When it comes to the latest out of home work from Telstra you’ve likely seen everywhere, CMO Brent Smart tells Mediaweek: “We don’t need to convince consumers we have the best mobile network, just remind them.”

“Without sounding all brand nerdy, we ultimately want to build memory structures that link our brand to our superior network strength.”

The hyper-minimalist campaign reengineers the equity of the signal strength bars symbol into a “distinctive brand asset” as Smart describes. The ads repetitively associate the Telstra brand with key mobile functionalities, including apps like ‘Gram’, messaging (‘Chit/Chat’ and ‘Send’), ‘Maps’, and ‘Game’.

The campaign has over ten executions in total – some designed to work alone, others meant to play off each other or as a series of consecutive placements.

“In out-of-home, simplicity is key,” Smart explains, pointing to the simplified brand colour palette of the campaign, and the consistent, bold use of Telstra’s core colours to make its presence pop.

“We have the best mobile network, it is a key differentiator and we wanted to communicate that in a way that is also differentiating.

“Rather than adding more information, we challenge ourselves to reduce and strip it back. It leads to work that is visually striking and confident, like this.”

The work is ultimately guided by Telstra’s North Star, as Brent attests, to create distinctive work that looks like no other big brand in this country. 

Four Bars is the second out-of-home work for the brand’s agency village +61, which brings together independent creative studio Bear Meets Eagle On Fire (BMEOF), with the integrated capabilities of TBWA and Telstra’s existing media agency, TBWA’s Omnicom stablemate, OMD.

The first out-of-home, +61’s debut, From Space to Your Place, launched in April for Telstra’s satellite home internet, with a focus on the remote and regional areas that will benefit most from the connectivity solution.

The launch introduced the unconventional brand creative consumers can hereafter expect from Telstra, guided by the vision of its agency ecosystem, particularly with BMEOF founder Micah Walker at the helm.

“We also believe we can differentiate with better craft, and our agency partners, Bear Meets Eagle On Fire and +61, bring that to every job,” says Smart.

Indeed, while we can predict the work to be unique, it’s proven far from predictable. 

From Space featured surreal, uniquely local yet paradoxically otherworldly creatures created by renowned Australian prosthetic specialists at Odd Studio (Prometheus, Alien: Covenant, Thor: Love and Thunder). The next major work was a fourth-wall-breaking Pointless TVC, followed by the Better on a Better Network series of 26 stop-motion films, which vignetted the Aussie landscape with its endearingly offbeat characters, from blokey wattle flowers, Tasmanian devils, and teenage goth cockatoos. 

Now, this latest campaign has dialled it back to pure text, and sparingly at that.

“Combining the things you do with your phone with the four coverage bars is such a concise idea,” Walker, BMEOF CCO, told Mediaweek. “We love how economic, confident and undeniably Telstra they are.”

According to Smart, the greatest success of the work so far is the number of people it has engaged.

“So many people have told me that they didn’t fully understand this work until they’d seen it multiple times, and that’s powerful,” he says.

“It respects the audience’s intelligence and leaves room for them to participate. And because of that, it stays with people and is more memorable than your average out-of-home campaign.”

Brent Smart

See also: Micah Walker on making Telstra ‘more than it currently is’, and being ‘terrified’ to let Brent Smart down

Tim O’Connor, head of sales at Vevo Australia & New Zealand, has told Mediaweek that while the industry navigates an “exceptionally complex and fragmented media landscape”, he believes “sales will largely remain relationship-driven.”

O’Connor took home the win for Salesperson at Mediaweek‘s 2024 Next of the Best Awards.

Mediaweek caught up with O’Connor to speak about the future of sales, the advice he would give to someone coming up in sales, and how sales work at Vevo.

The awards have been judged by an all-star line-up, what does it mean to you to be recognised by this group?

It’s very humbling to be recognised by such an esteemed group of industry figures, particularly against a strong field of finalists. It’s not something that I expected to win, so it was a very nice surprise! It’s also a validation for all the hard work that has gone into building Vevo over the last four and a half years by our incredible team. I feel very fortunate to have been on this exciting journey with them all.

What do you think is the future of sales in the industry?

This is a tough one to predict, and I think it’s important to acknowledge that our industry is navigating an exceptionally complex and fragmented media landscape right now. That being said, I believe that sales will largely remain relationship-driven.

Success is built on trust and credibility, both of which are hard to fully achieve virtually. With the rise of AI, everyone is striving for greater efficiencies, but I think a personalised and empathetic approach will remain effective at driving better business partnerships and outcomes.

Is there any advice you would give to someone coming up in sales?

Be inquisitive – I would encourage people to learn skills outside of their day-to-day roles to broaden their understanding of the industry. Salespeople can easily develop tunnel vision towards their product, so when speaking with prospective clients, take the time to learn how other channels play a role in their business.

