Snap Inc. (NYSE: SNAP) has reported a solid fourth quarter, with revenue climbing 14% year-over-year to $1.56 billion, as the company continues to expand its global advertising business. Daily Active Users (DAUs) reached 453 million, marking a 9% year-over-year increase, while Snap posted a net income of $9 million, a stark turnaround from a $248 million loss in the prior year.

Co-Founder and CEO Evan Spiegel credited the company’s performance to increased advertiser engagement and the evolution of Snap’s advertising platform. “In 2024, we made significant progress on our core priorities of growing our community and improving depth of engagement, driving top-line revenue growth and diversifying our revenue sources, while building toward our long-term vision for augmented reality,” Spiegel said. “Active advertisers more than doubled in Q4, with the improvements we have made to our advertising platform driving improved advertiser performance and helping to grow revenue 14% year-over-year.”

Australia and APAC performance

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, including Australia, played a key role in Snap’s overall revenue growth, benefitting from strong advertiser adoption and increasing engagement among younger audiences. While region-specific figures were not disclosed in the earnings release, Snap has been ramping up efforts in Australia and other APAC markets, capitalising on the growth of direct response advertising and the increasing use of Snapchat’s augmented reality (AR) tools by brands.

The company’s expanding advertiser base in Australia has been instrumental in driving local revenue, with retail, entertainment, and CPG brands leveraging Snap’s suite of ad products to target highly engaged audiences. The company has also been strengthening partnerships with local media and content creators, further embedding itself within Australia’s digital ecosystem.

Global advertising and market expansion

Globally, Snap saw a surge in advertising revenue, driven by an increase in direct response ad spend and the expansion of its Snapchat+ subscription model, which saw 131% year-over-year growth. The company noted that active advertisers more than doubled in Q4, benefiting from enhancements to its ad platform.

In the U.S., Sponsored Snaps and Promoted Places contributed to a 30% increase in reach for advertisers. Meanwhile, the European market witnessed a 20% revenue increase, fuelled by higher engagement rates and improved monetisation strategies.

The Rest of the World (ROW) segment—excluding North America and Europe—delivered the highest growth, surging 35% year-over-year. This was attributed to rising adoption in emerging markets, where Snapchat’s user base continues to expand rapidly.

Product innovation and user engagement

Snap’s ability to drive revenue growth has been closely linked to its continued investment in product innovation and user engagement:

• DAUs grew to 453 million, up 9% year-over-year.

• More than 1 billion Snaps were shared publicly on Snapchat every month in Q4.

• The Snap Star program saw a 40% increase in creator participation.

• New Bitmoji stickers and location-sharing tools were launched to enhance engagement.

Monetisation and AR growth

Snap’s revenue growth is increasingly diversified, supported by multiple monetisation streams:

• Snapchat+ subscription revenue surged 131% YoY, with an annualised run rate exceeding $500 million.

• The company launched Footsteps, a new Snapchat+ feature allowing users to track visited locations.

• A unified Monetisation Program for creators was introduced, enabling new revenue opportunities via Spotlight and Stories.

• The launch of branded Dreams AI Lenses with partners like Uber Eats and Tinder drove increased engagement.

Augmented Reality and Spectacles expansion

Snap continues to invest in augmented reality (AR) as a key differentiator:

• Over 400 million Snapchatters engaged with new Gen AI Lenses more than 4 billion times in Q4.

• The first-ever Pre-Generated AI Lens significantly reduced GPU utilisation.

• Lens Studio downloads surpassed 1 million.

• The number of Snaps featuring Lenses grew 49% YoY, while Snaps with Lenses sent between friends increased 40%.

In addition, Snap is building the next-generation AR operating system for Spectacles:

• A new Snap OS version was released, improving Spectacles camera capabilities.

• First-party Lenses introduced interactive learning tools, including piano and soccer tracking models.

• Developers have built advanced Lenses for calligraphy, pool shots, and outdoor adventures.

• Snap expanded Spectacles availability to six new countries in Europe.

