Sky New Zealand and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) have announced a partnership expansion that confirms Sky as the home of Max in New Zealand.

It is expected a similar announcement may not be far away involving WBD and Foxtel. There was some anticipation it may have been revealed at last week’s Foxtel Group Upfront, however the Australian deal was not quite ready to be unveiled.

To the Max: New Zealand’s deal

The Max hub on Sky and Neon will offer series, Hollywood blockbuster movies, and family favourites, as well as a library of programming across lifestyle, reality and documentaries.

Sky Entertainment and Neon subscribers will gain exclusive access to Max and HBO Originals in New Zealand, including the highly anticipated Dune: Prophecy, as well as new seasons of The Last of Us, The White Lotus and Euphoria.

In addition, Max on Sky and Neon will offer WBD’s classic franchises such as Friends, The Big Bang Theory and Rick and Morty, while also featuring a deep library from brands including the DC universe, Warner Bros., Discovery, TLC, Animal Planet, Cartoon Network and Harry Potter.

New Zealand to get its own HBO channel

For Sky Entertainment customers who prefer to enjoy content via linear viewing, Sky’s SoHo channel, which has been the home of HBO’s content on Sky for many years, will be rebranded HBO, exclusively showing HBO Original content.

Sophie Moloney, Sky chief executive said: “We have a long-standing partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery, so I’m thrilled to be working together to bring New Zealanders exclusive access to Max, a brand that has become synonymous with great entertainment. Sky continues to be the home of premium content and brands that our valued customers can enjoy across our variety of platforms, with our entertainment offering going from strength to strength.”

Michael Brooks at the Foxtel 2025 Upfront

Michael Brooks, GM, ANZ, WBD said: “The arrival of Max on Sky builds on the success of our multi-year partnership to bring New Zealanders world-class content from WBD’s iconic brands and franchises. In New Zealand, we are the only company operating across free-to-air, pay TV, FAST, AVOD and linear livestreaming. This new, expanded partnership marks our arrival into the SVOD environment through Sky’s multi-platform offering, and with it, the completion of our total video proposition.”

The new Max hub and dedicated HBO linear channel will be made available on the new Sky Box, Sky Pod and Sky Go from 30 October 2024, with the Max hub also available on Neon.  Sky Entertainment and Neon customers will automatically have access to this content, which will be accessible through the Max hub, as well as other areas like the Home Page.

Max Australia launch plans

While there is still no launch date for Max in Australia, a number of things look likely.

Speaking to delegates from the entertainment industry all over Asia just last month, Singapore-based James Gibbons, president APAC for Warner Bros Discovery, had some news about Max.

“We can confirm we’ll be launching our direct service in Australia in the first half of next year…that’s definitely happening. We have had a longstanding and really important relationship with Foxtel and I think the time has come for us to expand that into the DTC [direct to consumer] space.”

As Gibbons explained, Foxtel will be the Max partner in Australia. With New Zealand Max now on the runway for take-off next week, expect Max Australia to be earlier in the first half of 2025 than perhaps anticipated.

See also:
• Here comes Max: 2025 launch as Warner Bros Discovery enters local streaming wars
• Streaming wars: What will the arrival of Max mean for Foxtel and the future of Binge?

Mediaweek, the leading voice in the Australian media industry for 33 years, is embarking on an exciting new chapter following its recent acquisition by Vinyl Group. 

To mark this new era, Vinyl Group has announced two pivotal hires to join its editorial team: Frances Sheen as Head of Content and Emma Shepherd as Editor-In-Chief.

Josh Simons, CEO, said, “I personally have been a reader of Mediaweek for many years. It’s a publication that has played an important role in the media industry, and as the new custodian of the brand, I take that responsibility seriously. 

“With Frances leading the editorial team, Mediaweek will not only celebrate the hard work and achievements of those in the industry but also serve as a platform for accountability—holding both the industry and ourselves to the highest standards.”

Founded in 1990, Mediaweek is celebrated for its in-depth coverage of the media, marketing, and advertising sectors. 

Now, with the backing of the Vinyl Group, the much-loved brand will build on this legacy.

Frances Sheen’s appointment as Head of Content marks a significant milestone for Mediaweek. 

With years of experience in major Australian media brands, Sheen was previously Editor-In-Chief at 7NEWS.com.au. 

Her impressive career also includes senior roles at Foxtel and Pacific Magazines. 

In her new position, Sheen will oversee the editorial direction of Mediaweek and collaborate closely with the commercial and leadership teams, as well as Vinyl Group, to shape the publication’s broader strategy and expanding events portfolio.

