Wednesday February 6, 2019
Radio ratings preview: ARN’s Duncan Campbell on 2019 plans
By James Manning
The first survey of 2019 started on January 20 and runs through until March 2 with the first ratings results to be released on Tuesday March 12.
As we await the first survey results, Mediaweek has another in the series of interviews with network content directors.
Last week we spoke with Triple M’s Mike Fitzpatrick, today we are with ARN’s national content director Duncan Campbell.
Sydney key to ARN’s best year ever
The radio brands KIIS and Pure Gold had what ARN labelled its best year ever in 2018. As part of that result, Campbell said its Sydney stations both performed strongly.
Although KIIS FM gets much of the credit, WSFM did very well too. The Pure Gold station finished with a strong survey and along the way had a couple of surveys with higher than expected results and also one lower than expected.
“There is a lot of competition between us and smoothfm in terms of audience sharing,” said Campbell. “The presentation styles are both very different but they are both very strong stations.”
Campbell was happy to see the gap between smoothfm and WSFM narrow from 0.6 to 0.4 in December, but he and his boss Ciaran Davis don’t want to be trailing anybody, unless it is another ARN station.
“The cume last year for WSFM remained very solid. There seemed to be a bit of additional stickiness for smoothfm late in the year. We are not concerned about separate survey movements, and WSFM has never sounded better and [content director] Scott Muller is doing a tremendous job and the breakfast show is humming along.
“That combined with the KIIS 106.5 result gives us a strong duopoly for ARN in Sydney.”
WSFM breakfast with Jonesy and Amanda couldn’t have finished the year better with a 1.8 jump to 9.0%.
One important loss for the station and the breakfast show was Laura Bouchet moving to Triple M. While that should improve the SCA product, you wouldn’t necessarily expect an impact on the WSFM ratings in survey one.
While not addressing the departure of anyone in particular, Campbell recently told Mediaweek that producing a breakfast show can take its toll on the team over time. “It’s not always a bad thing if there is a turnover at some point. It seems to happen at many shows every couple of years and I don’t see it as an issue at all.”
The music at several Sydney stations is starting to sound alike with older audiences being well catered to. Campbell: “My personal view is that there has been, in some cases, a step too far. It is the result of the reduction in passion levels for new music. We are seeing the music cycle change for the first time in over 10 years. All stations have adjusted their playlist categories. Each station has slightly different targets.”
Melbourne poised for growth after introducing new talent
Much work has been done on the rebuilding of both ARN stations, but it is Gold 104.3 where they have recently had success with the station and breakfast newcomer Christian O’Connell.
“The Gold result is significant for us. It was a risky strategy for us to bring talent in from outside the country in the case of Jase and PJ from Auckland and Christian O’Connell from London and put them in a major market where they are unknown.”
There has been good growth for Gold while growth also, albeit not so robust, at Mix 101.1.
“If we can get both shows turning around in their first years that would be pretty impressive. The biggest challenge was that both teams were unknown. When you are up against strong habitual listening on stations like Fox and Nova you need to give the listeners a pretty good reason to change stations.
“Christian is unique and appeals to an adult audience and Jase and PJ have been very consistent with high quality content which appeals slightly younger. I was prepared for it to take two years, but I don’t think it is going to.”
Campbell also referred to Will and Woody in drive as something of a risk too. “The content and the chemistry is there and we will continue to build familiarity for the show.”
Brisbane audiences surf the dial
In Brisbane, 97.3 didn’t have a great finish to the year and ARN is working hard for an early 2019 recovery. Survey seven was a poor result (“There is no hiding from that”) said Campbell, but breakfast moved back closer to the pack in survey eight.
“It wasn’t a station result, or a content result, there was a lot of churn in the market with new talent. SCA did a good job of marketing Hit 105 and it was a smart move.”
Triple M surprised its competitors and just when some thought it could fall away again, the station added share with breakfast over 14%.
Adelaide delivers again with two 10%+ stations
ARN managed what no other broadcaster managed in 2018 – its two stations finished the year with shares over 10% in the final two surveys.
Mix 102.3 was #1 all year (21 consecutive wins) while Jodie and Soda won their 11th consecutive survey.
The two AM stations in the market – Nova Entertainment’s Fiveaa and ARN’s Cruise – turned it on late in the year, but then Fiveaa fell away a little in survey eight. In survey seven Cruise led three FM stations and ended the year in front of two – Tripe M and Hit 107.
