In the past three years, News Corp’s executive chairman Australia, Michael Miller, has featured in the top 10 of the Mediaweek 100 list. For the 2024 list, he has edged his way higher to occupy the top spot.

Arguably, he could have received that recognition two years ago when he noted that News Corp Australia had its best year in a decade.

He has been placed at the top this year though for steering the giant publisher through a tougher market. When the economy goes south, News Corp Australia feels it all over. In Australia, the company has deep tentacles into the news business via investments in print, digital and broadcast.

The company was an early adopter in digital and news.com.au has been a leader in the commercial online space almost since inception. At a time when others are experimenting with paywalls, news.com.au has steadfastly kept the site free to view.

When News Corp decided to get into audio, it did so with a growing range of podcasts. Leading the way was the incredible success Hedley Thomas had first with The Teacher’s Pet. Now he is doing it again with the Bronwyn series.

The print titles initially offered free access to their digital versions. They all now sit behind paywalls and they have a combined subscription audience of 1m.

Miller was not able to attend the Mediaweek 100 Lunch, and he sent the managing director & publisher, The Australian and prestige titles, Nicholas Gray, to accept the award on behalf of the company.

Before he left Australia on his recent trip, Miller spoke to Mediaweek.

See the complete list: MEDIAWEEK 100 – 2024

Current business climate

Our discussion started around the business climate in 2024. “It’s been a tougher year for the country,” stated Michael Miller. “It’s not just interest rates that are on hold. It feels like Australia is on hold. People face cost pressures and aren’t spending like they were. As a result, companies have been more constrained and that has impacted all in the media.”

When asked about what Miller and his teams are forecasting in terms of 2025, he explained: “We are going to have to work our way through uncertainty around the economy. It will be an election year too which outs some people on pause. We expect the first half to be challenging, but we are hopeful the second half sees some normalisation.”

News Corp Australia restructure

Mediaweek reported on a number of organisational changes within the Australian business in recent times. “I would say that every major company this year has restructured,” said Miller. “Some are still going through that. You’re seeing what’s happening at Seven and Nine in terms of their news divisions.

“We’ve seen changes in the sales leadership at Seven and their structures changed. Southern Cross has gone through its own evolution.

“The industry has gone through a lot of change and we’ve probably made bigger changes because we better planned it than others.

“Unfortunately, those plans became a bit more public than we would have liked. But to get it right, sometimes you’ve got to engage with groups of people.”

A major concern when any media group cuts staff is the impact it could have on the product. How has News Corp gone in that regard?

“Others have commented on this, that there’s been less impact on frontline journalists. We’re doing far better at sharing our journalism around the group.”

He added investing in the product remains a priority. “If I was able to get any extra dollars, I would put them into better journalism.”

Keeping the news brands fresh can be difficult with shrinking teams. Yet Miller said they have plenty up their sleeves for 2025. “We do, but we probably won’t flag them with you just yet, sorry.”

“This week we launched health as an example on The Australian. You’re seeing a lot more video journalism. Things like ‘Charlotte’s Wish’ around the network his month.

“If you look at what happened in Queensland, Voter Verdict [in The Courier-Mail] was a new way of reality TV on elections. The 5 @ 5 on The Daily Telegraph has done remarkably well. So they’re examples of the areas we’re leaning into.”

Michael Miller with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and editor-in-chief of The Australian Michelle Gunn at the newspaper’s 60th anniversary

News Corp Australia leadership

Miller marks nine years in the role at News Corp Australia this year.

In 2015 there were a number of changes at the top of News Corp Australia. Julian Cark retired and his role of CEO was taken over by Peter Tonagh, formerly COO. Michael Miller, was CEO of APN, but rejoined the company as executive chairman of News Corp Australasia. Tonagh soon handed over his responsibilities to Miller when Tonagh was appointed Foxtel CEO.

Miller reports to News Corporation CEO Robert Thomson, head of the global operations.

Having a period of stable leadership at News seems to have been beneficial. “I compare ourselves to football teams – and we own a share of the Brisbane Broncos,” explained Miller. “When you’ve got consistency, you tend to play better.

“In both the player group and leadership group, back office, front office. News has shown that we perform consistently well through consistency of strategy and leadership. Whenever people change, they want to change things.

“That doesn’t always build upon what you’ve already got, those foundations. I’m lucky I work for a company that has that mantra and that is part of our DNA.”

As to media coverage about News Corp chairman Lachlan Murdoch spending more time in Australia these days, Miller commented: “I would say he’s been spending more time in Australia now for many years. It’s no different now to how it was four or five years ago. He spends a lot of time travelling as well.

