Media monitoring service Streem has conducted a ranking of Australia’s Top Ten most prominent CMOs/marketing leaders from 20 November 2023 through to 19 November 2024, across print and online coverage.
KFC’s Tami Cunningham took out the top spot with 307 mentions, including the
global ‘Kentucky Fly Chicken’ campaign, new menu launches such as double-
breaded, chicken waffles and competition to stay the Colonel’s Lodge.
“We’ve had a great year, not only with all our retail brand work but also having unique experiences in the mix to bring our brand and products to life for our customers,” A KFC spokesperson told Mediaweek.
“This year, we launched several experiential campaigns that saw mass engagement across earned and social media, and we’re excited to see brand love continue to grow locally. It takes an army to execute big creative ideas, and thanks must go to the entire KFC marketing team and our agency partners.”
Nathan Johnson from Volkswagen received 300 articles driven by VW Crafter:
tech-heavy Australian update announcement in Nov 2023 and discussion on whether VW will launch plans for an EV Amarok in May 2024.
“You’re only as good as your vehicles and ours are the best, ones that a marketer and a strong team can drive to success,” Johnson told Mediaweek.
“This data shows which Australian CMOs are thought leaders within the industry, successfully leveraging earned media to build brand awareness and credibility, spotlighting the campaigns and initiatives that cut through the noise in 2024,” Lauren Jefferies, head of insights at Streem said.
Next in third place was Telstra’s Brent Smart, who achieved 210 mentions. His media presence was driven by consistent coverage of campaigns such as “Better on a Better Network” and “Wherever We Go,” his Black T-Shirts podcast with Adam Ferrier, and his involvement in The Marketing Academy’s 2024 scholarship program.
In fourth place was Liana Dubois of Nine, with 189 mentions. Her coverage was primarily fueled by Nine Network’s role as the broadcaster for the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, which generated significant national media interest.
Ranked fifth, Chargefox’s Rob Asselman secured 179 mentions, largely due to the launch of Australia’s first “fuel card” for low-emission vehicles in partnership with Corpay.
Andrew Hicks from Woolworths claimed sixth place with 169 mentions, driven by campaigns like the launch of limited-edition Olympics and Paralympics $2 coins and the festive “Make This Christmas a Classic” initiative.
In seventh place was Michelle Klein of IAG, who garnered 156 mentions. Her media presence was supported by NRMA’s 100th-anniversary rebranding, the appointment of Accenture Song to enhance customer experience, and her participation at SXSW Sydney.
Coming in eighth, Coca-Cola South Pacific’s Kate Miller received 143 mentions. Her standout moments included the launch of the “K-Wave” K-Pop-inspired Coca-Cola drink and an Oreo collaboration featuring Oreo-flavored Coke Zero and Coke-flavored Oreo cookies.
Tony Quarmby of Tourism Northern Territory ranked ninth with 113 mentions. His media coverage was bolstered by Netflix’s Territory series and related advertising campaigns, as well as a collaboration with Bonds Pride.
Rounding out the top ten was Yolanda Uys from Crown Resorts, with 107 mentions. Highlights included Crown’s strategic partnership with Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, the appointment of Initiative as its new media agency, and the MasterChef x Crown pop-up restaurant “ALUMNI.”
Flywheel, Omnicom’s cloud-based digital commerce practice within global marketing and sales solutions company, has appointed Mohammad Heidari Far as managing director, and Elise Luu as eCommerce Director for Flywheel Australia.
The company, which has operations in the Americas, Europe, and APAC, provides a wide range of data and AI-powered commerce solutions ranging from self-service software to full-service management of digital commerce operations across more than 400 digital marketplaces, including nine of the top 10 global marketplaces and key Australian retailers including Amazon, Coles 360, Cartology, MixIn, and Uber.
“Australia represents one of the most dynamic and high-growth regions for digital commerce,” Alex McCord, CEO of Flywheel, said.
“Mo and Elise bring strong leadership, expertise, and a proven track record of success in unlocking growth for clients both globally and locally. They will be instrumental in driving value for Omnicom’s clients as we continue to expand our presence and deliver transformative commerce solutions in the region.
