Wednesday July 24, 2019
One Year Until Tokyo 2020, Seven launches Olympic TV channel
By James Manning
This week Seven launches The Olympics Channel on 7plus, which will broadcast until the Tokyo games start. It will run a feed that comes from the IOC that tells the stories about the athletes and the Olympics. Some of the Olympic partners will be able to run messages on the channel.
Seven’s Jim Wilson hosting Seven’s Tokyo 2020 launch
Although Seven has traditionally been the home of the Olympics in Australia, that hasn’t always been the case.
Nine has the rights to London 2012 and 10 was the rights holder for the Sochi 2014 Winter Games. The rights returned to Seven for Rio in 2016 and the PyeongChang Winter Olympics in 2018. Seven also had the Commonwealth Games that year on the Gold Coast.
Tokyo is the last event under Seven’s current IOC contract. The network won’t speculate on negotiations to continue the relationship.
The Tokyo games is the 20th anniversary of the Sydney 2000 Olympics and Seven calculates that Tokyo will be much bigger – both in terms of audience and advertising partnership dollars.
“The 2020 games will have the largest audience for any event in the history of media in Australia and it will be the largest digital event in history,” Seven chief revenue officer Kurt Burnette told Mediaweek.
Seven’s Kurt Burnette at Seven’s Tokyo 2020 launch
You couldn’t have a better Olympics promoter than Burnette who told Mediaweek Tokyo will be his 13th Olympics (summer and winter) since 1992 Barcelona.
He is reluctant to reveal too much about discussions with major commercial partners, but 12 months out he hinted he is more advanced with those partners than Seven ever has been previously.
He noted there were more opportunities than ever before. Just one daytime spot will reach a huge audition and there is much opportunity across the TV channels and digital.
As far as calculating how Seven will make money from its Olympic relationship, Burnette said: “We look at Olympics Games over the whole year to make sense of these investments. Every sport has its price and if it stacks up financially then it is the right thing to do for us. We think these games will deliver a great financial success for the network.
“The scale of this event means there has been nothing like it this decade and there will be nothing like it in the next decade. It’s a significant moment in media.”
Factors boosting the audience include the one-hour time difference with Japan, the way Seven will deliver the Games and the bigger Australian population.
The coverage on Seven will use “megawalls” on its linear channels to push people toward digital streams at different parts of the day.
“That’s not something that is easy to do, but we have learnt about that from Rio,” said Burnette.
Something else that Seven learnt in Rio is that people won’t pay to watch Olympic coverage. Seven offered a subscription tier that didn’t attract many subscribers. People will have to “pay” in a different way for full digital access for Tokyo. But the currency will be their email and private information instead of dollars.
There will be limited access available to people who don’t sign in, but to access everything you need to be a 7plus subscriber. That will give viewers as much as another 2000 hours of content plus access to 4K coverage and program guides. “The cost of entry for that is simply personal information – age, gender and location,” said Burnette. “That is powerful for us and for the consumer it is free.”
Seven is promising advertisers that during the Tokyo Olympics Seven will command a minimum 60% commercial share in every part of the day. It is also forecasting a 70% share of BVOD during that time.
Seven is also promising advertisers less clutter during the games. “The broadcasts will carry the least amount of messaging for any Olympic Games.”
Burnette said Seven has only been in market talking to potential partners for five or six weeks.
—
Top Photo: Seven’s Kurt Burnette with Starcom’s Toby Barbour
Publicis Sport & Entertainment expands to Australia
Publicis Groupe has announced the expansion of its Publicis Sport & Entertainment (PSE) offering into Australia, with Lion Dairy & Drinks’ Dare Iced Coffee engaging PSE to drive the brand’s esports strategy.
Publicis Sport & Entertainment is a global Publicis Groupe solution that helps brands and rights holders use sport and entertainment to optimise their return from sponsorships, and broader sports media channels.
Working alongside Publicis Media agency, Starcom – which counts Lion Dairy & Drinks as a client – Publicis Sport & Entertainment has been charged with developing Dare Iced Coffee’s approach to reaching the highly-engaged fans in the esports and gaming industry.
Darryn Wallace, Marketing and Innovation Director, Lion Dairy & Drinks said: “We’re excited to be working with Publicis Sport & Entertainment and Starcom to evolve our esports strategy and supercharge our engagement with this hard-to-reach audience.”
