When the predominantly female team at Mediaweek learned that Australia’s sweetheart Sam Pang was set to host a solo show, the reaction was unanimous: “Oh, I like Sam”.

When the interaction was put to Paramount Australia’s head of scripted and comedy, Sophia Mogford, she burst out laughing before adding: “Do you know anyone who doesn’t like Sam?”.

Pang has been a mainstay on Australian radio and television for more than a decade now, most notably featuring as a panellist on Have You Been Paying Attention? and The Front Bar.

In 2023, he took on the poisoned chalice of being the host of the Logies, and his dry wit and irreverent humour proved to be the perfect antidote for an industry that often takes itself far too seriously. He was asked back in 2024 to similar rave reviews – and now he’s having a crack at his own show.

Australia’s history with this style of talk show is a graveyard of good intentions. From the earnest to the experimental, attempts to replicate the American model have often faltered.

Now, Ten is placing its chips on Pang, launching Sam Pang Tonight and hoping to finally break the mould with an eight-episode run. But why have previous efforts fallen short, and what makes Pang the potential game-changer?

A format in need of a refresh

“I think in the olden days, the television watching audience watched TV differently,” Mogford explains. “And probably those the longer running shows didn’t evolve or change. It was the same format. It was the same presenter, and some of those styles of hosting went a little bit out of fashion; perhaps I also think people need a rest.

“Sometimes, you just need to give formats a rest for there to be excitement about them coming back and then refresh them when they do come back.”

This refresh, Mogford believes, hinges on the unique appeal of Pang.

Pang: The perfect tonic?

For this style of show to succeed, it needs a host with a distinct voice, natural comedic timing, and a genuine connection with audiences. Pang, Mogford says, ticks every box.

“He’s just so well-liked, he’s so irreverent, he’s so dry, and he’s pretty much the perfect tonic for the world at the moment,” she explains. “He hangs s**t on people in the most charming way.”

Unlike hosts who simply deliver punchlines, Pang’s strength lies in conversation. “I reckon it’s because he talks to people, not at them,” Mogford adds. “He’s engaged in conversation and banter – he’s not looking to get one-up on people, he’s just laughing with them.” His ability to tap into Australia’s larrikin spirit, she says, is exactly why he resonates so well with audiences.

A show built around Sam’s brain

Network 10, Mogford admits, has been working on a project for Pang for some time, waiting for the right fit. “We’ve been thinking that it would be amazing to have something with him,” Mogford says. “And it was really about what he wanted to do.”

The result is a late-night format shaped entirely around Pang’s personality. “The whole thing – title, format, tone – will be formed around his brain, his language, his take on stuff,” she explains. “He’s got a slightly left-field brain, which is what makes him funny.”

That creative influence extends to the writing team, which consists of close friends and collaborators. “The writers that are on it are all people who know Sam,” Mogford notes. “It’s not like they’re just hired help. They speak his language.”

But it won’t just be about scripted segments – there will be room for spontaneity. “He wants to talk to audience members. He has a guest announcer every week, someone he knows and has worked with. And there’s a stable of great entertainers in this country – most of whom Sam knows – who I imagine will be showing their faces,” Mogford says.

A winning formula

Success in this kind of television ultimately comes down to the host. “If you’re going to do a chat show, that host has to own it,” Mogford says. “They have to be liked. People have to want to be associated with them. They have to want to hear what they’ve got to say.”

Pang’s track record at the Logies, where he revitalised the awards show and turned it into must-watch TV, proves he has the pull. “People actually wanted to watch the Logies,” Mogford says. “Whereas before, they felt like they had to.”

For advertisers, Sam Pang Tonight offers a rare opportunity in Australian television – a format with a proven global track record, adapted for local audiences with a personality who already commands national attention. And for viewers, it promises a fresh take on the late-night genre, with plenty of irreverence, self-awareness, and Pang’s signature charm.

As Mogford puts it, “People know what David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel do so well. And I feel like this will be a great Australian version of that – one that pokes fun at itself along the way.”

Sam Pang Tonight premieres tonight, 17 March at 8:40pm on 10 and 10 Play.

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In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the ability to effectively engage audiences has become paramount for brands seeking to thrive.

In an interview with Mediaweek, Jessica Gilby, the national head of retail and digital growth at News Corp, recently shared her insights into audience engagement and the advertising landscape.

Focusing on innovation, Gilby highlighted the evolution of Intent Connect, the importance of video content, and the future of media partnerships.

Enhancing audience intelligence with Intent Connect

Gilby explained that Intent Connect, an audience intelligence platform, has evolved from a sales enablement tool to a market-facing solution over nearly a decade.

This transformation has enhanced advertisers’ ability to understand and build their target audiences. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) empowers users to plan their audiences through a conversational interface, making it easier to find the right targets based on key attributes.