Heidari Far joins Flywheel from his role as ANZ managing director of Omnicom Media Group’s Transact e-commerce consultancy, where he helped brands scale eCommerce sales and grow share of digital shelf on Amazon, eRetail and direct-to-consumer channels.
He said of his new remit: “The combination of Flywheel products and transactional signals with audience and behavioural data from Omni – the open operating system that supports the Omnicom network – is enabling an unprecedented level of insights and analytics across the customer journey. As Managing Director, my priority will be ensuring that this translates to increased online sales for Omnicom’s ANZ clients.”
It’s a priority that is shared by newly appointed eCommerce Director Elise Luu, the five-year Flywheel veteran, who will lead the Australian client services team, focusing on clients in the FMCG, consumer electronics, and pharmaceutical sectors. Having previously managed the Australian client portfolio from Singapore and as an early team member in London, she brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role.
“Client service at Flywheel is defined by the belief that when our clients win, we win,” said Luu. Leveraging Flywheel’s industry-leading solutions, the service team will unlock the power of data and strategic insights to ensure our clients are winning in the rapidly evolving digital commerce landscape.”
The appointments are effective immediately, with Heidari Far and Luu both headquartered in Sydney.
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Top image: Mohammad Heidari Far and Elise Luu
Innocean Australia CEO Jasmin Bedir has welcomed the appointment of Brendan Willenberg as the agency’s new executive creative director.
Willenberg steps into the role after Wesley Hawes exited the business in October to join 72andSunny as its new ANZ chief creative officer.
Willenberg has enjoyed a 20-year career as one of the nation’s top creatives and led some of the country’s best-known non-traditional campaigns, including “Pitvertising” for Rexona, “Losing Lena” for Code Like a Girl, “Support Acts” for Wrigley’s Extra, and “Fallout with a V” for V Energy drinks.
He has won a host of Cannes Lions, Effies, AWARD Awards, One Show and Spikes and was runner up for the Fast Company World Changing Ideas Award for Code Like a Girl’s “Losing Lena” campaign. He was named the fifth best ECD in APAC by One Show and won AWARD’s Agency of the Year in 2019 at Clemenger.
Willenberg began his career as a copywriter at McCann, before moving to Clemenger where he spent more than a decade and became executive creative director. He then moved to Archibald Williams as executive creative director and creative partner before joining Cummins & Partners. When he’s not creating work, Willenberg can be found hosting the Eastside FM radio show EXPANSIONS.
Bedir said: “I’m so excited to welcome Brendan to Innocean and our team. Brendan is just as excited about building an end-to-end creative company and growing our agency as we are, but also brings the maturity and tenacity to put this into action – we feel like we have found our perfect match.
“He brings incredible agency and brand experience to Innocean – but what we like the most is that he is a self-described ‘slight unicorn’ – a big brand/platform creative leader with brilliant digital and CX skills, which is exactly what we have been building. Growth and making our best work yet are Innocean’s focus for 2025.”
Innocean chief strategy officer, Giorgia Butler, said: “We’re thrilled to have Brendan bring his considerable firepower to the slate of impactful, cohesive, end-to-end media and creative solutions we have planned for 2025. Our clients will continue to benefit from the advantages that come when we connect the whole picture together and it doesn’t hurt that he’s also just a very good egg. Jasmin and I couldn’t be happier to welcome Brendan on board.”
Willenberg said of his appointment: “Jas has transformed Innocean into an offering with a formidable set of disciplines at the same time that I’ve undertaken a similar creative odyssey. Our paths have collided at the perfect time. Between Jas, Giorgia, and myself, I’m excited to bring our creativity and chemistry to the phenomenal client roster and the broader Australian market.”
Bedir also thanked former executive creative director Wez Hawes, adding: “We had a great four years together, and we wish him nothing but the best.”
Willenberg’s appointment follows the news that Innocean has introduced a media planning and buying division within the agency with three foundation clients in Hyundai, Geotab and Sandhurst Fine Foods.
