In preparation for the shift to OzTAM’s Total TV audience measurement system, VOZ, the Media Federation of Australia (MFA) has introduced a free e-Learning course designed to equip everyone working in the media and marketing industry with essential knowledge of the new trading currency.

Developed by investment leads from MFA member agencies in collaboration with OzTAM, the course is titled VOZ as a Currency and is available to all media and marketing professionals at no cost until 28 February 2025.

It covers key topics such as VOZ terminology, accessing VOZ data, the role of VOZ in TV campaigns, and the convergence of media planning and buying.

The course is presented by experts Jay Malig (Atomic 212) and Kristina Gutierrez (Magna Global).

Starting March 2025, VOZ as a Currency will be integrated into the existing MFA Television Foundations course as part of the MFA’s e-Learning program.

Joanna Barnes, chief investment officer at PHD and one of the architects of the e Learning course, said: “Virtual Australia (VOZ) provides the industry with a national de-duplicated view of Total TV audiences and enables us to better understand consumption across all screens, regardless of how it is viewed. This comprehensive and insightful MFA training program will provide all the practical skills and knowledge needed to understand this new era of audience measurement.”

OzTAM CEO Karen Halligan added: “VOZ is a true product of industry collaboration, and we’re excited to continue this effort with the MFA’s VOZ as a Currency course. As we approach VOZ’s launch as a trading currency on December 29, it’s important for the industry to understand this significant shift in TV audience measurement and this course offers media professionals all the information they need to succeed in planning, buying, selling, and reporting TV and BVOD campaigns.”

Registrations for VOZ as a Currency are now open.

The official VOZ switchover takes place on Sunday, 29 December 2024.

The Pistol has made two senior appointments to its performance team following a successful period of client wins and renewals.

Brinda (Bini) Dekiwadia joins the full-service digital marketing agency in the newly created role of head of performance, alongside Daren Polo in the performance team, specialising in SEO and CRO functions.

Under her new remit, Dekiwadia will lead The Pistol’s well-established performance team, focusing on integrating the holistic media mix for long-term client results.

Dekiwadia brings more than a decade of experience in performance marketing to The Pistol. Most recently, she championed innovation projects and played a key role across Mindshare’s tier-one client portfolio, including Australia’s largest banks and health and education clients. She has also held performance marketing roles for automotive and retail brands at Columbus and Reprise Media Australia.

Bini Dekiwadia

Polo has 15 years of experience across digital strategy, SEO and content. He recently led the SEO and CRO functions at CHE Proximity, where he noted the shortage of SEO strategists in the market and branched out to start his own consultancy. He has also previously held SEO and digital roles at Yango, Belgrin and the Australian Turf Club.

The Pistol CEO, Jaime Nosworthy, said: “The specialist capability each of these leaders brings to the business will translate to increased value for our clients. True integration of media, regardless of channel or budget source, is a key strategic pillar for all our client partners.

“Bringing Bini into the business to lead the performance function with seasoned experts across all core functions, including Daren in SEO and CRO, will ensure our clients’ investment is delivering long-term and sustainable value back to their businesses and eliminating any inefficiencies.”

“It’s exciting to be joining The Pistol as with so much momentum,” Dekiwadia said. “As someone who has led performance teams for many years, my focus is on steering teams towards innovative online marketing strategies, focused on maximising client ROI.

“I’m someone who has always prioritised client relationships and developing bespoke digital solutions to align with unique client goals – I look forward to bringing this ethos to The Pistol’s client partners,” she added.

Daren Polo

Polo said of his appointment: “I like to think of myself as at the forefront of digital disruption and The Pistol is leading the charge in the performance marketing space. The team at The Pistol is experienced and known industry-wide for its elite digital strategies, and I’m thrilled to now be working alongside them.”

Both appointments follow of a strong start to the new financial year for The Pistol, including some key client wins, such as Brandbank Group (Seed, Unison, Commonry, Allkinds, Kikki K, and Fine Day) and NannyGranny, and contract renewals across the retail and consumer goods verticals.

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Top image: Brinda Dekiwadia and Daren Polo

PHD Australia has promoted David Bielenberg to national head of strategy and Elyse Foley to national head of planning.  

Bielenberg has made a significant impact on the business since returning to Australia from the United Kingdom in 2022, where he served as head of strategy and planning for PHD Melbourne.

His blend of marketing science, data analytics, and creativity has enhanced PHD’s strategic capability to deliver intelligent work that drives results. Bielenberg has recently expanded into more national initiatives, contributing to global and national pitches and leading PHD’s thought leadership in AI and MFA EX.

PHD’s chief operating officer Stuart Bailey welcomed the promotions and said: “David has elevated our strategic product in the Melbourne office since he joined in 2022, building strong client relationships, championing great work, bringing in new business and leading thought leadership. He has also been the Melbourne champion for our globally recognised best-in-class campaign orchestration platform, Omni.”