“I’m excited to lead Mediaweek into its next chapter as Head of Content,” Sheen said. “Our focus will be on championing the innovation, creativity, and resilience that define this industry. 

“We look forward to providing fresh insights, amplifying diverse voices, and ensuring that Mediaweek continues to be a trusted resource for media professionals, now and into the future.”

Frances Sheen

Sheen is joined by Emma Shepherd who steps into the role of Editor-In-Chief. 

Bringing a wealth of experience, Shepherd has worked as Deputy Editor of  Mumbrella and Editorial Content Manager for The Trade Desk in the APAC region. 

She is currently Director of Communications at AFFINITY Group and will start with Mediaweek on October 28.

Emma Shepherd

Reporting directly to Sheen, Shepherd will lead the day-to-day news agenda and editorial product for Mediaweek.

“I couldn’t resist the opportunity to join Mediaweek and be part of a new era for one of Australia’s leading media and marketing titles,” Shepherd said. “As much as I enjoyed my time at AFFINITY, I couldn’t pass up the chance to pursue this exciting new opportunity back in journalism. I can’t wait to get started alongside the talented Mediaweek team.”

These changes will see former Mediaweek publisher James Manning step back as Managing Editor and work with the team in the newly-created role of Editor-At-Large. 

With its new leadership team in place Mediaweek will celebrate the achievements of the industry at the highly-regarded Mediaweek 100 on Friday, November 22, 2024, at the Pearl Ballroom, Crown Sydney. 

Incorporating the Mediaweek Agency 50 and the newly-created Variety Australia Entertainment 50, this event is a highlight in  the media industry’s calendar. Tickets are available here. 

As the popular brand continues to evolve under the stewardship of Vinyl Group, Mediaweek will embrace fresh perspectives and innovative strategies through compelling content, advertising, and events. 

How to enter Mediaweek 100

Steve O’Connor will step down as CEO of JCDecaux Australia and New Zealand after 20 years with the company.

Chief commercial officer Max Eburne and chief financial officer David Watkins will now become co-CEOs.

Jean-François Decaux, co-chief executive officer of JCDecaux, said: “Steve’s leadership over the past 20 years has been integral to JCDecaux’s growth in Australia and New Zealand. His role in integrating APN Outdoor into our business was pivotal, and we are grateful for his contribution. He leaves behind a business well-positioned for the future.”

O’Connor said: “It’s been an incredible journey building JCDecaux in Australia and New Zealand over the past two decades. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and I thank everyone who has supported me and the company. Max and David are well-prepared to lead the business into the future. I’m looking forward to spending more time on my cattle farm, travelling, and contemplating the next chapter of my life.”

David Watkins & Max Eburne

On the appointments of Max and David, Decaux added: “Max and David are natural successors to Steve as co-CEOs. Their combined experience and deep understanding of our business will ensure continued growth. The dual CEO structure has been successfully implemented in several JCDecaux subsidiaries and will position the business well for continued success.”

Eburne said: “I’m grateful to Steve for his leadership over the past 16 years we’ve worked together. David and I have highly complementary skills and experience and will take great pride in leading the immensely talented team at JCDecaux to evolve and thrive in the future. Together we will lead with a shared focus on innovation and delivering results for clients. We are excited about the future of Out-of-Home, and we’ll continue to focus on effective outcomes for brands and agencies.”

Watkins said: “I’m excited to work with Max to lead JCDecaux Australia and New Zealand. This is a great opportunity and we’re ready to build on the strong foundation Steve has left. The Out-of-Home industry has strong, long-term fundamentals, and JCDecaux will continue to invest and innovate. We have a great team of exceptional people, strong contracts, and plenty of opportunities ahead. I’m looking forward to delivering on our strategy and making the most of what’s coming in 2025 and beyond.”

O’Connor will remain with the business until the end of 2024. Eburne and Watkins will take on their new roles as co-CEOs on 1 January 2025.

Wesley Hawes will depart Innocean after four years as executive creative director to join creative agency 72andSunny, Sydney.

Jasmin Bedir, CEO of Innocean, said: “Wez and I had four amazing years together as a team. He is a lovely human, and we’ll of course miss him, but change is inevitable.

“We will make an announcement on our new creative leadership in due course,” she added.

Jasmin Bedir

Hawes joined Innocean in 2020 after almost two years at CHE Proximity, where he was also executive creative director.

During his time at the agency, he was behind some of the agency’s biggest and awarded campaigns such as the Australian Marine Conservation Society ‘Voices Of The Sea’, IKEA ‘Sleep Ship’, Foxtel ‘Make It Yours’ and Hyundai Santa Fe ‘Little Angels’.