Perth target getting closer
96FM in Perth had a good end to the year and is on the way to double figures, which Campbell said was a target in 2019.
He called Nova in Perth a very strong station which was kept focused by long time station managing director (and Campbell’s one time boss) Gary Roberts who stepped down last year.
“There has been many challenges for us in Perth, but we don’t give up, we keep on going.”
ARN appoints new executive producer for WSFM’s Jonesy & Amanda
Michael has been promoted to the role of executive producer after working on the show as a senior producer for the past year.
The ARN promotion comes following the recent departure of EP Laura Bouchet who announced her departure in January one morning and was then on gardening leave within minutes. Bouchet starts her new role as breakfast EP at Triple M Sydney next month.
Michael has previously held producer and senior producer roles with Nova in Sydney and Adelaide, and Fiveaa in Adelaide.
Of the appointment, WSFM content director Scott Muller said: “Millie is an experienced producer with a passion for breakfast radio and she has been an invaluable asset to the team since she joined us. Jonesy, Amanda and I are extremely happy Millie will be taking on this role as executive producer, making for a seamless transition for the whole team.”
Millie Michael said: “Working with Jonesy & Amanda is a dream come true, not only are they one of Sydney’s most successful and loved breakfast teams, we genuinely laugh together every day and have so much fun making this show for our audience. We have kicked off 2019 with great guests, smashed the Guinness World Record for biggest Yum Cha meal and of course there has been plenty of on air fun with Jonesy & Amanda – and we’re just getting started.”
ARN will announce the appointment of Jonesy & Amanda’s new senior producer in coming weeks.
IAB launches future of measurement project with new research director
The project, known as the Future of Measurement will see the IAB deliver a plan that encompasses measurement solutions, standards for ad measurement, delivery and verification, as well as guidelines and best practices, with the goal of delivering data and meaningful metrics to marketers, agencies and publishers to enable them to assess opportunities and track performance in a complex cross media world.
Commencing this month with extensive engagement with key stakeholders and industry bodies in the local market on the buy and sell side, and an assessment of various developments in overseas markets, the IAB will also be conducting a buy and sell side research survey on market.
The findings from the market analysis will be presented at an industry Town Hall meeting on 25th March where other interested parties will also have the chance to discuss the next steps.
A final report for market is expected to be released in April 2019.
The project will be spearheaded by IAB Australia CEO Gai Le Roy and newly appointed IAB Australia research director Natalie Stanbury (pictured).
Stanbury, who will start work with the IAB Australia on 11th February, was previously research director at News Corp Australia. She brings more than 19 years research experience to her role including five years as head of research & insights with Fairfax Media, as well as working with ninemsn and Ticketek.
Gai Le Roy, CEO of IAB Australia, commented: “While the IAB has been consistently leading the efforts to drive continual enhancements of our markets digital advertising measurement solutions, it’s been five years since we conducted a complete review of the market requirements. As the peak body for digital advertising, we hold a great deal of responsibility to ensure all voices are heard and that a comprehensive plan is developed to address the future requirements for both audience and cross media measurement. We look forward to working with industry on this Future of Measurement project.”
Commenting on Stanbury’s appointment Le Roy said: “I’m delighted that Natalie has agreed to join me at the IAB. Her research pedigree is exceptional and I’m confident that all in market will agree that her appointment is a real win for the ongoing development and focus of our online advertising industry.”
When and where to watch The Walking Dead season 9, part 2
The details of the Australian broadcast times comes just a day after the US broadcaster, AMC, confirmed there would be a season 10 of The Walking Dead.
The second half of The Walking Dead season nine finds the groups of survivors, both old and new, continuing to deal with the impact of events that took place during the six years that have passed.
Since the disappearance of Rick, many of these characters have become strangers to each other, and in some ways, strangers to themselves. What they do know is that they are in undeniable danger. They will soon realise the world just beyond does not operate as they thought.
The group’s rules and ways of survival no longer guarantee their safety. A whole new threat has crossed their paths, and they soon discover it’s unlike any threat they have encountered or endured before.
The group will start to question what they think they see. What may appear to be normal in this post-apocalyptic world could actually be more disturbing and terrifying than when the apocalypse first broke out. All that is certain is the stakes are high and numerous.
Based on the comic book series written by Robert Kirkman and published by Image Comics, The Walking Dead tells the story of the months and years after a zombie apocalypse and follows a group of survivors who travel in search of a safe and secure home.