David Bielenberg

Bielenberg said of his promotion: “At PHD, we have an incredible track record of delivering inspiring and effective work for our clients, and I’m incredibly excited to be joining the national leadership team as we continue to evolve our product for the future.”

Foley returned to PHD earlier this year and has since focused on improving the work, driving OMNI adoption and education, and providing support and growth plans for the Sydney planning community. In her new role, Foley will ensure that the agency’s planning product continues to maintain the highest quality, while delivering measurable impact for clients nationwide.

On Foley’s appointment, Bailey said: “Since Elyse rejoined PHD she has made an instant impact in her role as head of planning – Sydney. She has a first-class planning mind, tailored with extensive experience leading large client teams.

Elyse Foley

“This combination, along with the deep knowledge of our planning philosophy and our campaign orchestration platform Omni, makes her the ideal person to lead our planning function on a national basis,” Bailey added.
 
Foley said of her new role: “PHD was founded on being an agency who thought before we bought. This ethos is built into the heart of our processes, tools and culture. I’m incredibly passionate about the impact this approach has on our client’s business and am excited to work alongside the team to continue to evolve and elevate our planning nationally.”
 
PHD has a proud heritage of strategic and planning excellence, and the promotions of Bielenberg and Foley will continue this tradition expressed Bailey.
 
He added: “We are fortunate to have two exceptional craft talents in the business, and we are excited to see them transfer the great work and momentum they have driven in the Melbourne and Sydney markets to a wider national remit.”

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Top image: David Bielenberg and Elyse Foley

The Media Store has appointed Nick Hayes to the role of head of digital, further strengthening its senior leadership team.

Hayes joins the independently owned media agency with 15 years of digital media experience, most recently as group head of strategy at Russell Curtis and Janes Media Advertising.

Hayes has experience working on both the client and agency side in digital roles. He was digital strategy lead at RCJ’s LeapFrogger agency, client partner and digital director at iProspect. In addition, he has held marketing and digital roles at Carlton Football Club, Ticketmaster, the Australian Football League, and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

During his career, Hayes has been responsible for developing, executing, and measuring the effectiveness of multi-channel digital campaigns across social, paid search, and programmatic.

“We are excited to welcome Nick to the team,” The Media Store CEO, Stephen Leeds said. “He brings the enviable mix of digital strategy, platform expertise, people management, and innovative product development ambitions to the agency, as well as marketing experience.

“His expertise rounds out our senior team as we continue to provide best-in-class, cross-channel media solutions to deliver to current and future clients’ business objectives.”

Hayes said of his new role: “I’m energised by The Media Store’s ambition for growth and how they’re planning for it, investing in the people and tools to evolve clients and win new business.”

This senior appointment follows several new client wins for The Media Store during 2024, including the Melbourne Royal Show earlier this year.

The agency’s remit includes media strategy, planning, and buying across all channels as well as partnership and contra management.

At the time, Leeds said: “The Melbourne Royal Show is anchored in what Melbourne does best as an events city. We look forward to defending its premium position as one of the best family events of the year through proven media channels, as well as growing the show’s appeal to a whole new range of audiences through a reimagined media ecosystem.”

See also: The Media Store wins Melbourne Royal Show’s media account

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Top image: Nick Hayes

The Sky News Australia 8pm Monday to Thursday program Sharri will be coming live from Israel this week.

Award-winning journalist Sharri Markson (pictured) will broadcast her primetime program live from Israel on Monday 7 October to Thursday 10 October at 8pm AEDT.

One year since the Hamas-led terrorist attack on Israel, Markson is on the ground reporting on the war providing real-time coverage and in-depth analysis of the ongoing situation in the region.

Ahead of her first program tonight from the Middle East, Markson was a guest on Paul Murray Live on Sunday night.

Sharri Markson on air with Paul Murray on Sunday this week

Posting about the content of her program on Monday, Markson wrote:

Grandmother Aviva Siegel was in her pyjamas when terrorists kidnapped her and her husband, Keith, from their home on the kibbutz, Kfar Azar.

She shares her powerful story with me on my program tonight at 8pm.

She tells how when she was taken into Gaza, there were celebrations. Families cheering on the street, rejoicing at the sight of her and the other terrified hostages.

Aviva retells with vivid detail of her time in the dark tunnels; she was thrust into a space so small there wasn’t enough oxygen to breathe.

Sexual violence and rape by Hamas terrorists was common, she recalls tearfully.

Aviva was released after 51 days in a negotiated ceasefire deal but her husband, Keith, remains in Gaza to this day.

She wants the world to act for the hostages. Watch her gripping story – 8pm tonight.

Markson at the site of the Nova music festival, where 400 young Israelis were murdered

Writing for Sky News Australia about the importance of the October 7 anniversary today, Markson said:

There were more than 1,200 Israelis massacred on October 7 in a true genocide committed by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Among them, 38 children were murdered. Twenty children lost both parents and 96 children lost one parent.

There are 15 children still have parents being held hostage in Gaza. We’ve all seen the shocking photographs of blood-soaked baby’s cots.

