Junkee Media has announced several internal promotions and new hires after it was acquired by oOh Media’s RACAT Group in December 2021.
The announcement marks the beginning of a new chapter for the company that publishes Junkee, Punkee and AWOL.
Nick Arnold has been promoted from head of video and multimedia to head of production, he will oversee the company’s audio, video and events products across editorial and commercial, including the launch of Punkee’s new podcast Reality Tea where hosts Tahlia Pritchard and Tara Watson dissect the week that was in reality TV.
Benni Kanthak joins the new production team as podcast lead, bringing with him years of experience in radio from across Australia and Europe. He will also oversee expanding Junkee Media’s podcast studio across 2022.
Graphic designer and illustrator Matt Lauricella is also joining the production team following his recent return from Australia after spending time in Canada honing in on his skills
The new production team will work closely alongside the editorial team lead by editorial director Rob Stott and Gyan Yankovich, who steps into the new role of editor-in-chief.
Yankovich will take responsibility of the daily video news show – The Junkee Takeaway – which is published daily on Facebook Watch, social team and oversee the implementation of Google Showcase and Google Web Stories products.
Lavendar Baj has been promoted to senior reporter and will focus on financial literacy and the ways the economy impacts on young Australians as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also joining the editorial team as a senior writer is Reena Gupta who will have a focus on culture. She previously worked for MTV Australia, Sydney Morning Herald, SBS Voices and Kill Your Darlings.
Charles Rushforth joins as a new staff writer, focusing on news, politics, and music. Previously, Rushforth was a presenter and associate producer on FBi Radio’s Backchat.
Stott said: “I’m thrilled by these new hires and promotions. These announcements are a clear sign of RACAT’s intention to invest in Junkee and build our brands to reach new audiences across multiple platforms. I’m so excited about the future of Junkee Media under RACAT.”
Arnold added: “I think a lot of us have already lost count of the number of ‘pinch me’ moments that we’ve had since Junkee Media found its new home at RACAT.
He continued: “I’m flattered to have been asked to head up our new production team, and I’m thrilled to be a part of building what I think is going to be an incredibly exciting future for us, our brands and, most importantly, our audiences.”
RACAT Group, who publish Australian Geographic and owner of television production company Northern Pictures, acquired Junkee as part of its mission to create media inspired by good nature.