Clips: Eligible creators will also have the ability to upload short-form, vertical Podcast clips to promote their episodes, and select a custom thumbnail to represent their content on Spotify.
“I truly believe that artists and creators are the ones that change and drive culture. Now we give you the tools to affect it, but you are the ones who change it” said Sulinna Ong, Spotify’s Global head of editorial, at the event.
Brisbane Radio Ratings 2024, Survey 7: B105 with Stav Abby & Matt still #1, KIIS brekky climbs
Brisbane Radio Ratings
GfK Survey 7 2024
Survey Period: Sun Aug 11 to Sat Sept 14 & Sun Sept 22 to Sat Oct 26.
UP: KIIS973 +0.8
DOWN: 4BC 882 -0.4
B105 13.1% (12.7%)
Cume: 592,000 (+16,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 12.8% (11.1%)
Best Breakfast 14.3% (11.7%)
B105 has stayed at the top of the market, rising 0.4 points for a share of 13.1%.
The breakfast show of Stav, Abby and Matt has maintained the top spot in the daypart, despite a 0.1 point drop with a 13.9% share.
In Drive, Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little have dropped 1.8 points for a share of 13.2%.
104.5 Triple M 12.2% (11.8%)
Cume: 536,000 (+20,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 13.3% (9.5%)
Best Breakfast 13.2% (9.2%)
Rising 0.4 points, Triple M has recorded a 12.2% share.
The Big Breakfast with Margaux, Marto, and Dan Anstey rose 0.8 points and recorded a total share of 12.1%. The drive show, The Rush Hour with Liesel, Liam and Dobbo was up 0.1 points for a 10.2% share.
4BH 11.1% (11.2%)
Cume: 242,000 (-14,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 9.8% (7.9%)
Best Breakfast 8.2% (6.6%)
4BH is down 0.1 points for 11.1%. In this survey, breakfast with Bob Gallagher dropped to a 10.4% share.
The station has maintained its top spot in the 65+ demo. 4BH has kept the 55-64 demo where it has a 14.1% share – down 2.3 points.
KIIS 97.3FM 10.8% (10%)
Cume: 501,000 (-0,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 11.8% (9.7%)
Best Breakfast 11.5% (9.5%)
Rising 0.8 points, KIIS has recorded a share of 10.8%.
In breakfast, Robin and Kip have rose 1.6 points to record a 12.1% share. In drive, Will and Woody has dropped 0.3 points for a total of 9.5%.
Nova 106.9 10.5% (10.5%)
Cume: 595,000 (-1,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 12.7% (11.6%)
Best Breakfast 14.1% (12.1%)
A drop of 0 points has seen Nova remain stagnant in this survey with a 10.5% share.
The breakfast team of Ash, Luttsy and Susie O’Neill has also dropped 0 points, keeping a share of 11.6%.
The drive slot has risen 0.4 points with the national team of Ricki-Lee, Tim and Joel finishing with 14.2%. This puts the show at number one in the daypart.
4BC 4.6% (5%)
Cume: 148,000 (+10,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 8.4% (6.2%)
Best Breakfast 9.0% (6.4%)
4BC has dropped 0.4 points in this survey for a share of 4.6%. Breakfast with Laurel, Gary and Mark dropped 0.5 points for a share of 4.6%.
In Drive, Peter Gleeson’s show is up 0.2 points for a 4.2% share.
SENQ 1.3% (1.1%)
Cume: 62,000 (+1,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 1.1% (0.3%)
Best Breakfast 1.4% (0.2%)
Survey seven has seen SENQ rise 0.2 points for a 1.3% share. Cume has lifted 1,000, up to 62,000. Breakfast with Pat and Heals has risen 0.2 points for a share of 2%.
Brisbane Radio Ratings:
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VML nabs Linkt creative account
VML has been appointed as the creative agency of record for Linkt, Transurban’s customer retail brand in Australia.
The creative agency will work with Transurban to enhance awareness, comprehension, and customer advocacy, highlighting the significant benefits Linkt provides to drivers.
“We’re excited to partner with VML to establish a brand platform for Linkt that will showcase the value Linkt brings to our customers,” Chris Jackson, general manager of customer experience and operations at Transurban, said.