Before CHE Proximity, Hawes was at Marcel Sydney as deputy executive creative director in 2017, before stepping up to executive creative director in 2018. He has previously had stints in TBWA in Sydney, BBH London and Host Sydney.

Mediaweek has reached out to 72andSunny and Hawes for comment.

Wesley Hawes

Hawes spoke to Mediaweek earlier this year about the Kia Ute campaign featuring many of Australia’s favourite sportsmen and women. The campaign successfully generated over 1.3 million organic views and 82 million media impressions in just four days.

At the time Hawes told Mediaweek the team never set out to create such a grand affair. “We never really thought we were making a big ad. We just thought we were making something really cool,” he said.

It was only when A Current Affair stationed its team to capture the makings of “the most iconic ad ever in Australia,” (as they told Hawes) that Hawes realised the potential of their production.

Hawes and Kia CMO Dean Norbiato attribute the final scope of the campaign to the serendipitous expansion of the talent pool. Norbiato said: “There was a domino effect of people wanting to get involved.”

Hawes added: “The more the stars realised they were going to be part of something, the more they wanted to do it. Even though it was a logistical nightmare, the vibes on set were really good. You’d walk out, and there’d be Scotty Sattler chatting to David Boon chatting to Jessica Watson.”

See also: 82m impressions in four days: How Kia’s big ute ad exceeded CMO and Innocean’s expectations

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Top image: Jasmin Bedir and Wesley Hawes

Executives working in broadcast TV are multitaskers these days. Gone are the days of looking after just a couple of shows.

Filling the role of head of unscripted at Network 10 is Sarah Thornton. This month she has the new season of Shark Tank going to air. Thornton is also the network EP on MasterChef and spinoffs like Dessert Masters. Also in the portfolio is Taskmaster, The Dog House Australia, Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly, and The Project. “And the recently dropped, and rather controversial, Aussie Shore,” she told Mediaweek.

This is the first season of Shark Tank that Thornton is working on.

Mediaweek asked Thornton if there was much of a learning curve for her on the series.

“It was really lovely partnering with Curio Pictures, and I know Jo Porter was really involved, and I loved getting to know her creatively. I think she’s been brilliant, and then her team there have been great as well, Gemma Carlton and Ben Ulm.

“I have the advantage of having seen a season with Curio already that I didn’t work on. I could watch that, and kind of immerse myself in that, and think about how we might slightly change things. There’s always an advantage coming in once there’s a bit of groundwork already done. For the new season, we tweaked things, but there was a good foundation from the previous season.”

When we spoke with Thornton, she explained the season had finished filming, and it was no deep into post-production on the remaining episodes as the season launched this month on 10.

“Some of the changes we made include bringing in two new sharks. We’ve got Nick Bell and Maxine Horne. Nick will be known to some people, because he was in Celebrity Apprentice.

“Nick is brilliant, he’s super charismatic, very unafraid, and the real deal. Genuinely really wealthy, and prepared to put his money where his mouth is. Maxine is unbelievable. I don’t think there are many women like her on Australian television.

“She’s in her 60s, and she is also the real deal. Her net worth is off the charts. She was, at one point, Australia’s highest-paid female CEO. She’s wise, she’s canny, and she’s not afraid to stand out.

“They balance out our already existing sharks, Davey, Jane, and Robert really beautifully.

“Coming in as a new shark, there are a lot of learning, but having Jane, Davey, and Robert there, who already knew how to move through the show, and pull them along with them, was brilliant. The five of them have amazing chemistry, and when you think about the show, what is the kind of appeal of it, it is the sharks, and I think that this year, we’ve hit on the secret sauce.”

Sarah Thornton

Thorton said as far as contestants go, there’s never been a better time to be an entrepreneur.

“Because you can do so much yourself, e-commerce has kind of transformed who is able to take a product to market, and how they do it, and so there were some really interesting and amazing products, that already had very strong track record.

“People are now able to come to the sharks and say, look, we’re already on Amazon, these are our sales, and I think that that made for very interesting gameplay. When the shark’s attention is caught, and if you catch all five, there can be, you know, genuine blood in the water.

“On the flip side, we also have products with no e-commerce. There was a dog brand called Marrows, a dog treat brand. The woman who did that was doing incredible sales, with no e-commerce, and again, you can see the shark’s eyes light up, because it’s like, well, if there’s no e-commerce, we know exactly how to grow this business.

“What was really interesting for me was to learn how brilliant Australian entrepreneurs are. How passionate they are about their products, and how impressive we are as a nation of inventors and entrepreneurs. There’s a real spirit of invention here, and the show captures it.”

There’s quite a rigorous process that is undertaken before a product gets a spot on the show.

