Breakfast TV
MediaWorks bosses are encouraged by growth for The AM Show, which is simulcast on Three and RadioLive. The show is hosted by Duncan Garner, who replaced Paul Henry. Some advertiser supporters worried viewership would slide when Henry left. Instead the AM show is still making gains for the target audience, aged 25-54. The competing program on TVNZ, called Breakfast, typically has an older audience, and TVNZ head of news and current affairs, John Gillespie, has pooh-poohed MediaWorks claims. He said that Breakfast had won the 25-54 demographic for 96 of the past 108 episodes. The simulcast AM Show is the foundation of the Radio Live audience, and MediaWorks has indicated it intends to make significant improvements into the network.
Media brands
The latest Ipsos Research survey of 100 brands has named Stuff as one of New Zealand’s top media brands. According to the market research firm, Fairfax-owned Stuff ranked fourth in the media category after Facebook, YouTube and TVNZ. In the overall standings Stuff has climbed to 19th from 27th last year. Ipsos research director Jonathan Dodd said, “Stuff is more leading edge and engaging whereas the New Zealand Herald gets more of its influence from trust because it’s an older title.”
Special Group
Advertising agency Special Group has retained then lost a key advertising account in short order. Special has held the 2 Degrees account for four years, and won numerous awards for its campaigns for the telco. New management led to a review, Special pitched against Saatchi & Saatchi and Barnes Catmur, but retained the account in November. However, the relationship appears to have dissolved. 2 Degrees says there is no plan to re-pitch the account, and no decision has been made on appointing a successor.
Vogel’s on TV
Iconic kiwi bread brand Vogel’s has run its first TV ad in 10 years to mark its 50th anniversary, The Goodman Fielder subsidiary Vogel’s brought eight New Zealanders with surprising back stories together to mark its 50th anniversary.
Youth
Alternative radio station 95bFM and youth media company VICE have created a daily news column. It will be researched through 95bFM’s news team and delivered for publishing on Vice.com.
Agency switch
Mediacom managing director Nigel Douglas has been appointed CEO of the media buying agency for OMD. The role has long been held by Kath Watson, who left recently. Before his Mediacom role, Douglas was media director at Blackwood Associates.
Insta NZ
Instagram is attracting new followers among politicians as they gear up for the September 23 election. Hayley Holt, the Green candidate for Helensville who’s ranked at 17 on the party list, is the most followed New Zealand politician on Instagram. Labour deputy leader Jacinda Ardern is in second place, and Green candidate Chloe Swarbrick is third. Prime Minister Bill English is fourth.