“By using AI, we aim to simplify audience targeting,” Gilby shared. “The platform provides not just a capability for audience construction but also a transparent view of the data involved, making the advertising process more inclusive and efficient.”

The platform’s advanced features allow advertisers to dive deep into audience interests through Content Connect, allowing for detailed insights into what groups engage with across different verticals, such as lifestyle, sports, and food. Gilby emphasised that these capabilities are critical for strategic planning, enabling advertisers to succinctly identify not only who to target, but how and where.

The impact of Tubi integration

The recent partnership with Tubi, according to Gilby, significantly expands video capabilities for News Corp, bridging connections with audiences across different times of the day. This fusion allows advertisers to utilise multiple touchpoints and maximise their reach throughout the day. As Gilby put it, “With Tubi, we have developed a unified proposition that allows us to engage consumers more effectively across all platforms, particularly with long-form video content.”

Gilby also discussed the launch of the Dynamic Digital Catalogue in partnership with Bonzai, noting how this initiative merges the visuals of traditional catalogues with digital interactivity. This blend provides consumers with a real-time shopping experience that enhances product discovery, offering customisable features that can adapt based on e-commerce site data.

“It’s about creating a rich, engaging experience that keeps consumers informed and engaged,” Gilby explained. “We’re leveraging our rich media capabilities to ensure that product information is not only appealing but also timely and relevant.”

Case Study: Chemist Warehouse and Body and Soul

One noteworthy collaboration highlighted by Gilby was the partnership between Chemist Warehouse and Body and Soul, where the two entities transformed a standalone online proposition into an embedded content experience. This strategic integration proved effective, as early metrics indicated a significant reduction in bounce rates and an increase in consumer engagement.

“We’ve utilised Body and Soul’s expertise in content creation to optimise Chemist Warehouse’s online presence,” Gilby said. “It’s a testament to how strategic partnerships can yield powerful results when both parties leverage their strengths creatively.”

Future outlook

When reflecting on the future of media partnerships and digital advertising, Gilby emphasised the continued evolution of content curation through AI and the importance of consolidating media strategies to foster creativity. “We are beginning to see brands desire more cohesive partnerships, which not only consolidate their efforts but also revitalise creativity in advertising,” she said.

Ultimately, Gilby concluded that the future lies in tailored solutions that resonate with consumer needs rather than prescriptive approaches. “It’s imperative to engage with partners that allow for collaborative problem-solving in response to business challenges,” she said.

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton have chosen Mamamia’s No Filter podcast, hosted by Kate Langbroek, as their platform to connect with millions of Australian women ahead of the upcoming federal election.

Both leaders made their way to Mamamia’s headquarters, stepping into the brand’s podcast studios for one-on-one interviews as they begin their campaign to “win over women” voters in the lead-up to this election.

History making

No Filter now holds the distinction of being one of Australia’s first podcasts to feature both the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader in the same election cycle. As they gear up for a competitive race, both Albanese and Dutton are looking to shape their narratives and secure the votes of women, a demographic that could prove decisive in the 2025 election.

With digital platforms playing an increasingly pivotal role in shaping public opinion, Mamamia’s influence in the political landscape is stronger than ever – proving that when it comes to reaching key voters, podcasts are now part of the mainstream media playbook.

“Peter Dutton is the first liberal leader since Malcolm Turnbull to agree to an interview with Mamamia despite the media company reaching the vast majority of Australian Women of voting age,” notes Zara Curtis, Mamamia’s chief content officer.

“Scott Morrison refused multiple requests throughout his term as Prime Minister, and during his campaign, while Tony Abbott similarly refused, despite being Minister For Women at the time,” she said.

A revealing look at the nation’s leaders

Kate Langbroek, host of No Filter, set out to uncover a different side of  Albanese and Dutton, and she wasn’t disappointed: “We know, or at least we think we know, the shape of the Prime Minister, less so that of Peter Dutton, Leader of the Opposition. In preparing for these interviews, I wanted our listeners to start to understand who they are as people, and even I was surprised at their candor, colour, and the sometimes unexpected turns both interviews took.”

Women voters take centre stage

With 9.9 million Australian women eligible to vote, their influence on the upcoming federal election is undeniable. In their interviews, Albanese spoke about the challenges of leadership and his commitment to creating more opportunities for women and girls, while Dutton provided a rare insight into balancing political life with family and his strategies for ensuring women’s safety across the country.

Podcasts: the new campaign battleground

As trust in traditional media declines, podcasts have emerged as one of the most influential platforms for engaging female audiences. No Filter offers an intimate, transparent space for leaders to connect with voters, making it a powerful tool in modern political campaigning. Research shows that 88% of Mamamia’s audience trusts recommendations made by podcast hosts, with listeners significantly more engaged – 65% pay attention to podcast ads, compared to just 39% for TV and 38% for radio.