The series is executive produced by chief content officer Scott M. Gimple, with showrunner Angela Kang, Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd, Dave Alpert, Greg Nicotero, Tom Luse and Denise Huth.
For viewers wanting to catch up on past seasons of The Walking Dead, every episode is currently available to stream through Foxtel On Demand on internet-connected iQ set-top-boxes and on streaming service Foxtel Now.
Sky News Raw: How UK news channel celebrated its 30th birthday
Sky News viewers were offered the chance to see how the news is made, with a day of special coverage offering unprecedented access behind the scenes.
Sky News Raw was broadcast on its own pop-up channel from 7am to 5pm – 30 years to the day since Sky News aired its first bulletin.
Key editorial meetings, every element of the newsgathering process and live studio and outside broadcasts were all being shown on the special channel.
Fixed cameras were capturing what was going on in the Sky News newsroom in west London, events in the political nerve-centre at Westminster, as well as what was happening in the on-air TV galleries, the Sky News studios and locations around central London.
Viewers also got the chance to follow a day in the life of a reporter in one of Sky’s bureaus as they tackled a news story.
John Ryley, the head of Sky News, said: “Over the last 30 years, Sky News has earned its reputation as one of the UK’s most trusted news organisations – offering original, distinct journalism and clarity in what is an increasingly uncertain world.
“But now is the time to look forward to the next 30 years of Sky News, to offer viewers a glimpse of the news organisation of the future.
“Sky News Raw will do just that – we look forward to opening our doors and inviting the viewer in.”
A four-hour recorded stream (with not much happening) of Sky News Raw showing a 360 degree view of the newsroom is available on YouTube.
TV Ratings Analysis: February 5
Week 6 2019 – Summer schedule – Tuesday
By James Manning
FTA early evening TV news/current affairs
• Seven News 965,000/932,000
• Nine News 882,000/883,000
• A Current Affair 715,000
• ABC News 719,000
• 7.30 542,000
• 10 News First 379,000
• SBS World News 134,000
Breakfast TV
• Sunrise 293,000
• Today 209,000
• News Breakfast 114,000
Week 6 Reality Battle
Married At First Sight
• Sunday 1,088,000
• Monday 1,117,000
• Tuesday 1,167,000
My Kitchen Rules
• Sunday 808,000
• Monday 841,000
• Tuesday 799,000
I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here
• Sunday 591,000/662,000
• Monday 561,000/520,000
• Tuesday 545,000/555,000
Seven
The teams on My Kitchen Rules travelled to the Murray River last night close to Eucha as country couple Mick and Jodie-Anne made a mess of things. Their first two courses scored just 9 out of a possible 40 from Pete and Manu. Things improved slightly for dessert with 11 out of 20. They now share the bottom of the leader board with fellow first group contestants Karito and Ian.
The Good Doctor followed with the Seven audience slipping a little to 577,000. It did 552,000 on Tuesday last week.
Nine
Vigilante pensioners and jilted Married At First Sight bride Lizzie were among the stories on A Current Affair. After 808,000 Monday, the Tuesday audience was 715,000.
The Nine metro audience then surged by 400,000 as ratings magnet Married At First Sight got underway. The last of the couples started their honeymoon, except one bride who was still wondering what happened on her planned wedding day, with 1.16m watching. That was not only the best this week so far, but also the best this season.
The year-to-date MAFS stats are impressive with the Tuesday consolidated audience up 132,000 from last week. The broadcast video on demand (BVOD) numbers are all up close to 100% or more year-on-year. The key demo metro numbers are also up dramatically year-on-year.
MAFS was also key to a successful return for Travel Guides. The launch of season three saw the biggest launch episode ever with 752,000. That was enough to secure a timeslot metro network win plus it was #1 in each east coast mainland capital.
10
The Project ended with some fun about how the Chinese celebrate their New Year with Lawrence Leung talking about the Year of the Pig. After 7pm the episode did 414,000 after 460,000 on Monday.
Former Hawthorn football greats have a long tradition on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! and they have been delivering for the program this season. Dermott Brereton departed last night though and Shane Crawford indicated he wants to leave too, admitting how homesick he was for his family. The episode did 545,000 and then 555,000 for the elimination.
The second episode of Hughesy We Have A Problem was on 408,000 after launching with 498,000 in a less competitive slot a week ago. The episode featured a great cast including a return to primetime for Tom Ballard.
ABC
Hannah Gadsby on 7.30 with Leigh Sales was a viewing highlight as the episode did 530,000.
