By James Manning

Continued ratings strength in Sydney from KIIS and WSFM and Adelaide with Mix and Cruise was boosted big time by a strong growth in the Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth markets.

So much so that ARN was able to claim to be the #1 national metro network with a share of 16.9%. When ARN factored in digital audiences that share grows to 17.9%.

ARN national content director Duncan Campbell agreed that Mix 101.1’s Jase and PJ are taking the breakfast show into unchartered waters in Melbourne. “That is one of the highlights this week. But it has been a great result for us overall,” he said, noting also the recovery at ARN stations in Brisbane and Perth.

“It has been very satisfying to see the result at KIIS 101.1 with another increase. We feel there is momentum behind the show after 18 months of not a lot of [ratings] movement. The Jase and PJ show was unknown when it started and its takes the audience time to get to know them.”

Campbell said he continues to focus on Melbourne where he sees potential for further ARN growth given the improvement at sister station Gold, while opposition stations like Triple M are not keeping up.

“It was a great result for Christian O’Connell at Gold too who now has a marker at around 8%. I am looking forward to seeing what his show does in the newt few surveys.”

The recovery at Brisbane’s 97.3 is the result of ARN sticking with its strategy, said Campbell. He stopped short of claiming the market is returning to a two-horse race (Nova and 97.3), but it could be heading that way.

“We have been working hard on the music and the new dynamic between Bianca and Mike, while Bob has been in great form this year. The station has been very consistent and the audience has appreciated that.”

Regarding Perth, Campbell paid tribute to new MD Gary Roberts for re-forming Botica’s Bunch with Fred Botica and Lisa Shaw. “The daytime numbers are also testament to the fact we have the music format right. We did a lot of research into the music and found a wedge we could drive into the marketplace and impact 94.5, which has always been the challenge for 96FM.

“It is certainly game on in Perth now. The Perth audience seems to move to where there is something going on. The whole station has come to life and that will continue with plans for some exciting promotions.”

The 96FM recovery perhaps has only just begun.

Importantly for the Perth sales team, Roberts is now able to send them out the door telling clients 96FM is now #1 40-54. “Revenue has been challenged in the Perth market and that is a great result for them,” said Campbell.

By James Manning

The small print on their claim says: Share, Average Audience & Cume vs Hit Network, Triple M, Mix/KIIS/96 Network.

In the Nova Entertainment numbers the company reports Nova has a network share of 9.2% and a network cume of 3,553,100. Nova is claiming to be #1 in breakfast, drive and nights.

Nova Entertainment didn’t have any dramatic moves up or down in GfK survey 5, 2019.

Group program director Paul Jackson told Mediaweek the company is more than happy with its current position as it looks forward to finishing the year strongly.

“There are no changes or bad news, but certainly some more outstanding performances. There is also a lot of stability which we expect given the experience and heritage from all of our teams.”

When it comes to specials mentions, Jackson started with Nathan, Nat and Shaun in Perth where they have just recorded their best share ever on 15.5%. “A sublime performance,” Jackson said.

“Also Ash, Kip, Luttsy and Susie in Brisbane who now have five in a row #1 surveys, which is also an outstanding performance.

“Another highest ever performance also from Melbourne’s Chrissie, Sam and Browny in cume and share is a very strong result.

“Fitzy and Wippa have now had repeat shares of 7.5% which is great for the Sydney station. The station also has the #1 cume, with both our stations over a 1m cume.

“Let’s not overlook Adelaide where Dylan and Hayley are Adelaide’s most-listened to breakfast show in cume.

“There is nobody we are unhappy with and all of them are either at or within striking range of where we want them to be.”

smoothfm continues to lead in Sydney and is not far off the pace behind FM leader Fox in Melbourne. The cume audiences in Melbourne are very competitive with four stations now boasting an audience of 1m people.

“It’s been a hell of a journey when you think of the size of the audiences we were getting in previous formats for 95.3. We are very proud of all the presenters. It is not an easy thing to continue to deliver these numbers and our teams have done brilliantly.”