Mamamia’s unmatched reach

With an audience of 7.5 million Australian women across its digital ecosystem – including mamamia.com.au, newsletters, social media, and the world’s largest women’s podcast network – Mamamia is shaping political discourse in a way few media brands can. Its podcast network alone attracts 1.1 million unique monthly listeners, reinforcing the growing power of audio in shaping voter sentiment.

Curtis explains: “These episodes mark a significant milestone in our mission to ensure that the female voting population of Australia feels informed and empowered to make their voices heard in the upcoming federal election”.

“With women making up more than half of the population, Mamamia takes that position seriously with the potential to inform nearly every eligible female voter by empowering them with insights needed to make informed decisions in this year’s election.

“Mamamia’s purpose is to make the world a better place for women and girls. We are looking forward to our annual check in with the successful candidate to see how they have advanced women and girls in Australia,”she said.

Pictured: Kate Langbroek and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

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Sacked Triple M broadcaster Luke Bona has been handed a lifeline by rival network 2GB. The announcement was made by Ben Fordham on his top rating breakfast show this morning.

2GB management has enlisted Bona as a standby presenter for key shifts across the station.

Bona was shown the door by Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) last month. The decision was part of a round of redundancies announced by CEO John Kelly. Kelly sent staff an email informing them of further cost-cutting measures, including redundancies, as the media company continues to navigate challenging economic conditions.

Following the axing, Mediaweek spoke with Bona’s producer Tom Denham, who said the news came “as a shock”.

“Because we both sleep during the day, we both woke up to the news,” Denham explained.

Both Denham and Bona had a choice in how they handled the abrupt end. “We saw the writing on the wall,” he says. “We both intuitively thought – we could do this two ways. The right way was to go out admirably. The fact that they gave us that final show? What a gift. Not everyone gets that.”

For Bona, that final broadcast was invaluable. “For him to have that experience meant the world to him – to say goodbye to his listeners and contributors,” Denham says. “I think that will give him a lot of peace of mind.”

Pictured: Luke Bona

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Resmed has unveiled its latest global health consumer campaign, ‘Say goodbye to your sleep monster’ created with independent creative agency Hopeful Monsters.

The sleep technology provider’s campaign aims to demonstrate how poor sleep when left untreated can disrupt your day, the campaign enlisted the help of a sleep monster – a metaphorical burden that throws your life into chaos.

“Despite good sleep being essential for our overall health, productivity, and relationships, millions worldwide struggle with poor sleep quality,” Paul Sommer, senior manager, global consumer campaign strategy at Resmed, said.

“Alarmingly, 22% wouldn’t seek help when suffering from poor sleep. This rises to an even more worrying 41% in Australia. We needed a distinctive, category-leading campaign that showed people the effects of poor sleep and encouraged them to start the journey towards better sleep health with Resmed,” Sommer added.

This World Sleep Day, a mischievous Sleep Monster; the embodiment of restless nights and exhausted days, will appear across TV + Radio, Digital, OOH, Activations and even on our streets.

With humour and heart, this campaign brings poor sleep to life in a way that’s both fun and thought-provoking, showing just how disruptive poor sleep can be—and why it’s time to say goodbye to your sleep monster.

“Many people suffer from prolonged poor sleep health, which is a serious issue that can be difficult to understand and confronting to address,” Carl Moggridge, creative partner, Hopeful Monsters.

“Through a puppeteered sleep monster and some light entertainment, we wanted to normalise seeking help, the same way we do with other health issues.”

“This is our second global campaign in as many years for Resmed, and we’re proud to help the team on their mission to help every person achieve their full potential through better sleep and breathing.”

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Australia’s leading food media brand, Taste.com.au, has unveiled Taste the World, a four-week editorial and marketing initiative designed to showcase the country’s rich and diverse food culture. The campaign invites home cooks to explore new flavours through exclusive recipes, articles, and video content, celebrating the evolving palate of modern Australia.

The website continues to dominate Australia’s food media landscape, with more than 4.8 million food lovers visiting the platform in January 2025 alone. According to Ipsos iris rankings, the brand delivered an impressive 74 million page views that month, equating to an engaged reach of 15.38 browser page views per person. As Taste the World rolls out, the campaign is set to further solidify Taste.com.au’s position as the go-to destination for food inspiration and discovery.

A multicultural palette

A Taste the World survey of over 2,300 Australians highlights the nation’s growing enthusiasm for international flavours. Modern Australian, Italian, Chinese, Mexican, and Indian dishes dominate home kitchens, while younger generations are leading the charge in experimenting with a wider variety of cuisines. The research found that Gen Z, in particular, gravitates toward pasta for its ease and versatility, with 77% having a pasta dish as a go-to meal.