• Challenge Tags were introduced, allowing AR developers to be rewarded for creativity.

• A new educational pricing model makes Spectacles more accessible to students, with a $49.50/month subscription fee.

Overall revenue and financial strength

For the full year 2024, Snap’s total revenue rose 16% to $5.36 billion, reflecting consistent momentum across its advertising and subscription businesses. Adjusted EBITDA saw an impressive 215% increase to $509 million, demonstrating improved cost efficiencies and a disciplined approach to growth.

Snap’s free cash flow reached $219 million for the year, marking a significant turnaround from just $35 million in 2023. The company’s renewed focus on profitability, platform innovation, and AR development positions it well for sustained growth in 2025.

Snap’s outlook for 2025 remains optimistic, with further investments in AI-driven ad solutions, AR-powered experiences, and creator monetisation programs. The company will continue expanding in high-growth APAC markets, including Australia, as it seeks to capture a larger share of the digital advertising pie.

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Carlton & United Breweries (CUB) CEO Danny Celoni is stepping down just a week after Great Northern was forced to scrap its Outdoors for a Cause campaign following a fierce backlash from outdoor enthusiasts who slammed it as “woke.”

The campaign, designed to support national parks by funding land purchases for conservation, backfired spectacularly. Critics, particularly in the four-wheel-driving and camping communities, saw it as a threat to public access, fearing it would lead to more restrictions on state forests and lock them out of their favourite spots. Social media outrage quickly escalated into calls for a boycott, forcing Great Northern to halt the initiative and rethink its donation strategy.

Now, Celoni has announced he’ll leave CUB in June. Parent company Asahi Beverages insists the timing is purely coincidental, stating his decision was made last year as part of a broader corporate restructure.

Celoni’s exit highlight’s a bigger challenge for brands navigating social causes, how to align with purpose-driven marketing without alienating core consumers. The beer industry has long tapped into outdoor lifestyle branding, but this misstep highlights the fine line between corporate social responsibility and consumer backlash.

Asahi has appointed Nigel Parsons, currently CEO of Asahi Lifestyle Beverages, as its incoming chief commercial officer from 1 April.

A spokesperson for Asahi told Mediaweek:

“Danny decided to leave the business late last year, following our decision to reorganise Asahi’s Australian and NZ operations, an announcement made yesterday. This was well before the Outdoors for a Cause national parks donation campaign, which we terminated last week.

Danny will remain with the business until the end of June, ensuring a smooth leadership transition.”

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dentsu has appointed Brett Elliott to the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer – Media with a focus to supercharge operational efficiencies and client success across dentsu’s media agency brands Carat, iProspect and dentsuX.

Elliott brings to dentsu decades of experience, including time spent as investment head and lead at MediaCom, where he drove success and transitioned into General Manager, and more recently leading the charge as the managing director at UM, leading the Australian Federal Government media account.

Based in Melbourne, Elliott will lead dentsu’s media agency focus on future operational excellence, bringing the best technology and humans to light and supporting client excellence across the three brands.

Fiona Johnston, dentsu Australia CEO Media, Client Counsel + Commercial, said: “I am delighted to bring Brett to our amazing team at dentsu. His ambition and care are second to none, and I know he will add great value, bringing a sense of passion and purpose to our client operational excellence and future thinking for the team, in tech and tools.

“For those who know him, he is also just a great human, and a solid and authentic leader, which adds to our culture. Brett brings a strong sense of trust and community, as well as groundbreaking media expertise to ensure our operations are world class, and industry leading.”

Elliott said: “I am really looking forward to joining dentsu, a company that has a genuine history of innovation and a set of capabilities across its brands that are second-to-none. Specifically on the media side, Carat, iProspect and dentsuX are all exciting businesses with great potential.

With so much change in our industry, there is a huge opportunity to harness the best of technology and combine that with great people to deliver real client outcomes. I’m delighted to be a part of the team and to help drive the momentum that dentsu is already building.”

Carrie Bickmore and Fifi Box have landed in hot water with Australian shoppers, with their latest Kmart ad campaign getting a less-than-glowing reception.