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Top image: Jasmin Bedir, Giorgia Butler and Brendan Willenberg
Hosted by former The Block favourites, Jess Eva and Norm Hogan, Budget Battlers tackles full-blown makeovers with an unprecedented challenge: transforming four different Aussie homes in four weeks on the tightest budget ever seen on Australian television.
“Without a doubt, the most rewarding part of Budget Battlers is when you’ve done all the work and you see random people jump in and help. People who might not even know the names of the people they’re helping,” she said.
Premiering on 4 December at 8:30pm on Nine and 9Now, Eva told Mediaweek the most rewarding part of the new program is seeing how everything comes together at the end.
“Most people rock up on the first day for the cameras and end up dropping off on the third, fourth, fifth day and that’s when the true spirit of people comes out.
“The ones that refused to go home are the ones I’m in awe of.
“Volunteers don’t even know the homeowners. It’s one of the most beautiful, non-judgmental, kindest, beautiful moments that you will ever experience.”
The Budget Battlers team gears up with just $10,000 per home, a group of selfless volunteers and only five working days, to inspire viewers with jaw-dropping transformations, changing the lives of those who need it the most.
Eva says she hopes the new program is proof to show that Australia enjoys authentic, cut-through content.
“[I hope] Australia responds to content that they think about afterwards and content that they can apply to their own lives.
“It doesn’t have to be boring, you can contain entertainment and you can also provide impact at the same time and that’s my philosophy.
“If you can provide something that someone wants to watch but also something that someone thinks about after the show finishes, then you hopefully have a winner.”
In the season premiere, Jess and Norm meet Tim, a father-of-four who is always ready to lend a hand, expecting nothing in return.
Despite his selfless nature and long hours on the farm, Tim has neglected the most important thing – his own home.
Now is the time for the Budget Battlers team to step in.
The season also culminates in an emotional finale, where the team rallies around Jack and Shae, who also lost their home in the 2023 cyclone.
Among the many challenges the team faces as the days tick down to the final reveal are tight deadlines and the need for last-minute supplies to transform the damaged house into a welcoming family home.
“These walls weren’t built just with wood and a bit of plaster. They were built with the blood, sweat and tears of hundreds of selfless people. And to be surrounded by that is the greatest honour,” Eva said.
Budget Battlers is produced by Northlight Productions and the 9Network.
Budget Battlers premieres on Wednesday, December 4, at 8.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
In this episode, we peel back the layers to reveal ‘The Person Behind the Profile’ with Joanne Painter, Group Managing Director and Co-Founder of Icon Agency.
Joanne’s journey is all about resilience, personal growth, and leadership.
She opens up about battling impostor syndrome and reflects back on her early career in journalism and public relations, sharing how she often doubted her abilities despite her many accomplishments. Her honesty about these experiences is refreshingly real and offers comfort to anyone who’s felt the same way or still struggles with this.
Joanne also dives into the evolving challenges and opportunities for women in leadership. She talks about navigating double standards and how embracing authenticity has helped her thrive. Her insights on emotional intelligence (EQ) are especially relevant today, as she highlights how EQ is becoming a must-have skill in the workplace—particularly in our post-COVID reality.
On a lighter note, Joanne answers some fun rapid-fire questions, giving us a peek into her personal life—from her love for chickens to her passion for politics. These moments bring out her personality and add a warm, human touch to her professional journey.
“I think that sense of imposter syndrome and inadequacy was a thread that really underpinned the early years of my career,” she said.
“It’s absolutely fine not to be good at everything. I’m going to hire people who can fill my weaknesses.”
[Listen to the new episode here]
New episodes of Uncomfortable Growth® Uncut drop weekly and are available to stream across all major audio networks.
Series 2 of Uncomfortable Growth® Uncut “Unexpected Curveballs and Crossroads” will be available in early 2025
Learn more about Uncomfortable Growth here.
The world doesn’t need more stories of success; it needs real conversations about resilience, vulnerability, and the human spirit’s incredible capacity to turn trials into triumphs.
That’s why the Uncomfortable Growth Uncut podcast was born. It’s a reminder that struggle and success are intrinsically linked, that growth is rarely easy, and that the moments we feel most uncomfortable are often where our greatest breakthroughs lie.