Head of food, travel and health Kerrie McCallum said: “Taste.com.au has a highly engaged audience of more than 4.8 million Australians, and its content continues to evolve and grow as consumer needs change. Younger generations are leading the charge in exploring bold global flavours, whether it’s dining out, ordering in, or trying new recipes at home. Looking at the variety of the top cuisines Australians want to explore more – anything from Greek to Vietnamese to Moroccan – shows how interested Australians are in diversifying their pantries.”

Hungry for culinary exploration

The survey also reveals that Italian and Chinese cuisines remain all-time favourites, with Japanese and Mexican ranking high among younger demographics. Greek food is the number one cuisine Australians want to cook more at home, reflecting an appetite for Mediterranean flavours. On average, Australians enjoy three different cuisines each week, with 63% eager to expand their culinary horizons.

Taste.com.au content director Laura Simpson said: “Our Taste the World campaign will empower home cooks to confidently explore new flavours with simple and delicious recipes developed by taste.com.au and top recipe creators. Just as many of us love being the first to check out a new restaurant, home cooks are eager to try fresh flavours and share cultural experiences.”

A star-studded collaboration

The editorial will bring together an impressive mix of celebrity chefs, content creators, and Taste.com.au’s own culinary experts to inspire Australian home cooks. Brendan Pang, Khanh Ong, Warren Mendes, and Zai Bennett will join forces with Taste.com.au’s Michelle Southan, Amira Georgy, Elisa Pietrantonio, Georgia Mahood, Jade Dunn, and Marina Karris to showcase a diverse range of global cuisines through exclusive recipes and video content.

A multi-channel marketing push

The campaign will be backed by a robust consumer marketing strategy, with promotion spanning digital, print, video, and social platforms throughout its four-week run. This multi-channel approach ensures Taste the World reaches food enthusiasts wherever they consume content, driving deeper engagement and discovery.

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Boomtown has appointed Francesca ‘Franky’ Ryan as its new marketing lead.

Ryan steps into the role, replacing outgoing acting marketing lead Nikki Clarkson, who has been appointed chief marketing officer at the Victoria Racing Club. Clarkson has been acting in the role since the departure of Leanne Glamuzina, who joined oOh!media earlier this year.

Ryan brings nearly 15 years of experience in brand strategy, project management and marketing to Boomtown and joins from Cartology, where she was marketing manager for almost five years, integral in establishing the business as a tier-one media company.

Prior to this, Ryan spent four years at Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) as national marketing and events manager and the national trade marketing manager, leading a team across trade marketing and events, while also spearheading Boomtown promotions.

She was also part of the Boomtown Marketing Group from 2018 to 2020 and prior to that had stints at APN Outdoor, JCDecaux and Adshel.

Brian Gallagher, Boomtown independent chairman, said: “We are thrilled to announce Franky’s appointment to the Boomtown team. She is a dedicated advocate for regional media, with a track record for bringing her enthusiastic, creative and forward-thinking skill set to every project.

“Having been part of the Boomtown Marketing Group, Franky has a deep understanding of the power of regional media, and will be critical as we continue to advance and evolve the Boomtown offering.

“Franky joins Boomtown at an exciting time for regional media in Australia. We recently achieved our highest-ever market share for regional advertising at 17.8%*, and we’re excited to continue that momentum with the appointment of Franky and with Network 10 recently joining the collective.

“None of our efforts would be achievable without our team – I’d like to extend my thanks to Nikki, who has gone above and beyond while acting in the Marketing Lead role, and to Leanne who was instrumental in promoting Boomtown’s work throughout her tenure.”

Ryan said of her her new role: “I am so excited to be joining the Boomtown team. I have long had a passion for regional media and its critical and growing role in the national media landscape.

“During my time at SCA, I was heavily involved in Boomtown’s marketing initiatives, so I have a deep appreciation for the collective’s efforts in promoting regional advertising opportunities. It’s an honour to join Boomtown as it continues to push the needle and set new records for regional advertising spend. I look forward to taking this momentum into 2025.”

Top image: Francesca Ryan

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The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) is stepping into the future of digital marketing with Adobe Firefly, integrating generative AI to accelerate campaign execution and streamline content creation. The beauty giant – home to iconic brands like Clinique, Estée Lauder, Jo Malone London, La Mer, and M•A•C Cosmetics – announced today a strategic partnership with Adobe, aimed at redefining its approach to digital advertising.

With consumers engaging across roughly 150 countries and territories, ELC is leveraging Firefly within Adobe Creative Cloud workflows to drive efficiency, allowing creative teams to focus on ideation rather than production bottlenecks.

