Media
Herald editor prepares to hand over reins
Bevan Shields has told the Sydney Morning Herald newsroom he is stepping away from the editor’s chair after four years, framing the move as a chance to put his health first and sketch out what comes next.
The announcement follows weeks of quiet chatter about his future, which he addressed head on in his note to staff.
The Herald’s chief reporter, Jordan Baker, is set to step into the role in 2026.
Leaked memo author doubles down on BBC woes
Michael Prescott, the adviser behind the leaked BBC memo that preceded Tim Davie’s exit, has told MPs the broadcaster is dealing with deeper structural issues than it admits.
As Alex Farber reports in The Australian, he argued Davie had an “editorial blind spot” and said the BBC has been slow to address “incipient problems” that are only getting worse.
Social Media
Social media break boosts mood but not offline time
A week off Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and X didn’t send young adults outdoors.
In a study of nearly 300 people, phone use actually ticked up as participants simply shifted to other apps.
Companies
Red Bull Records to close after long run
Red Bull Records is calling time after 18 years, with the label set to shut its doors by Christmas. The news was confirmed to Ashley King at Digital Music News, which reported the closure timeline.
The label, which sat inside the wider Red Bull ecosystem, spent its run distributed through Sony Music’s RED and later The Orchard.
Television
Bluey lands another international win
TV Tonight’s David Knox writes that Bluey has added an International Emmy to its already heaving trophy shelf, taking out the Kids: Animation category in New York.
It was the lone Australian nominee in this year’s global field.