“We know that all the Murdochs are very passionate about news media and are great supporters of journalism.”

There’s been a good supply of Australians to head office too in New York. That has been highlighted by the recent decision of group CFO Susan Panuccio to step away. Miller reminded Mediaweek there are a few others still there in addition to Robert Thomson – Damian Eales (now the CEO of Realtor.com) and Ruth Allen (chief human resources officer).

“It’s good to have Aussie accents in the head office,” grinned Miller.

Taking on big tech

Both Miller and Thomson have spoken about the dangers of big tech on both the industry and consumers, young and old.

Miller called out The Sydney Morning Herald for what he said was its good work in the investigation it titled The 101 ways Google serves up Australians to known scammers.

“One of the things that does trend is scams. Australians are waking up every morning to another hoax or fake message.

“We are also very concerned about youth suicide. And also the broader impacts on all businesses. With search and social now, if you’re not on it and you’re not prominently on it and not paying to be prominent on it, it’s hard to have a business. Is that right in terms of a functioning competitive market?

“I’d argue no, and I think that’s where our government’s starting to show some movement. There’s been a policy launch every week now, and I suspect there’s a few more in the coming few weeks.”

Michael Miller with News Corp’s Lou Barrett and Pippa Leary

Competitive media landscape

Miller might have complimented Nine on their recent Google investigation, but they remain fierce competitors. Nine recently fired a broadside at News Corp when they labelled a campaign a “vendetta” to oust Kevin Rudd as US ambassador. An editorial in The SMH called the campaign a “disgrace”.

Miller wasn’t about to join the fray. “I’d say as an industry, we’re working really well. We print and distribute for Nine, for example.

“Our competition is probably not each other any more.

“We’re seeing that [our competition] is the tech platforms. We’re aligned on the importance of trusted media.

“As an industry, we are probably far closer than what many would consider. We might have different audiences and different stories to run. I understand that if they have a different opinion, they should be able to write that.

“I have lived with that sort of niggle for a good 40 years, and I’m not going to start worrying about it now.”

Still a place for print?

News Corp and Nine Entertainment Co are still heavily in the print business seven days a week. When asked if News Corp runs the numbers on the print model about not publishing every paper, every day, Miller replied: “I do run the numbers and they’re still profitable.

“I’ll continue to run the numbers. When it gets to a point where it becomes evident they’re not profitable [we will reconsider]. There are close to a million papers consumed every day in Australia on the weekends. Most categories would be pretty happy with that sort of day-to-day penetration.”

The ad loads in those products indicate marketers still find many of the products as a useful way to reach an audience.

“All traditional mass media, and TV particularly, even radio through streaming, have been disrupted. For some categories, print is still reaching a pretty defined audience, being older, wealthy Australians.”

Keeping the product daily is key to maintaining that audience.

“It’s a bit like TV programming. It’s about habit, regular scheduling. Some people are in the habit of reading the printed product every day. You change it and you put that at risk. While there are some days that people are more likely, like the weekends, to consume, they’re still consuming in those large numbers, Monday to Friday, and we’ll still continue to serve that need.”

See also: Michael Miller on News Corp revenues, growth targets and growing client solutions

On Friday afternoon, the Pearl Ballroom at Crown Sydney became the epicentre of Australia’s media and marketing world as Mediaweek celebrated its annual Agency 50 List at the MW100 luncheon. The event ended with the announcement of the number one spot on the Agency 50 List 2024, awarded to Aimee Buchanan, CEO of GroupM Australia. Her heartfelt acceptance speech reflected on the industry’s wins and challenges.

A humble beginning to a momentous recognition

Taking the stage to thunderous applause, Buchanan began her speech by acknowledging those who have inspired her. “Congratulations to Lou — you’re a true icon, an absolute inspiration to all of us,” she said. News Corp’s Lou Barrett was inducted as the newest Mediaweek Icon.

“It’s a huge honour to be here today and to be ranked among so many of my friends and colleagues, people I’ve worked with for years and adore,” she continued.

The people who shaped her path

Buchanan attributed her success to the incredible mentors and colleagues who paved the way. She paid tribute to industry legends such as Peter Horgan, Kristian Barnes, and my formidable clients, as well as individuals who gave her strength and belief. “Michael Smith, Kim Portrate, Jo Boundy, Joe Pollard, Mim Haysom, and Janelle Sharpe — your backing, support, and friendship gave me the belief I needed,” she said, noting how their encouragement helped her navigate often being “the lone woman in the room.”

Buchanan used the platform to shine a light on the duality of the industry she loves. “This moment has given me a chance to reflect not just on my career but on the industry I’m proud to be a part of,” she said.