In Australia, Publicis Sport & Entertainment is being led by Director, Ashley O’Rourke. He reports into Patrick Whitnall, Publicis Media’s Head of Content and Sport ANZ.
Patrick Whitnall
Whitnall said: “This new offering allows us the opportunity to create an integrated sport and entertainment solution, providing our clients with a full portfolio that includes strategic consulting, research, creative leadership, content production, PR, social, digital and experiential execution across the group. To do this we have hired one of the rising stars in the sector, Ashley O’Rourke, who has led some of the best-in-class sports partnerships in market.”
Michael Rebelo, CEO, Publicis Groupe ANZ added: “As a group, one of our strengths is our ability to provide clients end-to-end solutions through the diverse capabilities of our agency businesses. While we continue to do a lot of work in sponsorship, the addition of Publicis Sport & Entertainment will further boost our ability to make sure that clients are maximising the return from their sponsorship investment within the context of their overall media and marketing strategy.
“Publicis Sport & Entertainment is already starting to work with agencies within our group as we continue to drive more collaboration for our clients, including through our unique Power of One model.”
Publicis Sport & Entertainment operates in key markets including the US, UK and Europe, offering brands and rights holders in sports and entertainment access to all Publicis Groupe capabilities.
—
Top Photo: Ashley O’Rourke
MasterChef Australia – Winner celebrates, judges depart
Larissa Takchi has become the youngest winner in MasterChef Australia history, crowned victorious at just 22 years old with a huge score of 85/90 following the Grand Finale of the competition.
Larissa beat fellow competitors Tessa Boersma and Simon Toohey, taking home not only the MasterChef Australia title and trophy, but a cash prize of $250,000 to kick-start her food dream, a monthly column in Australia’s leading premium food magazine, Delicious, and a top of the range Holden Equinox.
Here are 10’s highlights from the final night – episode 61, 2019:
Thrilled to be sharing this moment with her family and fellow contestants, Restaurant Manager Larissa Takchi, 22, from New South Wales said: “MasterChef isn’t just a cooking show, it’s a lifestyle change. To think that I was just an ordinary girl living an ordinary life in a small town, and now when I look into the mirror, I almost can’t recognise myself.
“When I applied for MasterChef, never in a million years did I think I would grow so much. The Grand Finale was the biggest test in the competition so far, but with the support of my family, Shannon Bennett and the judges, I honestly feel like I could conquer anything. I’m so excited to see what lies ahead.”
On behalf of the judges, Gary Mehigan said Larissa was a deserved winner, showing determination, inventiveness and maturity. “She thinks differently to the other contestants, and she loves a laugh and has a great sense of humour.
“For somebody that was so young and predominantly focused on the sweet side of creativity, I expected her to falter towards the end of the competition. In fact, the penny dropped, and everything started to come together and she improved in leaps and bounds and put up some of the best dishes that we have seen in MasterChef.
“We are all convinced that she will do brilliantly well and can’t wait to see what she does next,” he added.
Coming in second place with a score of 77/90, Criminal Statistician Tessa Boersma, 27, from Queensland, was awarded $30,000 courtesy of Canstar to help achieve her food dream.
Tessa said: “MasterChef has been a life changing experience. I want to thank the judges for mentoring me and giving me the confidence to be able to cope under pressure, back myself and overall be able to produce food I could have only once imagined being able to produce.
“I want to thank my fellow contestants whom without I wouldn’t have been able to cope being away from my family and friends for so long.”
Cocktail Barman Simon Toohey, 32, from Victoria, landed in third place with a score of 65/90, securing $20,000 courtesy of Canstar.
Simon said: “What an experience that was. I never beyond my wildest dreams believed I would be on MasterChef, let alone make it all the way to the finals. MasterChef has allowed me to meet some of the most amazing chefs and cooks from around the world.
“Food has always been a passion of mine, not only to create delicious dishes but to use food as a catalyst to reach new heights in sustainability awareness, and strive for a positive change in Australian food culture.
“The judges are brilliant and inspiring people. They support everyone, and through this support, they teach. By the end of my time in the MasterChef kitchen I had learnt more than I ever dreamed I would. I thank them from the bottom of my heart.”