The radio duo teamed up with the budget retailer for a paid partnership, showing off a shopping spree inside a Kmart store. But rather than sparking excitement, the ad has left viewers unconvinced – many accusing the pair of being “rookies” who rarely, if ever, shop there.

Shared across the Carrie & Tommy Show and Fifi, Fev & Nick Show Instagram pages, the video sees the besties on the hunt for affordable home decor. But eagle-eyed fans were quick to call out a glaring detail – one that, for many, proves they’re not exactly regulars at the retail giant.

“Tell me you don’t shop at Kmart without telling me – came out with a cushion and a vase. LOL take me and I will show you how to shop at Kmart. Tip one get a trolley,” wrote one Instagram user.

While another also took aim at the absence of a trolley: “Pft, rookies. Where’s the dual shopping trolleys?”

Seasoned shoppers also noticed the lack of products the pair eventually decided to buy: two small vases, a green resin jug and a cushion.

“No one ever walks out with just one thing,” one commenter wrote.

Their total outlay? Bickmore walked away with $23 worth of products; Fifi only bought a $14 jug.

The overall purchase prompting this comment: “This is hilarious. These two do not shop at Kmart,” agreed someone else.

With another user agreeing, writing: “As if these 2 shop at Kmart.”

Pictured: Carrie Bickmore and Fifi Box

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There’s been another top-level shake-up for Nine’s TV news department.

In an email sent out to staff, Nine’s Director of News & Current Affairs, Fiona Dear, announced the appointments of several key roles.

Among the changes include the appointment of Michael Best to the position of Sydney news director.

It reads: “Many of you will remember Michael from his previous stint at Nine, and as a senior reporter in Brisbane, Europe correspondent in London, or as a news director in Perth.

“After leaving Nine in 2022 Michael honed his skills in corporate Australia with senior communications roles at Tattarang and Gladstone Ports Corporation. Here, he led large teams and drove high levels of team satisfaction and engagement through his collaborative and supportive style, which, coupled with his inherent new sense, makes him a great fit for the Sydney news director role.”

Margie McLew, who has been acting in the role for several months, will then move into the position of deputy news director.

The network will also welcome a new US bureau chief, with Today Show Ep Kendall Bora to take on the role. She’s set to head over there in March, with her appointment to soon be confirmed.

Hugh Nailon will take on the role of National TV News Director, a responsibility he will toggle with his current Melbourne TV News Director role.

Regarding his appointment, Dear wrote: “Hugh has done a terrific job unofficially acting in this capacity since December. So I am excited to formalise this appointment with the creation of this role, all state news directors will report to Hugh, who will report to me.”

In a written statement Dear praised the appointments, saying they “underline the calibre of people we have leading our News and Current Affairs at Nine”.

“Hugh is one of Australia’s most experienced news leaders, with widespread respect across the industry. He was the standout candidate for this national leadership role. Hugh has done a terrific job unofficially acting in this capacity since December, so I am excited to formalise this appointment.

“We’re excited to welcome Michael home to Nine and to 9News Sydney. Michael is a collaborative and supportive leader and a passionate newshound, which is a winning combination for this role. We’re particularly excited about his ability to hit the ground running at Nine, while bringing a new and fresh perspective to the Sydney newsroom.  

“Kendall has had a stellar run at Today Show as EP and has spearheaded a number of transformative projects, including the streamlining of the entire Today Show team. With the global focus on all things America, I’m excited about what she can achieve as head of Nine’s famed US bureau.”

The changes come off the back of a slew of axings across the Darwin and Gold Coast newsrooms.

Among the cuts saw the axing of the 9News Darwin bulletin, with redeployment offered to impacted staff. Only a reporter and camera operator will remain on the ground to tell the Territory’s stories to a national audience.

Meanwhile, structural changes were made to the Gold Coast newsroom, with its nightly bulletin to be presented by a single newsreader, with Eva Milic and Paul Taylor splitting these responsibilities across the week.