A team effort and family foundation

Acknowledging that success in the media and marketing industry is far from a solo achievement, Buchanan highlighted the exceptional talent at GroupM. “This is not an industry made of individuals. I’ve got an incredible team at GroupM, and I feel absolutely honoured to work with the likes of the Wavemaker, Mindshare, EssenceMediacom teams, and my amazing CEOs in the GroupM leadership team. You inspire me to be a better leader every single day.”

On a personal note, Buchanan expressed gratitude to her family. She called out her husband, Peter, for his unwavering support and her children for keeping her grounded. “To my son, Archer, who’s five and tells me he loves me forever — maybe that’s true — for his sweet hugs and kind soul, and to my daughter, Adelina, who shows me what fierce looks like every single day. She’s either going to run the country or end up in jail. I don’t know where she gets it from!”

Pictured: Aimee Buchanan.

A call for industry accountability

Buchanan used the platform to shine a light on the duality of the industry she loves. “This moment has given me a chance to reflect not just on my career but on the industry I’m proud to be a part of,” she said, praising its ability to shape culture, build careers, and create impactful brands. However, she also pointed to the darker aspects that continue to plague the industry.

“The experiences and behaviour that have been ignored or swept under the carpet far too many times this year are not good enough. We’ve still got work to do,” she stated, challenging the industry’s leaders to take responsibility beyond the visible milestones.

Buchanan ended her speech with a poignant quote from her daughter’s favourite author, Roald Dahl: “Having great power is not as important as what you choose to do with it.” Her final plea to the room: “Please, let’s choose to do something about it.”

A speech to remember

Aimee Buchanan’s address was more than an acceptance speech — it was a rallying cry for change, an acknowledgment of the support systems behind her success, and a heartfelt tribute to the industry. It left the room not only applauding her achievements but also reflecting on the shared responsibility to make media and marketing a better place for future generations.

As the 2024 Agency 50 List leader, Buchanan embodies the balance of excellence and accountability that the industry aspires to.

Lisa Ronson, a leading marketing executive in Australia and chief marketing officer of Medibank, has tragically passed away following an accident on her property in regional Victoria.

Emergency services responded to the incident on Daylesford-Clunes Road in Ullina, near Daylesford, at approximately 7pm on Saturday. Ronson was riding an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) when she lost control and crashed.

The news of her passing has sent shockwaves through the marketing and advertising community. Industry leaders have taken to LinkedIn to express their condolences and share memories of a remarkable professional and person.

In a statement to the Herald Sun, Ronson’s husband Chris Taylor paid tribute to “the love of my life, my inspiration and greatest supporter”:

“I am lost without her.

“The sudden loss of our beloved Lisa has left us in profound shock, with words falling short of capturing the depth of our grief.

“Our hearts are broken beyond words. Yet, in our sorrow, we hold onto the memories of her spirit, her smile, laughter, and the love she so generously shared.

“May her beautiful soul rest in peace.”

The Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) also shared a moving statement on behalf of its board, staff, and community:

“The AANA Board, staff, and community are truly devastated to hear of the tragic passing of our good friend and colleague, Lisa Ronson, taken from us way too soon.

Few have impacted our industry and its people more than Lisa. She leaves behind a legacy of outstanding work, talented teams, and strong friendships across the industry. Lisa was a tireless advocate for marketing, our industry, and building up the people around her. Her passion for developing talent is legendary. She invested countless hours educating, mentoring, coaching, and speaking at events to share her knowledge and passion for marketing with young talent.

Her wicked sense of humour, contagious laugh, and the ability to find a kind and constructive way through any situation made her a favourite and close friend to so many. Lisa’s enormous contribution to the AANA Board over so many years is a testament to her dedication and commitment to the industry that she cherished so much.

Our thoughts, love, and support are with Lisa’s husband Chris, her son Ben, and her friends throughout the industry.

In memory of an exceptional life well lived. Farewell, Lisa. You will be deeply missed.”

Steve Loader, CEO of CareA2+ and chair of Wheelchair Rugby Australia, where Ronson served as a board member, reflected on her generosity and dedication:

“I was devastated to hear of the passing of Lisa Ronson… Although she had an incredibly busy professional life, Lisa generously gave her time and energy to WRA to assist whenever and wherever possible. Lisa made an impact on everyone she met and will be missed by all. Our condolences and thoughts are with her husband, Chris, and son, Ben. Rest in peace, Lisa.”