Aligning AI with ELC’s ‘Beauty Reimagined’ strategy

This partnership aligns with ELC’s recently launched Beauty Reimagined vision, which aims to establish the company as the world’s most consumer-centric prestige beauty brand. A core pillar of this strategy is accelerating speed-to-market through transformative innovation – something Adobe Firefly helps achieve by automating and enhancing content creation.

By harnessing Firefly’s generative AI capabilities, ELC can scale consumer engagement with dynamic, high-quality visuals tailored for digital-first audiences. The shift marks a significant investment in digital advertising, ensuring ELC maintains its competitive edge in a fast-evolving beauty landscape.

Tackling digital content challenges in beauty

The adoption of generative AI addresses a critical challenge in beauty marketing – keeping up with platform-specific content demands.

“Maintaining mindshare on digital channels such as social media is important in the competitive beauty industry, but oftentimes the content requirements for each platform stress our ability to deliver new campaigns,” said Justin Edwards, vice president, global digital creative and brand image at M•A•C Cosmetics.

“The M•A•C Cosmetics team was the first to explore the potential of generative AI for the company through Adobe Firefly Services, and we believe it will remove hurdles that currently prevent our designers from focusing on their craft,” he added.

Bringing Adobe’s AI power to prestige beauty

Firefly’s AI-powered APIs integrate seamlessly with Adobe’s core creative tools like Photoshop and InDesign, unlocking efficiency for brands that require high-volume content production.

“Adobe Firefly Services APIs surface decades of Adobe innovation across our foundational AI models and applications to assist with daily tasks that are crucial but often repetitive and time-intensive,” said Varun Parmar, general manager, Adobe GenStudio and Firefly for Enterprise.

“The Estée Lauder Companies have shown an incredibly compelling and practical application of generative AI, which allows design teams to focus more time on their craft and ideating eye-catching creative for its portfolio of nearly 25 brands,” Parmar added.

Digital asset management upgrade

As part of this AI-driven transformation, ELC is also modernising its digital asset management (DAM) system. The company is now leveraging Adobe Experience Manager Assets as a cloud service to streamline access to its vast library of images, logos, and design elements.

“At The Estée Lauder Companies, we need to keep pace with a changing environment where an increasingly large share of transactions is happening through digital channels such as mobile devices,” said Yuri Ezhkov, Vice President, Creative Center of Excellence at The Estée Lauder Companies.

“We have a trusted partner in Adobe to provide generative AI technologies that are safe for commercial use, with tools that enable our design teams to operate more nimbly and be free to focus on ideating,” he added.

This partnership will not only help accelerate ELC’s speed-to-market but will also set a new industry standard for how beauty brands can leverage AI to enhance creativity, efficiency, and consumer engagement at scale.

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oOh!media is expanding its network after securing curved wall-mounted LED digital screens at Melbourne Central as part of a major rollout of 23 new and upgraded digital assets by GPT Group across its premium retail centres.

The screen spans 40 meters long, and is a digital clock wrap installation at the landmark CBD Melbourne Central leverages the famous Melbourne Central Clock which draws crowds daily with its grand mechanical display, providing brands with the opportunity to connect with 53 million annual visitors passing through this iconic Melbourne retail environment.

The outdoor advertising and media company has also installed 12 high impact digital screens at the entrance and exit of Melbourne Central’s station. Spanning three consecutive columns wrapped with full-motion digital screens. Two high-impact digital screens positioned above the escalators to and from the railway station have also been added to the suite of new digital assets.

Shopping centre sales rose by six percent to $173 billion last year and oOh! added 35 new centres and 500 digital panels to its Retail portfolio which now sits close to 450 centres nationwide. Reaching the most shoppers of any Out of Home company, oOh!’s Retail network generates a 35% greater return on marketing investment than any other provider. according to the 2024 Analytic Partners Market Mix Modelling study.

At Highpoint Shopping Centre in Melbourne West, Victoria’s third-largest shopping precinct, a large format portrait screen in the heart of the centre has been upgraded providing greater screen quality. Two new double-sided portraits have also been launched. A new double-sided portrait at Rouse Hill Town Centre in Sydney’s north-west has been added.

Melbourne Central, Highpoint, and Rouse Hill collectively attract over 70.7 million visitors annually and generate $2.43 billion in sales. oOh! renewed a long-term agreement with GPT Group last year.

Robbie Dery, chief commercial operating officer at oOh!, said: “Our continued commitment to launching premium digital Out of Home assets with GPT reinforces our position at the forefront of market-leading advertising solutions for brands.

“The launch of the digital clock wrap, along with 23 new digital assets across key GPT retail centres provides unparalleled opportunities for advertisers to engage millions of shoppers when they are in high-impact environments.