Given smoothfm’s success with all music breakfast shows, Jackson talked about making that strategy work. He didn’t want to refer to any particular station, but his comments are interesting given 2Day FM’s change of policy.

“All music breakfast can work anywhere and anytime at any station. But you need to have a clear proposition and then executive it brilliantly. You also need to take a deep breath and give it time. You need to continually think what does success sound like and continue to drive towards that. When we started on smoothfm our breakfast shares were 2% and 3% with the station a little higher. We then managed to grow gradually. I had many conversations with people telling them it would get better. It can take a long time for audiences to notice things and change their habits.

“Any station needs a clear proposition and I am very clear on the smooth proposition. You could ask anybody who listens to smooth what is does and they could articulate it. Same with Nova stations too.”

Jackson said there is not a lot of difference between what smoothfm stations deliver at breakfast compared to other dayparts. “We deliver news at breakfast and across the day with experienced news presenters.

“If listeners come to smoothfm at any point – morning, noon or night or weekends – it should be familiar to listeners who know what they are going to get.”

Earlier this month at its Sydney Studios in the building also occupied by Seven and NEP Australia, openshop held a launch event.

The lavish party was attended by Sunrise co-host David Koch, Home and Away stars Jake Ryan and Courtney Miller, Brendan “Jonesy” Jones from WSFM and Seven executives to help celebrate their new partnership with openshop.

Jonesy and openshop presenter Gabby Berry

Guests were treated to French champagne and a selection of canapes. The intimate gathering heard from the president of Hyundai Home Shopping Chan-Suk Kang, Kylie Bell from the NSW Government and the commercial director of Seven Network Bruce McWilliam.

The managing director of the Australian business, Jason Kim, told Mediaweek the reaction to openshop has been “amazing” since they launched.

“Australian shoppers are appreciating our service. It is much more convenient for them to shop online and we offer them free express shipping. We will be a very competitive online retailer in Australia.”

Parent company Hyundai Home Shopping is an affiliate of the Hyundai Department Store Group and has been in the sector for 19 years, launching first in Korea. Kim: “Our retail group started with a department store and then expanded to online and TV home shopping. We have grown very quickly and coming to Australia is a very good opportunity for us.”

Hyundai Home Shopping has sent their best to launch the Australian business. Kim has been with the company since 2001, working in the department store and the home shopping division.

Hyundai Home Shopping trades in a number countries including Korea, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam – Australia is its first English language market. Kim explained there are many home shopping competitors in the Korean market, but they are the first to enter an English-speaking territory.

CEO of openshop Jason Kim, David Koch and President Hyundai Home Shopping Chan Suk Kang

“We have decided to make an investment in Australia because of three basic elements – Australia has a very advanced financial system, good logistics system for deliveries and the average income is very strong too.”

Meeting all these criteria means it is the perfect place for home shopping to be adopted, said Kim.

The company has ambitions to be a big retailer in Australia, but realises it will take time for people to change their spending habits. “But we think many people are ready to change to online retail.

“Australian shoppers deserve better service for what they are spending,” said Kim.

Openshop was more than happy to partner with Seven for its TV channel. “Seven is the most-watched network in Australia” is the answer to why it chose Seven. “We are not just renting a channel, we are a real partner,” Kim added.

Openshop tries to trade with the manufacturer where possible for what it sells, otherwise it is happy to engage with a wholesaler. “Unlike some other companies, we are here to support Australian grown and produced products. We are finding a lot of products don’t have any medium for them to advertise to customers.”

“Because we can work with manufacturers we are able to offer attractive prices to the customers.”

Openshop plans to offer a wide range of products, not just jewellery or cosmetics. which Kim said is the perception some have about home shopping.

—

Top Photo: David Koch and openshop presenters

Vieira, who most recently completed a successful five-year term as CEO of Screen Queensland, will join co-founders Tracey Robertson and Nathan Mayfield, company chair Deanne Weir, and the Hoodlum team to help take the company on the next stage of its global story-telling journey.

Hoodlum operates between Australia, the US and the UK, and has a first-look deal with Disney’s ABC Studios. This relationship has seen Hoodlum produce two seasons of Harrow starring Ioan Gruffudd, with several other series in development.