I would also encourage everyone to seek out a mentor and commit to meeting with them regularly. Lastly, hone your listening skills. Salespeople naturally do a lot of talking, but I have come to learn that there is so much value in listening to other people’s challenges before I try to demonstrate how my product could help solve their challenges.

What is the philosophy of sales at Vevo?

At Vevo, it’s all about being partner-focused. Our team takes a consultative approach to sales, and we strive to foster a culture of strong communication that is built on impeccable service. Sales can easily turn into a perpetual cycle of what’s next, so I think it’s important for our team to celebrate our wins and reflect on what we have achieved.

Being Next of The Best – what can the industry expect next from you?

It’s been an incredible process reintroducing Vevo to the market as an owned and operated business, and we still have lots of work to do! We’re going to continue to expand our distribution partnerships in the CTV space, and I’m excited to further grow our business beyond AU/NZ into APAC. We have an amazing library of culture-shaping content that champions inclusivity and belonging in an authentic way, so I’m excited to see what our artists create next, and how we can use their music videos to deliver impact for our clients.

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Top image: Tim O’Connor

FOX Entertainment and Foxtel Group have entered an international agreement to co-develop scripted series for the Australian and U.S. markets.

Jointly announced by Rob Wade, CEO of FOX Entertainment, and Alison Hurbert-Burns, executive director, entertainment content & commissioner of Foxtel Group, the deal sees FOX Entertainment in the U.S. and Foxtel Group in Australia commit to identify and develop scripted series to be co-commissioned by FOX and Foxtel Group.

The pact also includes the development of original content for Foxtel and BINGE in Australia and third-party platforms in the U.S. and abroad. Programs created under the agreement will be produced in Australia by FOX Entertainment’s in-house studio, FOX Entertainment Studios, and involve above and below-the-line talent and crews from Australia and America.

The deal marks the first joint project between FOX Entertainment and Foxtel Group, with FOX Entertainment’s worldwide content sales organization FOX Entertainment Global overseeing international sales of programs developed by the two companies.

Wade said, “Expanding FOX Entertainment’s international footprint through innovative business models is a principal priority for us, particularly as we unfurl our recently formalized structure built on three key business operations – FOX Network, FOX Entertainment Studios and FOX Entertainment Global. Each of these divisions are designed to power our growth strategy by uniting with the best and the brightest companies and creatives around the world, and Foxtel Group is the perfect partner to help us achieve this goal.”

Hurbert-Burns added, “Investing in strategic content partnerships, like this one with FOX Entertainment, is reflective of our desire to deliver global thinking to local productions, whilst also sharing Australian stories around the world. We’re looking to find new ways to collaborate and bring more production to our shores, to deliver Australian productions that are popular for Foxtel and BINGE audiences but also deliver for international partners.”

Foxtel Group last year licensed several series through FOX Entertainment Global. FOX Entertainment Studios’ single-camera comedy Animal Control, starring and executive produced by Joel McHale, streams on BINGE, which has also licensed the animated series Krapopolis, from creator Dan Harmon, and Grimsburg, starring and executive produced by Jon Hamm. Both programs are fully owned by FOX Entertainment and produced by its animation studio Bento Box Entertainment.

Nine journalist Jayne Azzopardi will replace Brooke Boney in the news chair on Today.

After 5 years at Today during the entertainment rounds and news, Boney announced her departure from the show in March, leaving for a place at Oxford University. 

Steven Burling, director of morning television at Nine said that Azzopardi’s career has been “an extraordinary one”.

“Across her career at Nine, Jayne has quite literally done it all,” he said.

“She has covered politics in Canberra, including two Federal Elections and several leadership changes; she’s been witness to and reported from the most significant news events of the past decade. For the last couple of years, Jayne has been co-hosting Weekend Today with Clint Stanaway.”

Azzopardi will start on Today next week.

Renee Bargh has also been confirmed to be joining Today to cover the entertainment round alongside Richard Wilkins. 

Burling said, “Renee has had an equally extraordinary career in her field – from Channel [V] – to moving to Los Angeles in 2010 to be a correspondent and weekend co-host of EXTRA. Returning to Australia, Renee fronted The Voice with Darren McMullan. 

“Over the past couple of years, Renee has been filling in on Today over summers and has quickly become part of our team.

“It’s a privilege that we get to welcome Jayne and Renee to Today.”

In March, Boney said, “I don’t want to go into too much right now, because there’ll be plenty of time for goodbyes and thank yous, but I just wanted to share that good slash bad news with you all this morning.

“It’s been a dream of mine to be able to study at an overseas university, and it just felt like the right time to take that step.