Brent Hill, CEO of Tourism Fiji, described Ronson as a “beautiful soul” and “such a talent,” adding:

“Absolutely heartbreaking. Lisa was a beautiful soul, such a talent, and had time for everyone. I can’t really believe she’s gone—she was just a wonderful person who meant the world to me. Deepest condolences to Chris and Ben and her wider family. What a loss. RIP Lis.”

William Easton, managing director & vice president of Meta ANZ, shared his admiration for Ronson’s positive outlook on life:

“Heartbreaking…a great human who always had a glass-half-full approach to life. Thoughts are with her family.”

Mark Ritson, founder of the Marketing Week Mini MBA, also paid tribute:

“Absolutely devastating news. Not only one of the best marketers, probably the nicest too. Had only good things to say about everybody. What a loss. Deepest sympathies to Chris and the family.”

Martin Brown, managing director of Nestlé, reflected on Ronson’s contributions to the industry and her inspiring presence:

“Devastating news. My thoughts are with Chris and Ben. Lisa consistently gave back to our industry, a wonderful role model, colleague, and friend.”

Lisa Ronson’s legacy as a marketing leader and a cherished colleague will be remembered by all who had the privilege of working with her. She leaves behind her husband, Chris, and son, Ben, along with countless colleagues, friends, and admirers in the industry.

This is a heartbreaking loss for the marketing and advertising community, where her leadership, compassion, and vibrant personality left an indelible mark.

Victoria Police said it will prepare a report for the coroner following the accident.

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Top image: Lisa Ronson

Fresh from the IAB Australia Leadership Summit 2024 last week, CEO Gai LeRoy shared insights into the retail media network (RMN) landscape, highlighting growth opportunities and the challenges brands and retailers face in the Australian market. While Australia may trail more mature regions like the US and Europe, local collaboration and innovation could give the market a unique edge.

Australia’s RMN market: Growth underway

Australia remains a less mature RMN market compared to its international counterparts. The US and Europe boast more players and a larger slice of advertising spend. However, LeRoy pointed to solid annual growth among established Australian retailers, averaging 15–20%. She also noted new entrants to the market and Amazon’s local expansion as significant drivers of this momentum.

“The market here is still in its infancy, but we’re seeing exciting developments,” said LeRoy. “There’s clear potential for sustainable growth.”

Catching up without the fragmentation

One of the advantages of Australia’s RMN ecosystem, LeRoy explained, is its lack of extreme fragmentation compared to Europe. This could allow for a more transparent and sustainable system.

“If the local industry continues to collaborate effectively, we could see agile and creative partnerships emerge,” she said. “That’s something we’re uniquely positioned to achieve.”

What’s driving investment in RMNs?

Retail media networks’ ability to influence consumers at the point of sale makes them an attractive option for brands. LeRoy highlighted the appeal of connecting advertising exposure directly to transactions, an enticing prospect for both marketers and CFOs. However, she cautioned against overhyping closed-loop reporting.

“Brands are investing because retail media can deliver results in a cost-effective way. That ability to link exposure to transactions is compelling — but it’s not without limitations,” she said.

First-party data: The key to the future

As global privacy regulations tighten and third-party cookies phase out, first-party data is becoming critical. LeRoy sees RMNs as a vital player in this new landscape.

“Retailers who build transparent, privacy-compliant relationships with consumers have a huge advantage,” she said. “Strong first-party data allows them to offer marketers an effective, addressable media option.”

Challenges to overcome

Despite its potential, the RMN sector in Australia isn’t without its hurdles. The IAB Australia Retail Media State of the Nation report identified three key challenges for brands:

1. Measurement and reporting remain inconsistent.
2. The supplier-retailer relationship can be complex.
3. Perceived costs of partnering with RMNs are high.

“These challenges highlight the need for ongoing industry support,” said LeRoy. “In 2025, the IAB Australia Retail Media Council will continue to develop resources to help the market grow in a healthy, sustainable way.”

Australia’s RMN market is still finding its feet, but with collaboration and innovation, it has the potential to leapfrog some of the challenges seen in other regions.

“We’re at an exciting stage,” LeRoy said. “The foundations we’re building now will set the tone for years to come.”

Lou Barrett, managing director of sales at News Corp Australia has been inducted as the newest Mediaweek Icon at the Mediaweek 100, held at the Pearl Ballroom at the Crown Sydney on Friday.

Barrett was inducted by Mark Coad, CEO of IPG Mediabrands Australia, who introduced her as someone with an “incredible reputation in the industry, as well as being hardworking, fun and known for taking no bullshit.”

Barrett opened her speech by mentioning she has met so many “beautiful people” in the industry, and it’s what she loves about the industry.