VML’s commitment to customer-centric communication
Sarah Bailey, managing director of VML Melbourne and Sydney, added: “VML is excited to partner with Transurban and communicate the true value Linkt offers its customers. Our aim is to showcase how Linkt’s products and services can enhance travel experiences, transforming indifference into advocacy.”
This win for VML comes after its 13-year hold of The Lottery Corporation’s creative account was handed over to Special following a competitive closed review of its creative agency arrangements managed by TrinityP3.
Ben Johnson, The Lottery Corporation’s general manager of marketing, said his team was excited to explore new opportunities and innovative marketing solutions with Special Group.
“What truly set them apart was their culture of kindness, honesty, and simplicity – values that align with The Lottery Corporation. In addition, their ability to tap into world-class strategic and creative talent, unrestricted by geography, offers a unique advantage,” he said.
A strong partnership with VML over 13 years
Johnson also thanked incumbent VML for the strong partnership that had helped evolve and elevate The Lottery Corporation’s portfolio of brands, such as The Lott, Keno, Powerball and Oz Lotto.
“Over the past thirteen years, our businesses have grown and evolved together, forging a partnership that has contributed to the success of our brands. Thirteen years is an outstanding achievement, of which we are very proud. We have loved working with the VML team and wish them every success in the future,” he said.
See also: Special appointed The Lottery Corporation’s creative agency of record
Sycco takes home Australian Album of the Year as triple j reveals J Award winners
The J Award for triple j‘s Australian Album of the Year has gone to 23-year-old First Nations singer, songwriter and producer Sycco for her debut full-length, Zorb.
Zorb is a soundtrack of Sycco’s twenties and coming of age journey in 2024, which she wrote and co-produced with Chrome Sparks, Flume, Banoffee and Styalz Fuego.
The album blends psychedelic rock and high-energy dance with Sycco‘s signature pop flavours to create a masterful debut and is being celebrated by the youth broadcaster for its creativity, musicianship, impact on listeners and contribution to Australian Music in 2024.
Nick Findlay, triple j’s music director, said: “On her long-awaited debut album Zorb, Sycco created a blissful, psychedelic, and distinct sonic world of her own, celebrating friendship, lamenting heartbreak, and diving headfirst into the beautiful chaos of your early twenties. It’s a record that perfectly captures Sycco’s incredibly unique take on songwriting and production, which has helped her stand tall as one of Australia’s best young artists.
“Congratulations to Sasha McLeod, aka Sycco, on an incredibly well-deserved win for this year’s J Award for Album of the Year. 2024 has been another exceptional year for local music, highlighted by the incredibly high calibre of nominees across this year’s J Awards. Congratulations to all the winners, and all the artists nominated, who help shine a spotlight on the amazing talent we are so lucky to celebrate coming out of this country.”
Other J Award winners include national treasure Missy Higgins, who won Double J‘s Australian Artist of the Year following a huge year, which included the release of her chart-topping sixth album, The Second Act, a massive national tour, and an upcoming induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame. Melbourne enigma Lithe was crowned Unearthed Artist of the Yearoff the back of a breakout 2024, which included the release of his track ‘Fall Back’, now one of the most streamed Australian songs of the year.
Emily Wurramurra’s breathtaking music video for ‘Lordy Lordy feat. Tasman Keith’, directed by Melbourne-based filmmaker Claudia Sangiorgi Dalimore, took the top spot for the triple j and rage Australian Music Video of the Year. After leaving audiences in complete awe while lapping the country this year, Angie McMahon claimed Australian Live Act of the Year.
Now in its 20th year, the J Awards mark triple j‘s annual recognition of the very best in Australian Music.
triple j‘s 2024 J Award Winners
triple j Album of the Year – Sycco – Zorb
Unearthed Artist of the Year – Lithe
Double J Australian Artist of the Year – Missy Higgins
triple j and rage Music Video of the Year – Emily Wurramara – Lordy Lordy [Ft. Tasman Keith] – Dir: Claudia Sangiorgi Dalimore
Live Act of the Year – Angie McMahon
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Top image: Sycco
WPP brings T&Pm fully within its global network
WPP has revealed a further simplification of its structure with the acquisition of the minority shareholdings in T&Pm, bringing the agency fully into the WPP network. T&Pm will continue to operate as a standalone multidisciplinary agency while collaborating closely with other WPP agencies.