It’s understood two redundancies will also be made.

Pictured: Michael Best and Hugh Nailon

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NOVA Entertainment has teamed up with Schwartz Media, bringing Australia’s top daily news podcast, 7am, to the Nova Podcast Network.

The partnership cements NOVA’s position as a key player in news and current affairs podcasting, expanding its lineup with high-impact journalism.

Hosted by award-winning journalists Ruby Jones and Daniel James, 7am delivers sharp analysis and in-depth interviews, breaking down the day’s biggest stories with pace and precision.

NOVA Entertainment’s chief growth officer, Adam Johnson: “We’re delighted to partner with Schwartz Media, a brand synonymous with top quality, independent journalism. The partnership will further strengthen Nova’s position as a leader in the digital audio market and ensure that we continue to offer audiences the very best in news content. The 7am podcast delivers advertisers a quality, high-frequency environment that talks to hundreds of thousands of hard-to-reach listeners every month.”

Editor-in-chief and CEO of Schwartz Media, Erik Jensen, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Nova on sales representation for Schwartz Media’s podcasts. The team understands how integrity and quality define 7am and our other titles and they share our ambition for their future.”

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Prime Video is bringing The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy to cricket fans nationwide with the launch of its ‘Go Full Cricket’ campaign featuring Pat Cummins, Australian men’s cricket captain and Prime Video ambassador.

In creative collaboration with the cricketer, the campaign is told in a series of six adverts and through a playful, paparazzi-style lens, fans are given an inside peek into Cummins’ cricket obsessed life off the field.

From practising his sweep shot with a rolled-up newspaper to rehearsing his sledges in the mirror after a shower, the humorous and honest insights are peppered with cricket nuances throughout, celebrating the game’s spirit and tradition.

“I had a lot of fun working with the Prime Video team to create these ads to support the return of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy tournament in February, and I hope they show the passion Australian cricket fans have for the game,” said Cummins.

“This year’s tournament will no doubt be full of drama, and with every match live at 8pm AEDT, it’s easy to watch along, live and exclusive on Prime Video in Australia.”

James Beswick and Rowan Foxcroft, associate creative directors at Leo Australia, said: “Our latest campaign shows a side of captain Pat Cummins we’ve never seen before, giving fans a little glimpse into the inner workings of his mind, whilst drumming up excitement for the first of many great ICC Cricket tournaments Prime Video have in store for 2025. If anyone’s seen where the Brett Lee portrait went, do let us know.”

‘Go Full Cricket’ brings fans into the home of Cummins, just as Prime Video brings ICC tournaments live and exclusively to fans – anytime, anywhere and on any device.

The campaign will run across Social, OLV and owned channels.

The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy will see the world’s top ODI teams descend on Pakistan and the UAE from 19 February – 9 March. Making its long-awaited return to the international cricket calendar, the 15-match tournament will be staged for the first time in eight years.

Credits:
Client
Hwei Loke – Head of Prime Video
Olly Wilton – Snr Program Manager – ANZ Live Sports
Charli Hoffman – Snr Creative Producer

Creative Agency
Tim Woolford – Group Creative Director
Tommy Cehak – Group Creative Director
James Beswick – Associate Creative Director
Rowan Foxcroft – Associate Creative Director
Bill Scheggia – Copywriter
Lewis Catalano – Art Director
General Manager – James Walker-Smith
Executive Producer – Justine Dooner
Producer – Libby Spark
Business Director – Cece Chieng
Group Business Director – Gemma Cox
Senior Strategy Director – Eryn Lemesurier

Production Company: Rabbit
Director: Al Morrow
Partner/Executive Producer: Lucas Jenner
Partner/Executive Producer: Alex Hay
Producer: Karen Bryson
DoP: Jordan Maddocks
Production Design & Wardrobe: Elisa Baker
1st AD: Adam Wareham
Casting: Danny Long Casting
Casting Director: Danny Long
Editor: Simon Njoo
Colourist: Matt Fezz
Executive Producer: Chris Grocott
Post-Production: White Chocolate
Soundhouse: Mosaic Music and Sound

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Independent agency Match & Wood has won the media planning and buying account for Renault Group, which was previously held by OMD.