Foreign Correspondent then did 368,000.
After an audience of 375,000 last week, the buzz around who won The Great Australian Bee Challenge wasn’t quite so loud with 323,000 watching superstar chef Peter Gilmore doing what many of us would like to – putting one after the other of spoons of honey in his mouth.
SBS
The final episode of Michael Portillo’s Great American Railroad Journeys did 249,000.
A repeat of Insight then did 152,000.
8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown was on Foxtel and SBS at the same time last night, with 90,000 watching the series return on SBS.
Week 6 TV: Tuesday
| TUESDAY METRO | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABC | Seven | Nine | 10 | SBS | |||||
| ABC | 10.7% | 7 | 21.6% | 9 | 25.3% | 10 | 12.3% | SBS One | 4.3% |
| ABC 2 | 2.8% | 7TWO | 3.6% | GO! | 2.8% | 10 Bold | 3.5% | VICELAND | 0.7% |
| ABC ME | 0.6% | 7mate | 2.3% | GEM | 1.8% | 10 Peach | 1.6% | Food Net | 0.9% |
| ABC NEWS | 1.2% | 7flix | 1.5% | 9Life | 1.8% | NITV | 0.1% | ||
| 7Food | 0.4% | ||||||||
| TOTAL | 15.4% | 29.4% | 31.8% | 17.4% | 6.0% | ||||
| TUESDAY REGIONAL | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABC | Seven Affiliates | Nine Affiliates | 10 Affiliates | SBS | |||||
| ABC | 10.9% | 7 | 23.5% | 9 | 18.0% | WIN | 12.0% | SBS One | 4.0% |
| ABC 2 | 3.4% | 7TWO | 5.0% | GO! | 3.0% | WIN Bold | 3.0% | VICELAND | 0.5% |
| ABC ME | 0.8% | 7mate | 3.3% | GEM | 4.3% | WIN Peach | 1.4% | Food Net | 1.1% |
| ABC NEWS | 1.2% | 7flix | 1.5% | 9Life | 1.8% | Sky News on WIN | 1.0% | NITV | 0.2% |
| TOTAL | 16.3% | 33.3% | 27.1% | 17.4% | 5.6% | ||||
| TUESDAY METRO ALL TV | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTA | STV | ||||||||
| 87.9% | 12.1% | ||||||||
TUESDAY FTA
- Married At First Sight Nine 1,167,000
- Seven News Seven 965,000
- Seven News / Today Tonight Seven 932,000
- Nine News 6:30 Nine 883,000
- Nine News Nine 882,000
- My Kitchen Rules – Seven 799,000
- Travel Guides Nine 752,000
- ABC News ABC 719,000
- A Current Affair Nine 715,000
- The Good Doctor- Seven 577,000
- I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! Elimination 10 555,000
- I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! 10 545,000
- 7.30 ABC 542,000
- The Chase Australia Seven 530,000
- The Project 7pm 10 414,000
- Hughesy, We Have A Problem 10 408,000
- Hot Seat Nine 398,000
- 10 News First 10 379,000
- Foreign Correspondent ABC 368,000
- The Chase Australia-5pm Seven 336,000
Demo Top 5
16-39 Top Five
- Married At First Sight – Nine 360,000
- Travel Guides Nine 203,000
- My Kitchen Rules – Seven 162,000
- I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! Elimination 10 137,000
- I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! 10 134,000
18-49 Top Five
- Married At First Sight – Nine 580,000
- Travel Guides Nine 371,000
- My Kitchen Rules – Seven 290,000
- I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! Elimination 10 250,000
- I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! 10 245,000
25-54 Top Five
- Married At First Sight – Nine 617,000
- Travel Guides Nine 397,000
- My Kitchen Rules – Seven 327,000
- I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! Elimination 10 293,000
- I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! 10 279,000
TUESDAY Multichannel
- Bluey PM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 159,000
- Rusty Rivets ABCKIDS/COMEDY 157,000
- Octonauts ABCKIDS/COMEDY 155,000
- Peter Rabbit ABCKIDS/COMEDY 153,000
- Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom ABCKIDS/COMEDY 147,000
- NCIS (R) 10 Bold 147,000
- Peppa Pig AM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 140,000
- Peppa Pig PM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 137,000
- Crime Investigation Australia: Most Inf 7ATMWOUS PM 136,000
- Shaun The Sheep ABCKIDS/COMEDY 134,000
- Go Jetters PM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 133,000
- Dino Dana ABCKIDS/COMEDY 132,000
- Andy’s Wild Adventures ABCKIDS/COMEDY 126,000
- Floogals AM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 125,000
- Fireman Sam AM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 123,000
- Pj Masks PM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 122,000
- Neighbours 10 Peach 121,000
- Hey Duggee AM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 120,000