T&Pm Integrates WPP Open to Drive Growth
As part of the move, T&Pm is integrating WPP’s AI-powered marketing operating system, WPP Open, into its innovative marketing models to drive further growth through cutting-edge solutions for clients.
T&Pm is a integrated agency with approximately 1,800 people in 42 locations around the world. Its roster of global and local clients includes Amazon, Argos, British Gas, EA, Mars, NatWest, News UK and Toyota, many of which are already served in collaboration with other WPP agencies. WPP first invested in the agency in 2007 with a 49.9% stake before moving to a majority holding in 2019.
Following WPP’s initial investment, T&Pm expanded into media, leveraging WPP’s global buying power and expertise through GroupM. The agency has also pioneered embedded teams on-site with clients – an agile, integrated approach which has proven increasingly relevant in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. T&Pm’s ability to synthesise diverse marketing functions within single, dedicated teams has fuelled its growth and success with clients.
AI at the core of T&Pm’s client service model
Through its close relationship with WPP, T&Pm has already been at the forefront of utilising WPP Open’s AI tools within its agile content operations, enabling T&Pm to deliver enhanced creativity, speed and efficiency for clients. The full incorporation of the agency within WPP will deepen that integration, with WPP Open becoming the backbone of T&Pm’s future client service model.
Mark Read, CEO of WPP, said: “Two years ago, I showed Johnny the early iterations of WPP Open, our AI-powered operating system for marketing. He immediately saw its transformational potential and has since become one of its most compelling advocates. T&Pm is a great example of how we are putting AI at the heart of the groundbreaking work we do for our clients.”
Johnny Hornby, founder and CEO of T&Pm, added: “This is a very exciting next phase for us. Our belief in the = superior agility of integrated teams has fuelled our global success. Now, AI is transforming the speed at which we can partner with clients to create growth and WPP’s early investment in Open gives us a big advantage.”
The Australian’s Yoni Bashan named 2024 Sir Keith Murdoch Journalist of the Year
Yoni Bashan from The Australian has been named 2024 Sir Keith Murdoch Journalist of the Year at News Corp Australia’s 20th News Awards celebration dinner.
News Corp chair Lachlan Murdoch presented Bashan with the award at the special event last night, recognising the journalist’s coverage following the October 7 attack on Israel.
Murdoch said: “As the horrific October 7 attacks happened, Yoni was on the phone to The Australian’s editor-in-chief Michelle Gunn wanting to go to Israel. By October 10, he was on the ground. He was the first Australian journalist to visit Gaza after the attacks.
“He did not shy from danger – he ran toward it. He bore witness to trauma while reporting the conflict in the Middle East, believing that the truth could only be uncovered by reporters on the ground, reporters who were courageous, impartial, and fearless.”
The Sir Keith Murdoch Journalist of the Year award is named in honour of Sir Keith, the founder of News and the late grandfather of Lachlan Murdoch and father of News Corp chairman emeritus Rupert Murdoch.
The award recognises the year’s most outstanding journalist whose work demonstrates commitment to quality journalism, the pursuit of truth, journalistic leadership and endeavour, courage and tenacity.
This latest accolade follows Bashan’s previous win in 2009 when he was named News Corp Australia’s Young Journalist of the Year and undertook a secondment for 12 months at The Wall Street Journal in New York.
Other accolades presented that evening include ‘Storyteller of the Year’ by news.com.au’s Lexie Cartwright for About Bloody Time: A deeply personal story. Meanwhile ‘Scoop of the year’ was shared between the Herald Sun’s Carly Douglas for Australian victim of October 7 Hamas attack, and The Daily Telegraph’s Clementine Cuneo, Mark Morri and Josh Hanrahan for Killer in The Ranks – Cop wanted for couple’s murder.
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Top image: Yoni Bashan and Lachlan Murdoch
Adelaide Radio Ratings 2024, Survey 7: David & Will lift Fiveaa, but MIX again #1 station
Adelaide Radio Ratings
GfK Survey 7 2024
Survey Period: Sun Aug 11 to Sat Sept 14 & Sun Sept 22 to Sat Oct 26.
