Business
Private Media buys Kochie’s Pinstripe Media
Private Media, owner of SmartCompany and Crikey, has acquired Pinstripe Media, the business founded by David “Kochie” Koch and wife Libby in 2007. The deal brings together two publishers targeting start-ups and small businesses.
No price was revealed, but CEO Will Hayward said the two were often competing for the same readers and advertisers.
As Sam Buckingham-Jones details in The Australian Financial Review, Pinstripe runs titles like Startup Daily and Flying Solo, plus a branded content agency. Its 11 staff will join Private Media’s 40-strong team as Kochie exits the publishing world.
Social Media
Labor likely to scrap YouTube from teen ban exemption
Communications Minister Anika Wells is expected to scrap YouTube’s proposed exemption from the upcoming under-16 social media restrictions, with draft rules due within a fortnight.
As John Buckley reports in Capital Brief, The move would reverse former minister Michelle Rowland’s promise to carve out the Google-owned platform on educational grounds.
YouTube now looks set to join TikTok, Instagram and Facebook under the same age-verification rules, though platforms can still apply for exemptions.
Teen social media ban seen as help, not a cure-all
As Australia’s under-16 social media crackdown edges closer, policymakers are quietly warning it won’t be airtight, but parents don’t seem to mind.
Cam Wilson from Crikey went out and spoke to parents to get their take on the impending ban.
According to Wilson, many see it less as a strict ban and more as backup in their fight to keep kids off screens.
Journalism
Press Council flags Daily Telegraph headline as misleading
The Press Council has ruled that The Daily Telegraph breached standards with its headline “Labor backs Hamas,” saying it didn’t reflect the content of the article and strayed into editorial opinion.
The December piece covered Labor’s support for a UN vote on a two-state solution, quoting Senator Dave Sharma’s criticism.
But the Council found the headline misleading and lacking fairness and balance, in breach of its core principles.
Music
Universal Music eyes US listing as investor pressure builds
Universal Music Group has confidentially filed to list shares in the US, adding to its existing Amsterdam presence. The move, still under SEC review, keeps key details like valuation and timing under wraps.
Major investor Bill Ackman has pushed for a US listing, arguing it would lift UMG’s value and improve trading liquidity.
As Osmond Chia details in the BBC, with markets hitting fresh highs, UMG’s timing could pay off, if investor appetite holds.
Radio
Dave Cameron breaks his silence after SCA exit
Dave Cameron has spoken publicly for the first time since stepping down as Chief Content Officer at Southern Cross Austereo (SCA), marking the end of a career with the company that spanned more than three decades.
In a LinkedIn post, Cameron described the move as a “factory reset” following a 32-year run with the network, including the past five years at the helm of its content division.
Vale
Ozzy Osbourne, heavy metal’s prince of darkness, dies aged 76
Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath’s iconic frontman, has died at 76, weeks after his farewell tour. His family confirmed he passed surrounded by loved ones.
As Mark Kennedy, Angus Thompson and Nick Newling report in The Sydney Morning Herald, music legends like Elton John, Metallica and Ronnie Wood paid tribute, remembering him as a true rock pioneer.
Born John Michael Osbourne, Ozzy’s voice and wild spirit defined heavy metal for generations to come.