Business of Media
‘Brand responsibility’: Major advertiser backs News Corp climate shift
One of Australia’s largest advertisers, supermarket giant Coles, has welcomed signs of an imminent shift on coverage of climate change by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp and declared that it expects its media partners to share its commitment to protecting the environment, reports SMH’s Zoe Samios and Amelia McGuire.
Coles controls one of the biggest advertising budgets in Australia and has moved to position itself as Australia’s most sustainable supermarket. Its advertisements, which have run in News Corp publications and elsewhere, have in recent times focused on zero waste, zero emissions and zero hunger.
Asked whether it would support moves by News Corp to shift its stance on climate change, the company said it welcomed any efforts to encourage climate action.“Our mission, Together to Zero, understands our responsibility as one of Australia’s largest brands in taking the action to protect our planet and climate,” a Coles spokesperson said. “Coles media strategy evolves beyond brand safety and brand suitability and extends to brand responsibility. We always endeavour to ensure media placement reflects our brand and campaign values.”
Nova announces key commercial leadership appointments in Melbourne
Nova Entertainment has confirmed key commercial leadership appointments in the Agency Sales, CREATE, and Digital Audio functions in Melbourne.
Amanda Holenstein has been announced as head of agency in Melbourne. Holenstein is responsible for coaching and developing the commercial team to generate innovative and tailored solutions for our customers.
An accomplished commercial development manager with over 17 years’ experience, Holenstein has held senior account management roles in publishing before joining ARN as agency account manager and group sales manager for nearly six years. Joining Nova Entertainment in January 2016, she was appointed as development manager and group sales manager before being promoted to her new role as head of agency.
Amanda Holenstein, Brooke Dul, Steph Freeland-Small, and Liz Maplestone
Brooke Dul has been confirmed as Melbourne Head of CREATE with responsibility for guiding the CREATE team’s performance to deliver revenue goals and performance metrics across CREATE’s campaign function including strategy, talent partnerships, campaign delivery, local trade engagement and creative business development.
With strategic commercial experience, Brooke Dul joined Nova Entertainment in December 2009 and held various digital and campaign delivery, client solutions and project manager roles. In May 2014 she joined SCA in brand & promotions before moving to Melbourne with L’Oréal Professional Products Division as national trade marketing manager. Dul returned to NOVA in October 2017 as head of campaign delivery before taking on the role of head of delivery, CREATE in April 2018 and has now been promoted to Head of CREATE Melbourne.
Nova Entertainment has also confirmed key positions in the podcasting team with the appointment of Steph Freeland-Small as head of digital audio commercial for Melbourne, and promotion of Liz Maplestone to head of digital audio commercial for the Adelaide, Perth and International markets. These appointments complement the national footprint of localised digital audio thought-leadership in key markets.
Former sales lead at SCA and News Corp launches Convo Ink
Convo Ink has launched its smart content marketing engine, bringing tech innovation to the content marketing, PR, and media industry.
With the global content marketing industry expected to grow by US$417.85 billion during 2021-2025 with a CAGR of almost 16%, Convo Ink is bringing marketers, content writers, and publishers together in a platform that delivers content to audiences with precision and scale.
Aaron Macarthur
Convo Ink is an Australian martech startup founded by Aaron Macarthur, former sales lead at Southern Cross Austereo, News Corp, Allure Media and Verizon Media, to enhance the way companies use content marketing to acquire and retain customers.
For advertisers and agencies, Convo Ink simplifies the creation and distribution of branded content. It also allows advertisers to target audiences which reduces media investment wastage and improves results.
For publishers, it cuts the complexity between editorial and sales teams; uses existing ad tech infrastructure to reduce the need for complex integration; while retaining editorial integrity and generating new revenue streams.
Peter Overton and Jessica Rowe sell Vaucluse home for $8,175,000 at online auction
Channel Nine newsreader Peter Overton and his journalist wife Jessica Rowe have sold their Vaucluse home for a massive price in an exciting online auction contest, reports Realestate.com.au’s Stephen Nicholls.
Ray White Double Bay principal Elliott Placks and James Keenan had been guiding $7m for the four-bedroom, three-bathroom home with double garage on 700sqm, which is close by Vaucluse village and the harbour foreshore.
Having received strong interest, the agents upped the guide to $7.7m prior to the auction.
But, Keenan, who was the auctioneer, slammed down the gavel at $8,175,000, an incredible $1,175,000 above the original price guide.
News Brands
Channel Seven investigating star reporter’s racist post
Channel Seven is investigating a racist post shared on social media by 7News reporter Georgia Love this week, months after the network’s CEO took a stand against racism, reports News Corp’s Mibengé Nsenduluka.
A source told Confidential that the network is reviewing the incident and “taking the matter seriously”.
On Monday, former Bachelorette Love issued a grovelling apology after backlash over a photo she posted on Instagram which showed a cat inside an Asian restaurant with the caption, “Shop attendant or lunch?!” and a laughing emoji.
ABC journalist ‘forced to resign’
ABC Wimmera journalist Danielle Grindlay took to social media yesterday claimed she was ‘forced to resign’ from her part-time role, reports TV Tonight.
Grindlay accused the broadcaster of a lack of flexibility around childcare hours.
The ABC issued a statement saying it was “committed to providing a flexible workplace for all staff, including those returning from maternity leave, subject to operational requirements.