“Because the sharks are putting their own money into these businesses, they have to really believe in them. We do a lot of vetting and checking before people get to be on the show.

“The application numbers were huge for this season.We then have a three-tier vetting system. That includes business checks to make sure that the claims are accurate. Curio Pictures has done a lot of work on their process for finding, selecting, and vetting for businesses that come through, I think the sharks are really impressed with the quality.”

Shark Tank launch episode ratings

Reporting on the overnight performance of the new season of Shark Tank. 10 noted:

Shark Tank Australia – Launch episode saw 934,000 total national viewers reached.
The episode was #2 in its timeslot, but #1 in its timeslot in under 50s, 25 to 54s and 16 to 39s.
It had competitive commercial shares with 31.8% in 16 to 39s.
The episode lifted 10’s timeslot 27% week-on-week and lifted 10’s timeslot 44% year-on-year.

See also: Paramount Australia Upfront 2025 – Beverley McGarvey and Rod Prosser upbeat on outlook

The Seven Network has renewed its long-standing output deal with ITV Studios until 2029. The multi-year agreement will see Seven extend its first look agreement for all ITV scripted and non-scripted finished content from around the world to run across Seven’s suite of channels and platforms.

Among the new scripted titles that will premiere on Seven is the contemporary psychological thriller The Crow Girl (Buccaneer Media for Paramount+). It will join popular UK dramas like Line of Duty (World Productions for the BBC) and long-running detective dramas The Murdoch Mysteries (Shaftesbury Films for CBC and UKTV), Vera (Silverprint Pictures for ITV) and Endeavour (Mammoth Screen for ITV).

The Crow Girl

Seven’s Angus Ross, group managing director, television, said: “Seven and ITV have been partners for more than two decades and we are delighted to extend this long-term partnership. ITV content is an important part of our schedule across the Seven TV channels and our rapidly growing 7plus streaming platform. ITV has some great shows that Australians are going to love.”

Augustus Dulgaro, EVP Asia Pacific global partnerships, ITV Studios said, “I’m so pleased to continue this fantastic partnership with Angus and the team at Seven. Given the challenging macroeconomic conditions, this deal underscores the importance of long-term relationships and brand alignment in the market. We’re delighted to see so much of our content find a home on Australia’s no.1 network, speaking to the commercial quality of our catalogue and upcoming slate.”

Other recent ITV Studios programs to air first in Australia on Seven’s platforms include ratings hits such as Mr Bates vs Post Office (ITV Studios and Little Gem for ITV), The Marlow Murder Club (Monumental Television for UKTV in co-production with Masterpiece), The Chase UK (Potato for ITV), Abused by Mum – The Ruby Franke Scandal (ITN Productions for Channel 5 and Peacock) and The British Airways Killer (Moonshine Features for ITV).

See also: ITV Studios expands with the majority stake acquisition of Lingo Pictures

Medium Rare Content Agency has been appointed as the content and social media agency for Flybuys.

Medium Rare will lead the development of the Flybuys social media strategy as well as creating and delivering social media content.

Flybuys head of marketing, Jarrod Flood, said: “We are delighted to be working with Medium Rare. Their expertise will amplify how Flybuys helps Australians get more of what they value beyond the check-out, by complementing our social media presence. We look forward to achieving great results together.”

Nick Smith

The account will be led by Medium Rare’s head of social, Sarah Macrae, who joined the company in 2022 from We Are Social, to evolve the agency’s social-first content strategies for clients.

The team will focus on planning ‘always-on’ social content across Flybuys’ Instagram, TikTok and Facebook accounts. They will also create relevant reactive content and work closely with the in-house social team as well as Flybuys’ integrated agency, Thinkerbell.

Medium Rare managing director, Nick Smith, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Flybuys, a brand that holds a special place in many Australians hearts. We look forward to creating and delivering a social first content strategy that will help members get the most out of the loyalty program through engaging and entertaining content.”

Kayo Sports has announced the return of a dedicated Hindi Feed during the upcoming Australia v India five-match Test series, which will be made available to all subscribers of Kayo Sports.

Foxtel Group commented it remains committed to promoting the accessibility of sport and appealing to a diverse audience of passionate cricket fans around the country.

Fox Cricket expert Brett Lee said: “It’s great that Kayo Sports is investing again into a Hindi Feed, ensuring that a wide range of cricket fans can enjoy and engage with the sport they love. The upcoming Australia v Pakistan One Day Internationals is the perfect way to kick off a blockbuster summer, can’t wait for all the action to get underway.”