“To James [Manning, Editor-at-Large] and to Mullos [Andrew Mulready, head of commercial] and the entire team at Mediaweek, I feel so incredibly honoured to be named an icon. It’s a bit surreal actually, I feel like I’m just getting started, so I’m not going anywhere….,” she said.

“It feels like only yesterday that I walked into the Channel 9 sales department as a very, very young girl and got knocked over in the corridor by an icon that OI absolutely loved and adored, and that’s David Leckie. And he pushed me over, and he goes ‘Who the f*ck are you?’ I thought ‘My God. What have I done? What have I done?

“But look, I’ve always been incredibly passionate about this industry. It’s a space that constantly evolves. It’s constantly challenging you. And most importantly, it allows you to connect with people in ways that I think are both really powerful, and really meaningful. And to be part of such a dynamic industry, and there’s so much change going on at the moment, to be part of a dynamic industry where every day feels like an opportunity to innovate, to tell stories, to make an impact, and to deliver results for clients, is something I truly, truly love and I try to impart on my team as well.

“I’m lucky that I’ve worked alongside some of the most creative and most talented people in media, and it’s that sort of collaboration that continues to drive me, nearly 40 years in.

“Most importantly, I’ve built some lifelong friendships along the way…. And you can’t have longevity in this industry without an amazing family to support you, and I have that. I’m so, so lucky to be a mum to five kids, who make me proud every day. My husband, Peter… who is here with me today has supported me unconditionally for the last 20 years. He’s my rock, he’s our family’s heart and soul, and he loves my clients as much as I do…

“Finally… to all the incredible teams I’ve had the pleasure of leading over the years, and the privilege…. A lot of you are really close friends… And I’m really so grateful to you all for being a part of my journey. So here’s to the next chapter, and here’s to many, many more years of passion and progress.”

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Top image: Lou Barrett at Mediaweek 100

Matt Doran revealed he will leave his post as co-host of Weekend Sunrise at the end of the year to focus on family and pursue other opportunities.

On Sunday, he told audiences that, following conversations with his wife, Kendall, he would finish hosting duties at the end of the year after five years.

“It’s something I’ve agonised over because it’s honest to say this is one of the best jobs on earth, but we think it’s right – and at the right time – for our little family.

“While I’m sad, and I’m doing everything possible presently not to look Mon in the eye, where I am right now is honestly a place of incredible gratitude. For the laughs, the lessons, the tears, the phenomenal sense of life perspective, the carousels of astonishing snacks (even the tofu).

“It is my unshakeable belief that this role – specifically, being entrusted with the telling of people’s most intimate, most personal stories – is one of the more privileged positions on the planet.

“And actually, storytelling is probably at the heart of this decision – finding ways to tell stories that break the mould. I came to the Seven Network eight years ago with a background in crime and documentaries, and I’m being pulled back in that direction again now.

“But I need to take a moment to emphatically and wholeheartedly thank you, our viewers, for allowing me into your loungerooms for the last half-decade. What a monstrous honour to be afforded a few hours of your precious time on your precious weekends no less. That is one thing I have never, ever taken for granted.”

Matt Doran and Monique Wright

Doran went on to thank Seven chairman Kerry Stokes, news and current affairs director Anthony De Ceglie and director of morning television Sarah Stinson, before sharing a special thank you to co-host Monique Wright, who joined him on screen to hug him.

“You are not just a colleague; you are my best friend, and I am going to miss you.

“Let me tell you, however incredible you think Mon is on camera, it’s 10-fold behind the scenes – it’s the little things she does as a friend for her friends, that she doesn’t broadcast, and they in my opinion sum up her character, and define her.”

Wright told him thanked him for his friendship and the laughter shared on weekends.

Matt Doran and Monique Wright

“Matt is a brilliant broadcaster. His empathy, depth, warmth, fierce intelligence and humour is such an extraordinary combination, and I feel honoured to have got to work alongside him for as long as I have. His ability to connect and show how much he genuinely cares means he always gets the very best out of people.

“As one of the funniest, most self-deprecating people I’ve ever met, I am forever grateful for the huge, uncontrollable belly laughs I have shared with Matt. Our friendship and laughs will continue off screen and while I’ll miss him terribly at work, I’m so happy for Matt and Kenny [Matt’s wife Kendall] and for them to now enjoy their much-deserved weekends together.”

Sarah Stinson said: “Matt has been an integral and much-loved member of the Weekend Sunrise family. His warmth, humour, and unique perspective have brought so much to our mornings over the past five years.

“While we will greatly miss him, we are excited for his next chapter and extend our heartfelt thanks for all he has contributed – not only to our viewers but to the entire team.”

