Media
Hot takes roll in after SWM and SCA’s merger
In this piece for The Australian Julie-anne Sprague and Jared Lynch take a deep dive into the why behind Kerry Stokes’ decision to stand down.
The pair write that after decades of wielding power across politics and business, Stokes’ influence has been fading, as the local the broadcasting landscape now becomes heavily reshaped by global tech giants.
Still at The Australian, and James Madden landed a chat with Seven West Media (SWM) CEO Jeff Howard post-announcement.
According to Howard, the deal is about being able to “compete against the global platforms that are trying to take our lunch every day.”
Meanwhile…
Capital Brief’s John Buckley has detailed the timeline leading up to the deal, suggesting momentum picked up after SCA’s planned TV sale to Australian Digital Holdings collapsed in February.
With all that said and done, there is still the possibility Nine Entertainment Co. (NEC) could crash the wedding.
Industry sources have told Mediaweek the proposed merger “doesn’t stop NEC from making a play at all. But they need come in with a cash bid before the transaction is complete.”
Burke hits back at Trump’s Hollywood tariff threat
Arts Minister Tony Burke says Australia will defend its screen industry after Donald Trump confirmed plans for a 100 per cent tariff on non-US films.
As Bianca Farmakis writes in The Australian Burke said the government was monitoring the fallout but would “stand up unequivocally” for local producers.
Companies
Daniel Ek to step down as Spotify CEO
Spotify founder Daniel Ek will step aside as chief executive at year’s end, handing the role to his two deputies.
The BBC’s Natalie Sherman writes that Ek will remain executive chairman, focusing on strategy and major decisions while others run the day-to-day.
James Mangold joins Paramount in overall deal
Paramount has signed Logan and Ford v Ferrari director James Mangold to develop, direct and produce new films.
Deadline’s Mike Fleming Jr and Anthony D’Alessandro write that Mangold’s first project is High Side with Timothée Chalamet, won by Paramount in a hotly contested bidding war.
Brands
Pop Mart bets on Labubu for long-term play
Ah, yes. Absolutely the news parents everywhere have been waiting for…
Reuters Casey Hall and Sophie Yu report that Pop Mart is taking a page from Disney, aiming to turn its monster mascot Labubu into a lasting global franchise.
Executive director Si De said the company will focus on expanding Labubu through content, collaborations, parks and merchandising rather than chasing the next hit.
Online
Google wipes political ad archive
404 Media’s Samantha Cole writes that the tech giant has removed seven years of EU political ads from its Ad Transparency tool, erasing campaign data from 27 countries.
The tool had previously shown spend, targeting and candidate details dating back to 2018.
Radio
Radio Skid Row staff quit after ACMA ruling
Two senior figures at Sydney community station Radio Skid Row have resigned after a ACMA found it unlawfully dismissed a host over her political views.
Now Sky News Australia’s Caroline Marcus has revealed more about the incident, writing that the station dismissed its Jewish host, Nicole, for refusing to support Hamas.
Manager Manu Monteiro and sponsorship co-ordinator Ilhan Abdi have since stepped down.
AI
SAG-AFTRA pushes back on AI ‘actress’
Hollywood’s actors’ union has taken aim at Tilly Norwood, the AI-generated character whose creator claims agents want to sign her. SAG-AFTRA says the rise of digital performers threatens human artistry and jobs.
Variety’s Zack Sharf writes that the guild stressed that Tilly is “not an actor” but a computer program built on the unlicensed work of real performers.