Together Larissa, Tessa and Simon stood before this year’s eliminated contestants, and following an emotional reunion with their family and partners, were reminded that today for the first time ever, they would compete in a Grand Finale service challenge to claim victory.
The guest list was a who’s who of the MasterChef Australia family, comprising of some of the best chefs in the world including Curtis Stone, Kirsten Tibballs, Maggie Beer, Jock Zonfrillo, Darren Purchese and Donovan Cooke plus MasterChef royalty Julie Goodwin, Andy Allen, Brent Owens, Diana Chan and Sashi Cheliah.
Their mentors were also present – Matt Sinclair, Billie McKay and Poh Ling Yeow. And with the pressure ramped up, the judges had invited somebody very special to run today’s service, welcoming back former mentor and friend, Shannon Bennett.
For her entrée Tessa presented ‘Marron, Fennel, Caviar’, and the judges marvelled at her restraint and technical cooking. Simon’s ideology behind his ‘Roasted Beetroots and Beet Leaf Puree’ was commended, while Larissa’s ‘Roasted Bone Marrow with Onion Soubise’ was deemed genius and super sophisticated.
At the end of the course the judges revealed Tessa and Larissa both secured 27/30, while Simon was awarded 22/30.
For her main course, Larissa was confident in the flavours of her ‘Marron with Fennel Puree and Bisque’, and it was a winning dish, with Matt admitting it was generous in both flavour and texture. Tessa’s ‘Wagyu with Celeriac and Onions,’ was a stunning plate of food, while Simon’s ‘Lobster with Champagne Caviar Sauce’ was cooked beautifully, but lacked richness.
As the judges awarded 27/30 again to Tessa, 28/30 to Larissa and 21/30 to Simon, it was quickly becoming a two-horse race as the women of the competition prepared to battle it out in the dessert round.
Simon’s ‘Pumpkin Cake, Pumpkin Ice Cream and Earl Grey Tuile’ scored 22/30, bringing his total score to 65/90. And while Tessa’s ‘Lemon Meringue with Rosemary and Ginger’ was pretty, it was safe, securing her lowest score of the evening with 23/30, bringing her total score to 77/90. The decision left Larissa in prime position to take out the trophy, and she nailed her final course with her ‘Szechuan Pavlova, Beetroot and Blackberry Sorbet’ scoring a trio of perfect 10s, bringing her total to 85/90.
Larissa Takchi was awarded the title of MasterChef Australia for 2019.
MasterChef contracts cooked: 10 eliminates Matt, George & Gary
An Announcement From Network 10.
Network 10 today announced that Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris will not return as judges in the next season of MasterChef Australia.
Network 10 chief executive officer Paul Anderson said: “Despite months of negotiation, 10 has not been able to reach a commercial agreement that was satisfactory to Matt, Gary and George.
“Across 11 sensational seasons, MasterChef Australia has established itself as one of the most popular and respected cooking television series around the world. For more than a decade, the iconic series has shaped and driven the Australian public’s passion for food and cooking, delivered iconic television moments, and made the culinary dreams of everyday home cooks come true.
“We would like to thank Gary, George and Matt for their contribution over the past 11 years,” he said.
“MasterChef Australia has always been about ordinary Australians doing extraordinary things for the love of food and we believe it is very important to continue that ethos.
“Australia is full of remarkable cooking talent and we can’t wait to introduce another group – and the next generation of exceptional judges – in season 12 of MasterChef Australia next year.”
TV Demand: Dark continues to push past language barrier
By Trent Thomas
The only change at the top of the charts was The Voice Australia which was number two on the Overall TV charts last week but has now missed the charts entirely after having its finale in last weeks rating window.
However, one show that has continued to make it’s way into the charts the last few weeks is Dark which finds itself at number six on the Digital Originals chart in Australia. Dark is the first German-language Netflix original series and the only non-English show in the TV Demand Charts for both Australia and New Zealand.
The science fiction thriller was originally released on Netflix on December 1st, 2017 and is set in the fictional town of Winden, Germany, the show explores the fallout of a child’s disappearance which exposes the secrets of four estranged families as a sinister time travel conspiracy is revealed that spans across three generations.
The second season was released on Netflix on 21 June 2019 which explains its presence in the TV Demand charts for both June and July.