“I’m so grateful to come in here every day and I love you all so much. So it’s made the decision really difficult. But it just means that you’ll all have to plan trips to the UK to come and visit.”

Boney joined the Today Show at the start of 2019 as the show’s entertainment reporter, making the move over from triple j where she was a newsreader.

See also: Today shakeup: Brooke Boney to leave the show for overseas opportunity

UM has appointed Brittany Crowley as head of investment, Sydney. She will join the media agency’s national senior leadership team, reporting to managing director Ben McCallum.
 
Crowley brings nearly 20 years of experience in the media industry and joins from PHD, where she was co-head of investment. She has also worked at Mediacom as group account director.

Crowley will be responsible for overseeing the agency’s investment strategies across all media and integrated partnerships.

Anathea Ruys, CEO of UM Australia, said: “From our very first interaction I was impressed with Britt’s future-focused approach to investment, trading and our media industry. She has a deep curiosity and focus on the strategy of investment, and I believe this is exactly what our industry and business require as we continue to adapt to our evolving economic environment.

“Britt is also a deeply human leader who cares about elevating the craft and expertise of the people around her. I am so excited to welcome her to UM and work with her.”
 
Crowley said of her appointment: “I’m thrilled to be joining Anathea, Ben, and the wider UM team to push boundaries and give rise to meaningful change for clients, teams and agency.
 
“There’s never been a more exciting time to be in media so the opportunity to lead the evolution of investment; strategy, product, innovation, transformation and evolve ‘approach to value’ for clients… bring it on!
 
“I’m a culture and people-focused leader. UM’s culture drives the team’s unwavering passion, dedication, and quest to make a profound and positive impact on their clients’ businesses, I’m very excited to be a part of fostering and growing this aspect.”

Crowley’s appointment comes after UM was appointed the media agency of record for global car manufacturer, Chery.

The agency’s remit includes all media strategy, planning and buying in Australia, supporting the car manufacturer’s launch of all new vehicle releases in 2024 as the brand establishes its market presence.

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Top image: Brittany Crowley

The Monkeys, part of Accenture Song, has appointed senior creatives Danny Pattison and Max Rapley as associate creative directors, effective immediately.

Pattison has been promoted from senior art director, a role he has held since 2017. Rapley, who joined the agency as a copywriter in July 2018, is being promoted from senior copywriter, which he was promoted to in 2021.

The Monkeys confirmed that Pattison and Rapley will join the agency’s existing team of ACDs, including Lennie Galloway and Thomas Gledhill, who were tapped by the creative agency from Goodby, Silverstein & Partners earlier this year.

“During my time at The Monkeys I’ve been lucky enough to work on some of the biggest brands in the country, guided by the best creative leaders around. The opportunity to start leading that work with Danny, the nicest Glaswegian to ever live by my side, is a thrill,” said Rapley
 
Pattison added: “Along with Max, I’m excited to take this next leap in our careers and, with the help of Tara Ford, ECD Barbara Humphries and the rest of the leadership team, push the agency on to even greater heights.”

In his ten-year career, Pattison has worked with brands like Adidas, Amazon, Unilever, NRMA Insurance, Telstra, Blackmores, CGU, and MLA, being recognised at major local and international award shows. Pattison has also tutored at AWARD School twice and is an experienced film director and artist, holding a miniMBA in marketing and recently completing the AWARD Creative Leadership course.

Rapley, who also carries a decade of experience, has worked on creative projects between Sydney and Los Angeles. He started in the arts and entertainment industry before returning to Australia in 2016 to join creative collective The Glue Society. He has worked with clienting include Amazon, Telstra, NRMA Insurance, Crown, Tourism Western Australia, SMEG, HCF, a2 Milk Company, David Jones, and Art Gallery NSW.

Rapley has also crafted campaigns for Uluṟu Dialogue and UNICEF and helped develop the social enterprise Mood Tea, which is dedicated to helping fight youth suicide.. He holds an MBA from The University of Technology Sydney and recently graduated from AWARD’s Creative Leadership course.

“We’re thrilled to have Max and Danny elevated into the positions of ACD,” said The Monkeys and Accenture Song’s growth markets chief creative officer, Tara Ford.

“It’s well deserved as they’ve proven themselves time and again as great talents and great leaders in the making. They have been naturally inspiring the teams and building the culture so I’m excited to see where they take this next.”

Last month, The Monkeys also promoted Milla McPhee to chief strategy officer and Ben de Castella to head of planning.

This announcement follows last week’s news that Tourism Australia appointed The Monkeys, Accenture Song, and Droga5 as an agency village for its creative and digital services.

Earlier this year, Accenture Song, which acquired The Monkeys in 2017, made waves by tapping Mediabrands-owned Initiative’s senior leaders: CEO Melissa Fein, MD Sam Geer, and chief strategy and product officer, Chris Colter.