“We’re looking forward to another strong year in retail and the addition of innovative new digital assets will boost this significantly.”

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Are Media has appointed Jocelin Abbey to the newly created role of general manager, homes and lifestyle. Effective from 7 April, Abbey will take charge of some of the country’s most influential lifestyle and home media brands, including Better Homes and Gardens, The Australian Women’s Weekly, Home Beautiful, Belle, Australian House & Garden, Country Style, and Homes to Love.

Driving growth across premium content brands

Reporting to Are Media’s director of content, Sally Eagle, Abbey will focus on accelerating audience engagement and commercial opportunities across the company’s homes and lifestyle portfolio. The appointment underscores Are Media’s commitment to evolving its omnichannel strategy, delivering premium editorial, digital, and social experiences that resonate with Australian audiences.

Of Abbey’s appointment, Eagle said: “Jocelin’s deep expertise in media transformation, content, and audience engagement makes her the ideal leader to drive the continued growth of our Homes and Lifestyle brands. She has a proven track record in building high-performing teams and delivering sustainable growth through omnichannel strategies. We’re delighted to welcome her to Are Media.”

A proven leader in media and growth strategy

With 20 years of experience spanning media, entertainment, and technology, Abbey brings a track record of successfully blending content, creativity, and commerce. Her previous leadership roles include head of audience development at Mamamia, director of growth at Guardian Australia, and head of marketing at the ABC. She has also held key positions at Yahoo and Nova Entertainment, where she played a pivotal role in driving audience expansion and revenue growth.

Abbey said that she was “thrilled to be joining Are Media at such an exciting time for the Homes and Lifestyle verticals”.

She added: “These iconic brands have a deep cultural impact, with so many unique opportunities to connect with their communities. I can’t wait to work alongside the talented and creative teams at Are Media to bring the 2025 omnichannel plans to life.”

Pictured: Jocelin Abbey

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Taboola a global leader in performance-driven content discovery, has extended its exclusive partnership with Sky News Australia in a new five-year commercial deal. The renewed agreement will see the collaboration span a full decade by the end of its term, reinforcing the role of Taboola’s technology in enhancing Sky News Australia’s digital ecosystem.

“Partnering with Taboola has delivered unparalleled results for our digital newsroom,” said Tim Love, head of digital at Sky News Australia. “Together with Taboola, we’ve been able to transform our digital offering, driving record traffic to our website and app, and supporting other initiatives including the recent launches of the SkyNews.com.au Streaming Subscription and Smart TV app”.

Powering audience engagement and revenue growth

As part of the extended partnership, Taboola will continue to drive content recommendations across Sky News Australia’s digital platforms, including SkyNews.com.au and its mobile apps on iOS and Android. The partnership ensures users receive personalised on-site recommendations while providing new advertising opportunities for brands seeking engaged audiences.

Leveraging data-driven innovation

Sky News Australia will continue to integrate Taboola’s suite of products, including Taboola Feed, Audience Exchange, Taboola News, and Mid Article, across key digital touch points. The broadcaster says the tools help optimise audience engagement, grow traffic, and drive revenue, reinforcing Sky News Australia’s position as a leading news platform.

Taboola’s founder and CEO Adam Singolda praised the partnership, saying that “we have worked closely with Sky News Australia, one of the leading sources of news over many years to establish ourselves as a trusted partner”.

He continued: “Sky News Australia has seen great results across many aspects of its business, by tapping into Taboola’s technology that helps to grow audiences, engagement and more. We’re grateful to Sky News Australia for continuing to choose us as its partner and we’re excited for the next phase in our 10-year relationship.”

Sustained digital growth

Since first partnering in 2019, Taboola has played a key role in expanding Sky News Australia’s digital footprint. The platform now attracts an average monthly audience of more than 3.5 million Australians, with continued growth expected as the partnership evolves.

Love explained that over the past five years “Taboola’s expert recommendations and thorough platform analysis has helped us scale our digital channels, bringing our award-winning breaking news and current affairs commentary to more Australians than ever before. We look forward to the next chapter in our product partnership journey with Taboola.”

 The renewed agreement is effective immediately.

Pictured: Adam Singolda

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The Fox’s Fifi, Fev & Nick hit a programming shake-up this morning as Brendan ‘Fev’ Fevola announced his temporary departure from the Melbourne breakfast show. Fevola is stepping away for an indefinite period to film The Amazing Race for Ten, embarking on a high-profile father-daughter adventure with his 18-year-old daughter, Leni.

As Fevola takes off, The Hit Network is tapping into its talent bench, bringing in Jules Lund as a guest co-host alongside Fifi Box and Nick Cody. The move not only fills the gap but also reunites Box and Lund – who previously co-hosted the popular Fifi & Jules national Drive show – rekindling a dynamic that helped define the network’s programming strategy over a decade ago.