The 125-year-old French automotive brand has been present in Australia since 1947 and has a national footprint of 57 Dealers.

“Match & Wood have demonstrated a strong understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in the automotive market, making them an ideal partner for Renault Australia,” Elena Woods, marketing communications manager of Renault Australia, said.

“Their strategic expertise combined with a results-driven approach aligns perfectly with our business objectives. As we continue to grow and reposition the Renault brand with exciting new models over the next 18 months, we’re confident that Match & Wood’s passion for our brand and collaborative approach will help us connect with our audience and drive meaningful results.”

Lyndelle O’Keefe, CEO Match & Wood, added: “In a highly competitive market with new players arriving all the time, we’re thrilled to be partnering with Renault Australia, a brand with such a rich heritage, an outstanding range, and a clear understanding of who they are and what they stand for.

“The tender process was incredibly rewarding, with strong alignment between our teams and a shared commitment to openness, collaboration, and true partnership. We’re excited to help drive the next phase of Renault’s journey in Australia.”

Group director Verity Martin will lead the account and said of the win: “We’re thrilled to be working with Renault Australia. They have an exciting vision for the future, which makes this partnership really inspiring for our team. With new models on the horizon and a growing media presence, there’s so much potential to create smart, impactful campaigns together, and we can’t wait to roll up our sleeves and get to work.”

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delicious., Australia’s leading premium food-lifestyle brand, has launched a new weekly section across News Corp Australia’s state and regional mastheads, bringing top-tier food content to a cross-platform audience of 10.9 million.

The new feature will dish up the latest in Eat Out news, covering new openings, dining trends, and food-inspired travel, alongside seasonal recipes from the delicious. team and top chefs. Plus, Matt Preston joins with a weekly column.

Backed by a digital-first strategy, expanded social content, and refreshed newsletters, the move strengthens delicious. as the go-to food media brand for both readers and advertisers.

delicious. content director Krysia Bonkowski said: “For more than 20 years, delicious. has been at the heart of a community of food lovers. As our audience grows and evolves, so do we, and this new format makes us even better placed to be part of – and lead – the conversation.

“Between the new weekly print pages and daily digital content, we have an incredible opportunity to engage with Australians as never before, always ready with recipe ideas, the latest openings and events, food and drinks news, trends analysis, travel inspiration and so much more.

“Food is such an important part of life – it’s the best part, if you ask us – and we are so excited to make every day more delicious. for more people.”

The new delicious. weekly section sets the stage for the 2025 delicious.100, proudly presented by Oceania Cruises. This year, the iconic list goes beyond restaurants, curating 100 must-try food experiences across every category and price point.

From farm gates and distilleries to food tours and regional gems, the expanded delicious.100 is the ultimate foodie bucket list, capturing the best of Australian dining, produce, and events—and its most travel-focused edition yet.

The full 2025 delicious.100 list will be published on February 8 in the Saturday magazines – Sydney Weekend (The Daily Telegraph), SA Weekend (The Advertiser), Q Weekend (The Courier-Mail), V Weekend (Herald Sun), and TasWeekend (The Mercury), and will be available online.

Reflecting the fundamental role food plays in the everyday lives of Australians, the expanded delicious. offering across digital and print brings food lovers around Australia more delicious. food content more often.

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Yumi Stynes easily boasts one of the most recognisable faces (and voices) in the Australian media landscape. From her early days as a VJ for Channel V to her feminist podcast Ladies, We Need To Talk – there isn’t much Stynes hasn’t given a red hot go.

Ahead of her return to the airwaves for Double J, Stynes sat down with Mediaweek for some quick-fire questions about the past, the present and why she agreed to give up her weekend mornings.

You’re heading back to the live airwaves. Tell us, is it true what they say, is it just like riding a bike?

Yes! I like to say that my job is easy, but not everyone can do it.