From her office on the Disney lot in Los Angeles, CEO Tracey Robertson said: “We couldn’t be more delighted to welcome Tracey, or TV as we will call her. We have worked with Tracey across the years at both Ausfilm and Screen Queensland, and we have watched as she has helped create global opportunities for Australian creatives. Our mission is to make locally relevant, internationally appealing stories all over the world, and to bring more international production to Australia. We know that Tracey will help us achieve that.’

Australian based chief creative officer Nathan Mayfield said: “We want to work with the best creatives we can, whether they are writers, directors, heads of department or crews. To leverage the best creatives, we need the best business and relationship talent there is, and that pretty much sums up Tracey Vieira.”

Vieira said: “Having the opportunity to work in partnership with Deanne Weir, Tracey Robertson and Nathan Mayfield is a dream come true and I am thrilled to join them on the next step of the company’s evolution. The role brings together my 17-years of experience and relationships across North America and Australia in a team driven by a clear vision to make bold and distinctive content for Australia and the world.’

Vieira will officially achieve Hoodlum status on 30 September.

By Andrew Mercado

A more loyal audience you would not find, but Nine threw both shows on the scrap heap. Foxtel snapped up both and aired double episodes for months until they had caught up with US airings. Respect.

Incredibly, Nine is now bringing DOOL and Y&R back, with reruns to air 90 days after Foxtel transmission. WIN TV failed miserably when they tried doing something similar last year, but this is more than just daytime fodder. This seems more about needing new content for 9Now, but given their recent form, let’s see if Nine stick with either. Like sands through the hourglass?

That old gag about not seeing a soap for 20 years, but then watching half an episode and being up to speed is funny because it’s true. So if you once watched The Affair (Sunday on FoxShowcase) but then stopped because you couldn’t keep track of all the new characters, it’s OK, you can go back (although the recap really helps too).

This is its fifth and final season, and there has been a lot going on. Original fans, dive back in, because the original affair is still much discussed, despite one half of that couple [Alison Lockhart played by Ruth Wilson] being long dead. Also gone is Joshua Jackson [Cole Lockhart], with the focus now on the divorced couple played by Dominic West [Noah] and Maura Tierney [Helen]. There is also a look into the future, with an intriguing flash-forward starring Anna Paquin.

Why Women Kill (10 All Access) also bounces around in time, with three couples living in the same mansion in 1963, 1984 and 2019. Creator Marc Cherry (Desperate Housewives) is a dab hand at doing ensemble drama comedies about strong women and murder mysteries. And Lucy Liu is a hoot in her 1984 bitchfest, especially wearing a Dynasty-like wardrobe.

Why Women Kill could be the first show worth watching on 10 All Access which has just six original shows listed, and one is clearly there to make up space, given The Good Fight has already aired on SBS for free. There is not a lot of content and in an increasingly crowded environment, is it value for money to pay to see ad-free versions of shows already available on 10?

TripADeal, which sends more than 60,000 travellers around the globe every year, is promoting the $1 million travel campaign through a multi-channel advertising and marketing campaign, including print and digital advertising, digital and direct marketing, retail activations, editorial support, ATL media amplification on radio, TV and outdoor, as well as a creative PR campaign.

To participate, entrants need a daily code word published in one of 28 participating News Corp Australia newspapers over 15 days from September 7 to 21.

Rich Johnston, co-founder of TripADeal, said: “Our core belief is that travel should be an experience enjoyed by everyone and our goal is to offer bucket list experiences at unbelievable prices. We are proud of the fact we make travel an affordable option for all, and believe this promotion and its creative execution with News Corp Australia will reach the largest audience.

“This is the biggest initiative we’ve ever undertaken to boost our brand and our unique offering. We hope people will actively share this competition with friends and family, to increase their chances of winning and be invited along to enjoy the prize.”

Ben English, editor of The Daily Telegraph said: “This exclusive promotion will resonate with our readers, as like all Australians, our audiences love to travel.