See also:
Tourism Australia appoints Accenture Song, The Monkeys and Droga5 to its creative and digital services
Accenture Song on nabbing Fein, Geer, and Colter: ‘Reflects our global strategy to deliver integrated solutions’

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Top Image (L-R): Danny Pattison & Max Rapley

VML has appointed Richard Williams as the group executive creative director for its Melbourne and Sydney offices, joining the agency in September

Williams’ advertising career spans almost 25 years, spending most of his professional life at Clemenger BBDO. His tenure includes a six-year stint as executive creative director, leading major accounts including NAB, TAC, CUB, BMW, MINI, and TABTouch.

He was part of the leadership that steered Clemenger BBDO to significant industry acclaim, including being named Cannes and D&AD Agency of the Year in 2017.

Williams said of his new role at the creative agency: “I am delighted to be joining VML later this year. I’ve been waiting a long time for the right opportunity to arrive. The creative ambition of the agency, the strong and talented leadership, and its technical proficiency made the decision very easy for me.

“The creative legacy of George Patterson, Young & Rubicam and JWT is so significant in this country, and I feel privileged to help write the next chapter.”

Williams will lead a creative department of over 30 creatives across Melbourne and Sydney, building upon the strong foundation established by Jake Barrow, who has been promoted to the role of chief creative officer at VML Czech Republic.

Williams’ appointment marks a new chapter for the creative agency, promising innovative and impactful work that continues to push the boundaries of creativity.
 
Paul Nagy, VML APAC chief creative officer, said” “If I were to list my favourite advertising ideas to ever come out of Australia… Rich has probably done about four of them. Even my Dad was impressed when I showed him his work, and believe me when I tell you – that never happens.
 
“Rich is super talented, really focused on what he wants to achieve, a genuine leader and a lovely human being…we are so lucky to have him and I can’t wait for him to get started.”
 
Williams has a consistent track record of delivering award-winning work at some of the globe’s largest creative awards shows. His most internationally awarded work includes Carlton Draught’s Slow Mo and Beer Chase, and Bonds’ The Boys.
 
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Top image: Richard Williams

Ex-LADbible leaders Joesph Summers, Rachel Henry (Hall), and Max Sherry have launched a new publisher, Common.

Common states the driving force behind the new venture is to showcase the best of humanity and combat the prevalent negativity and sensationalism often encountered on social media platforms.

At Common, the focus is uplifting stories, inspirational moments, as well as content that both educates and entertains their audience. Their goal is to move viewers whether that’s to feel empowered, to laugh, to cry, and in some cases to take action.

Summers, Common’s CEO said that the team want to truly add value to people’s lives, which means creating a positive experience for anyone who consumes its content.

“We understand that doom scrolling through social feeds can leave people feeling despondent or unsatisfied, so we aim to tackle that head-on through our editorial strategy and optimistic tone of voice,” he said.

Common states it aspires to become the “Netflix of Social” and has made strides toward this goal by securing several established shows, such as Two Broke Chicks, and ListenABLE hosted by Dylan Alcott and Angus O’Loughlin.

Their lineup also features Big Small Talk, Sometimes Funny Always Awkward, Fairbairn Podcast, Neon Streets, and two of their own productions, Movies & Mud Masks and Common Voices.

These shows and originals will sit under its show hub: House of Common. The team have plans for continued development and new show launches throughout the year.

Henry (Née Hall), Common’s COO emphasised, “A key part of our localisation strategy will be working with Aussie creators to develop shows and originals. We seek to not only enhance their individual brand and storytelling abilities but to empower them by offering shared IP ownership rights.

“In addition, we will partner with local companies, as House of Common will be made up of our own originals as well as shows produced by our partners – MIKMade, Session In Progress, Elastic, & Neuralle. It’s an exciting time for creator-led shows, and our mission is to be the home of the best.”

Sherry, creative director added: “With Common being Australia-based, we are committed to localised content and hope to reach over a third of all Aussies by the end of 2024.

“As part of our in-country commitment, we plan on connecting like-minded brands and partners with our audience in a meaningful way. In addition, Common promises to be at the forefront of driving awareness to social causes which are important to Australians.”

It’s Friday has launched full-service media to deliver connected experiences for brands, led by newly appointed Michelle Miroforidis, who will spearhead the connections media strategy. 

The introduction of a specialist media division marks the next chapter in the independent agency’s growth two and a half years after launch and follows a soon-to-be-announced business win.

Pete Bosilkovski, CEO of It’s Friday, said: “The introduction of media thinking in the agency gives our clients an edge in the way we go to market. Our ethos is to continue to deliver creative solutions that out-think, not out-spend. Having the ability to solve problems in a connected way will further deepen our ability to deliver brand experiences that are impossible to ignore.