Last night, it was big spins and big drama on 10 with Wheel of Fortune Australia hosted by Graham Norton, plus Matlock and Five Bedrooms season 5.
Wheel of Fortune:
• 1.02 million total national viewers reached.
• Up 7% week-on-week in 16 to 39s.
• #1 in its timeslot in 16 to 39s.
• Lifted 10’s timeslot 65% year-on-year.
Matlock:
• 840,000 total national viewers reached.
• Biggest 16 to 39s audience of the season.
• #1 in its timeslot.
• Up 37% in % week-on-week.
• Up 37% in 16 to 39s week-on-week.
• Lifted 10’s timeslot 115% year-on-year.
Five Bedrooms:
• Biggest audience of the season
• Up 16% week-on-week.
• Up 187% in 16 to 39s and 58% in 25 to 54s week-on-week.
• #1 in its timeslot in 16 to 39s.
• Lifts 10’s timeslot 91% year-on-year.
Other highlights:
• Network 10: Up 8% week-on-week in 16 to 39s.
• 10: Up 16% week-on-week in 16 to 39s.
• 10 Bold Drama: Up 11% week-on-week and 9% in its key demo of over 40s.
• Nickelodeon: Up 21% week-on-week.
• 10 News First: Up 7% year-on-year.
• Deal Or No Deal Up 9% week-on-week and 17% year-on-year.
7-day Total Viewing Audience (Monday, 25 November):
• Wheel of Fortune Australia – Launch: Reached 1.11 million total viewers.
• Matlock: Reached 1.16 million total viewers.
Pearman Media has welcomed Katy Lozancic as general manager.
Lozancic brings a wealth of global knowledge and leadership to the independent media agency team with her extensive experience in both the independent and agency sectors.
Her background includes a long tenure at Group M Australia, where she served as a client lead and general manager of MediaCom and managing director of Maxus.
Dominic Pearman, managing director of Pearman, said: “Having someone with the calibre of Katy is exactly what we need. Katy’s experience in navigating the complexities of Independents and Network agencies makes her a perfect fit for our culture and values.
“Her proven track record in driving growth and innovation within global network media agencies will also be invaluable as we are on a significant growth journey.”
Lozancic said of her new role: “I am incredibly excited to join Pearman Media, an agency with such a rich 28-year history and a strong growth trajectory.
“The impressive portfolio of clients and the passionate team create a vibrant culture that I am eager to be part of. I believe we have the potential to cultivate a fantastic work environment and deliver exceptional results for our clients,” she added.
Lozancic takes over the general manager role from Lisa Christie, who joined back in 2022. She spent the early part of her career at Ogilvy & Mather and Magnus and Nankervis & Curl (FCB).
Christie went on to become a founder of the highly successful independent media agency IKON Communications during the late 1990s, helping grow the business fivefold with clients including CBA, Sony and Vodafone.
See also: Pearman Media welcomes Lisa Christie as general manager
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Top image: Katy Lozancic
Scooter has extended its partnership with the BMW Group as one of the creative agencies providing marketing services across the ANZ region.
The Melbourne-based integrated brand agency will deliver Tier 2 Creative Services covering Aftersales, Financial Services, New Car and Motorrad.
“BMW Group has been one of our valued clients since the start of our agency, and we’re proud to have delivered many projects across digital, print, photography, video, social media, and much more,” said Scooter CEO Anna Hodgson.
“With this work comes a deep understanding of the brand’s vision and we are thrilled to step up this partnership further to continue delivering quality creative and communication solutions across multiple business units for both BMW and MINI.”
“The win is testament to our strong, long-term client relationships and human-centric approach to everything that we do. With a dynamic, talented and committed leadership team leading our agency offering, we’re really excited to continue delivering world-class thinking and creativity for our clients”, continued Hodgson.
Scooter has an extensive portfolio of clients, including DuluxGroup, Bupa, QBE Insurance and Asahi.
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Top image: Scooter leadership team
This is Flow has been appointed to lead media for children’s audio brand Yoto in its launch into the Australian market.