“The TripADeal $1 Million promotion offers added value to our audiences across Australia, and due to its exclusivity, its expected to drive an increase in retail sales, while also generating subscription leads for our mastheads.

English said: “We are thrilled TripADeal chose News Corp Australia platforms to execute their campaign, recognising the depth in audience reach and the power of our brands. We are proud that our readers will have the opportunity to win big, with one of the world’s richest travel prizes.”

Twenty-eight News Corp Australia metro and regional print titles in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, NT and TAS will be participating in the $1 million TripADeal competition, running over 15 days in September.

To be in the running to win, readers must purchase any of the participating News Corp Australia newspapers any day for 15 days from Saturday 7 September through to Saturday 21 September, find the code word in-paper and enter online at million dollar travel.com.au. In addition, all 28 mastheads will be giving away one $500 TripADeal voucher every day across the 15 days.

The lucky Million Dollar TripADeal winner will be able to spend $200k every year across a five-year period, with the freedom to choose any dream TripADeal holiday anywhere in the world.

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Top Photo: Rich Johnston (TripADeal), News Corp Travel Editor Jana Frawley, Daily Telegraph Editor Ben English and Norm Black (TripADeal) with sand sculpture at Bondi Beach

It’s set to be a big one with Aussie’s Ash Barty (current world #2) and Nick Kyrgios competing for the title.

The action begins daily with multiple matches airing from 2am on ESPN from Tuesday, August 27. ESPN will also feature key matches over on ESPN2.

See also: TV Guide: How to watch US Open live on SBS

ESPN’s coverage will include all 16 courts and will amount to over 160 hours of television and 1,300 more streaming live on WatchESPN.

ESPN will also produce a daily show, US Open Primetime hosted by Stephanie Brantz and Mark Donaldson airing nightly at 8:30pm from August 27 on ESPN. Produced for Aussie tennis fans daily from Flushing Meadows, the show features highlights, updates, previews and interviews. The daily action from the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center will culminate with the Women’s Championship on Sunday, Sept. 8, and the Men’s Championship on Monday, Sept. 9, both at 6am.

On air highlights:

Quarter Final matches will air from Wednesday, Sept. 4 at 2am on ESPN.
The women’s semifinals and championship will air Friday, Sept. 6 at 9am and Sunday, Sept. 8, at 6am on ESPN, respectively.
The men’s semifinals and championships will air Saturday, Sept. 7 at 6am and Monday, Sept. 9, at 6am on ESPN, respectively.

Throughout the tournament, fans can enjoy action from every court for men’s and women’s singles and doubles plus mixed doubles between the TV coverage and the ESPN app.

ESPN will also be scheduling on air windows that are Ad free during match play to air as many Australian players matches as possible, including Nick Krygios and current world #2 Ash Barty.

ESPN.com.au will also serve fans the best, most comprehensive game around the game digital coverage including: coverage of all 16 courts on Watch ESPN, as live highlights clip’s across both website and social channels and in depth features and analysis from our award winning team of writers and tennis experts.

Surveying the Fields 

MEN

Of the last 58 Majors, 50 have been won by either Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic (plus three each by Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka), including the most recent 11.  Top seed and defending champion Djokovic is seeking his fifth Major title in the last six.

While the all-time legends continue to dominate the final weekend of Majors, the sport’s stars of the future are closer and closer to being the stars of today.  The current top 10 includes #4 Dominic Thiem (25) who made an early exit, #5 Daniil Medvedev (23) who won Cincinnati recently, #6 Sascha Zverev (22), #8 Stefanos Tsitsipas (21) who is also gone at the time of writing, and #9 Karen Khachanov (23) gone too.  Eventually, the generational page will turn.

WOMEN

It’s a very different scene in the women’s draw where the last 11 Majors have seen nine different winners, six of whom won their first-ever Grand Slam title.  Can Naomi Osaka defend the crown?  Can Simona Halep use the momentum from winning Wimbledon to take her first US Open?  Or will Aussie Ash Barty make a comeback and take out her first US Open?  And what can 15-year old American Coco Gauff – who has been granted a wild card entry into the main draw – do for an encore after her electric debut at Wimbledon? Her second round match is scheduled for Friday morning.