After all this time, it’s still impossible to comprehend how such cruelty and inhumanity exists in this world.

How could any human murder innocent babies, simply because they’re Israeli?

Harder to comprehend is how this depravity has been celebrated by both Muslim Australians and hard-left Greens activists.

Reflecting on the sheer savagery of October 7 makes it all the more confusing as to why, in the immediate aftermath of these attacks and on the one-year anniversary, we see an eruption of pro-Palestinian rallies around the world.

Sharri in Israel
Monday 7 October – Thursday 10 October 8pm AEDT on Sky News Australia
Stream at SkyNews.com.au or download the Sky News Australia app
Also available to watch on Foxtel and Sky News Regional or stream on Flash

See also: Why is Paul Murray so pissed off? Sky News Australia host on ‘Airbus Albo’

Broad Radio has revealed its lineup of presenters and co-hosts as it begins its audio offering. The Broad Radio App is also now available with the full programming.

Broad Radio’s co-founder and breakfast presenter, Jo Stanley, will share anchoring duties with Marieke Hardy and Michala Banas on the weekday breakfast show Morning Broads.

The first regular weekday breakfast show was live for two hours from 7am this morning with Stanley and Hardy hosting. The show also boasts a diverse range of music. The station has already attracted commercial partnerships too.

See also: Jo Stanley back on the airwaves with her own station: Broad Radio now live

Marieke Hardy is already well-known to Australian listeners as a former host of triple J breakfast, as well as her latest audio project, the Marieke Hardy Is Going To Die podcast. Hardy has also had a writing career across television, newspapers, magazines and stage.

Michala Banas joins Broad Radio lineup after a media career spanning over four decades, including over 70 films, television and theatre productions. Banas has been in demand for many panel shows over the years, including Have You Been Paying Attention?

Jo Stanley

Morning Broads will broadcast live on the Broad Radio app or online from 7am to 9am weekdays from 7 October, and will also be available at any time on catch-up.

Rotating co-hosts at breakfast include Ella Hooper (singer-songwriter and Killing Heidi frontwoman), Nelly Thomas (award-winning Australian comedian, author and broadcaster), Shelley Ware (TV and radio presenter on both local and national AFL news shows, and education specialist), Rana Hussain (ABC TV Breakfast, ABC Radio, sports broadcaster, podcaster, diversity and inclusion leader), and Mimi Kwa (best-selling author, podcaster, speaker and journalist).

In addition, regular contributors at breakfast include Brihony Dawson (TV presenter, sports commentator and presenter), Bev Killick (comedian) and Madeleine West (actor, podcaster and advocate).

Friday drive show with Tracee Hutchison

Broad Radio is launching a Friday Drive show Fierce, hosted by Tracee Hutchison. The program will cover music, politics, sports and pop culture, with Hutchison drawing on her 40-year career to drive a fierce mix of music and conversations. She will also be joined by an eclectic range of guests each week.

Tracee Hutchison

First Nations Women’s stories

Leila Gurruwiwi will also host a weekly show, Yapas Yarnin’, celebrating and sharing First Nations Women’s stories – their knowledge, their life lessons and music. Gurruwiwi is a proud Yolngu woman of the Galpu Clan from North East Arnhem Land, a cultural awareness advocate and mentor, and now works at Agency Projects, a non-profit which helps celebrate and elevate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and their communities in public programs to create opportunities for First Nations perspectives to be heard by a wider audience.

All shows will also be available for catch-up listening via the Broad Radio app and online.

Commenting on launch week, Jo Stanley said: “There is an exciting cultural shift taking media by storm worldwide. Women-led content is exploding, in everything from film to sport to social media and of course podcasts.

“Radio is the perfect next platform for exploring and celebrating women’s stories, perspectives and experiences, many of which are missing in mainstream media.

“Broad Radio will be an extension of the intelligent, insightful and innovative conversations that women are having with their friends, family, colleagues and, indeed, themselves. As we get older, there are some big real-life issues that we have to face, big decisions we have to make, big emotions to be felt and big laughs to be had. We know our audiences are eager to engage with this kind of content that will reflect their lives and aspirations.”

Marieke Hardy added: “Being a long-time fan of Jo Stanley and all who sail in her, it’s been a total privilege to join the Broad family. Jo’s vision, ambition and innate capacity to bring together a glorious cacophony of women is heart-soaringly inspiring. I’ve felt a yearning to return to radio and the broader (pun most deeply intended) conversations out there in communities – what a gift it will be to share my clumsy earnestness and adoration for double entendre with a whole new audience of people who still occasionally mistake me for Myf Warhurst.”

Michala Banas said: “I’m so excited to be part of the Broad Radio team and family. Often, once you hit middle-age as a woman, you can start to become invisible in many ways, so to know that our voices are going to be heard and our stories shared is something I feel really privileged to be involved in.

“I’m so thrilled to be working alongside the incredible Marieke Hardy on Broad Radio. Chatting with amazing mates about the things we really care about will be a bloody great way to spend a few hours. Broad Radio is a chance to open real and exciting conversations up in a way they haven’t been before – and I for one can not wait.”