“Cost pressures are one of the biggest issues facing clients, so we strive to innovate the way we go to market versus out-spending our competitors. We cannot wait to unleash connections thinking in our problem solving to give our clients the edge in delivering greater effectiveness and ROI.”

Bosilkovski welcomed the arrival of Mirofridis, whose 16-year career includes integrated expertise leading communications strategy and connections within full-service agency models, including at Naked, Spark Foundry for Diageo, Dentsu’s The Story Lab, in-house at Airbnb as connections and media lead, and most recently as acting head of strategy at Havas Media.

Bosilkovski said: “We’re thrilled to have Michelle on board and leverage her tremendous experience working in environments where connected thinking was at the core of success. Working alongside our strategy team, Michelle brings a whole new dimension and energy to the way we will unlock effective brand solutions, connecting people and brands, in ways that are impossible to ignore.”

Miroforidis said of her new role: ‘I’m thrilled to join the impressive team at It’s Friday. Their dedication to powering brands with a distinct Friday-like energy through the seamless integration of brand, creative and connections thinking, immediately struck a chord with me. I can’t wait to join forces with the team to create a game-changing Connections product, providing clients with channel-agnostic strategies across the customer journey.”

Her career contributions have landed her on shortlists at both local and APAC awards. Beyond the work, Miroforidis is devoted to advocating for more cultural diversity in leadership teams and developing aspiring industry professionals, including spending three years as a mentor with the industry mentoring initiative The Trenches.

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Top image: Michelle Miroforidis and Pete Bosilkovski

TOP 5

1. Despicable Me 4 – $4,872,608 (2)

Despicable Me 4 has overthrown the Inside Out emotions to take the #1 spot this week and breaks the Disney/Pixar film’s weeks-long streak at #1. Steve Carell returns to voice Gru and this time is joined by fellow funnyman Will Ferrell who plays the villain Maxime Le Mal. The Despicable Me franchise is the highest-grossing animated film franchise of all time, grossing a total of more than $4.6 billion. Coming in first place this week, Despicable Me 4 took $4,872,608 in its fourth week, averaging $10,456 over 466 screens.

Total Australian Box Office gross to date: $33,400,489

Synopsis: Gru welcomes a new member to the family, Gru Jr., who’s intent on tormenting his dad. However, their peaceful existence soon comes crashing down when criminal mastermind Maxime Le Mal escapes from prison and vows revenge against Gru.

2. Inside Out 2 – $4,641,411 (1)

In June, Inside Out 2 became the first film since Barbie in 2023 to hit a worldwide gross of $1 billion. The film introduces a new array of emotions for a now-teenage Riley, including Anxiety voiced by Maya Hawke and Envy voiced by Ayo Edebiri.

Coming in second place this week, Inside Out 2 took $4,641,411 in its fifth week, averaging $9,048 over 513 screens.

Total Australian Box Office gross to date: $46,155,805

Synopsis: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust have been running a successful operation by all accounts. However, when Anxiety shows up, they aren’t sure how to feel.

3. Twisters – $3,664,166 (debut)

Warner Bros. Twisters is a spiritual successor to the 1996 film, Twister and is directed by Lee Isaac Chung. Starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell in the leading roles, the film currently holds a favourable 80% on Rotten Tomatoes. Coming in third place this week, Twisters took $3,664,166 in its first week, averaging $8,018 over 457 screens.

Synopsis: Haunted by a devastating encounter with a tornado, Kate Cooper gets lured back to the open plains by her friend, Javi, to test a groundbreaking new tracking system. She soon crosses paths with Tyler Owens, a charming but reckless social-media superstar who thrives on posting his storm-chasing adventures. As storm season intensifies, Kate, Tyler and their competing teams find themselves in a fight for their lives as multiple systems converge over central Oklahoma.

4. A Quiet Place: Day One – $1,210,673 (3)

The newest film in the Quiet Place franchise is directed by Michael Sarnoski, who takes over the reins from the director of the previous two films, John Krasinski. The film is a prequel, documenting the beginning stages of an invasion in New York City by creatures who are drawn to the slightest hint of sound. It stars Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o and Stranger Things star Joesph Quinn. Coming in fourth place this week, A Quiet Place: Day One took $1,210,673 in its third week, averaging $3,772 over 321 screens.

Total Australian Box Office gross to date: $10,060,128

Synopsis: When New York City comes under attack from an alien invasion, a woman and other survivors try to find a way to safety. They soon learn that they must remain absolutely silent as the mysterious creatures are drawn to the slightest sound.