UP: FIVEaa +0.9
DOWN: NOVA 91.9 -0.3
Mix 102.3 13.5% (13.5%)
Cume: 375,000 (+4,000)
Mix 102.3 has remained in the first slot in Adelaide, still at a 13.5% share.
Max & Ali in the Morning rose by 0.8 points for a 10.4% share. The station’s strongest time slot in this survey is still the Afternoon slot, with a 15.4% share, dropping 0.3 points.
The station rose by 0.4 points in the 55-64 demo. Mix 102.3 saw a 1.1-point decrease in the 65+ demo.
5MMM 12.6% (12.7%)
Cume: 292,000 (-8,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 14.9% (10.7%)
Best Breakfast 16.9% (12.2%)
Adelaide’s Triple M station has stayed in second place for survey seven, with a 12.6% share.
The breakfast team of Roo, Ditts, and Loz rose by 1.8 points, to a total of 14.8%, keeping first among the commercial networks.
Among the 25-39 demographic, 5MMM rose by 3.0 points for a 1.5% share.
Nova 91.9 10.9% (11.2%)
Cume: 365,000 (+4,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 12.1% (9.3%)
Best Breakfast 11.7% (9.1%)
Nova 91.9 has stayed in third for this survey.
The network’s biggest rise in the demos was in 55-64 with 1.1 points for a 10.1% share.
See Also: Bringing the laughs on air and off air with Adelaide’s Jodie & Hayesy
Ricki Lee, Tim & Joel in Adelaide’s drive spot is down 0.1 points with a 12.5% share.
FIVEaa 8.7% (7.8%)
Cume: 144,000 (+9,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 9.7% (7.5%)
Best Breakfast 14.2% (10.9%)
FIVEaa has listed 0.9 points for a 8.7% share.
In the breakfast slot, David and Will rose by 1 point for 12.2%. The network’s breakfast program has risen to third place in the Adelaide market. In drive, Rowey and Timmy G have a 0.9 increase, their total share now being 9.6%.
SAFM 8.6% (8.6%)
Cume: 286,000 (-14,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 10.1% (8.7%)
Best Breakfast 10.6% (8.2%)
SAFM has remained at 8.6%.
In this survey, the breakfast slot dropped 1.2 points for a 7.8% share.
Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little’s national drive show stayed at 9.3%, staying fourth in the Adelaide market.
Cruise 1323 8.6% (7.8%)
Cume: 209,000 (+11,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 9.1% (8.3%)
Best Breakfast 7.9% (6.6%)
Cruise 1323 rose by 0.8 point for a 8.6% share.
Craig Huggins’ drive has risen 0.8 points for a share of 6%. The station rose 0.3 points in the 10-17 slot for a 2.6% share and dropped 0.5 points in 65+ for a 16.4% share.
Adelaide Radio Ratings:
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Perth Radio Ratings 2024, Survey 7: MIX and 6PR climb in brekky, 96FM holds top spot
Perth Radio Ratings
GfK Survey 7 2024
Survey Period: Sun Aug 11 to Sat Sept 14 & Sun Sept 22 to Sat Oct 26.
UP: MIX 94.5: +0.9
DOWN: 92.9 Triple M -1.5
96FM 14.6% (15.2%)
Cume: 488,000 (-7,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 15.3% (12.1%)
Best Breakfast 13.4% (9.8%)
96FM has stayed in the first position in Perth, despite dropping 0.6 points for a 14.6% share.
The station rose 1.6 points in the 55-64 demo, for 29.6%.
The station’s breakfast show, Clairsy and Lisa, dropped by 1 points for a share of 11.4%. The national drive show of Will and Woody dropped 1.3 points in Perth for a 12.1% share.
Nova 93.7 13.9% (14.1%)
Cume: 670,000 (+9,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 18.1% (13.2%)
Best Breakfast 22.5% (15.7%)
Nova’s Perth station has stayed in the second position, dropping 0.2 points from the last survey. It now holds a 13.9% share.
For another survey, Nova’s Nathan, Nat & Shaun continue to top the Perth breakfast slot with a 16.3% share, dropping 0.1 points. Nova’s national drive program of Ricki-Lee, Tim and Joel came in first with a 16.7% share, dropping 1.6 points.