Next weeks ratings will feature the finale of Overall TV chart mainstay Big Little Lies so it will be interesting what type of boost it receives as its second season comes to a dramatic conclusion.
Leonardo DiCaprio's Ice on Fire to screen on Fox Showcase July 27
Ice on Fire features sweeping cinematography and was filmed in countries including Norway, America, Iceland, Switzerland, and Costa Rica and highlights the people at the forefront of the climate crisis, with insights from scientists, farmers, and innovators.
Ice on Fire emphasizes the importance of an immediate, two-pronged approach to reversing the crisis: reducing carbon emissions through traditional renewable energy sources, and implementing “drawdown” measures, focusing on methods for drawing down and sequestering carbon.
The HBO documentary film is produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, George DiCaprio and Mathew Schmid; directed by Leila Conners; narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio; producers, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mathew Schmid and Leila Conners; executive producers, George DiCaprio, Roee Sharon Peled; cinematography by Harun Mehmedinovic. For HBO: executive producers, Nancy Abraham and Lisa Heller.
Ice on Fire will feature on Foxtel’s Saturday night documentary slot, where award-winning HBO documentaries and films air each week at 8.30pm AEST, streaming on Foxtel Now and screening on Fox Showcase.
Shopper Media Group names Diane Litchfield Data & Insights Manager
The tool collates data from multiple providers with real-time shopper analytics to provide a high level of personalisation for their clients.
Anna Lenart, Marketing and insights director for Shopper Media Group said: “At Shopper Media we are focused on showcasing the efficacy of retail DOOH to our clients, and Diane will be working closely with Roy Morgan and Nielsen Homescan, which has recently joined our data ecosystem, to develop innovative, data-first consumer insights and marketing solutions to our clients around the country.”
Litchfield joins Shopper Media Group from News Corp where she spent close to 10 years working in insights across major media agency accounts. She will join the marketing and insights team headed by Anna Lenart, which is currently sharing its evolution of the modern grocery shopper 2019 research with the market.
On the apointment, Litchfield said: “I’m excited to be joining a company that is so fast-growing and committed to investing in the most advanced technology in the market to provide effective solutions for its client.”
Shopper Media Group, CEO Ben Walker said: “We believe in empowering our clients with a better understanding of their customers so they can execute the most effective and efficient campaigns. Diane is joining a team that provides pivotal and critical support to our clients with data-driven research that enables them to create more targeted campaigns and more meaningful, personalised and steamlined buys.”
TV Ratings Analysis: July 23
Tuesday Week 30 2019
By James Manning
• Seven News 1,041,000/1,018,000
• Nine News 925,000/926,000
• A Current Affair 762,000
• ABC News 647,000
• 7.30 465,000
• The Project 320,000/551,000
• 10 News First 405,000
• The Drum 194,000
• SBS World News 132,000
Breakfast TV
• Sunrise 282,000
• Today 201,000
Seven
The second evening of Home And Away this week was on 679,000 after 678,000 on Monday.
The Grand Final episode of House Rules revealed Pete and Courtney as the winners of $250,000 – plus a fully renovated home and garden. The final attracted an audience of 730,000 after 850,000 and 920,000 (winner announced) in 2018.
Andrew Denton’s Interview then featured his long-time friend and colleague Amanda Keller where most of the interest seemed to be just how annoyed was she with the Gold Logie winner’s acceptance speech. The episode did 507,000, which is the show’s biggest audience for some time.
Nine
Nine’s Tuesday combo, which was up against franchise grand finals on Seven and 10, won the night with Nine recording primary and combined channel share victories.
A Current Affair featured angry tradies chasing a developer for payment and then it looked at Instagram’s decision to stop counting “likes”. After 830,000 on Monday, the Tuesday episode did 762,000.
The last of the three Ninja Warrior semi-finals then screened with much interest around the performances of Olivia Vivian and her boyfriend Ben Polson. Both are seasoned Ninja contestants and Olivia is through to Sunday’s Grand Final while Ben failed to finish the course last night.
The first two semis did 998,000 and then 942,000. The third semi pulled a crowd of 887,000.
The 2017 movie The Hitman’s Bodyguard followed with 301,000.
