Business of Media
Networks seek legal advice as gambling signs evade ad ban
Major broadcasters have sought legal advice arguing the federal government has the power to ban wagering logos on sporting team jerseys and around stadiums, as the political fallout from anything less than a total ban grows, report Nine Publishing’s Sam Buckingham-Jones and Ronald Mizen.
Free TV, the lobby group that acts for Nine Entertainment, Seven West Media and Network Ten owner Paramount, has enlisted broadcast and competition law experts from Sydney firm Quay Law Partners after the government argued only the states had the power to ban ads on jerseys and on signs around football grounds.
Quay Law partners argued that was not true, sources with knowledge of the advice confirmed.
See also: Networks call for spectrum fee cut as gambling ad ban proposal finalised
ABC staff ‘grumbling’ about relocation to western Sydney, insiders claim
The ABC’s move from its inner-Sydney headquarters to Parramatta in the city’s west has been rejected by a large cohort of the relocated staff, with widespread “grumbling” about logistic issues, including difficulties in luring on-air talent to the studios, report The Australian’s Sophie Elsworth and James Madden.
The Australian has spoken to several staff members who have shifted to Parramatta, all of whom have reported that the transition – which has been rolled out in tranches since earlier this year – has been wildly unpopular among employees at the public broadcaster.
The move to new offices in Parramatta, which is about a 25-minute train ride from Sydney’s Central Station, was announced by ABC managing director David Anderson and Ita Buttrose, the chairwoman at the time, amid much fanfare in 2021.
It’s not a pop concert or megachurch. This is Disney’s D23 super-convention
The almost 13,000-strong crowd, filing through the security checkpoints at the Honda Centre in Anaheim, California, could be walking into a rock concert. But these pop culture superfans are not here for Bruce Springsteen or Taylor Swift. They are here to pay homage to brand Disney, reports Nine Publishing’s Michael Idato.
The showcase they have come to see includes trailers, never-before-seen footage from films and TV shows that are still in production, and announcements of planned expansions to Disney’s theme parks, and iconic rides, around the world.
Radio
Sky News Australia launches digital radio station
Sky News Australia is launching its own digital radio station in its latest move to expand listenership across the country, reports The Australian’s Sophie Elsworth.
On Monday, the TV channel’s live stream will be available on the new DAB+ (digital audio broadcast) station called Sky News Radio in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and will include content from across its programming schedule, from daytime shows to prime-time commentary programs.
The radio station will be available to users on digital radios in the home, car and online radio apps.
Television
ABC pulls promo of Four Corners’ investigation into Seven culture
The ABC has revised its promo for Monday night’s planned Four Corners expose into the workplace culture at the Seven Network and removed former Seven EA Amber Harrison, reports News Corp’s Annette Sharp.
A Seven spokesman on Saturday denied the network had sought an injunction against the national broadcaster to prevent the report going to air.
It did not however deny issuing legal letters reminding the broadcaster of historic NDAs relating to former staff.
‘Bring the dynamite’: SA couple set to be The Block’s new villains
Adelaide newlyweds Mimi and Kristian Belperio are tipped to make a splash on the new season of The Block, reports News Corp’s Antimo Iannella.
Nine’s renovation show is known for its intense feuding between contestants and this year’s series, filmed on Victoria’s Phillip Island, is expected to be no exception.
Early reports suggest the Belperios could be at the centre of the drama, with a TV insider revealing the couple will “bring the dynamite” to certain situations.