See also: Dominating Perth Radio: In the studio with Nova’s Nathan, Nat and Shaun
Mix 94.5 12.6% (11.7%)
Cume: 571,000 (-2,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 13.4% (11.1%)
Best Breakfast 13.8% (10.4%)
Hit Network’s Mix 94.5 has stayed in third place in Perth, rising 0.9 points for an 12.6% share.
Mix 94.5’s breakfast lineup of Pete and Kymba has lifted 0.7 points for an 12.4% share, coming in second in the breakfast slot in this survey.
The national drive show of Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little has risen to 14%, rising to second in the drive slot.
92.9 Triple M 9.2% (10.7%)
Cume: 419,000 (+0,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 9.2% (6.1%)
Best Breakfast 9.1% (6.8%)
92.9 Triple M dropped by 1.5 points, for a 9.2% share, staying fourth in stations.
The station experienced a 2.4 decrease in the 40-54 demo to take a 11.3% share.
The breakfast team of Xav and Michelle have dropped by 1.1 points in the breakfast slot, bringing in a share of 9.6%.
Katie Lamb and Andrew ‘Embers’ Embley’s drive show slot dropped by 0.2 point for a 10.1% share.
6PR 7.4% (6.8%)
Cume: 211,000 (+10,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 7.2% (5.8%)
Best Breakfast 11.5% (8.8%)
Nine’s Perth Radio station rose by 0.6 points from the sixth survey of 2024 for a 7.4% share.
6PR Breakfast with Millsy and Karl increased by 1 points for a 10.8% share.
6iX 5.6% (5.4%)
Cume: 149,000 (+6,000)
2023 results Best (Worst)
Best 10+ 5.3% (3.7%)
Best Breakfast 4.9% (2.7%)
6iX has risen 0.2 points for a 5.6% share.
The station’s breakfast slot with Westo and Nat rose by 0.2 points for a 5.2% share.
Perth Radio Ratings:
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Q Agency marks fourth year in market with additions to client roster and new hires
Q Agency has marked its fourth year with additions to its client roster with national brands and doubled its team with eight new hires across its operations, account management, SEO, and paid advertising.
The growth of the Western Sydney-based creative and digital marketing agency, launched in November 2021, mirrors the economic transformation of the region, with the team positioned to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the new Western Sydney International Airport and billions in government investment in the area.
Its client roster includes craft beer brewer Mountain Culture Beer Co., Penrith Panthers‘ ‘Alexanders’ restaurant, Harry’s Cafe de Wheels, Flappy’s Chicken, SaaS company Relevance AI, equipment rental specialists Uphire, premium stone importers Art of Marble, and Banki Haddock Fiora, a prominent law firm.
Josh Richardson, co-founder and technology director, attributed the agency’s success to its performance-driven approach. He said: “Our focus on web development, SEO, and conversion-driven strategies allows us to demonstrate real value and transformation for our clients. What started as a Western Sydney initiative has evolved into a skill set that’s attracting leading Australian and global companies.”
Michael Noone, co-founder and creative director, added: “While we excel in branding and creative work, our true strength lies in how we integrate these elements with performance marketing. By overseeing the entire campaign from creative conception to execution and conversion, we can be truly objective and accountable.”
This platform-agnostic approach allows Q Agency to tailor solutions to each client’s specific needs and challenges, rather than pushing a one-size-fits-all service.
The Q Agency team is setting its sights on even greater horizons. Richardson said: “We’re doubling down on our own marketing efforts and stepping into the spotligh. By continually improving our processes and investing in ourselves, we’re ensuring that we can deliver even greater value to our clients.”
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Top image: Josh Richardson and Michael Noone
Fletcher Insulation appoints CX Lavender to lead customer experience innovation
CX Lavender has been appointed to lead Fletcher Insulation’s push for customer experience innovation, marking a pivotal move to transform how the insulation leader engages with its customers.
Transforming engagement across digital and on-ground touchpoints
The agency will use its expertise to innovate insulation contractors’ customer experiences, from first touch points to post-purchase engagement.
CX Lavender will uncover and examine key insights that will transform how Fletcher Insulation engages digitally and on the ground.
“We’re excited to work with Fletcher Insulation at such a critical time in its business transformation,” Adam Washington, CEO of CX Lavender, said.