5. Fly Me to the Moon – $939,046 (debut)

Sony’s Fly Me to the Moon stars Channing Tatum and Scarlett Johansson and is set against the backdrop of the 1969 Apollo 11 space mission. While the film is a fictional story about the making of a “backup” fake moon landing, there are some sprinkled real facts, such as the culture at NASA at the time. Coming in fifth place this week, Fly Me to the Moon took $939,046 in its first week, averaging $2,336 over 402 screens.

Synopsis: Sparks fly between a marketing executive and a NASA official as he makes preparations for the Apollo 11 moon landing.

Top 6 – 10

6. Indian 2
7. MaXXXine
8. The Bikeriders
9. Bad Boys: Ride or Die
10. The Garfield Movie

News Corp Australia has opened applications for the next intake of its National Editorial Cadet Program.

The 12-month paid cadetship will be offered to 30 aspiring journalists who will have the opportunity to work with news brands including The Australian, The Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, The Courier-Mail, The Advertiser and news.com.au.

News Corp Australia’s free news & lifestyle editor-in-chief, Mick Carroll, said the company is looking for people with the passion and professionalism to embrace News’ traditions and take them to new audiences and new platforms.

“This is a unique opportunity to be part of the generation that shapes the future of journalism,” Carroll said.

“We are offering the chance to learn and work across  Australia’s most diverse family of journalism brands. We will offer training in journalism’s core skills as well as provide the opportunity to learn the new techniques and technologies that are part of journalism’s future.”

The Australian’s editor-in-chief, Michelle Gunn said: “News Corp Australia’s cadets have the opportunity to work in every facet of journalism, from grassroots community reporting to specialist areas of interest.

“Stories are no longer confined to one format or traditional rules. We need the skills and innovation to produce first-class multimedia storytelling. Audio, video, data visualisation, graphics – each has a role to play in building on the power of our written words.”

Each cadet will work in at least four different newsrooms during the year, be mentored by a senior journalist, and undertake regular masterclasses and training workshops.

The most recent group of 27 cadets are set to graduate later this month with all being offered roles within News’ newsrooms around the country.

The next cadet program runs from November 4, 2024 to October 18, 2025.

In July, The Australian and Prestige titles 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.

Gray made several key appointments to expand the division’s focus on audience engagement and digital subscription growth, digital storytelling, and increased global collaboration with The Wall Street Journal and The Times.

See also: The Australian unveils new leadership team led by Nicholas Gray and Michelle Gunn

Val Morgan has made multiple appointments and promotions across BrandFit, its group strategy and client solutions team.

Jo Scott has joined as head of strategy, bringing 18 years of strategy and business experience within media and communications agencies. She previously held roles at Starcom Australia as national head of experience design and head of planning for over six years, leading local and new business creative strategy, new product development, national agency training and communications planning.

In her new role, Scott will work across the Val Morgan group of brands, including Val Morgan Cinema, VMO and Val Morgan Digital, and report to Paul MacGregor, director of strategy & marketing.

MacGregor commented on Scott joining the team, noting it was a pivotal move as the company continues to build out its group approach.

“Over the last two years, our partnership revenue has gone from strength to strength, we’re thrilled to bring Jo on board to lead our strategy team and continue driving this momentum,” he said.

“Jo brings a wealth of experience to the Val Morgan business and her unique combination of strategy, creativity, and leadership skills will be critical in delivering greater value to our partners and more innovative solutions to our clients.”

Scott said: “I’m excited to join Val Morgan, their business momentum, people-first culture and commitment to sustainability initiatives will be an environment I can thrive in.

“Across the group, the business has an incredible set of opportunities for brands and I’m thrilled about joining this amazing team to bring a fresh approach to our work with partners and clients.”

Val Morgan has also promoted Lizzy McDonald to group strategy manager. McDonald joined Val Morgan’s strategy team in 2021, transitioning from a five-year stint at Nine working across content partnerships.

Diana Demetri has also been promoted to group client solutions manager leading the post-sale implementation across Val Morgan Digital’s suite of publishing brands including The Latch, POPSUGAR, BuzzFeed, LADbible, Tasty, and Fandom.

Christelle Quillien is expanding her role as group client solutions manager to lead the post-sale implementation team across the Cinema and Outdoor businesses.

Cassandra De Francesco and Ben Foyster have also been promoted to the role of client solutions manager, while Eden Coleraine recently joined the team from Carat as strategy executive within the strategy team.

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Top image: L-R: Christelle Quillien, Lizzy McDonald, Diana Demetri, Jo Scott, Eden Cloeraine, Cassandra De Francesco.

ARN has promoted Bec Ellem to group business director for the network’s Melbourne independent agency team. 

With over 20 years of experience in the radio industry, Ellem started her career at River 949 in Ipswich before moving to Melbourne in 2007.