10
What a strange night it was on 10. The afternoon announcement that 10 was not renewing the contracts of the MasterChef judges came just hours before the 2019 final was to air.
Matt Preston was booked for an appearance on The Project and it looked like he would be honouring that commitment, but just before he was to appear, the hosts introduced 10 showbiz editor and Studio 10 co-host Angela Bishop who spoke about the reality TV bombshell. The Project was on 551,000 after 512,000 on Monday.
Larissa Takchi then became the youngest winner in MasterChef Australia history, crowned victorious at just 22 years old with a score of 85/90 following the Grand Final of the competition.
Larissa beat fellow competitors Tessa Boersma and Simon Toohey, taking home not only the MasterChef Australia title and trophy, but a cash prize of $250,000 to kick-start her food dream, a monthly column in food magazine, delicious, and a top of the range Holden Equinox.
Coming in second place with a score of 77/90, criminal statistician Tessa Boersma, 27, from Queensland, was awarded $30,000 courtesy of Canstar to help achieve her food dream.
Cocktail barman Simon Toohey, 32, from Victoria, landed in third place with a score of 65/90, securing $20,000 courtesy of Canstar.
The guest list at the final was a who’s who of the dwindling MasterChef Australia family, comprising of some of the best chefs in the world including Curtis Stone, Kirsten Tibballs, Maggie Beer, Jock Zonfrillo, Darren Purchese and Donovan Cooke plus MasterChef royalty Julie Goodwin, Andy Allen, Brent Owens, Diana Chan and Sashi Cheliah. The MasterChef were also present – Matt Sinclair, Billie McKay and Poh Ling Yeow. Could any of them be a judge next year?
The MasterChef Grand Final did 887,000 for the first part and then lifted to 992,000 for the Winner Announced. The numbers for the 2018 final were 1.12m and then 1.31m for Winner Announced. Contrary to some commentary around the show is not a ratings basket case and continues to deliver very competitive demos to the advertisers.
An encore screening of My Life Is Murder then did 178,000.
ABC
Ask The Doctor did 340,000 at 8pm.
The doco Pangolins then did 286,000 followed by Brian Cox: The 21st Century Race for Space did 201,000.
SBS
Insight did 219,000 after 8.30pm.
It was preceded by another repeat episode of Who Do You Think You Are? with 125,000 watching the David Wenham story.
After 9.30pm 141,000 watched Stage 16 of the Tour de France.
Week 29 TV: Tuesday
| TUESDAY METRO | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABC | Seven | Nine | 10 | SBS | |||||
| ABC | 8.9% | 7 | 21.3% | 9 | 21.6% | 10 | 16.6% | SBS One | 5.6% |
| ABC KIDS/ ABC COMEDY | 2.6% | 7TWO | 1.8% | GO! | 2.8% | 10 Bold | 3.5% | VICELAND | 1.3% |
| ABC ME | 0.8% | 7mate | 3.0% | GEM | 2.4% | 10 Peach | 1.9% | Food Net | 1.1% |
| ABC NEWS | 1.3% | 7flix | 1.2% | 9Life | 1.5% | NITV | 0.1% | ||
| 7Food | 0.5% | SBS World Movies | 0.5% | ||||||
| TOTAL | 13.6% | 27.7% | 28.3% | 21.9% | 8.5% | ||||
| TUESDAY REGIONAL | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABC | Seven Affiliates | Nine Affiliates | 10 Affiliates | SBS | |||||
| ABC | 7.5% | 7 | 23.9% | 9 | 19.0% | WIN | 12.0% | SBS One | 4.4% |
| ABC KIDS/ ABC COMEDY | 2.3% | 7TWO | 3.4% | GO! | 3.7% | WIN Bold | 4.1% | VICELAND | 1.4% |
| ABC ME | 0.8% | 7mate | 4.7% | GEM | 3.7% | WIN Peach | 1.7% | Food Net | 1.2% |
| ABC NEWS | 1.1% | 7flix (Excl. Tas/WA) | 1.7% | 9Life | 1.6% | Sky News on WIN | 1.6% | NITV | 0.1% |
| 7food (QLD only) | 0.3% | ||||||||
| TOTAL | 11.7% | 33.9% | 27.9% | 19.4% | 7.1% | ||||
TUESDAY FTA
- Seven News Seven 1,041,000
- Seven News / Today Tonight Seven 1,018,000