The Broad Radio app is available from Apple App Store or Google Play. You can also stream by visiting Broad Radio or access Broad Live via Alexa.

QMS has released an update on the key categories taking advantage of its partnership with Samba TV, a provider of TV technology for audience data and omniscreen measurement.

Since the partnership launched in March this year, Energy Australia along with financial services, department stores and food services brands have confirmed partnerships with QMS and Samba TV, using digital out-of-home (DOOH) to complement and maximise their overall media campaigns.

By leveraging Samba TV’s first-party TV viewership and ad exposure data, captured at a granular postcode level and integrating it into QMS’ Q-Data platform, QMS is helping clients select DOOH inventory to extend the reach of their TV campaigns, target postcodes to address competitor share of voice as well as optimise cross channel frequency solutions.

QMS strategic sales director, Adrian Venditti, said: “By strategically adding DOOH to under or over-exposed TV viewership postcodes, we are seeing strong uptake of the QMS and Samba TV offering from agencies and marketers as part of their omnichannel strategies.

“TV is a powerful channel and continues to play a major role in most media strategies. But growing viewership fragmentation continues to pose challenges for marketers striving to connect with desired audiences across multiple screens and platforms.

“The QMS and Samba TV partnership tackles this challenge, by bringing together data and technology across two of the most impactful and mass reaching platforms in TV and DOOH and combines them to drive increased total audience reach and campaign effectiveness,” he said.

Energy Australia’s Martech strategy & enablement leader, Luke Simpson, said: “Energy Australia adopted the use of Samba TV through programmatic video to combat screen fragmentation, target light linear TV viewers and deliver personalisation at scale.

“What excited us about the opportunity with our out of home partner QMS was the potential to use our first and second party data for targeted communications and experiences for both our customers and prospects beyond screens and into DOOH to ensure we maximise our campaigns through a multi-channel approach.”

Samba TV Australia managing director, Yasmin Sanders, said: “The uptake and interest to our combined offering with QMS comes as no surprise. Giving agencies and marketers a precise way to enhance campaign efficiency by expanding their omnichannel presence from TV screens to digital billboards is a game changer.”

The Australian advertising industry is quietly losing professionals over 40 years of age at an alarming rate, according to a survey.

The results from the Experience Advocacy Taskforce (EAT) in partnership with Advertising Industry Careers (AIC) indicated more than half (51.54%) of exits occur between the ages of 45-54 and signal a significant talent drain of experienced professionals from the advertising industry.

The result also showed nearly 70% of those once considered the industry’s “Young Guns” (started in the industry at age 18-24), have left prematurely, with only one respondent retiring from the industry.  

Greg “Sparrow” Graham, founder of the Experience Advocacy Taskforce (EAT), said to ensure the long-term health of the industry we need to eliminate age bias in hiring and prioritise the retention of experienced staff as a measure of success.

“The results clearly indicate the advertising industry is facing a silent, yet significant, talent drain due to ageism and negative perceptions of older workers,” he said.

“The Silent Exit is a wake-up call. To remain competitive, the industry must value the expertise and contributions of seasoned professionals and collectively work together to make age a non-issue for the next generation,” he added.

Further insights revealed that unintentional exits made up nearly 36% of respondents who left due to involuntary redundancies, far surpassing stress and moves to client-side roles (approximately 11% each). The myth that older professionals can’t keep up with industry changes, especially in the digital age, are largely unfounded, with fewer than 2% citing this as a reason for leaving.
 
The EAT study also revealed over half (52%) of exits occur between the ages of 45-54, and surprisingly signs of age-related exits start as early as age 35.  This mid-career exodus is well before their time signifying a significant talent drain early and exposing serious challenges that threaten both individuals and the broader industry.
 
Adam Elliott, CEO, AIC said: “The alarming trend of experienced professionals leaving the advertising industry is not just a loss of talent; it’s a loss of invaluable insights and creativity. Embracing the expertise of those over 40 is essential to fostering innovation and resilience within our field. We must shift our focus from age as a barrier to age as an asset.”
 
Despite leaving senior roles (76.93%), 23.08% of respondents are still seeking work in advertising. Half indicated they are open to various types of employment—full-time, part-time, freelance. However, 70% are willing to take positions below their previous level, reflecting their continued passion to contribute. Unfortunately, many face poor recruitment experiences, with “ghosting” by recruiters a common frustration.
 
The talent exodus is further exacerbated by the apparent shocking recruitment experiences of older job applicants, with one respondent – age 50-54 – revealing ‘I applied for 200+ jobs but didn’t get one interview’.
 
Elliott added: “Clearly, it is imperative we offer greater support and career pathways for our more experienced workforce. As a result, AIC has launched the ‘Expert Directory,’ where senior experienced people seeking full-time, part-time, or contract work can register a free profile and be found by companies wanting to tap into this experienced cohort.”
 