After a tenure at Nova, where she served as an account director and later as group sales manager, Ellem joined ARN in 2019. Since then, she has been an account director, working in both the Direct and Independent Agency sectors.

In her new position, Ellem will oversee the strategic direction and daily operations of the Melbourne Independent Agency team.

Commenting on her appointment, Brett Sandler, ARN sales director – direct & independent agencies, said: “We’re thrilled to announce Bec’s promotion as Group Business Director for the Melbourne Independent Agency Team.

“Her experience in the Melbourne market spans 20 years and her strong relationship focus puts us in a great position to drive growth across our Indie Agency Team.”

Ellem added: “This opportunity represents a significant milestone in my career, I am eager to embrace the role with enthusiasm, proactivity and dedication.”

The appointment of Ellem comes as Airtasker revealed it had raised $5 million in media capital from ARN. 

Building on Airtasker’s recently announced agreement with oOh!media, the ARN partnership expands Airtasker’s Australian media capital reserves over two years to $11m from both partners.

Airtasker will access ARN’s Australian network of 58 radio stations including KIIS FM, Pure Gold and CADA – which feature Kyle & Jackie O, Will & Woody and Jonesy & Amanda – as well as digital entertainment platform iHeartRadio.

The terms of the partnership provide Airtasker with $5m in ARN audio media inventory in exchange for a 2-year $5m convertible note with a 5.8% coupon rate (Note).

At maturity, Airtasker has the option to convert the outstanding Note and coupon into ordinary shares at a 10% discount to Airtasker’s 30-trading day volume-weighted average share price or repay the outstanding Note and coupon in cash.

See also: Airtasker raises $5m in media capital from ARN to boost growth

Meltwater has teamed up with 1000heads to launch a new brand campaign that highlights the challenges that PR, marketing, and research teams face when trying to make informed and impactful business decisions.

The global media, social and consumer intelligence company transforms data into insights for 27,000 customers around the world to drive results.

The “Guesswork Doesn’t Work” campaign was executed by the Australian creative team 1000heads in partnership with content agency Monster & Bear and has gone live in APAC, the Americas, and EMEA.

The strategy behind the creative is centred on everyone thriving when great work is done that is driven by robust, actionable insights. The only type of work that has no place in a company is guesswork.

The creative hero video features characters Seth and Ria from marketing, who are more focused on snacks than brand equity. Thomas from PR seeks supernatural sources for media coverage insights, and Ann from research believes she is her own target audience.

The campaign will run on multiple media touchpoints and was launched with the hero video on Meltwater’s social and owned channels. This was followed by social-first extension videos on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram and image assets highlighting the quirky characters, which extended into digital display ads.

Robert Upton, creative director at 1000heads, said: “We wanted to make Meltwater stand out and show off their expertise by tackling the common problem of making sense of the insurmountable digital data that businesses need to contend with. Our goal was to turn this complex issue into something funny, relatable, and easy to understand.”

Jenny Force, VP of marketing at Meltwater, said: “At Meltwater, we want to empower teams to cut through the noise and make sense of all the data available to them with insights that drive better decision making.

“We know that guesswork doesn’t work. PR/Communications and Marketing professionals know they need to be more data driven, but they aren’t data analysts, and often don’t know where to start. That is where Meltwater comes in – turning data into insights, and making them accessible across teams, levels, and geographies.”

CREDITS:
Social Transformation Specialists: 1000heads 
Robert Upton, Creative Director
Mark Lloyd, Group Account Director
Adrian Burke, Production Director
Roheeth Jayakumar, Video Editor
Tina Eather, Art Director
Gowri Adi, Senior Account Executive

Content Agency: Monster & Bear 
Jesse Richards, Director
Josh Mitchell-Frey, Director of Photography
JC Reyes, Art Director
Clara O’Sullivan, Producer
Paris Jade Webster, 1st AD
Agatha Lee, Camera Assistant
Hassan Lahrech, Sound
Amelia Mills, HMUA
Ryan Bird, Editor / VFX
Adrian Horsman, Sound Design
Amadea Hare, Colour

Client: Meltwater 
Daniella Sampson: Director, Brand Strategy
TJ Kiely: Director of Corporate Marketing & Global Content
Jenny Force: VP Marketing

Sunday 14 July 2024: VOZ Total TV Ratings Overnight Top 30 – Programs ranked on reach

Total People TV Ratings

Nine’s Travel Guides recorded a total TV national reach of 2,200,000, a total TV national audience of 1,257,000, and a BVOD audience of 103,000.

Nine’s NRL – Knights v Sea Eagles recorded a total TV national reach of 1,305,000, a total TV national audience of 465,000, and a BVOD audience of 44,000.