- MasterChef Australia – The Winner Announced 10 992,000
- Nine News 6:30 Nine 926,000
- Nine News Nine 925,000
- Australian Ninja Warrior Nine 887,000
- MasterChef Australia – Grand Finale Part 2 10 831,000
- A Current Affair Nine 762,000
- House Rules Seven 730,000
- Home And Away Seven 679,000
- ABC News ABC 647,000
- The Chase Australia Seven 605,000
- The Project 7pm 10 551,000
- Hot Seat Nine 509,000
- Andrew Denton: Interview Seven 507,000
- 7.30 ABC 465,000
- 10 News First 10 405,000
- The Chase Australia-5pm Seven 375,000
- Ask The Doctor ABC 340,000
- The Project 6.30pm 10 320,000
Demo Top 5
16-39 Top Five
- MasterChef Australia – The Winner Announced 10 255,000
- MasterChef Australia – Grand Finale Part 2 10 232,000
- Australian Ninja Warrior Nine 185,000
- Seven News / Today Tonight Seven 158,000
- House Rules Seven 154,000
18-49 Top Five
- MasterChef Australia – The Winner Announced 10 434,000
- MasterChef Australia – Grand Finale Part 2 10 385,000
- Australian Ninja Warrior Nine 367,000
- Seven News / Today Tonight Seven 273,000
- Seven News Seven 245,000
25-54 Top Five
- MasterChef Australia – The Winner Announced 10 469,000
- Australian Ninja Warrior Nine 412,000
- MasterChef Australia – Grand Finale Part 2 10 409,000
- Seven News / Today Tonight Seven 333,000
- Seven News Seven 311,000
TUESDAY Multichannel
- Rusty Rivets ABCKIDS/COMEDY 194,000
- Dinosaur Train ABCKIDS/COMEDY 194,000
- Bluey AM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 188,000
- Go Jetters ABCKIDS/COMEDY 180,000
- Andy’s Safari Adventures ABCKIDS/COMEDY 175,000
- Floogals ABCKIDS/COMEDY 168,000
- Charlie And Lola ABCKIDS/COMEDY 159,000
- Peppa Pig AM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 154,000
- Peppa Pig PM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 150,000
- Kiri And Lou PM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 149,000
- Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom AM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 148,000
- NCIS (R) 10 Bold 147,000
- Outback Truckers PM 7mate 142,000
- PJ Masks PM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 139,000
- Highway Patrol-Ep.2 Pm 7mate 134,000
- Octonauts PM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 131,000
- Hey Duggee ABCKIDS/COMEDY 127,000
- Play School Art Time PM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 126,000
- The Justine Clarke Show! PM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 126,000
- Neighbours 10 Peach 125,000
TUESDAY STV
- Lawyer X: The Untold Story Sky News Live 96,000
- Wentworth FOX SHOWCASE 91,000
- Live: AFL 360 FOX FOOTY 63,000
- Paul Murray Live Sky News Live 56,000
- The Bolt Report Sky News Live 55,000
- Live: NRL 360 FOX LEAGUE 47,000
- Credlin Sky News Live 47,000
- Bob FOX FOOTY 41,000
- The Simpsons FOX8 39,000
- Family Guy FOX8 38,000
- The Simpsons FOX8 37,000
- Family Guy FOX8 37,000
- Live: The Back Page FOX SPORTS 503 36,000
- League Life FOX LEAGUE 35,000
- Blue Bloods TVH!TS 35,000
- NCIS: Los Angeles TVH!TS 32,000
- Paw Patrol Nick Jr. 32,000
- American Dad! FOX8 31,000
- Kid-E-Cats Nick Jr. 30,000
- PML Later Sky News Live 30,000
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
The Business of Media
Rex Validakis-Betar joins Network 10 as group strategy manager
In his new role, Validakis-Betar is responsible for helping shape and evolve Network 10’s strategy, working closely with the executive leadership and teams across the business.
Herd said: “Rex is passionate about solving the big problems, innovating constantly and helping 10 succeed in a rapidly-changing media world so I am very happy he has decided to take this role.