The independent media agency won the account by showing its comprehensive understanding of Australian parents, uncovering new audience opportunities and media spaces, and presenting a strategy that combined immediate impact with a long-term vision for the brand’s growth in Australia.
Yoto is known for its flagship audio products such as the Yoto Player and Yoto Mini, empowering children by providing engaging audio experiences that let kids independently explore audio using physical cards packed with additional features to support learning, play and family routines. All without ads, microphones or screens.
The card store has over 500 titles from the world’s best publishers, record labels and creators. Among them are Disney/Pixar, Marvel, Queen, The Beatles, Roald Dahl, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Harry Potter.
Yoto also creates and co-creates its own Yoto Originals that include mindfulness and meditation, educational audio and step-by-step baking recipes.
This is Flow will provide a fresh focus on the Australian market for Yoto, handling media strategy, planning and buying – excluding paid search and social which are managed by Yoto’s global team in the UK.
The agency launched Yoto’s first campaign in November, which was timed to resonate with families during the pre-Christmas season.
“We’re incredibly excited to partner with This Is Flow as we bring Yoto to Australian families,” Anaelle Bayet, head of marketing Europe, Yoto. “Their deep understanding of local parents, coupled with their innovative approach to media strategy, made them the perfect partner for our launch.
“At Yoto, we’re passionate about empowering kids through audio that sparks their imagination, independence, and learning. With Flow’s expertise, we’re confident we’ll inspire families across Australia to make Yoto a cherished part of their everyday routines.”
Jimmy Hyett, founder and CEO of This Is Flow, added: “I’m thrilled to collaborate with a brand like Yoto. They champion kids’ independence and freedom to explore and as a father, it’s such an important part of parenting – and my kids can’t get enough of their Yoto cards. We’re looking forward to establishing Yoto as a household name for all Australian families.”
Orchard has appointed Anne Ngo to the newly created role of head of customer growth and martech.
In her new role at the creative technology agency, Ngo will be responsible for driving Orchard’s martech offering across both its consumer and healthcare divisions, as well as innovating across customer experience, data, and martech.
Ngo has over 15 years of global experience in customer growth, lifecycle marketing, and digital transformation and brings a a wealth of experience in both CX and martech to Orchard.
She joins the agency after spending nearly four years as Akcelo’s customer strategy and martech director.
Throughout her career, Ngo has held positions at some of the world’s most established brands including FlexiGroup’s head of marketing, Latitude Financial Services’ head of marketing, and as American Express’ director of strategic partnerships and global network services.
During her tenure at FlexiGroup, Latitude Financial Services and American Express, she led large-scale and insights-driven campaigns, built loyalty programs, and drove martech activation and integration.
Wai Kwok, CEO of Orchard, said: “Anne’s depth of experience in CX and martech is a tremendous asset for us as we continue to grow. She brings an approach that’s both strategic and pragmatic—she understands how to unlock the value of data and martech in a way that’s impactful for brands and relevant to customers.
“This balance is exactly what we need to continue evolving our martech services, and I’m thrilled to have her leadership at the forefront.”
Ngo said of her appointment: “I am delighted to be joining the team at Orchard, whose ‘Invent Better’ mission encapsulates what most excites me about the industry. This mantra not only powers the work and relationships with clients, but it is infused in the culture and talented individuals the agency has developed.
“Integrating data and martech with marketing practices and customer experiences is my passion, and I am so glad to be joining a team where this is celebrated.”
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Top image: Anne Ngo
Vinnies NSW has unveiled a refreshed brand strategy and visual identity for its retail network, developed with Houston Group.
The brand refresh marks an exciting new chapter for Vinnies Shops in NSW, as the not-for-profit focuses on connecting with more audiences and amplifying the positive impact of the work undertaken by Vinnies.
The strategic and design agency guided the rebranding process, built around the simple but powerful truth that Vinnies Shops transforms unneeded clothes and other goods into much-needed support for society’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged. As consumers become more aware of the negative effects of fast fashion, Vinnies retail outlets provide an easy way to help more people to do more good, by shopping, donating and volunteering.