If it is Serena Williams the last woman standing, it would be her first title as a mom and her 24th Major title, tying the record held by Margaret Court.

Tennis fans who don’t want to pay to see the action will have to wait until the finals start. For them SBS will be the place to be.
Mediaweek has information for both broadcasters with schedule details.

See ESPN US Open TV Guide here.

How to watch US Open LIVE on SBS

Watc the US Open from the quarter-finals onwards live, free and in HD on SBS from 1am Wednesday September 4 or streamed live via SBS On Demand.

There are daily highlights and interviews on the SBS Sport website on every day of the tournament.

Off the back of her French Open triumph, world number two Ash Barty will compete for a second singles grand slam win for the year.

Barty is on course for a fourth round clash against world no.14 Angelique Kerber, with Karolina Pliskova, Serena Williams, Madison Keys and Elina Svitolina also on her side of the draw.

At the time of writing, Barty won her opening games and has qualified for the third round.

Grand slam icons Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic will also be in action, after Serena Williams accounted for rival Maria Sharapova in their first ever US Open clash this week.

Following on from the drama of last year’s final, reigning champion – and world number one – Naomi Osaka is joined by Simona Halep, Kiki Bertens, Petra Kvitova on the other side of the draw from Barty and Williams.

Federer (currently on 20 singles grand slams) is eyeing a 21st title, while 2017 US Open champion Rafael Nadal (18) would move to within one grand slam of the Swiss star if he reigns at Flushing Meadows.

World number 1 Djokovic (16) will have other ideas though – and the Serb is gunning for his third grand slam of the year to close the gap to one major behind Nadal.

Nick Kyrgios plays his second round match Friday morning after winning his first appearance in three sets.

Meanwhile, last year’s fairy tale story John Millman was sadly eliminated in a difficult opening round clash with Nadal.

SBS matches

Wednesday 4th September
Quarter-finals – day 9 – 0100 – 0600 (AEST) + 0900 – 1400 (AEST)

Thursday 5th September
Quarter-finals – day 10 – 0100 – 0600 (AEST) + 0900 – 1400 (AEST)

Friday 6th September
Women’s semi-finals – 0900 – 1400 (AEST)

Saturday 7th September
Men’s semi-finals – 0600 – 1400 (AEST)

Sunday 8th September
Women’s final – 0600 – 0900 (AEST)

Monday 9th September
Men’s final – 0600 – 1000 (AEST)

Thursday Week 35 2019

By James Manning 

• Seven News 968,000/945,000
• Nine News 871,000/862,000
• A Current Affair 702,000
• ABC News 659,000
• 7.30 554,000
• The Project 256,000/440,000
• 10 News First 376,000
• The Drum 164,000
• SBS World News 147,000

Breakfast TV

• Sunrise 283,000
• Today 221,000

Seven

Home and Away ended its week on 553,000.

There was a special treat for The Front Bar audience last night with Marty Sheargold stepping in for Sam Pang. The show featured a trio of Shaws as special guests – Rhyce, Heath and Ray. The program did 365,000 with 215,000 in Melbourne.

Nine

A Current Affair was in the 700,000s again last night, just, with 702,000 watching.

The NRL then did 294,000, one of the smaller Thursday audiences of the year with 164,000 in Sydney and 103,000 in Brisbane. 

10

The channel made the most of having the non-sport entertainment option and pulled one of its best shares of the year. 10 was #1 under 50 with a commercial share of 33.4% in that demo.

The Bachelor did 720,000 and won the younger demos and only trailed Gogglebox under 50.

The TV critics let fly at Seven’s new The Proposal on Gogglebox with 804,000 watching, the biggest audience since October last year.

ABC

Jane Hall was house hunting in the Blue Mountains on Escape From The City with 410,000 watching.

SBS

The biggest audience was 158,000 watching Going Places With Ernie Dingo. Gourmet Farmer then did 134,000.

Two episodes of Riviera premiered the series on SBS with an average audience of 81,000 across the two hours.