You’ve been in this industry for a long time now. How different is the media landscape – particularly for things like radio and podcasting – from when you started?

When Ladies, We Need to Talk first started, there weren’t many podcasts! Now it feels like there are more podcasts than grains of sand!

Meanwhile, Double J feels more like a place where you can find your people and find music that actually matches your vibe. It’s no longer sucking down three Maroon 5 songs in the hope that some anonymous programming bro might play that one song you actually like … like what used to be part of in my previous roles.

The other thing that has really changed recently is that so much audio is filmed now. It used to be that you could do your whole shift in gym sweats or covered in baby vomit and now there’s a certain audience-facing polish that a lot of podcasters bring to their work. (Just being in the Double J building means I have to wear shoes – ha ha ha – but so far we’re not filming.)

Let’s talk about Ladies, We Need To Talk. What is something you’ve learned about audiences and what they want since starting that?

That shame is one of the biggest controllers of women. And once we stop feeling shame about the little and big things – around our bodies and emotions and relationships, we become harder to control and braver and freer.

Back to Double J – giving up your mornings on weekends is a big deal! What can listeners expect to hear?

Listeners can expect to hear great music! A mixture of old and new and quite a few of my picks – which will be at times shameless!

You can hear Yumi on Double J from 8am on Saturday and Sunday.

Pictured: Yumi Stynes

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Costco is bringing its extensive shopping selection to more Australians thanks to its new partnership with DoorDash.

The collaboration allows Australian families and businesses to stock up on Costco items—everything from groceries and essentials— delivered to homes via the platform.

Australians can access the wide selection by downloading the DoorDash app and searching for Costco on the platform.

Customers simply add items to their cart and choose a delivery time that suits them.

This new service is available for same-day delivery in major metropolitan areas across Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane, making it easier to shop from home for Costco products.

To celebrate the launch, customers will receive $20 off their first Costco order when they spend $150 or more.

“We are thrilled to partner with Costco to expand DoorDash’s affordable options for Australian families. Through this partnership, we’re making it easier for families and small businesses to get what they need at Costco’s low prices, delivered directly to their doorstep,” Simon Rossi, DoorDash vice president APAC, said.

Chris Tingman, Costco Wholesale Australia country manager, said: “Our members appreciate the value and convenience of shopping in bulk, and we’re excited to extend that ease with DoorDash.

“This partnership allows members improved access to the range of quality and value Costco offers, because we know that many people live busy lives and are always looking for ways to make the weekly shop more accessible.”

Last year, Accenture Song’s The Monkeys has launched its first major work for DoorDash. The campaign encourages people to “Smash it, DoorDash it” as part of a new brand platform called ‘Smash It’.

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SXSW Sydney 2024 featured more than 1600 events and networking sessions across the key pillars of Tech & Innovation, Games, Music and Screen and saw more than 300,000 visitors attend over seven days and nights.

From The Kid Laroi to Ayesha Madon and Johann Hari to Melanie Perkins, the festival welcomed tech leaders, academics, creatives, journalists, cultural influencers, filmmakers, CEOs, actors, comedians and even Katherine Bennell-Pegg, the Australian astronaut.

The annual iconic event for the Asia-Pacific region also introduced National AI Month to Australia and extended free programming in Tumbalong Park across a week with 163 events that were attended by over 190,000 people.

SXSW was created in Austin Texas back in 1987 but this is only its third year in Sydney and Chair of SXSW Sydney and CEO of TEG, Geoff Jones is under no illusion that the event needs to constantly evolve.

As submissions open for 2025, Jones and his team have spent a long time looking at last year’s exit surveys and listening to feedback from 2025.

Here, he tells Mediaweek some of the key changes for SXSW Sydney 2025.

“SXSW is just a big and really important content business for us.

We’re all believers in SXSW – I did the deal to bring it to Australia and everyone at TEG believes in it.  We believe in the SXSW brand and what was created in Austin more than 35 years ago, but of course we’re evolving it because it’s important.