- Noddy Toyland Detective PM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 120,000
- CSI: Miami 10 Bold 116,000
TUESDAY STV
- Paul Murray Live Sky News Live 65,000
- The Bolt Report Sky News Live 52,000
- Jones & Co Sky News Live 49,000
- Criminal Minds TVH!TS 48,000
- The Great British Bake Off LifeStyle FOOD 47,000
- Bones TVH!TS 42,000
- Yes, Prime Minister FOX Classics 38,000
- Credlin Sky News Live 38,000
- Peppa Pig Nick Jr. 38,000
- NCIS TVH!TS 38,000
- Paw Patrol Nick Jr. 37,000
- PML Later Sky News Live 35,000
- Peppa Pig Nick Jr. 33,000
- Peppa Pig Nick Jr. 32,000
- BBL: Brisbane Heat V Perth Scorchers FOX CRICKET 31,000
- Nella The Princess Knight Nick Jr. 30,000
- Escape To The Country LifeStyle Channel 30,000
- Blaze And The Monster Machines Nick Jr. 29,000
- Family Guy FOX8 29,000
- CSI: Crime Scene Investigation TVH!TS 29,000
Shares all people, 6pm-midnight, Overnight (Live and AsLive), Audience numbers FTA metro, Sub TV national
Source: OzTAM and Regional TAM 2018. The Data may not be reproduced, published or communicated (electronically or in hard copy) without the prior written consent of OzTAM
Media News Roundup
Business of Media
Judge orders mediation talks for Michelle Guthrie and ABC
The order follows legal jousting in Sydney’s Federal Court yesterday at the first hearing of Guthrie’s legal action, filed in December after conciliation talks with the ABC broke down at the Fair Work Commission.
In a statement to The Australian yesterday, a spokesman for Guthrie said her objective had always been to achieve a “quick and fair resolution”, and she welcomed judge Jayne Jagot’s order directing the ABC to participate in mediation.
Director’s cut: Private equity owners sells Madman division to Sony
It is understood Madman sold its anime unit to Aniplex, which is another anime business owned by entertainment giant Sony.
It appears to be a good outcome for Madman, and its owner 5V, which invested and oversees the company alongside former media executives Brett Chenoweth and Charbel Nader.
The shareholders paid $21 million for Madman about four years ago – and now they have sold its anime unit, which is about one-third of the overall Madman business, for $35 million.
Belinda Rowe joining the board of radio operator HT&E
HT&E chairman Hamish McLennan said: “Belinda has a unique set of skills for the Australian market given her successful career as one of the top global executives at Publicis Media, the third largest media communications group in the world. She has both built and run global media businesses that are important and valuable attributes to HT&E, and we look forward to working alongside her.”
HT&E is now largely a radio operator and the home of Kyle and Jackie O, Jonesy and Amanda and recent UK immigrant Christian O’Connell. The board appointment could indicate HT&E is considering international opportunities or perhaps that Monash University graduate Rowe is considering a return to her homeland.
Rowe’s skills include a strong understanding of international marketing, communication, media and digital having developed a business and digital transformation capability and successful client practice in her global role at ZenithOptimedia.
Rowe recently created a content marketing business across 32 markets within Publicis Media advising on digital capabilities including programmatic, content, mobile, social and the application of data and technology.
Based in the UK for the last nine years, Rowe and was a member of the global management executive team of Publicis Media and ZenithOptimedia, as well as chairing the UK leadership team of CEO’s of all the Publicis Media businesses. Prior to moving to the UK in 2009 Rowe was CEO of ZenithOptimedia for 10 years in Australia.
Labor demands seat at selection table for ABC’s new chair
“Labor expects to be genuinely consulted with reasonable notice on the appointment of the new ABC chair,” Rowland said.
“Safeguarding the independence of the ABC is crucial.”
Rowland said the government’s “track record on ABC independence is woeful, including their repeated disregard for the independent nomination panel process for board appointments”.
Concerns about fake news fail to slow growth of Google advertising
Concerns about fake news and the wanton commercialisation of consumer data have done little to clip their dominance of online advertising. It’s all the more reason for regulatory oversight.