Brett Lee and Cricket NSW Cricket Manager Suffan Hassan joins western Sydney junior cricketers at Wenty Leagues Cricket Club, to announce dedicated Hindi feed on Kayo Sports for Test cricket this summer. Photo: Kayo Sports / Brett Costello

Fox Cricket has also announced ahead of the ODIs, that former Australian cricketer David Warner will officially begin his commentating career with Fox Cricket for the first match of the white ball series.

The 38-year-old will officially trade his cricket bat for a microphone on November 4 followed by three T20 matches between Australia and Pakistan. He will also commentate during the Test series against India and during the BBL season around his playing commitments for Sydney Thunder.

The Kayo Sports cricket team this summer will also include Adam Gilchrist, Wasim Akram, Ravi Shastri, Harsha Bhogle, Isa Guha, Michael Vaughan, Mike Hussey, Allan Border, Mark Waugh, Kerry O’Keeffe, Brendon Julian, Mel Jones, Mark Howard, Alyssa Healy, Brett Lee and more.

James Allsopp, CA chief of cricket said: “We are really excited about the coverage Fox Sports will provide of the blockbuster summer of cricket and particularly appreciate the initiatives they are taking to deepen their connection with multicultural audiences.

“We are dedicated to ensuring cricket is fully inclusive and accessible as we grow the game, and our broadcast partners play a vital role in achieving these important goals.”

The Australia v Pakistan three-match ODI Series is Live and ad-break-free during play only on Fox Cricket, available on Kayo Sports.

See also: Foxtel Upfront 2025 – BINGE to offer sport streaming via Kayo Sports, Hubbl launching Aussie-first bundle combining Netflix and Kayo

McDonald’s is putting two creative projects out for pitch alongside DDB, which has worked on the account since it entered the Australian market in 1971.

Mediaweek understands only two projects are out for pitch. DDB will remain McDonald’s main agency of record and will not be pitching for the two projects as the other agency will be chosen from the pool of globally aligned agencies.

The fast-food giant and Australia’s third-biggest advertiser confirmed to Mediaweek that it is recruiting an additional creative agency partner from its “existing global agency roster.”

“The successful agency will become part of our award-winning agency village, as we look to deliver highly effective and culturally relevant campaigns that drive our brand and business forward,” McDonald’s Australia told Mediaweek.

“It is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure we have the best partners and capabilities in place and follows on from our recently completed CRM pitch process earlier in the year.

“We expect this process to be completed before the end of 2024.”

Mango, part of DDB Group, is McDonald’s Australia’s PR agency of record while Omnicom’s OMD is its local media agency. 

The pitch reveal comes as DDB Sydney appointed Jack Nunn to lead the McDonald’s account in July. 

He rejoined DDB Sydney after two years in London at Special and Ogilvy. During his previous tenure at DDB, he helped create campaigns for the fast food giant, including Middle Child, The Sting Re-Mix, and the launch of McCafe’s Coffee Fit For An Aussie platform.

Also in July, McDonald’s Australia’s director of marketing, Samantha McLeod announced her departure from the role after ten months in the position. Amanda Nakad is now the brand’s marketing director.

McLeod joined McDonald’s Australia in September 2023 from her previous role as general manager of brand, digital, and design at Coles, based out of Melbourne. Before that, she was the business lead for BBH in London.

This month, brand experience and innovation agency Akcelo launched an integrated brand campaign for the release of the Grimace Shake in Australia. Akcelo works on McDonald’s retail and activation work. 

The cast and crew of the new Netflix Australian Original series Territory celebrated the series‘ release at a special screening event on Monday night.

The screening was held at Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park in Sydney ahead of the global release on Netflix on Thursday, October 24.

Cast and crew walking the red carpet tonight included Sam Corlett, Sam Delich, Philippa Northeast, Kylah Day, Clarence Ryan and Sara Wiseman.

Joining the cast were series creator Timothy Lee, creator and executive producer Ben Davies, director Greg McLean, producer Paul Ranford and Netflix director of content ANZ Que Minh Luu.

The night saw the cast and crew celebrate the new Australian drama series that was filmed in the Northern Territory and South Australia. Territory is being billed as an explosive series about an epic battle for power, land and legacy.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 21: A general view at the Netflix Special Screening Of “Territory” at Entertainment Quarter on October 21, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for Netflix)

About Territory

Synopsis: When Marianne Station is left without a clear successor, generational clashes threaten to tear the Lawson family apart. Sensing this once-great dynasty is in decline, the outback’s most powerful factions — rival cattle barons, desert gangsters, Indigenous elders and billionaire miners — move in for the kill. With billions of dollars at stake, everyone wants a piece of the pie.