“I’m going on a little holiday,” Fevola began his announcement on this morning’s show.

He continued: “I got an opportunity last year to do something with my 18-year-old daughter, Leni, to travel the world on a TV show… The Amazing Race! So, I won’t be on the show as of Monday and I could be away for a couple of days… it could be a couple of weeks.”

Co-host Box chimed in saying: “We’re so happy for you, Fev! Obviously, we don’t want to lose you on the show but for you and (Leni) to have this amazing father-daughter experience on The Amazing Race”.

Big shoes to fill

Box continued with another big announcement, revealing who would be filling in for Fevola during his time away.

“So, to fill Fev’s big shoes and sit in his chair for the next few weeks while he’s gone, we have a very special guest. Not just a guest, but a great friend. A friend of mine that I haven’t been able to spend much time with in the last decade. Please welcome to the show, the other half of Fifi & Jules… Jules Lund!” she said, as the studio erupted in cheers.

Lund wasted no time bringing his signature humour to the moment. “The ex-wife is back!” he joked, referencing their past years as a radio duo.

Box was just as thrilled about the reunion. “This is so exciting! One of the best times working in my radio career was with you!” she said.

Lund, eager to dive back into the dynamic, turned to Cody with a question. “I want to ask Nick how Fifi has changed over the last 10 years. What is the new Fifi versus the old Fifi?”

Cody couldn’t resist a laugh. “Could she party hard and sing well?” he joked. “I assumed she was the boss when you were here… she’s still the boss!”

Lund, clearly feeling nostalgic, laughed as it all started coming back to him. “This is all coming back to me!” he said, setting the stage for a fun-filled stint on the show.

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Mediaweek’s Media Movers charts the biggest people moves in the industry over the past week.

Nine has officially named Matt Stanton as chief executive officer, solidifying his leadership after serving as acting CEO since late last year.

The appointment, announced to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) today, marks a strategic step in Nine’s ongoing transformation as it navigates industry challenges and opportunities.

Are Media has appointed Anna Quinn as its new director of sales, strengthening its leadership team as the company continues its transformation into a true omnichannel media powerhouse. Quinn will take on the role from 17 March, reporting directly to Are Media CEO Jane Huxley.

In her new position, Quinn will oversee advertising sales, creative and commercial strategy, affiliate sales, and operations for Australia’s largest and most influential women’s media business. She will also be part of Are Media’s executive leadership team.

Rugby league journalist Paul Kent has launched his own independent podcast venture, capitalising on his established voice and aiming to fill what he perceives as a “hole in the market.”

This move follows a period of heightened media attention, including reports of an incident at a Sydney pub, where he was allegedly served 21 schooners. Now, Kent is channeling that notoriety into a new platform, seeking to connect directly with his audience and generate revenue.

Weare8 has shut down its Australian operations and laid off its local staff two years after launching down under. The platform will be centralising its marketing functions into its London HQ as momentum for the platform continues in the UK, Europe, and the US.

Weare8’s business and app will continue to provide value and support to its Australian brand clients, agencies, communities, publishers, impact partners and Citizens.

Former Today Show presenter Alex Cullen has taken to Instagram to share an update on his next hosting gig after being axed by Nine following revelations he accepted a $50,000 gift from The Block millionaire Adrian Portelli.

Cullen shared a photo of himself with his arm draped over the shoulders of Penrith Panthers’ coach Ivan Cleary with the accompanying caption: “Great to host the @penrithpanthers corporate partners meet and greet tonight. Thanks for having me and always good to see super coach Ivan Cleary.” #nrl @pantherspenrithleaguesclub #nrl #penrithpanthers”.

Switzer Media & Publishing has announced that Jillian Davison is stepping down as Editor-in-Chief of Harper’s BAZAAR Australia/New Zealand after nearly four years at the helm.

Since taking on the role, Davison has played a pivotal role in redefining Harper’s BAZAAR Australia’s creative vision, cementing its reputation for modern luxury and innovative storytelling.

Former chief revenue officer of Seven West Media, Kurt Burnette, has announced his new position as content consultant at Cre8tive AI. With a 30-year tenure in the media industry, Burnette brings a wealth of experience in creating, consuming, and monetising premium video content across entertainment, news, and sports.

Throughout his career, Burnette said he’s been driven by a passion for technology and innovation, particularly the transformative role these elements play in reshaping the media landscape. “AI and its all-encompassing game-changing capabilities are at the heart of it all,” he wrote in a recent LinkedIn post.

Seb Costello has announced his departure from the Nine Network after 13 years with the broadcaster. Costello’s departure follows an internal review initiated by the broadcaster into an incident where Costello pursued an interview subject into a women’s public restroom.