Graham said: “With a razor-sharp focus we can ensure the industry’s long-term health by stopping this ‘silent exit’ of talent.  It’s vital to eliminate age bias in hiring; look for new ways to recruit and retain experienced talent by offering greater support for experienced employees; and most importantly making the retention of experienced staff a measure of success.
 
“It’s not rocket science. It’s vital. And collectively the industry needs to act and move forward.”
 
The EAT survey results have been released prior to Ageism Awareness Day (October 9) as a platform to continue to raise awareness of the existence and impact of ageism in Australia’s media and advertising industry.

The NRL Grand Final has dominated Sunday night viewing for Nine, achieving an average audience across Total TV of 3.422 million (up 0.3% year-on-year).

Nine has reported this is the highest TV ratings Total TV audience for an NRL Grand Final since 2022. The Penrith Panthers victory achieved a national Total TV reach of 5.349 million.

The NRL Grand Final has recorded the highest-ever BVOD Audience for an NRL Grand Final at 762,000. This is an increase of 26% year-on-year. It is also bigger than the adjusted AFL Grand Final numbers with a corrected audience of 654,000.*

AFL Grand Final v NRL Grand Final

AFL Total TV national average 4,055,000 (was 4,024,000)*
NRL Total TV national average 3,421,000

AFL BVOD national average 654,000 (was 655,000)*
NRL BVOD national average 762,000

New BVOD record for NRLW Grand Final

The NRLW Grand Final recorded the highest-ever BVOD audience for the Women’s Grand Final at 101,000. This is an increase of 15% year-on-year. It achieved a National Total TV reach of 1.452 million and a Total TV national audience of 691,000.

Nine News #1 news bulletin

Wedged in amongst the NRL coverage, 9News was #1 news bulletin in Australia with total people, people 25-54 and people 16-39. The combined national bulletins achieved a national total TV reach of 1.814 million and a total TV national audience of 1.219 million. On 9Now, its BVOD audience of 160,000.

Winning shares

The 9Network was the No. 1 Network across the 5 City Metro on Sunday with all key demos and Total People
People 25-54:  57.9%
People 16-39:  66.4%
GS 18+:  43.8%
Total People:  46.8%

9Now was the No.1 CFTA BVOD platform on Sunday across Australia
People 25-54:  74.1%
People 16-39:  78.1%
GS 18+:  70.2%
Total People:  71.0%

*Seven corrected the AFL Grand Final figures based on the actual times the match was played. There could be a future adjustment of the NRL figures too.

Special has created a new brand platform for Cricket Australia, focussing on celebrating international cricket in the upcoming summer season.

The new platform, You Need To See It, is the rallying cry for the international season and invites all fans and newcomers to see cricket in different ways.

The campaign highlights and celebrates all different perspectives of cricket using the iconic Hunters & Collectors hit, “Do you see what I see?”

The 60-second brand TVC takes viewers on a first-person journey through multiple perspectives of the game. Shot by Dave Ma at FINCH, the film follows fans and players across three formats – Test, ODI and T20. 

Cricket Australia head of brand & marketing Teresa Basile said: “Cricket has long provided the sights and sounds of the Australian summer and we wanted a campaign that ensures our game continues to dominate the seasonal conversation.

“This distinctive campaign showcases all the emotions and perspectives of international cricket, encouraging new fans to experience the excitement for the first time while inspiring cricket diehards to support Australia again this summer.

“We are thrilled to introduce ‘You Need To See It and incorporate the Hunters and Collectors’ iconic anthem ‘Do You See What I See’ into the campaign and can’t wait for the international cricket season ahead.

“I would like to thank our creative partner Special Australia who worked in collaboration to deliver the campaign.”

Bec Stambanis, Partner/CSO at Special said: “International cricket holds a very special place in Australian culture. It truly is unmatched in its iconic battles and long-standing rivalries that have played out over cultures, continents and generations.

“We are thrilled to be able to bring all those different perspectives together in a new rallying cry that shows the passion and drama that will unfold in an unforgettable season of cricket.”

The campaign launched nationally with an initial brand phase in high-impact TV & OOH placements including 60” spots in the AFL and NRL grand finals. It will then evolve throughout the international summer of cricket with bespoke 360-integrated campaigns for the Pakistan ODI and T20, India Test Series and the Women’s Ashes.

This is the first collaboration between Cricket Australia and Special since the agency’s appointment in May 2024.