We’ve had it for two years and we’ve got better. But I think in 2025 we’re going to put a more APAC slant on it without losing what it stands for.

We learned a lot from last year and from the exit surveys we’ve worked out the predominant reasons people go to SXSW – that’s networking, and education. It’s about getting ahead of the evolving world.

‘We’re going to have more free programming and single pass options’

This year we’re going to introduce more flexible ways to attend.

We know our audience have time constraints, and there’s some obvious budgetary constraints in the world we live in, so we’re going to make what we used to call badges, which was your accreditation, into your pass.

We’re going to call them passes, and we’re going to make it more flexible to attend. We’re going to have more free programming and single pass options, so that people who are time poor, can be more strategic about when they attend.

We’re not trying to gouge people, so we think by making the ticketing more flexible, it makes it attainable to more people. That’s what we want it to be.

‘You need to navigate 1600 sessions on there so how do we make it easier?’

We’re going to revisit our app for 2025. You need to navigate 1600 sessions on there so how do we make it easier?

They can improve that app, and at our core TEG is a tech company, so we can do this and this year we want to make it easier for everyone.

‘Not every speaker is going to appeal to everyone as we all see things through a different lens’

We’d like to make some earlier announcements about the conference and music.

In our conference structure we have so many areas to cover off like tech, innovation, business, leadership, marketing and media, and we’ve had some great speakers and keynotes and we’re really proud of that but we’re always looking for more.

We’re really close to announcing some big names when we put our tickets on sale later this year, and we’re looking at a few that might attract mainstream media attention, so a big Hollywood name maybe.

Some of the submissions are now open and we’re looking for thought-provoking ideas and potential. I’ve been really, really impressed over the two years about the number of sessions we’ve generated and we’re going to keep nurturing that.

Not every speaker is going to appeal to everyone as we all see things through a different lens, but that is exactly what SXSW is about, and that’s why it’s so successful.

We’re also going to build in a lot more big performance nights at the ICC. You know, that holds 8000 seats, so every night, we want something on there which ticket holders will be able to go to, as well as some of the general public.

‘We want to go to another level in 2025 and have a lot of free programming’

You know, I think the area of Tumbalong Park was better in year two than year one. But I think we want to go to another level in 2025 and have a lot of free programming.

That area of Sydney is really active. It’s not that it’s new, but you feel there’s a lot to discover there so we want to really grow that and have a lot more sessions there.

Last year we had a lot of rain. We’re very conscious of the weather, and if it’s inclement we can try to keep that programming going in another environment – if we can.

‘We’re going to have more professional development’

We’re going to have more professional development, so more workshops and more mentoring programs.

The main reason people told us they come to SXSW is networking, let’s give them more opportunities. Let’s give them what they want.”

More information about the program, speakers and headline names will be released in coming months.

Find out more about making a submission to SXSW Sdney 2025, here. 

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As Australia’s home of sport, Seven is set to deliver one of the biggest sporting events on the planet, with the Kansas City Chiefs facing off against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.

Seven’s live, free and exclusive coverage kicks off on Monday 10 February from 9.00am AEDT on 7mate and 7plus Sport, with a special Super Bowl preview from the NFL Armchair Experts.

Then from 10:00am AEDT on Seven and 7plus Sport, former NRL player-turned Eagles star Jordan Mailata could create sporting history by becoming the first Australian to play in a winning Super Bowl team.

The Kansas City Chiefs are on the brink of NFL history, aiming for an unprecedented Super Bowl three-peat in their fifth championship appearance in six years. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles are out for revenge, looking to rewrite their Super Bowl LVII loss to the Chiefs.

Beyond the field, the Apple Music Halftime Show promises a blockbuster performance from GRAMMY winner Kendrick Lamar, one of hip-hop’s most influential voices.

And in the stands? Expect Taylor Swift and her all-star entourage to make waves as she cheers on Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce – ensuring the spectacle extends well beyond the game.

For a uniquely Australian take, Super Bowl XLIII star Ben Graham – the first Aussie to play in a Super Bowl – joins Cam Luke live from New Orleans at 9.00 AM AEDT for NFL Armchair Experts.