Anthony De Ceglie added: “We thank Matt for his commitment to the network for nearly a decade, include five standout years as co-host of Weekend Sunrise. His passion for news and on-air rapport with Monique have been key to the program’s continued ratings dominance.

“His skill in live reporting and brave investigations in that time are also to be commended, bringing critical stories to audiences that have driven meaningful change. We wish Matt nothing but the best for the future.”

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Top image: Matt Doran

NRMA Insurance is helping to unite Australians by making this season ‘The Summer of Community Cricket’ in its new campaign with Accenture Song.

Building on the recent launch of its “A Help Company” positioning and partnership with Cricket Australia, the campaign elevates its promise of helping Australians in more ways through valuable experiences.

Throughout the Test Series, NRMA Insurance will celebrate community cricket and volunteers who help make the game happen by organising events at clubs around the country and giving away grants to local cricket clubs.

This will be underpinned by Accenture Song’s fully integrated campaign, which will run on TV, digital, out of home and across social. Directed by Finch’s Alex Roberts, the film centres on a community cricket match and a local hero batter who receives support from his community.

“At NRMA Insurance, we believe connected communities are more resilient,” IAG chief customer and marketing officer Michelle Klein said. “Local cricket is great for the community, and it’s been helping Aussies get to know their neighbours and pitch in together for many generations.

“This summer NRMA Insurance is demonstrating its promise of help within the cultural context of sport, by fostering the kind of local connections that we know makes communities stronger.”

Barbara Humphries, Accenture Song executive creative director, added: “We wanted to celebrate the community spirit that keeps these local games going, benefiting whole communities, beyond those holding a bat or ball. It’s a national partnership that turns up in a very local way, in the spirit of A Help Company.”

In keeping with the launch of “A Help Company”, the campaign is once again accompanied by a reworked version of The Beatles’ famous song, ‘Help!’.

Credits
Client: NRMA Insurance/ IAG
Chief Customer & Marketing Officer: Michelle Klein
Executive Manager, Marketing, Brand & Communications: Sally Kiernan
Executive Manager, Marketing Strategy: George Exikanas
Executive Manager, CXM Partnerships & Business Excellence: Luke Farrell
Executive Manager, Media, Channels, Performance & Personalisation: Mark Echo
Manager, Channel Marketing: Bec Alexander
Principal, Brand Communications: Mahsa Merat
Principal, Editorial: Rae Metlitzky
Specialist, Content: Jessica Yorke
Specialist, Marketing Partnerships: Brittany Riordan

Creative Agency: Accenture Song
Production Company: Finch
Casting Company: Citizen Jane Casting
Post-Production: Arc Edit
Music Arrangement & Sound Design: MassiveMusic
Music Supervision (The Beatles): Level 2
Media Agency: Initiative
Content Studio: MBCS

Red Rooster has teamed up with Leo Burnett to unveil its new Christmas campaign, “Do Christmas Your Way with Reds”.

The tongue-in-cheek campaign for Reds’ limited-edition Chickmas Burger aims to stir up Aussie Christmas celebrations by combining the best of tradition with a bit of fun — a comforting nod to the classic Christmas roast wrapped in the crave-worthy goodness of a fried chicken burger.

The creative shows a beleaguered Santa listening patiently to a young boy’s lengthy Christmas wish list before using a fake sighting of his reindeer herd as an excuse to disappear so he can enjoy the flavours of the Chickmas burger in peace.

“Reds is bringing some festive fun to the burger market leading into Christmas,” Red Rooster’s director of marketing, Ashley Hughes said. “The Chickmas Burger is all about taking the traditional Christmas flavours of chicken, stuffing and gravy and serving it up in a fun, tasty burger that’s pure Red Rooster.

“We know that Christmas can be a bit of a circus, so we created a chicken delight that lets people indulge, unwind, and to get into the taste of ‘Chickmas a little early!

“The Chickmas Burger is the indulgent fast-food way to forget Christmas problems, the endless holiday prep, gift logistics, and (dare we say) awkward family gatherings. This Chickmas season, Reds is giving everyone full permission to indulge in a new, but really tasty, way,” he said.

“The Chickmas Burger isn’t just a meal; it’s a seasonal permission slip to take Christmas into your own hands—no rules, no frills, just tasty, festive fun and chicken-ness,” he concluded.

Red Rooster rolls out its Chickmas Burger nationwide on November 27, and the festive offer will be around for six short weeks, available in-store and online.