Credits:

Client: Cricket Australia
Alex Lavelle: General Manager ‑ Digital, Marketing & Communications
Teresa Basile: Head of Brand & Marketing
David Hutchinson: Senior Marketing Manager – Participation & International
Sarah Quinlan: Senior Performance Marketing Manager
Gemma Dyer: Marketing Lead – International & Brand
Samantha Scott: Marketing Project Specialist
Emily Beaumont: Marketing Coordinator – Participation & International
Harrison Orchard: Channel Strategy & Implementation Lead

Agency: Special
Partner/CEO: Lindsey Evans
Partners/CCO: Tom Martin & Julian Schreiber
Partner/CSO: Rebecca Stambanis
ECD: Ryan Fitzgerald
CD: Peter Cvetkovski & Adam Ferrie
Art Director: Bella Plush
Copywriter: Shaun Mcfarlane
Designer: Sarah Ristevski
Design Director: Adam Shear
Team Lead/Director of Business Management: Ollie May
Team Lead/Director of New Business: Georgia Newton
Team Lead: Tom Patterson
Business Director: Ed Taylor
Business Manager: Kiran Arunasalam
Strategist: Ollie Immurs
Head of Film + Content: Sophie Simmons
Integrated Producer: Glen Mcleod
Digital producer: Gigi Song

Production Company Film: Finch
Director: Dave Ma
Executive Producer/MD: Corey Esse
Executive Producer: Nick Simkins
Producer: Bryce Lintern
Casting: Byrne Creative
DP: Max Walter
Offline: Arc Edit
Editor: Elise Butt
Post Production Grade/Online: Manimal Post
Colourist: Trish Cahill

Production Company Stills: Sam I Am
Photographer: Tobias Rowles
Executive Producer: Rich Cole
Senior Producer: Melanie Reardon

Sound Design: Rumble Studios
Senior Sound Designer: Liam Annert

Music: Hunters & Collectors ‘Do You See What I See’

Media Agency: Initiative

Streamer, Seven West Media’s community sport streaming platform, has reported rapid growth in September, blitzing its previous audience records.

More than 4.3 million minutes of local sport were watched on the platform during September as finals fever took hold of Australia, from the elite level right down to the community grounds.

The September tally was up 110% year-on-year, continuing the growth of the grassroots platform since its launch in early 2022.

Australian Rules football, netball, hockey, skateboarding, cricket, baseball, school athletics and even curling were some of the sports featuring in 188 matches broadcast in the final month of the winter sporting season, highlighting the diverse nature of Streamer’s content.

Streamer operations manager, Nick Rynne, said: “We’d been telling people it was going to be a September to remember, we just didn’t know how right we were.

“Within the first two weeks we’d already broken records across most of our primary monthly metrics, and things just continued to skyrocket from there.

“We knew that if we built the tools to support and elevate community sport the community would respond and would corporate Australia, in particular our partners BHP and HART Sports. September has been a tremendous validation of that.

“It’s a testament to the dedication of the grassroots associations we work with. They value their sporting programs and are willing to invest in them. We consider ourselves lucky to help promote them and share their games to as wide an audience as possible.”

Streamer was born out Seven West Media’s The West Australian, launching as a standalone platform in February 2022 before expanding nationally at the end of 2023.

The platform provides the tools for sporting organisations at any level to set up their league, schedule games, clip out highlights and monetise their audience – all at no cost to the leagues, clubs or schools.

More than 101 leagues, schools and sporting organisations and 470 clubs have been added to the platform to the end of September.

Seven West Media WA sport sales director, Chris Pearce, said: “The importance of grassroots sport within the community is becoming more and more valuable for our brands both locally and nationally.

“Our partners see this as a unique place to be, offering a genuine connection with some of Australia’s most passionate sports fans, and we’ve got big aims to deepen that connection even more going into next year.

“We’ve seen significant growth, we are looking to keep that momentum going.”

INVNT and SXSW Sydney 2024 have partnered for a second year to power the Discovery Stage and unveil the lineup for the stage at the Tech & Innovation Expo.

As the official sponsor of the Discovery Stage and an endorsed creative partner, the brand storytelling and experiential innovation agency, and SXSW Sydney are curating an innovation-packed four-day program for The Discovery Stage, featuring 40 sessions and over 100 speakers.

This year’s Discovery Stage offers a dynamic mix of future-forward conversations, from creative leadership to cutting-edge technologies. Hear from Canva’s head of design, explore sport-tech breakthroughs with AWS and Swimming Australia, innovations in surfing with WSL, and the powerful synergy between CommBank and the Matildas.

Dive into AI with a live ‘Battle of the Prompts’ session, discover Fleet Space’s path to net-zero, and hear from Sea Forest co-founder on how their local research and innovation earned an Earthshot nomination.

Explore emerging startups and the realities of raising capital, while MedTech highlights AI’s role in cancer treatment, and Wombtunes, a unique musical translation of ultrasounds. Prepare for innovative insights from industry leaders across the board.

Among INVNT and SXSW Sydney’s line-up of headline speakers presenting are Andrew Green, head of design at Canva, Florencia Aimo, VP of marketing and communications Australasia, Mastercard, Angela Winkle, chief sustainability and strategy officer at R.M. Williams and Rianne van Veldhuizen, managing director Australia and New Zealand, AWS.

Also presenting are on the stage are Prithi Dey, podcast lead AUNZ, Spotify, Russ Tucker, executive creative director at TBWA/Eleven PR, Sarah Carney, national chief technology officer, Microsoft ANZ, Scott Cullather – President & CEO, INVNT Group, Rohan Taylor, national head coach of Swimming Australia and Stephanie Cholakyan, senior APAC creative manager of Getty Images.