Release date: October 24, 2024

Episodes: 6

Creators: Timothy Lee (Mystery Road, Bump), Ben Davies (Bondi Rescue, The First Inventors, Outback Ringer)

Executive Producer: Ben Davies, Rob Gibson (The Twelve, Colin from Accounts), Ian Collie (Jack Irish, Scrublands)

Producer: Paul Ranford (Stateless, True History of the Kelly Gang)

Writers: Timothy Lee, Kodie Bedford, Steven McGregor, Michaeley O’Brien

Director: Greg McLean (La Brea, Wolf Creek).

Starring: Anna Torv, Michael Dorman, Robert Taylor, Sam Corlett, Sara Wiseman, Dan Wyllie, Clarence Ryan, Jay Ryan, Philippa Northeast, Joe Klocek. Kylah Day, Sam Delich, Hamilton Morris, Tuuli Narkle, Tyler Spencer, Jake Ryan

Territory is an Easy Tiger and Ronde production for Netflix with support from Screen Territory and South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC).

Main photo: (L-R) Ben Davies, Rob Gibson, Greta van den Brink, Sara Wiseman, Greg McLean, Sam Corlett, Philippa Northeast, Hannah Pembroke, Paul Ranford, Que Minh Luu, Sam Delich, Kylah Day, Clarence Ryan and Timothy Lee attend a Netflix special screening of Territory at Entertainment Quarter on October 21, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (All photos by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for Netflix)

See also: The hits keep on coming at Netflix – The next Aussie blockbuster is Territory

(L-R) Philippa Northeast, Sam Delich, Kylah Day, Clarence Ryan, Sara Wiseman and Sam Corlett attend a Netflix Special Screening Of “Territory” at Entertainment Quarter on October 21, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for Netflix)

Sam Delich and Kylah Day attend a Netflix Special Screening Of “Territory” at Entertainment Quarter on October 21, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for Netflix)

Sam Corlett attends a Netflix Special Screening Of “Territory” at Entertainment Quarter on October 21, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for Netflix)

Clarence Ryan attends a Netflix Special Screening Of “Territory” at Entertainment Quarter on October 21, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for Netflix)

Sara Wiseman attends a Netflix Special Screening Of “Territory” at Entertainment Quarter on October 21, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for Netflix)

Philippa Northeast attends a Netflix Special Screening Of “Territory” at Entertainment Quarter on October 21, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for Netflix)

National Indigenous Television (NITV) has announced three new appointments to its commissioning team, as it increases its commitment and investment in original First Nations storytelling.

A proud Warlpiri, Warrumungu and Arrernte woman, Dena Curtis, will join in November as head of indigenous commissioning and production. She will lead NITV’s content production and development across its slate of original commissions, internal productions, and digital content.

Curtis will be joined by Wiradjuri man Cieron Cody, coming on board as senior commissioning editor to drive NITV’s commissions slate across original scripted and unscripted content. His appointment sees him return to NITV, having spent the last almost four years with Screen Australia’s Documentary Unit. He’ll build on a range of career experience across the development and production of feature film, documentary, drama and children’s content in his new role at NITV, where he’ll oversee the management and delivery of commissioned content, and the ongoing development of a pipeline of programming, and initiatives elevating Indigenous talent.

Joseph Meldrum, a Ghungalu writer, director, producer and production executive, was also appointed as commissioning editor. Currently a content assessor with NITV, his appointment sees him stepping up to play a key role in supporting development and delivery of commissioned content. Prior to NITV, Meldrum worked in Screen Australia’s First Nations Department, Screen Queensland as well as production roles in major media brands internationally.

Jason Oakley, acting director of Indigenous content at SBS and NITV, acknowledged the depth of experience and talent the three will bring to NITV’s original First Nations content slate.

“NITV is home to Australia’s most distinctive content offering, and we’re looking forward to having Cieron come back to NITV in this role, see Joe take the next step in the team, and to have Dena with her extensive experience taking on this key leadership position for the channel,” he said.

“They bring incredible talent and diverse experience from across the screen industry, and share a passion for developing, elevating and empowering the Indigenous production sector and First Nations storytellers. As NITV continues its growth, we’re excited to continue our trajectory in investing more in distinctive, award winning, First Nations stories with wide appeal and meaningful impact”.

Curtis will commence with on 4 November, and Cody and Meldrum commence in their roles from 18 November.

Ryan Haeusler joins Wavemaker in the newly created role of national head of communication and planning design, and will maximise creative opportunities within media across all Wavemaker clients.

Haeusler moves to the GroupM agency after nine years at Initiative, most recently as national head of communications design, where he notably spearheaded the LEGO media account.

His experience spans a wide range of categories, including financial services, entertainment, retail, pharma, automotive, FMCG and toys.