“We’re seeing a real shift in B2C equivalent CX expectations with B2B trade industries. More than ever, trades are seeking connected digital service and supplier brands that share their values, particularly around sustainability. We’re looking forward to helping Fletcher exceed those expectations.”
Roger Pecnik, national marketing, technical and customer manager at Fletcher Insulation, added: “Our business has been on a transformational journey over the last 7 years, and we see this partnership with CX Lavender is a critical step in helping us engage with our customers in a more meaningful way.
“We believe CX Lavender will help us understand our customers better and help us rethink how we engage with them at every touchpoint to create a better experience.”
Strategic partnership to drive innovation in 2025
As the insulation industry evolves, the partnership sets the stage for Fletcher Insulation to lead in customer experience innovation. The first work is underway, with innovation changes expected in the first half of 2025.
This client win for CX Lavender comes after it was appointed to lead the student experience innovation program for Victoria University in August.
The Sydney-based agency’s work for the university spans ethnographic and quantitative research, journey mapping, commercial opportunity identification and modelling, field validation, business casing, and delivery feasibility.
See also: CX Lavender to lead Victoria Uni’s experience innovation program
IAS reports 11% revenue growth for Q3 2024 amid product innovation and key partnerships
Integral Ad Science (IAS), a media measurement and optimisation leader, announced its Q3 2024 financial results, showcasing solid growth driven by strategic product expansions and new partnerships.
Key Financial Highlights
- Total revenue rose by 11% to $133.5 million from the same quarter last year.
- Net income hit $16.1 million with a 12% margin, reversing a net loss from Q3 2023.
- Adjusted EBITDA climbed to $50.6 million, a 25% increase, with a 38% margin.
- Strong international performance, with $40.8 million in revenue outside the Americas, making up 31% of total revenue.
CEO Commentary
Lisa Utzschneider, CEO of IAS, attributed the strong results to industry-leading products and the addition of new clients. “Our focus on AI-driven product innovation is paying off, as seen with our recent optimisation solutions for Meta and expanded partnerships with platforms like TikTok and YouTube,” Utzschneider said.
Recent Strategic Moves
- Meta Optimisation Solution: IAS launched a first-of-its-kind pre-bid optimisation tool to enhance ad placement on Meta platforms, allowing advertisers to ensure brand safety on Facebook and Instagram.
- TikTok Partnership Expansion: IAS extended its Total Media Quality offering to include new ad placements on TikTok, covering viewability and brand safety metrics.
- Misinformation Detection on YouTube: The rollout of misinformation detection ensures brand safety for advertisers across YouTube’s ad inventory.
- Google Ad Manager Partnership: Launched IAS Curation to provide programmatic buyers with enhanced inventory targeting using actionable data.
C-Level Appointments
In a bid to strengthen its leadership, IAS welcomed Marc Grabowski as chief operating officer and Srishti Gupta as dhief product officer, bringing deep expertise from Oracle and Amazon, respectively.
Financial Outlook for Q4 2024
- Projected revenue of $148-$150 million.
- Adjusted EBITDA forecasted between $55-$57 million.
- Full-year 2024 revenue expected to reach $525-$527 million, with adjusted EBITDA of $185-$187 million.
CFO Tania Secor emphasised the company’s robust financial health: “With a strong cash flow and minimal debt, we are well-positioned to continue investing in our growth initiatives.”
Matt Coote joins GumGum as country manager, Australia
Matt Coote has been appointed as the country manager for GumGum in Australia.
Coote will lead the sales team, guide effective cross-functional strategies, and expand the contextual intelligence company’s footprint in Australia.
Driving revenue and strengthening relationships
His focus will include driving revenue, strengthening relationships with agencies and clients, and representing GumGum at key industry events. He will also oversee trading deals, ensuring consistent value for partners and clients.
Coote brings over 13 years of experience in media across TV, digital, and social platforms. Most recently, he spent the last eight years at Snap Inc., where he was one of the founding members of the ANZ team. During his tenure, he advanced through key roles, including head of agency development and ultimately head of sales.
Innovation and team culture at the core of his leadership
Throughout his career, Coote has successfully led high-performing teams at both local and global levels and has received multiple accolades.