Laura Roberts, managing director of INVNT APAC, said: “We’re curating the Discovery Stage to truly showcase, and at the same time challenge the meaning and societal impact of technology and innovation at SXSW Sydney this year. We’re igniting the spark between culture and brands by pairing up panelists that you may never expect to see on a stage together.

“The line-up is unexpected, and through this, we’re excited to see new ideas come to life on the Discovery Stage. In addition to the stage there’s more to discover, we’ve got some exciting interactive experiences happening at our INVNT lounge – our team is looking forward to meeting you at SXSW Sydney 2024.”

Fenella Kernebone, head of conference and Caroline Pegram, head of tech and innovation at SXSW Sydney, said: “We’re thrilled to collaborate with INVNT again in 2024, bringing an exceptional lineup of talent and topics to the Discovery Stage. The event in 2023 really established the Discovery Stage as a significant piece of programming at SXSW Sydney with its own unique tone.

“The Expo and Discovery Stage bring together highlights from all the pillars of SXSW Sydney, from groundbreaking tech to revolutionary art, sparking imaginations and uncovering future-shaping ideas.”

The Discovery Stage will be held at the SXSW Sydney Tech and Innovation Expo of the International Convention Center (ICC) Sydney, from October 16-19, with the wider SXSW Sydney Event running from October 14-20. Venue will be subject to capacity.

Australian Unity has launched its first brand campaign, ‘Real Wellbeing: Balance Your Being’, via The Royals, which underscores the crucial role of finding balance in our lives and reinforces its Real Wellbeing proposition.

D’arne Buckley, head of brand and content at Australian Unity, said: “The work leverages the fundamental truth that life is a constant juggling act. Whether that be balancing work and life, saving and spending, our need for care and the desire to be free. Finding more equilibrium in our lives is key to achieving Real Wellbeing.”

For more than twenty years, Australian Unity, in partnership with Deakin University, has tracked the wellbeing of Australians through the Australian Unity Wellbeing Index. The research has found that the balancing act looks very different for Australians across their life course.

Australian Unity can call upon its more than 180 years of experience in delivering health, wealth and care services to find ways for people to balance their beings, as a trusted partner who deeply understands the factors that contribute to imbalance in our lives.

The creative agency’s launch film paints a picture of the many and varied facets of the audience’s lives that require balancing, highlighting the powerful tensions we find ourselves managing on any given day.

In partnership with Initiative, the campaign also includes online and social executions and multiple OOH placements that help to connect back to the different products and services Australian Unity provides.

Andrew Siwka, managing partner at The Royals, added: “This was a rare opportunity to tell the story of Australian Unity’s 180 year history of helping Australians achieve greater wellbeing in their day to day lives and we are incredibly proud of how we have delivered a
campaign about life’s great balancing act.”

Credits
Client: Australian Unity
Creative Agency: The Royals
Production Partners:
Production House: Photoplay
Director & Photographer: Tim Georgeson
Post Production: Heckler
Motion Graphics: Mac Archibald
Sound House: Stare Crazy
Media Partner: Initiative

Fox Sports has announced the launch of ‘AFLW on Fox’, in partnership with Medibank. AFLW on Fox is a new show, on Foxtel and Kayo Sports, that will dissect all the action from around the latest AFLW round, while spotlighting the big issues around the league.

The show will be hosted by sports commentator Kelli Underwood and AFLW journalist Lauren Wood, alongside a rotating expert host, and broadcast immediately following the final game of each AFLW round.

Fox Footy general manager Michael Neill said: “With the AFLW in full swing, there is no better time to extend the AFLW conversation after the final siren of the round. Kelli and Lauren are two of the most experienced and respected sports journalists in the country and will no doubt bring fun, fresh perspectives to the competition.

“AFLW on Fox continues our commitment to highlighting the best women’s competitions across the country, and we thank Medibank for their support in enabling us to platform women’s sport and the AFLW in this way.”

Kelli Underwood said: “As women’s football continues to grow it’s crucial to have the important conversations. Every Sunday, after the final siren of the last game, we’ll wrap up the action – live in studio – with the biggest names in the game and the biggest news stories.

“AFLW on Fox will be a one-stop shop for breaking news and analysis. Each week a star of the competition will also join us in the studio for a light-hearted look at the round of matches. These women know how to celebrate a goal and take the mickey out of themselves – so expect plenty of fun as we head into the finals series!’”

Medibank chief marketing officer Lisa Ronson said: “We are thrilled to support AFLW on Fox and continue to champion women’s sport by celebrating the exceptional talent and dedication of the players. Sport plays an important role in promoting physical and mental wellbeing and we are excited to extend this beyond the siren each week.”

AFLW on Fox premieres on Sunday 6 October immediately following the final AFLW game of the round, exclusively on Foxtel and Kayo Sports. The first guest host will be Collingwood player and dual AFLW Women’s All Australian Ruby Schleicher.