Television
The Voice judge Guy Sebastian removes post supporting #vaxthenation
Guy Sebastian has clarified his stance on vaccination, claiming he supports the music industry rallying to get itself back up and running, reports News Corp’s Jonathon Moran.
The celebrated pop singer became embroiled in a war of words after removing a post supporting the music industry campaign #vaxthenation and stop the interruptions, encouraging Australians to get vaccinated.
Later the 39-year-old, who is double vaccinated, apologised to fans for the way his own post was worded, saying “that was not communicated with love or compassion, which I feel is what is needed when it comes to addressing things like vaccinations”.
Talkback radio host Ray Hadley criticised Sebastian for his post.
“Get the splinters out of your arse, get off the fence,” the 2GB mornings host said on air. “Grow a set, Guy … you’re better than that.”
Sebastian called in to Hadley’s show with both men stating they were disappointed with each other.
“I have been very clear on my stance personally, I am pro-vax but I am saying that there are genuinely people and many of your listeners know them who don’t fall into conspiracy theory,” he said.
“I am against things that are ill informed but if your doctor has said that you have a certain condition that is something that you have to consider that puts you in a high risk category, then we have to follow the advice of our medical professionals.”
The Voice, Australian Survivor filmed multiple endings
Both The Voice and Australian Survivor have filmed multiple endings for their impending grand finals to screen this Sunday, reports TV Tonight.
Sources confirmed The Voice filmed alternate endings when filming finished several weeks ago.
Public voting for the series is underway (a Facebook account is required) and closes during Sunday’s broadcast. Seven has filmed 4 endings with TV wins for Arlo, Mick, G-Nat!on and Bella with one to screen after voting closes. This means reports of “winner leaks” are well before voting has closed.
Meanwhile, Australian Survivor was unable to regroup in Sydney for a studio grand final in which host Jonathan La Paglia announces the winner.
Sources also confirmed multiple endings were filmed on location in Queensland with the finalists, one of which will be broadcast this Sunday night.
Banijay announces MasterChef format has surpassed 500 seasons
Banijay has announced that its format MasterChef has surpassed 500 series since its reboot in 2005, reaching this milestone with the first-ever MasterChef Tamil, which is currently on air.
The multi-award winning cookery show created by Franc Roddam has been wowing audiences for more than thirty years. Crowned the Most Successful Cookery Television Format by Guinness World Records in 2017, there have been 64 local versions to-date and more than 10,000 episodes have aired around the world, in addition to the milestone 500 seasons. Last year alone, despite filming restrictions, there were 43 productions across 30 markets.
Lucas Green, global head of content operations at Banijay says: “Reaching this milestone is a fantastic achievement for the MasterChef family. Whilst staying true to the core values of the format, each version is unique, adapting to celebrate the individual cultures and craft of their region. The amazing teams on all 500 productions have created life-changing opportunities for our contestants and delivered world-class entertainment and iconic moments for millions of viewers around the world.”
Banijay has announced that its format MasterChef has surpassed 500 series since its reboot in 2005, reaching this milestone with the first-ever MasterChef Tamil, which is currently on air.
The multi-award winning cookery show created by Franc Roddam has been wowing audiences for more than thirty years. Crowned the Most Successful Cookery Television Format by Guinness World Records in 2017, there have been 64 local versions to-date and more than 10,000 episodes have aired around the world, in addition to the milestone 500 seasons. Last year alone, despite filming restrictions, there were 43 productions across 30 markets.
Lucas Green, global head of content operations at Banijay says: “Reaching this milestone is a fantastic achievement for the MasterChef family. Whilst staying true to the core values of the format, each version is unique, adapting to celebrate the individual cultures and craft of their region. The amazing teams on all 500 productions have created life-changing opportunities for our contestants and delivered world-class entertainment and iconic moments for millions of viewers around the world.”
Sport Media
Seven to broadcast second successive night AFL Grand Final
The AFL announced on Tuesday the 2021 Toyota AFL Grand Final will commence at 5:15pm AWST / 7:15pm AEST on Saturday, September 25 at Optus Stadium in Perth.
The 2021 Toyota AFL Grand Final is the first AFL premiership-decider to be held in Perth and the second held outside of Victoria as a result of the ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic in recent seasons.
AFL executive general manager clubs and broadcasting Travis Auld said the league was pleased to be able to confirm the start time for the 2021 Toyota AFL Grand Final.
“The 5:15pm AWST / 7:15pm AEST start time aims to provide fans at the game with the ultimate Grand Final experience by maximising the stadium’s offering while taking into consideration the broadcast audience across the country,” Auld said.
“The AFL, together with the Seven Network, remain cognisant of finishing the match at a suitable time for younger footy fans and, as a result, landed on a timeslot that is earlier than the usual start time for night matches during the season and last year’s Grand Final.”
Managing director Seven Melbourne and head of network sport, Lewis Martin, said: “The AFL’s decision ensures the Grand Final will be enjoyed by as many fans as possible around Australia, and gives this landmark occasion a prime time stage across most of the country.
“We congratulate the AFL on delivering a spectacular season despite 2021’s seemingly never-ending series of challenges, and we sincerely thank all the clubs for the sacrifices they have made to ensure fans could again enjoy a full fixture of footy.
“At Seven, we look forward to being part of this historic moment in Perth and bringing viewers a Grand Final they’ll never forget,” he said.