“I have had the privilege of working in roles that prioritise innovation and technology, which aligns perfectly with GumGum’s commitment to driving progress in digital advertising,” said Coote of his appointment.
“What really excited me about this role was hearing about the strong cultural foundation GumGum has built. I look forward to collaborating with the team to build on what’s already here. As Bill Marklein says, ‘Culture is how employees’ hearts and stomachs feel about Monday morning on Sunday night.’ That’s where the magic happens, and I can’t wait to help make that even stronger at GumGum.”
Niall Hogan, general manager, JAPAC, at GumGum, said: “We’re excited to welcome Matt Coote to GumGum. His deep expertise and dedication to cultivating a strong team culture make him an excellent addition to our team.
“The energy and perspective Matt brings, along with his focus on fostering cross-market collaborations will be invaluable. By partnering with stakeholders across the company, we believe Matt will refine our strategies and drive impactful results in this market.”
See also: Snap Inc. sales lead Matt Coote departs after eight years
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Top image: Matt Coote
Business of Media
Principals back social media ban but won’t give up YouTube
The Albanese government has declared it will legislate a minimum age of 16 to use social media platforms including TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, a move that has alarmed YouTubers but been welcomed by public health advocates.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland on Thursday morning said Snapchat, which publicly states it is used by 80 per cent of 13- to 24-year-olds in Australia, may argue it is a messaging service rather than a social media company. “Snapchat under the Online Safety Act, depending on how it’s defined, could fall within that definition,” she told 2GB host Ben Fordham.
Disney World: Company paints a rosy picture for coming years
Entertainment streaming, for instance, will generate roughly US$1 billion in operating profit in 2025, up from $143 million this year, Disney said. Total per-share earnings will increase by “double digit” percentages in 2026 and 2027, compared with the previous years, in part because of new cruise ships and theme park expansions.
“We’ve got visibility,” Hugh F. Johnston, Disney’s chief financial officer, said. Investors responded favorably, driving up shares roughly 7 percent in morning trading, to over $110.
Disney has desperately needed a new story line on Wall Street: Shares have languished, even amid a broader market upturn, in large part because of uncertainty, something investors loathe, about the company’s future.
Disney earnings powered by streaming and the movie Deadpool & Wolverine
The growth was driven by entertainment, where revenues were up by 14 percent to $10.8 billion, with segment operating income surging by more than 100 percent to $1.07 billion. The company had both Deadpool & Wolverine and Inside Out 2 in the quarter, a pair of massive theatrical hits.
And streaming improved its profitability, with operating income of $321 million between the company’s direct-to-consumer offerings. Disney+, meanwhile, added more than four million “core” subscribers, and now has more than 120 million core subs. Revenue in DTC was $5.8 billion.
The Onion buys Infowars, Alex Jones’s site, out of bankruptcy
The Onion said that the bid was sanctioned by the families of the victims of the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, who in 2022 won a $1.4 billion defamation lawsuit against Jones and his company, Free Speech Systems.
Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit dedicated to ending gun violence that was founded in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook shooting, will advertise on a relaunched version of the site under The Onion.
The publication plans to reintroduce Infowars in January as a parody of itself, mocking “weird internet personalities” like Jones who traffic in misinformation and health supplements, Ben Collins, the chief executive of The Onion’s parent company, Global Tetrahedron, said in an interview.
News Brands
SMH editorial: ‘Media campaigns can be a force for good. This one by News Corp is a disgrace.’
After quitting parliament in 2013, Rudd, who trained as a diplomat, made critical remarks on Twitter about two American citizens: “Donald Trump is a traitor to the West. Murdoch was Trump’s biggest backer. And (Rupert) Murdoch’s Fox Television backs Putin, too. What rancid treachery.”
Malcolm Turnbull, who replaced Rudd as co-chair of the Australians for a Murdoch Royal Commission group when Rudd went to Washington, attacked Murdoch’s acolytes: “This is revenge … this is a campaign that News Corp kicked off, and they are running a vendetta … The question for the Trump adulators in the right-wing media ecosystem in Australia is whether they want our representative in Washington to stand up for Australia, or join the ranks of the Trump sycophants.”
Turnbull is right. News Corp has been running hard on this for months, ramping up a sense of crisis to the point where it has created one. Media campaigns can be a force for good. This one by News Corp is a disgrace.