In a statement Costello said: “After more than a decade at Nine, I have resigned from my role to seek a fresh challenge. I would like to thank Nine and wish the team all the best.”

A Nine spokesperson told Mediaweek, “Nine confirms that Seb Costello has resigned his employment. We wish him all the best.”

Independent digital marketing consultancy Orange Line has announced key leadership promotions and new hires as it continues its expansion. Aishling Farrell has been promoted to executive general manager, recognising her seven-year tenure and key role in leading major accounts while shaping Orange Line’s strategic direction.

Gavin Chew has been appointed general manager, operations, a newly created role designed to support the agency’s rapid growth. Previously head of media, his seven-year tenure at Orange Line sets him up to streamline operations, drive efficiencies and ensure the team has the tools and support to continue delivering exceptional client growth.

Alberto Sanchez has been promoted from paid media senior director to head of media, where he will lead a team of over 20 specialists overseeing key accounts such as Fantastic Furniture and Abano Healthcare. The paid media team has also expanded with a series of strategic promotions and new hires, further strengthening its expertise and capacity to drive performance across key client accounts.

The Fox’s Fifi, Fev & Nick hit a programming shake-up this morning as Brendan ‘Fev’ Fevola announced his temporary departure from the Melbourne breakfast show.

Fevola is stepping away for an indefinite period to film The Amazing Race for Ten, embarking on a high-profile father-daughter adventure with his 18-year-old daughter, Leni.

As Fevola takes off, The Hit Network is tapping into its talent bench, bringing in Jules Lund as a guest co-host alongside Fifi Box and Nick Cody. The move not only fills the gap but also reunites Box and Lund – who previously co-hosted the popular Fifi & Jules national Drive show – rekindling a dynamic that helped define the network’s programming strategy over a decade ago.

Bare Feat founder Chloe Hooper has teamed up with oOh!media and ACAST to launch a new podcast, The Limitless Equation, that aims to tackle self doubt.

The podcast is a year-long investigation and celebration of women, designed to help them unlearn their limits in business through investing in self-belief. The podcast features high-profile female leaders across media, marketing, and the creative industries who share their personal journeys, lessons, and unique superpowers.

The podcast is inspired by Hooper’s personal experience, despite being an entrepreneur and coach helping people to do what scares them most, she realised she needed to confront the issue her lack of self-belief was having on her.

TEG has announced a leadership change, naming long-time CEO Geoff Jones as chairman and appointing Brad Banducci as the company’s new chief executive officer.

Jones transitions to the chairman role after a 14-year tenure as CEO, during which he spearheaded TEG’s transformation from a ticketing operation into a global powerhouse in live entertainment, ticketing, digital, and data. Under his leadership, Ticketek evolved into TEG, now an integrated network of more than 30 businesses worldwide.

Nunn Media, Australia’s largest independent media agency, has strengthened its strategic and planning capabilities in Sydney with the appointment of Michelle Miroforidis as head of strategy and Elise Dearden as planning director.

5D has announced the appointment of Andrew Slot as managing director, Melbourne, as part of its strategic growth initiative. The company, specialising in “Science of Choice” driven consumer insights, aims to bolster its presence in Victoria and broaden its reach across the APAC region.

This move aligns with 5D’s objective to strengthen its global capabilities in consumer insights, growth strategies, and marketing effectiveness.

Bearded Kitten has appointed Vinny Panchal as managing partner to strengthen the company’s Australian operations.

Panchal brings over a decade of experience at Jack Morton Worldwide and a proven track record across leading global agencies including Weber Shandwick to the global creative experience agency.

Ogilvy Health Australia has appointed Ben Hickey in the newly-created role of head of consumer health to lead the agency’s expanded and diversified consumer health offering.

Hickey has been refining the agency’s diversified offering, which will officially launch this month. This includes the Australian rollout of Health Influence; a global capability, tailored locally, that provides pharmaceutical, healthcare and wellness brands access to the burgeoning influence economy.

After a decade-long career in journalism and marketing, former Are Media lifestyle director and journalist Gabriella Del Grande has launched her PR and copywriting agency, Grande Creative.

Having transitioned into marketing and copywriting in 2022, Del Grande spent the past few years freelancing alongside a full-time marketing role.

Sparro by Brainlabs has appointed Emily Searle has been appointed as planning director. Searle joins the independent digital marketing agency with nearly 25 years of experience in media and publishing.

She will work closely with media and growth lead, Gino Hadiutomo, and managing partner, Sarah Davidson, to lead the direction of media planning in the business. Davidson was promoted to managing partner in November 2024 after a year in the 120-person agency group, including creative agency, Jack Nimble.

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