‘What a privilege to work on such an important and iconic brand that is truly about everyday people doing good, and helping each other out. Having the opportunity to modernise and adapt the Vinnies Shops brand is all part of that too, and I couldn’t be prouder of the work we’ve been able to develop together,” Stuart O’Brien, founder and CEO of Houston Group, said.
“Houston’s strategic work lay the foundation for a creative refresh, which elevates the brand identity to connect to a new audience – while not alienating their existing loyal base – by celebrating the iconic aspects of the Vinnies identity and heritage.
“Designed with a more impactful, accessible and inspiring approach for younger audiences, the new visual identity is better optimised for digital platforms like social media and e-commerce,” O’Brien added.
The agency’s concept of layering and texture was integral to the new identity, inspired by the three stacked hands depicted in the St Vincent de Paul Society logo.
The distinct graphic language weaves in textures and textiles to emphasise clothing as a symbol of help, community and connection – representing the fabric of community that Vinnies supports.
The refreshed identity also retained and re-energised the brand’s iconic blue, with a range of secondary colours and textural hues connecting its rich history to its vibrant future.
Thomas Morgan, director, communications and marketing of St Vincent De Paul Society NSW, said: ‘We’re all incredibly proud of the new retail brand identity. It’s been crafted with care, is warm and energetic and respects the proud heritage of the Society.
“Importantly, the brand refresh strongly connects how shopping at Vinnies funds the Society’s crucial social services which provides a hands-up to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals and families in NSW. We can’t wait to roll out our refreshed identity across our network of 230 shops in NSW and bring it to life in campaigns and across our digital channels,” he concluded.
The brand refresh will be rolled out across Vinnies’ extensive physical presence across NSW, as well as in digital channels and campaign messaging – helping those who help others do more good in the community.
Credit
Client: St Vincent De Paul Society NSW
Philip Coyte Executive Director – Commercial Enterprise, Retail and Fundraising
Satya Tanwer Executive Director – Strategy and Engagement
Thomas Morgan- Director, Communications and Marketing
Rachel Lawton-Marketing Manager
Claire Hutchison-Designer
Samuel Sida-Product Leader
Kate Pascoe-Communications Manager
Megan Pope-Brand Creative Services Manager
Agency: Houston Group
Stuart O’Brien – CEO & Founder
Alex Toohey – Executive Creative Director
Gretel Maltabarow – Managing Director
Gabriella Bore – Account Director
Guy Mitsopoulous – Director of Strategy
Isabelle Robinson – Senior Designer
Ting He – Senior Designer
Nine’s A Current Affair recorded a total TV national reach of 1,466,000, a total TV national audience of 1,007,000, and a BVOD audience of 73,000.
On A Current Affair, the program looked into Kmart offering refunds on a rango of Christmas-themed quilt covers following complaints from customers who say they experienced health issues upon purchasing the bedding.
In a statement to A Current Affair, a spokesperson for the retailer said an official product recall will soon be issued for the Mr & Mrs Claus Reversible Queen Size Bed Quilt Cover Set and Christmas Elf Reversible Single Bed Quilt Cover Set, and that they can be returned in store for a full refund.
“We take the quality of all our products seriously and are committed to addressing customer product satisfaction issues,” the spokesperson said.
Nine’s 9News recorded a total TV national reach of 1,870,000, a total TV national audience of 1,157,000, and a BVOD audience of 91,000.
Seven’s Seven News recorded a total TV national reach of 1,904,000, a total TV national audience of 1,233,000, and a BVOD audience of 60,000.
Also on Seven, The Chase Australia recorded a total TV national reach of 1,160,000, a total TV national audience of 560,000, and a BVOD audience of 28,000.
10’s airing of Wheel of Fortune Australia recorded a total TV national reach of 1,019,000, a total TV national audience of 413,000, and a BVOD audience of 12,000.