Media ‘vital’ but should not sway judges: Federal Court justice
In delivering the Sir Francis Burton oration last month, judge Katrina Banks-Smith noted the “all-important freedom of the press” but said judges should be wary that reports might become increasingly marred by “sensationalism and distortion” because of increased pressure on media companies.
She said while there was “no reason” why judges couldn’t “look to informed public debate in the media as a general source of information about matters of public concern”, they must be careful not to “be influenced by the media in relation to any case before them”.
“Furthermore, they must be assiduously careful to preserve the integrity of any proceedings, criminal or civil, that are before them,” she said.
Her comments come amid debate between Federal Court judges regarding the role of the media in court proceedings, and discussions around the meaning of open justice.
Fears for local news diversity if rightwing startup buys SCA regional TV network
Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) has confirmed it has received an offer from the fringe streaming news channel to buy its 93 regional free-to-air TV stations. The digital broadcaster, which is chaired by the former ABC chair Maurice Newman, was launched in December 2021 with the former 2GB broadcaster Alan Jones at the helm.
“SCA continues to actively progress with the sale of its regional television assets and is in active negotiations with several parties with an interest in acquiring those assets,” an SCA spokesperson told Guardian Australia.
The Australian Digital Holdings co-founder Jack Bulfin confirmed “a robust and compelling offer” had been made, but said he had yet to receive a response.
“Revenue is still strong for free-to-air regional television, despite the pressures of the times, and with improved cost-controls and investment in key markets, the group sees a good future for the licences and improved TV services for the regions,” Bulfin said.
Matthew Ricketson, a professor of communication at Deakin University, said independent local journalism must be free of political and commercial interests.
“We already know that the provision of locally gathered and reported news and current affairs in regional and rural Australia is stretched almost to breaking point,” Ricketson said.
Radio
Can Bob Murphy and Sharnelle Vella help turn around the fortunes of ABC Radio Melbourne?
While she’s not really off to a matchmaking program, there are those at the ABC who have already dubbed Vella, 36, and former Western Bulldogs captain Murphy, 42, “the unlikely couple”.
ABC management hopes it’s a Melbourne pairing that comes to life. Breakfast and Mornings are the bedrocks of radio, and while COVID-19 gave 774 a huge boost as people tuned in for crucial updates, as the air of crisis moved on, so did many listeners.
Sydney’s unlikely new radio king, Ugly Phil O’Neil
Phil O’Neil, who built his radio career across Australia and the UK, quietly clinched the victory with a 12.7 per cent share, nudging past Hadley’s 11.1 per cent and SmoothFM’s 11.2 per cent.
“It’s like I’ve always said in my radio career, if it’s lying around on the floor broken in pieces, don’t fix it,” O’Neil told Confidential, making light of the fickle industry.
“All I ever wanted to do when I was a kid was be on radio, since I was 17 years of age. So I still get as much fun doing it now as I did way back then when I did my first ever radio show back in 1980.”
O’Neil’s journey in radio began in the 1990s, where he hosted the Hot30 Countdown and later held prime slots on stations like Nova 969 and Triple M.
Departing ABC radio star mocks Sandilands over ratings win
Sammy J, who recently announced his departure from ABC, has been hosting the broadcaster’s breakfast show since before the pandemic.
On Thursday, Sammy took to social media to reveal that his morning show had once again beaten The Kyle and Jackie O Show’s ratings in Melbourne.
“I beat Kyle again in my final ratings today,” teased Sammy J on Twitter in response to the news. “So I’ll forever live rent free in his head. I’m his white whale; his tormentor; the last face he sees at night and first face he sees each morning. When he strolls on the beach at night, the wind will whisper Sammy J’.”
Television
Lilley reveals surprise career change: Wildlife YouTuber
Lilley, who has been out of the spotlight in recent years and is best known for his show Summer Heights High, doesn’t have any current TV projects in the pipeline.
And, at least for the time being, it seems like his TV comedy days are behind him.
Instead, he’s embarked on a new career as a YouTuber and seems intent on following in the footsteps of fellow Aussie wildlife star Rob Irwin.
Over the last six months, Lilley has turned his back on comedy, and instead has been sharing videos of his many wildlife encounters while travelling around Australia.