Seven’s Dancing with the Stars recorded a total TV national reach of 2,146,000, a total TV national audience of 927,000, and a BVOD audience of 48,000.

Also on Seven, 7NEWS Spotlight recorded a total TV national reach of 1,290,000, a total TV national audience of 477,000, and a BVOD audience of 21,000.

10’s airing of MasterChef Australia recorded a total TV national reach of 1,169,000, a total TV national audience of 678,000, and a BVOD audience of 64,000.

See also: TV Report 14 July 2024: Samantha Jade stuns judges on Dancing with the Stars

People 25-54

Nine’s Travel Guides:
• Total TV nation reach: 738,000
• National Audience: 457,000
• BVOD Audience: 57,000

Nine’s NRL – Sea Eagles v Knights:
• Total TV nation reach: 419,000
• National Audience: 164,000
• BVOD Audience: 25,000

10’s MasterChef:
• Total TV nation reach: 414,000
• National Audience: 239,000 
• BVOD Audience: 36,000

Seven’s Dancing with the Stars:
• Total TV nation reach: 621,000
• National Audience: 245,000
• BVOD Audience: 23,000

Seven’s 7NEWS Spotlight:
• Total TV nation reach: 404,000
• National Audience: 164,000
• BVOD Audience: 11,000

People 16-39

Nine’s Travel Guides:
• Total TV nation reach: 293,000
• National Audience: 165,000
• BVOD Audience: 28,000

Nine’s NRL – Sea Eagles v Knights:
• Total TV nation reach: 171,000
• National Audience: 68,000
• BVOD Audience: 15,000

10’s MasterChef:
• Total TV nation reach: 183,000
• National Audience: 105,000 
• BVOD Audience: 20,000

Seven’s Dancing with the Stars:
• Total TV nation reach: 253,000
• National Audience: 92,000
• BVOD Audience: 10,000

Seven’s 7NEWS Spotlight:
• Total TV nation reach: 137,000
• National Audience: 61,000
• BVOD Audience: 5,000

Grocery Shoppers 18+

Nine’s Travel Guides:
• Total TV nation reach: 1,664,000
• National Audience: 962,000
• BVOD Audience: 82,000

Nine’s NRL – Sea Eagles v Knights:
• Total TV nation reach: 1,013,000
• National Audience: 357,000
• BVOD Audience: 34,000

10’s MasterChef:
• Total TV nation reach: 912,000
• National Audience: 538,000 
• BVOD Audience: 52,000

Seven’s Dancing with the Stars:
• Total TV nation reach: 1,677,000
• National Audience: 738,000
• BVOD Audience: 39,000

Seven’s 7NEWS Spotlight:
• Total TV nation reach: 1,030,000
• National Audience: 378,000
• BVOD Audience: 17,000

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 15 July 2024:

Nine TV Report

Travel Guides

Nine’s evening began with a new episode of Travel Guides.

For the first time ever the Guides went caravanning, towing their homes on a tour of Northern Tassie. They tried caving, visited historic Beaconsfield, and drove up Australia’s most dangerous road.

A Current Affair

Over on A Current Affair, the program spoke with an eyewitness who recounted the failed assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump and spoke to a former FBI agent who labelled the Trump assassination attempt a ‘security failure.’

Seven TV Report

Turbulence: How Safe Is Your Flight

On Seven, Turbulence recounted the story of passengers boarding Singapore Airlines flight SQ321, where 10 hours in the plane hit sudden extreme turbulence.

Home and Away

Before Turbulence was Home and Away as Irene went down a dangerous oath, Dana came to a decision and Levi tried to find common ground with Tane.

10 TV Report

The Project

The Project on 10 investigated if the attempted assassination of Trump will decide the the election and spoke to Hugh Jackman & Ryan Reynolds about their new film, Deadpool & Wolverine. 

MasterChef Australia

On 10’s MasterChef, with Curtis Stone’s help, the semi-finalists had to each prepare a three-course meal for 20 diners and the judges.

Have You Been Paying Attention?

Have You Been Paying Attention saw Glenn Robbins, Anne Edmonds, Emma Holland, Ed Kavalee and Sam Pang all compete to see who’s been paying attention the most with host Tom Gleisner and special guest quizmaster Pete Helliar.

ABC

Stuff the British Stole

Marc Fennell unpicks the twisting history of Charles Byrne, the Irish Giant. It is a story of betrayal, exploitation, and the brutal reality of the medical industry.

SBS

Amazing Railway Adventures Nick Knowles

Nick Knowles’ journey begins at the highest point on this railway line (and the fourth highest train station in the world) at La Reya. Later Nick stops off for a stunning boat ride across the deep waters of Lake Titicaca to visit the floating islands of the Uros, a pre-Inca tribe who still live in southern Peru.