Alphabet’s revenue rose 22% in the fourth quarter of 2018 from the same period the previous year. The company’s digital advertising business continues to go gangbusters. Revenue from that part of the business rose 20% year over year, and accounted for over 80% of the company’s total revenue.
Google and Facebook’s domination of search and social media, their profits from internet advertising, the data they have collected, and the infrastructure they have created make it hard to see anything – outside regulation – curbing either company over the next several years. Given their deep wells of consumer information, this also sets them up nicely to rule the next wave of internet things to come.
News Brands
Peter Stefanovic talks about life after Nine on Sky News with Peter Gleeson
Stefanovic has covered wars in the Middle East, the marriage of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Barack Obama’s election and the trial of Oscar Pistorius.
But he was most definitive when it came to US President Donald Trump, during an interview on Sky News’ The Front Page with Peter Gleeson.
Stefanovic told Gleeson he is using his time off to “reset” after leaving the Nine Network after 15 years.
When asked how he’s been coping, Stefanovic said, “Well, you know, it hasn’t been without its challenges, that’s for sure.
“Believe it or not, I’m usually quite a shy sort of person, so seeing so much negativity play out in the press for weeks and months on end does have its challenges and can be difficult to deal with at times.
“But I always try to just focus on work; it’s what I’ve always done. I had 15 wonderful years at Channel 9 now this a great opportunity to kind of reset and try new projects, which is very exciting.”
Radio
SCA’s Fox and Triple M launch partnership with St Kilda Festival
Taking place this Sunday February 10, the festival will feature seven stages of free live music along with markets, food stalls, and free activities for all ages with live broadcasts from The Fox and Triple M.
Triple M will broadcast live from the Rock Lounge located on the Upper Esplanade from 12pm with the Triple M Rock Patrol handing out giveaways on the day.
The Fox will also be hits from the Lower Esplanade from 12pm with Fox FM’s Black Thunders onsite with a giant Jenga for listeners to play and score some prizes, there will also be the Fox photo booth.
General manager of Southern Cross Austereo Melbourne Dave Cameron said: “The St Kilda Festival has grown to be so big and iconic now that we decided to have both of our radio stations there to cover the action and help Melbourne party at one of Australia’s biggest festivals.”
Television
Foxtel’s Brian Walsh not happy Gogglebox stars critical of show
“You will not see a review of them on Gogglebox,” executive director of television Brian Walsh told TV Tonight.
“From a promotional point of view the issue that upsets Foxtel is the exploitation of the Gogglebox brand to market and sell another program.”
Yvie and Angie, along with Tom and Wayne, resigned from the show late last year but 10 cast the girls in I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! It’s understood to have caused some friction behind the scenes.
“There’s not much you can do about it, because they made the decision to leave Gogglebox and they are quite entitled to pursue a career in television. So that’s their choice,” Walsh acknowledged.
“But I was incredibly disappointed that they were critical of Foxtel and the appearance fee money we paid them to do Gogglebox. I thought that was unfair, unnecessary and unwarranted.”
Hannah Gadsby tells Leigh Sales about retirement, success and a new show
The notoriously private comedian told Sales that her enormous success after her stand-up special, Nanette, has been “disorientating at best” and caused her to retreat in the past few months.
“It’s quite difficult to be a, you know, unassuming sort of person and be in a very assuming position,” she says. “I’m trying to be humble and I’m finding it easier to just hide, so I’ve been spending a lot of time on my own – not networking, which is a real waste of my moment. Yeah, it’s been a lot.”
With the influx of interest in her since Nanette was released on Netflix mid-way through last year, Gadsby said she had to learn to pass up opportunities that she would have once considered golden. And while she’s fully aware of the success she’s had, it didn’t come for free.
“I’ve learnt to really use the word ‘no’ a lot,” she told Sales. “I’ve been asked to do things that I would’ve once jumped at the chance of doing, and it’s really hard to strike that balance.”
Sports Media
Cricket: Seven and Fox Sport’s summer of cricket cut to five Tests
While the nation toasts its capital’s fine debut this week, cricket is farewelling its familiar six-Test summer because cricket’s custodians are winding back Test cricket to give it more “context”.
After opening the next summer with three T20s against Sri Lanka, the Australians will play two Tests against Pakistan and three against New Zealand, with more T20s and ODIs sprinkled through the summer. That’s the new normal – five-Test summers are locked in all the way to 2022-23.
New Magazines This Week