Nine’s 9News:
• Total TV nation reach: 511,000
• National Audience: 291,000
• BVOD Audience: 46,000
Seven’s Seven News:
• Total TV nation reach: 476,000
• National Audience: 289,000
• BVOD Audience: 31,000
Seven’s The Force – Behind the Line:
• Total TV nation reach: 314,000
• National Audience: 202,000
• BVOD Audience: 19,000
10’s Wheel of Fortune Australia:
• Total TV nation reach: 383,000
• National Audience: 165,000
• BVOD Audience: 7,000
Nine’s 9News:
• Total TV nation reach: 218,000
• National Audience: 133,000
• BVOD Audience: 22,000
Seven’s Seven News:
• Total TV nation reach: 178,000
• National Audience: 109,000
• BVOD Audience: 15,000
Seven’s The Force – Behind the Line:
• Total TV nation reach: 137,000
• National Audience: 83,000
• BVOD Audience: 10,000
10’s Wheel of Fortune Australia:
• Total TV nation reach: 165,000
• National Audience: 76,000
• BVOD Audience: 3,000
Nine’s 9News:
• Total TV nation reach: 1,493,000
• National Audience: 931,000
• BVOD Audience: 73,000
Seven’s Seven News:
• Total TV nation reach: 1,525,000
• National Audience: 998,000
• BVOD Audience: 48,000
Seven’s The Force – Behind the Line:
• Total TV nation reach: 836,000
• National Audience: 495,000
• BVOD Audience: 28,000
10’s Wheel of Fortune Australia:
• Total TV nation reach: 797,000
• National Audience: 322,000
• BVOD Audience: 10,000
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.
Airlie Walsh filed a human rights sex discrimination claim against the company in the Federal Court this week. Her lawyers, Maurice Blackburn, declined to comment, citing court rules.
Walsh’s claim comes as the media industry undergoes a cultural reckoning. Seven West Media has had a torrid year after a producer claimed the network paid for drugs and prostitutes to convince former Liberal Party staffer Bruce Lehrmann to sit for an interview for its Spotlight current affairs program. The show’s executive producer left in the aftermath.
Tennis Australia also signed a $107 million deal with Kia last year to extend its 22-year partnership with Tennis Australia for another five years as the major sponsor, the biggest sports sponsorship deal in Australian history.
Emirates’ global vice president of marketing, Boutros Boutros, told The Australian Financial Review the airline had spent more than $US150 million on sponsorships in Australia over three decades. It also sponsors AFL club Collingwood and the Melbourne and Sydney Symphony Orchestras.
On Monday morning, ABC presenter Michael Rowland announced he would depart News Breakfast after nearly 15 years as co-host, making him the latest in a long line of high-profile departures across the breakfast TV space in 2024.
During his farewell speech, Rowland noted that his children were aged seven and five when he started on breakfast TV, and are now in their 20s. In that time, morning shows – and free-to-air TV more widely – have had ratings dip with the rise of streaming and increasing competition from social media platforms and non-legacy platforms such as YouTube.
Documents released to The Australian reveal ABC management was alarmed Rundle, who was sacked from his columnist role at Crikey on October 18, had been allegedly targeting a number of journalists and presenters for months.
The documents show the message from ABC managing director David Anderson, sent to Hayward and Beecher, contained a number of attached screenshots of Rundle’s messages.
However, the ABC has declined to release the concerning messages, on the basis they constitute program content.
Capital Brief, described in Crikey as “a new Australian business publication that’s like if the Australian Financial Review was written for people without grey hairs but fired any subeditors who tried to reduce their word count”, launched last year with a subscription-based model that promised to eschew targeted advertising. Since its launch, it has leaned on Janz’s former Nine/Fairfax stable for its staff — Janz left Nine in 2021 as chief digital and publishing officer, having joined Fairfax in 2016. Capital Brief co-founder David Eisman was the former director of subscriptions growth at Nine/Fairfax, while chief political correspondent Anthony Galloway joined from The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Media reporter John Buckley joined from Crikey, but was also at Nine previously.
So she was extremely forthcoming about her objections to the feature-length documentary when The New York Times called her for comment. Among her objections: unflattering camera angles were used for the interview with her. The scenes of her walking in her garden make her look like she’s a doddering old woman (she’s 83) when she was only limping because she was recovering from surgery on her Achilles tendon. She hates the music. There’s no mention of her grandchildren.