At Wavemaker, Haeusler will report to chief growth and product officer James Hier, and will be responsible for elevating the union of media and creativity in the agency’s strategic offering.

“Ryan is a unicorn in the industry with his ability to apply rigour and magic to media,” Hier said of Haeusler. “He’s uniquely able to interpret a creative idea and wash it through all parts of a media plan, not just tactically, while also incrementally driving effectiveness and efficiency.

“His ability to orchestrate the engineering of media while maximising the creative opportunity is renowned in the industry. As client needs continue to evolve, Ryan’s combination of skills – partnered with Wavemaker’s Provocative Planning – are guaranteed to deliver results for our clients.”

Haeusler said of his new role: “I love Wavemaker’s positive provocation approach and the opportunities that opens up for clients, as well as for personal growth. It was definitely a big attraction in me coming here and I am also excited to be working with all the incredible Wavemaker people and their clients. I can’t wait to see what we build together.”

Haeusler’s appointment at Wavemaker comes after the agency promoted Stephen Drawbridge as strategy partner, Kristy Kinzett as managing partner, and Steve Thornton as head of planning Melbourne last week

See also: Wavemaker promotes Steve Thornton, Kristy Kinzett and Stephen Drawbridge

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Top image: Ryan Haeusler

The Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) is set to launch its new Environmental Claims Code (the Code).
 
The initiative, effective 1 March 2025, will reinforce the advertising industry’s strong commitment to responsible advertising practices and its vital role in supporting government efforts to eradicate greenwashing.

The AANA’s Environmental Claims Code sets a new standard for advertisers, and help foster transparency and trust in environmental marketing. It will complement and reinforce the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Guidance on Environmental Claims, and ensure that environmental messaging is truthful, clear, and verifiable.

Josh Faulks, AANA CEO, said: “The advertising industry has an important role to play in the fight against greenwashing. By encouraging truthful and accurate environmental claims, we can influence the behavioural change that is necessary to transition to a sustainable future.”

The new Code expands its reach beyond traditional content by including images, sounds, and any broad or vague environmental claims. Advertisers are also now obligated to ensure that any claims about future actions or sustainability targets are realistic, achievable, and based on solid evidence.

To ensure the smooth implementation of the new Code, AANA will offer comprehensive support to its members and the industry. For AANA members, this includes tailored in-person training, free advice on individual campaigns, and a new online training module set to launch in the coming months.

The online training module will provide AANA members with a deep understanding of how the new Code applies to their marketing efforts.
 
A key strength of Australia’s world-class self-regulatory system is the independent complaints-handling process administered by Ad Standards. With high levels of compliance with the decisions of the Ad Standards Community Panel, and the support of all major media owners and platforms, this system ensures consumer protection at no cost to the community or government.
 
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Top image: Josh Faulks

Australian Avocados and Thinkerbell has created a limited edition commemorative avocado spoon and holder to mark King Charles III visit to Australia.

The campaign launch comes in light of the recent revelation that His Majesty enjoys half an avocado for lunch every day to stay fit for his royal duties.

Created in partnership with Vert Design Studio, the creative agency has developed a special tribute to His Majesty (and his healthy eating habits). The commemorative avo holder boasts three golden legs to truly hero and celebrate a delicious half avocado lunch, with the spoon featuring a generous teardrop shape to give an improved scooping experience when eating. All unique design features can be seen on the Australian Avocados Instagram.

Australian Avocados hope to gift King Charles with this special avocado holder and spoon during his royal engagements in Australia. In hope King Charles III and his team see and accept the commemorative offering, strategic OOH JCDecaux placements have been laid around Sydney Airport.

Victoria Zourkas, senior brand manager of Australian Avocados, said: “Upon hearing the news that King Charles III enjoys half an avo for lunch, we wanted to create this limited edition avocado spoon and holder in his honour and help highlight the versatility of the avocado for all Australians.”

Thinkerbell has been on the front foot with creating and capitalising on cultural moments with quick-thinking campaigns. In May, the creative agency and Menulog weighed in on Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s beef with a clever outdoor campaign. 

The agency also attracted attention during the Australian leg of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour when her NFL star boyfriend Travis Kelce touched down in Sydney to support the pop megastar. The creative agency’s out-of-home billboard for Tooheys welcomed Kelce “just in time for the real footy to start”.

See also:
Thinkerbell and Menulog weigh in on Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef
Travis Kelce invited to “real footy” in latest Tooheys work via Thinkerbell

Credits
Client: Australian Avocados (Hort Innovation)
Creative, Earned & Paid: Thinkerbell
Design: Vert Design Studio
Media Partner: JCDecaux

Communicado, the Melbourne-based integrated and independent agency, has won three new clients, Stegbar, TAXIBOX and Lifestyle Communities.