Credits
Client: Red Rooster
Ashley Hughes, Director of Marketing, Red Rooster
Jane Hillsdon, Marketing Manager, Red Rooster
Stephanie Gardner, Brand Manager, Red Rooster
Stella Katsaros, PR & Communications Manager, Red Rooster

Creative Agency: Leo Burnett Australia
Chief Client Partner: Amanda Wheeler
Senior Business Director: Shae Jones
Business Director: Daniella Garabedian
Business Manager: Max Reiser
Creative Director: Michelle Walsh
Copywriter: Kevin Ma
Art Director: Dinah Pollard
PXP Integrated Producers: Soraya Darwish & Lauren Woods

Production Company: Photoplay
Director: Stef Smith
Executive Producer: Emma Thompson

Post-Production Company: The Editors
Sound Production: Rumble
Media Agency: Atomic 212

It was sweet success for John Demetrios last night when he was crowned Dessert Master 2024. With the trophy, title, and $100,000 cash prize under his belt, John truly got his cake and ate it too.

Heading into the grand finale, judges Melissa Leong and Amaury Guichon were joined by past contestants and dessert royalty Kirsten Tibballs, Adriano Zumbo and Dessert Masters season one winner, Gareth Whitton.

The three finalists, Christy Tania, Emelia Jackson, and John Demetrios, were tasked with creating a two-course menu inspired by the colours of Australia: green and gold. With four hours on the clock to nail their green course, the finalists then had just a further hour to deliver their gold dessert.

Inspired by the fig tree that grew in his childhood backyard, John chose to hero fig leaf in his green dish. While the judges worried his flavours may become too tannic, John did not share their concerns and created a fig leaf ice cream to sit atop a white chocolate crémeux, complemented with native flavours, like lemon myrtle, and topped off with fig leaf oil. The dessert was aptly named, ‘Can You Fig It?’.

John’s second course, the gold dish, was inspired by the Victorian Goldrush era. The dessert, ‘Eureka’, featured a chocolate cake soaked in whiskey syrup, a cocoa nib crunch disc and a caramel chocolate parfait, a hot chocolate and malted barley sauce and a brown butter emulsion, plated to resemble a goldmine.

Cracking into John’s dishes, the judges couldn’t keep the smiles from their faces. The colours, flavours, textures, storytelling and sheer artistry of John’s dishes earned him the win.

The ever-humble John said, “I can’t believe it, I’m super proud. It’s going to take me a couple of days for this to feel real, I’m sure!”.

The Australian Financial Review is the country’s most-read premium business masthead recording a cross-platform readership of 3.45 million people, according to Total News Publishing readership figures released by Roy Morgan today.

On an annual basis, the Financial Review recorded 1% growth, narrowing the gap with its direct competitor The Australian.

79% of AFR readers engage with the masthead’s online publication, which has once again grown since last quarter – the fifth consecutive quarter of online growth.

The premium business masthead recorded a print readership of 925,000 during the last four weeks, while the Monday-to-Friday print edition recorded an average issue readership of 265,000. This was its second-highest quarterly result since 2019.

The Australian Financial Review Magazine continues to dominate Australia’s monthly magazine insert figures, with a print readership of 502,000, up 1% year on year. This compared to its direct competitor Wish that has had a readership drop of -22% year on year. Fin! Magazine has also seen quarterly and annual growth (1% and 7% respectively) and closing in on Wish.

Editor-in-chief James Chessell said: “These results reflect the high quality and award winning journalism in The Australian Financial Review. With our focus on growing our subscriber base, our digital strategy continues to gain strength as is evidenced by nearly 80% of our audience engaging with our sites.”

Nine’s Total Publishing assets reach a de-duplicated audience of 15.99 million Australians across print and digital.

The Total News Publishing readership figures are produced by Roy Morgan for ThinkNewsBrands.

The Foxtel Group has announced the hit drama series The Day of the Jackal has been renewed for a second season.

The drama is available to watch in Australia for subscribers to Binge or Foxtel.

The announcement comes just as the streaming platform Binge has unveiled a massive half-price Black Friday deal.

An unrivalled and highly elusive lone assassin, the Jackal, (Eddie Redmayne) makes his living carrying out hits for the highest fee.

TV Guide: The Day of the Jackal

Global Hit: Season one of The Day of the Jackal stars Academy Award, Tony and BAFTA winner Eddie Redmayne, BAFTA Award winner Lashana Lynch and Úrsula Corberó.

Following its 7 November launch, the series has been a breakout success on Binge, becoming the #1 new series launch of the year, with audiences continuing to grow each week. It is also the biggest new scripted series launch on Foxtel this year.

In the UK, The Day of the Jackal has become the biggest Sky Original ever and the biggest launch on Sky in over two years, drawing a record audience of 3m in its first week.