Leading Seven’s play-by-play coverage is Kevin Burkhardt, joined by seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, with Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi on the sidelines.

Meanwhile, Sunrise is inside the action, with 7NEWS US Correspondent Mylee Hogan reporting live from Caesars Superdome from 5.30 AM AEDT, bringing Aussies the ultimate pre-game hype and behind-the-scenes access.

Super Bowl LIX Kansas City Chiefs v Philadelphia Eagles 10.00am AEDT Monday, 10 February on Seven, 7mate and 7plus

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Think HQ has appointed Isabel Zhang as head of cross-cultural research.

Zhang joins the agency’s growing team based at its South Melbourne campus and brings over 20 years of research experience across the Asia-Pacific region.

She has been championed multiculturalism and cross-cultural in-depth understanding that amplifies the voices of multicultural communities in Australia and across borders.

Zhang will bring a wealth of industry and sector experience spanning government, education, travel and tourism, retail, property, FMCG and financial services. Her expertise lies in empowering organisations to effectively navigate complex multicultural environments by providing invaluable insights into cultural nuances that enable strategic planning and policymaking.

Jen Sharpe, founder and managing director at Think HQ said: “I’ve been admiring Isabel’s work and contributions to our industry for years. 2025 marks our 15th anniversary and I can’t think of a better way to kick things off than by welcoming Isabel to the team. Isabel is a fantastic researcher with an enviable reputation across Australia and the wider APAC region, and I know that her research pedigree and commercial smarts will make a big impact at Think HQ and the value we can offer the market.”

Zhang said” My entire career has been focused on acting as a vital bridge to help organisations, business and brands connect meaningfully with multicultural communities both here in Australia and globally. Think HQ is uniquely positioned to connect with today’s Australia, so joining a fantastic team at a truly rare agency was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I’m here and I’m ready to get to work!”

She joins Think HQ after over six years at Bastion as general manager – Cross-Cultural Research. Following her move to Think HQ, she will continue her leadership role within the Australian Institute for Diversity in Mental Health, where she works to reshape mental health approaches to better support multicultural communities.

At Think HQ, Zhang will sit within the agency’s strategy and insights team and also work closely with the agency’s multicultural communications arm, CultureVerse.

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Top image: Isabel Zhang

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Team Australia is ready to take on the world at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, with the Nine bringing every moment live and free from Sunday, the 9th of February.

The action kicks off at 8:00 am AEDT on 9GemHD and 9Now, as the Opening Ceremony officially launches the competition. The 9Network’s comprehensive coverage will deliver every Team Australia event, all competition finals live, and Daily Mini Highlights on 9Now, while 9GemHD airs a Daily Highlights Show each afternoon, culminating in the Closing Ceremony on Tuesday the 18th of February.

The Invictus Games Foundation provides a recovery pathway for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women, with over 500 competitors from 20+ nations competing across adaptive sports. This year’s event marks a historic first, introducing winter sports such as alpine skiing, snowboarding, nordic skiing and biathlon, skeleton, and wheelchair curling, alongside core events like indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair rugby, and wheelchair basketball.

The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 is set to redefine the competition, integrating winter sports for the first time – showcasing resilience, determination, and the unbreakable spirit of its athletes.

Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, said: “The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 will offer a global platform to expand the range and profile of winter adaptive sports. With deep respect, I’m also pleased to share that the Games in Canada will be held in partnership with the First Nations, in the spirit of truth and reconciliation with Indigenous communities.”

Simon Fordham, Nine Wide World of Sports head of partnerships and strategy, said: “The Invictus Games are a beacon of hope, resilience, and determination, and we are honoured to broadcast this event to Australian audiences. Partnering with the Invictus Games Foundation allows us to showcase the remarkable achievements of these competitors and celebrate their unwavering spirit. We look forward to bringing their stories to life and highlighting the incredible efforts of Team Australia, ensuring the Games’ message of recovery and unity resonates far and wide.”

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