Stegbar, part of the VENTORA Group, has a 75-year history of manufacturing doors, windows, showerscreens, wardrobes, splashbacks and mirrors. Communicado will be rolling out activity across creative, digital, social, shopper and public relations, as well as managing the brand’s content collaborator program.

Christine Evans, VENTORA director of marketing, said: “The team at Communicado continually demonstrates not only their strategic thinking and knowledge of the building industry, but passion for our business. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership.”

TAXIBOX, the leading mobile storage solution – with their distinctive yellow boxes – has engaged Communicado for a brand refresh, as well as for creative and social. Emma Lee, head of marketing at TAXIBOX said, “Communicado’s innovative approach aligns with our vision to continue redefining the storage experience. It’s an exciting time for TAXIBOX as we grow in other markets and can’t wait to bring our new campaign to life.”

Following a competitive pitch, Lifestyle Communities has engaged Communicado’s public relations team to promote its unique independent living and lifestyle offerings for retirees and downsizers.

James Kelly, Lifestyle Communities’ founder and managing director, said: “Communicado’s approach was comprehensive and thorough.  They very quickly established an understanding of our business, the property and competitor landscape and what we needed from a communications perspective.  We’re delighted to be working with such a professional and engaging team for mutual success.”

Communicado director, Kerrie Ryan, applauded the agency’s recent triumphs in a competitive environment. “At Communicado, we’re excited to partner with these leading Australian businesses to enhance their brand visibility and ensure that their marketing investment works hard to deliver meaningful results. Our Communi-CAN-DO approach empowers us to turn challenges into opportunities, creating impactful campaigns that resonate,” she said.

“In a challenging business environment – for clients and agencies alike – there is no better feeling for our team than collaborating with clients who share our vision and ambition for success,” Ryan added.

These three client wins signal continued momentum for the independent agency of 36 years, and join an impressive list of existing clients including Asahi Beverages, Petstock, Tassal, Dulux, BabyLove, Bellamy’s Organic and Carpet Court.

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Top image: Lucy Houldsworth and Kerrie Ryan

Sunday 20 October 2024: VOZ Total TV Ratings Overnight Top 30 – Programs ranked on reach

Total People TV Ratings

Nine’s 9News recorded a total TV national reach of 1,935,000, a total TV national audience of 1,156,000, and a BVOD audience of 88,000.

Nine’s The Block recorded a total TV national reach of 2,516,000, a total TV national audience of 1,320,000, and a BVOD audience of 195,000.

Seven’s The Voice recorded a total TV national reach of 2,182,000, a total TV national audience of 922,000, and a BVOD audience of 79,000.

Also on Seven, Seven News recorded a total TV national reach of 1,982,000, a total TV national audience of 1,210,000, and a BVOD audience of 61,000.

10’s The Amazing Race: Australia Finale recorded a total TV national reach of 986,000, a total TV national audience of 611,000, and a BVOD audience of 52,000.

People 25-54

Nine’s The Block:
• Total TV nation reach: 981,000
• National Audience: 553,000
• BVOD Audience: 119,000

Seven’s Seven News:
• Total TV nation reach: 511,000
• National Audience: 295,000
• BVOD Audience: 32,000

Seven’s The Voice:
• Total TV nation reach: 681,000
• National Audience: 262,000
• BVOD Audience: 42,000

10’s The Amazing Race:
• Total TV nation reach: 398,000
• National Audience: 257,000
• BVOD Audience: 29,000

People 16-39

Nine’s The Block:
• Total TV nation reach: 446,000
• National Audience: 245,000
• BVOD Audience: 69,000

Seven’s Seven News:
• Total TV nation reach: 196,000
• National Audience: 107,000
• BVOD Audience: 16,000

Seven’s The Voice:
• Total TV nation reach: 287,000
• National Audience: 100,000
• BVOD Audience: 21,000

10’s The Amazing Race:
• Total TV nation reach: 146,000
• National Audience: 92,000
• BVOD Audience: 14,000

Grocery Shoppers 18+ TV Ratings

Nine’s The Block:
• Total TV nation reach: 1,919,000
• National Audience: 1,031,000
• BVOD Audience: 156,000

Seven’s Seven News:
• Total TV nation reach: 1,582,000
• National Audience: 985,000
• BVOD Audience: 49,000

Seven’s The Voice:
• Total TV nation reach: 1,711,000
• National Audience: 736,000
• BVOD Audience: 63,000

10’s The Amazing Race:
• Total TV nation reach: 763,000
• National Audience: 467,000
• BVOD Audience: 42,000

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.