Nine has announced its all-star hosting team for the 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival. As the new official broadcaster, Nine has gone to sports broadcaster Eddie McGuire to lead the week-long events. McGuire previously hosted the Cup Carnival for 10, on loan from Nine.

Joining him from the action in the Mounting Yard will be James Bracey, while British-based racing expert Francesca Cumani will return to Melbourne to provide analysis throughout the carnival.

Form analysts Grace Ramage and David Gately will ensure viewers have all the insights they need, while footy legend Billy Slater will take up an on-course role, interviewing winning jockeys on horseback. Tony Jones will also be in the thick of it, conducting interviews in the Mounting Yard.

Melbourne Cup Carnival ambassador and Lexus Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne will appear on the broadcast as part of her Victoria Racing Club role. Michelle will provide insights and expert analysis throughout the carnival, drawing from her historic 2015 win and deep knowledge of the racing industry.

Nine’s Clint Stanaway, Sylvia Jeffreys, Jelena Dokic, and Olympic champion Jessica Fox will deliver all the colour and excitement from the Birdcage and beyond.

In addition to the live broadcast, viewers are being promised an enhanced experience on 9Now.

Fans can access preview programs, archive footage, daily highlights, and race replays, ensuring they stay across all the action, anytime, anywhere. For fashion lovers, 9Now will also live stream Fashions on the Field, providing a front-row seat to the style spectacle. Whether it’s on the big screen or on the go, 9Now will be the ultimate destination for all things Melbourne Cup Carnival.

The broadcast kicks off with Penfolds Victoria Derby Day on Saturday, November 2, followed by the Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday, November 5. Next is Crown Oaks Day on Thursday, November 7, and the carnival concludes with TAB Champions Stakes Day on Saturday, November 9.

9News Melbourne with Alicia Loxley and Tom Steinfort, along with Karl Stefanovic, Sarah Abo, Clint Stanaway, Sophie Walsh, and the entire teams from Today and Weekend Today, will broadcast live from Southbank Promenade at Crown and from Flemington during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Brent Williams, director of sport for the 9Network, commented: “The Melbourne Cup Carnival is one of the greatest spectacles in the sporting world, and we couldn’t be prouder to be the host broadcaster. With such an extraordinary line-up of talent, combined with our state-of-the-art production, we are set to deliver an unforgettable experience for all Australians. This is just the beginning of a thrilling partnership with the Victoria Racing Club and Tabcorp that will take this event to new heights for years to come.”

This is the first year in a multi-year broadcast, media, and sponsorship deal between the Victoria Racing Club, Tabcorp, and Nine Entertainment to bring the Melbourne Cup Carnival to audiences from 2024 to 2029.

See also: Saddle up – Nine officially secures Melbourne Cup rights

Thursday 3 October 2024: VOZ Total TV Ratings Overnight Top 30 – Programs ranked on reach

Total People TV Ratings

Nine’s A Current Affair recorded a total TV national reach of 1,367,000, a total TV national audience of 893,000, and a BVOD audience of 71,000.

Nine’s 9News recorded a total TV national reach of 1,740,000, a total TV national audience of 1,060,000, and a BVOD audience of 89,000.

Seven News recorded a total TV national reach of 1,932,000, a total TV national audience of 1,185,000, and a BVOD audience of 64,000.

Seven’s Home & Away recorded a total TV national reach of 1,317,000 and a total TV national audience of 747,000 and a BVOD audience of 93,000.

10’s airing of Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly recorded a total TV national reach of 945,000, a total TV national audience of 391,000, and a BVOD audience of 13,000.

People 25-54

Nine’s 9News:
• Total TV nation reach: 525,000
• National Audience: 303,000
• BVOD Audience: 45,000

Seven’s Seven News:
• Total TV nation reach: 498,000
• National Audience: 278,000
• BVOD Audience: 33,000

Seven’s Home and Away:
• Total TV nation reach: 424,000
• National Audience: 229,000
• BVOD Audience: 51,000

10’s Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly:
• Total TV nation reach: 314,000
• National Audience: 128,000 
• BVOD Audience: 7,000

People 16-39

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: 189,000
• National Audience: 98,000
• BVOD Audience: 16,000

Seven’s Home and Away:
• Total TV nation reach: 171,000
• National Audience: 98,000
• BVOD Audience: 31,000

10’s Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly:
• Total TV nation reach: 119,000
• National Audience: 45,000 
• BVOD Audience: 3,000

Grocery Shoppers 18+ 

Nine’s 9News:
• Total TV nation reach: 1,367,000
• National Audience: 844,000
• BVOD Audience: 71,000

Seven’s Seven News:
• Total TV nation reach: 1,569,000
• National Audience: 974,000
• BVOD Audience: 51,000

Seven’s Home and Away:
• Total TV nation reach: 1,056,000
• National Audience: 609,000
• BVOD Audience: 75,000

10’s Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly:
• Total TV nation reach: 740,000
• National Audience: 303,000 
• 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.