Business of Media
Smart TV showdown on cards as networks fine-tune pitch to Canberra
Australia’s free-to-air television sector is descending on Canberra this week to lobby politicians to get their apps better visibility on smart TVs, reports Nine Publishing’s Calum Jaspan.
A group of 16 senior executives from the ABC, SBS, Seven, Nine, 10 and Free TV Australia will be in the capital to boost support for a planned “prominence” framework, which would mandate television and device manufacturers to make local free broadcast video on demand (BVOD) applications – such as 9Now, 10Play and ABC iView – easy to find, and given preferential placement on home screens.
The five broadcasters want a new set of rules to be implemented for TV manufacturers, including access to all TV channels provided by free local networks; installing all local TV apps in the first positions on home screens; and offering free local TV content first in search results and recommendations.
The coalition of media companies already has the support of the federal government, with Communications Minister Michelle Rowland planning to legislate a “prominence” framework, an election promise from the now Labor government.
Mark Zuckerberg not ‘holding breath’ for cage fight with Elon Musk
Mark Zuckerberg has said he is “not holding his breath” over a proposed cage fight with Elon Musk, as he revealed that he had suggested a date of 26 August for the contest, reports The Guardian’s Dan Milmo.
The Facebook co-founder posted on the Threads app that he was “ready today” for a bout but that he had not received confirmation from the Tesla chief executive and world’s richest man.
“I’m ready today. I suggested August 26 when he first challenged, but he hasn’t confirmed. Not holding my breath,” he wrote on Sunday.
Musk added to the confusion by tweeting on Monday that he “may need surgery before the fight can happen” due to problems with his neck and upper back.
Musk had challenged Zuckerberg to a cage fight in June, prompting his rival to reply: “Send me location.” Details about whether and when a cage brawl will take place, or whether it was just online jousting between billionaires, have been vague ever since.
News is second most popular type of social media video in the UK
News is the second most popular type of social media video among UK audiences aged over 15, according to an annual Ofcom report into the country’s media consumption habits, reports Press Gazette’s Aisha Majid.
The Media Nations UK report found that 63% of adults who watched short videos at least once a month watched news, second only to ‘how-to’ videos (64%), and ahead of videos from friends and family (54%), music videos (54%) and videos by influencers (48%).
Last year, news was the third most popular type of content viewed, behind how-to videos and videos from the general public. Although news is up by four percentage points in the 2023 report, news had previously topped the list in 2021.
Preferences, however, varied by age group. Among social video viewers aged 15–24, videos by the general public were the most popular, watched by 72% of this age group who watched short-form content.
News, meanwhile, was mostly favoured by viewers aged over 45, with 65% saying they watched this type of content.
News Brands
ABC Chief People Officer to depart
The ABC’s Chief People Office Dharma Chandran will leave the broadcaster early next year, having served two-and-a-half-years in the role, reports TV Tonight.
He joined the ABC in October 2021 as CPO after consulting, corporate and board roles including at Boyden Australia’s Leadership Consulting Practice, KPMG Australia, Ernst & Young amongst others.
ABC Managing Director David Anderson said, “During his time at the ABC Dharma has made a significant contribution by leading People & Culture as they supported the organisation through the transition from COVID-19 restrictive conditions to hybrid working.
“Dharma has also led a number of significant ABC initiatives and projects, including People Hub Workforce; negotiation of our new Enterprise Agreement; our new Diversity & Inclusion Belonging (DIB) Plan; and support with the Content Reorganisation initiative.”
He will depart at the end of January 2024 with a recruitment process will commence shortly.
Television
Seven’s Peter Mitchell says he has no plans to retire
Channel Seven news presenter Peter Mitchell says he has no plans to retire any time soon, reports News Corp’s Jackie Epstein.
After last year being crowned king of Melbourne when Seven claimed victory over its Nine rivals for the first time since 2011, Mitchell is again flying high.
Seven has retained its crown, claiming an early victory in the TV news battle at 6pm — winning all 22 weeks of the official 40-week ratings survey year to date and taking an unassailable lead.
Mitchell, who this year marks 35 years with the network, is still loving his job.
“I know now having been in the business for so long there is a finish line for me but I can’t see it at the moment,’’ Mitchell said.
“I’ve still got a long way to go, I’m going to keep playing on just like the Daicos brothers, as long as they keep going so will I. I’d be mad if I didn’t plan for retirement at some stage but it’s just not going to happen yet. I’m contracted for another couple of years.”
Neale Whitaker calls out Block edit for omitting partner reference
Normally it is reality contestants complaining about editing but The Block judge Neale Whitaker is unhappy his explanation with Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer about taking time out, omitted reference to caring for his partner, David, reports TV Tonight.
On the weeks he is absent he will be replaced by real estate proprietor Marty Fox.
On Instagram he wrote, “There’s nothing more frustrating than an unexplained decision or an incomplete narrative – especially where health and family are concerned.
“This is what went to air tonight on the first episode of The Block’s 19th season, my 17th.
“I broke the news to Shaynna and Darren that I would be unable to join them each week and explained my reasons. It was an emotional conversation for all of us.
“Unfortunately those important reasons didn’t make the cut so here goes.”
Sports Media
Crowded House pulls out of AFL Grand Final gig
Aussie rock band Crowded House has sensationally pulled out of playing at the AFL Grand Final, leaving the league just 54 days to find another act, reports News Corp’s Grace Baldwin.
A household favourite nationwide, Crowded House was rumoured to have been locked in for the pre-game performance months ago and was confirmed to have bailed on the coveted slot on Monday.
The AFL has now been left with less than two months to lock in another act as impressive and widely loved as their first choice, with the Don’t Dream It’s Over band last playing a show in Melbourne in November 2022.
AFL spokesperson Jay Allen said “the pre-match entertainment for the 2023 AFL Grand Final will be announced in September”.