In the US it ranked #1 on Peacock’s Top 10 TV Shows on its platform and was a Top 5 streaming original in the US for its opening weekend (according to preliminary Nielsen data).

Synopsis: In Season 1, the Jackal, (Eddie Redmayne) is an unrivalled and highly elusive lone assassin, who makes his living carrying out hits for the highest fee. But following his latest kill, he meets his match in a tenacious British intelligence officer (Lashana Lynch) who starts to track down the Jackal in a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase across Europe, leaving destruction in its wake.

The series also stars Úrsula Corberó (Money Heist) as Nuria, someone at the heart of The Jackal’s personal life, unaware of who he truly is.

Production notes: Season one features executive producer and star Eddie Redmayne, co-executive producer and star Lashana Lynch, and Úrsula Corberó. The series comes from executive producers Gareth Neame and Nigel Marchant (Carnival Films), writer and executive producer Ronan Bennett, executive producer and director Brian Kirk, executive producer Sam Hoyle (Sky Studios), executive producer Sue Naegle, and co-executive producer Marianne Buckland (Carnival Films).

Carnival Films is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group. NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution handles international sales of the series. The Day of the Jackal has been a global hit with viewers and has been sold to nearly 200 territories around the world.

Lashana Lynch

Series Details

Writer / Showrunner / Executive Producer: Ronan Bennett”
Executive Producers: Gareth Neame and Nigel Marchant (Carnival Films), Sam Hoyle (Sky Studios), Sue Naegle
Executive Producer / Director: Brian Kirk
Executive Producer / Star: Eddie Redmayne
Co-Executive Producer / Star: Lashana Lynch
Co-Executive Producer: Marianne Buckland
Consulting Producer: Frederick Forsyth
Principal Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Lashana Lynch, Úrsula Corberó
Supporting Cast: Charles Dance, Richard Dormer, Chukwudi Iwuji, Lia Williams, Khalid Abdalla, Eleanor Matsuura, Jonjo O’Neill, Nick Blood, Sule Rimi, Florisa Kamara
Produced by: Carnival Films, which is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group
Distribution: NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution

Binge Black Friday bargain

The Foxtel Group streaming platform Binge has just dropped a Black Friday price reduction.

The special price for a 12-month subscription is $4.99 monthly. This represents a price drop of 50% and is available to new and returning customers only.

The deal will remain open until December 2, 2024, and it includes the drama The Day of the Jackal plus much more.

The special price is available on the Basic tier only which means viewers are served ads and are limited to only one screen at a time.

The Standard and Premium tiers are not discounted during this Black Friday window.

Viewers get access to 25,000 hours of premium drama, comedy, reality, documentaries, lifestyle, movies and more.

Binge is also now giving viewers access to select major sporting events at no extra charge.

Find the Black Friday Binge bargain here.

Fabulate has secured 10th place in the 2024 Deloitte Tech Fast 50 rankings.

“We are incredibly honoured to have made the 2024 Deloitte Tech Fast 50 list,” Fabulate CEO Toby Kennett said.

“Five years into our journey, this recognition is a testament to the hard work of our team in positioning Fabulate at the centre of Australia’s—and increasingly APAC’s—creator economy.”

The award reflects the influencer marketing platform’s growth and expansion of its operations across Australia and the broader APAC region.

The news comes just a week after Patrick Forth, the former managing director of the Boston Consulting Group in Australia, was named Fabulate’s new Chairman.

At the time, Forth said of his appointment: “I am excited to become Fabulate’s Chair. Fabulate has a great team and a powerful solution that brings workflow software and AI to influencer marketing, an important channel to market for brands looking for a more effective presence on social media platforms. They have already demonstrated success in this dynamic and growing market.”

See also: Patrick Forth joins Fabulate as chairman of the influencer marketing start-up

The platform has also been driving innovation in the influencer marketing space. Its recent launch of its SparQ product provides marketers with a suite of AI-powered tools, enabling them to efficiently scan and analyse thousands of hours of content across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

Founded five years ago, Fabulate was established by former Nine executives Ben Gunn and Nathan Powell, entrepreneur Toby Kennett, and ex-Qantas executive Sachin Singh. The platform aims to transform how brands engage in social media and content marketing.

Today, major brands and agencies, including Qantas, Uber, Edelman, and Kinesso, rely on Fabulate to discover talent and execute high-quality social and content marketing campaigns at scale.

This is not the only major award Fabulate has won this year. The company took out Australia’s Best Influencer Marketing Technology award at the industry’s AiMCO Awards and has been shortlisted in the category again for this year’s awards.

See also: ‘Salesforce for influencers’: Fabulate tackles brand safely using video-led AI tools as it launches SparQ