“We launched our Rocket Strategy in 2018 with the goal of connecting our platforms, connecting with our audiences, reconnecting with our clients, and refreshing the way we work together.
“Our multi-platform strategy is delivering great results, with strong growth from 10 Play and 10 Daily this year and the launch of 10 All Access and 10 Speaks over the past seven months. Rex will ensure that we keep hitting our strategic goals,” she said.
Validakis-Betar said: “I’m thrilled to be joining at an exciting time for Network 10 and television globally. With a great line-up of content for the rest of 2019 and into 2020, the launch of addressable advertising, the Rugby World Cup around the corner and the early success of our new platforms, the future looks bright.”
Nine prepares to keep NZ business, but sale processing ongoing
The sales process for Stuff is still underway and there are conversations with a number of parties. However, Nine has failed to get an acceptable offer and is preparing to run Stuff itself if it does not.
Nine chief executive Hugh Marks and Stuff chief executive Sinead Boucher addressed Stuff staff in Auckland and nationally via teleconference on Tuesday to update them on where the process was up to and give the business a new reporting line into Janz.
“As we get into this next six months, obviously there are still discussions afoot, but if we aren’t able to bring those to any satisfactory conclusion I think we will move on at that point. What’s important for the business is to effectively start moving on anyway,” Marks said.
Woolworths billboard network to harness shopping data
On Tuesday, Woolworths’ new media business, Cartology, announced the rollout of the Woolworths Screen Network and new search advertising tool Cartology Promoted Products, effectively letting brands buy the top-placed search results on Woolworths and BWS online.
Cartology managing director Mike Tyquin, who ran outdoor advertising business Adshel prior to its purchase by oOh!media last year, joined Woolworths in March to lead the newly established media business.
News Brands
The Times and Sunday Times merger gets UK government OK
Until now the two publications have operated as strictly independent news outlets, as part of a series of agreements guaranteeing the titles’ editorial independence, signed by Murdoch when he bought them in 1981.
The long-awaited final decision was made on “taking out the trash” day – an informal name for the rush of announcements typically made at the tail end of a parliamentary session or government to avoid scrutiny when attention is elsewhere.
News UK has said the titles would continue to be run independently with their own newsrooms and their own editors: John Witherow at the Times and Martin Ivens at the Sunday paper.
Television
Big names in frame as MasterChef seeks new recipe for success
10 chief executive Paul Anderson told The Australian last night: “There comes a point where 40 per cent is a lot in anyone’s language, which forces us into a corner and gives us no alternative (but to move on).
“We’re taking a long-term approach to the show that we want to be around for another decade,” he said.
Still, the network will have to dip into its pockets to make sure next year’s rebranded version makes a splash.
Diary understands there are four names at the top of the list: Nigella Lawson, Curtis Stone, and two former runners-up on the show, Poh Ling Yeow and Matt Sinclair.
MasterChef judges could sign deal with Netflix or Amazon Prime
It comes after the trio formed their own production company, GGM Pty Ltd, to sell themselves to 10 as a package deal.
It had made contract talks “difficult,” 10’s chief executive Paul Anderson said, denying the network had sought to dump Calombaris after the wages scandal.
The three judges are understood to have wanted more time off to pursue other projects, while almost doubling their TV earnings estimated currently about $400,000 to $600,000 per judge each season.
Mehigan on Tuesday night said the contract dispute “was never about the money and never will be about the money” but rather having “more free time to explore our own creativity”.
“The opportunity to work with Matt and George has been a blessing and something I cherish,” he said.
“Working together will continue to be the most important thing for us … the three musketeers.”
Amanda Keller’s big problem with Tom Gleeson’s Logies speech
The TV veteran, 57, was one of several high-profile “victims” of Gleeson’s tongue-in-cheek smear campaign during Logies voting. Taking to the stage to accept his Gold Logie, glass of wine in hand, Gleeson had taunted those in the room who “wanted it” – while cameras cut to a less-than-impressed Keller.
Denton asked his friend of 40 years what she was thinking in that moment.
“I wasn’t unimpressed that he won – I think I was a little unimpressed with the speech. There was a lack of graciousness. He wanted to make it a joke, and I get that … (But) I thought it was unfortunate that we were made to feel that we were needy or up ourselves for wanting it, or for thinking it mattered. I didn’t mind that I didn’t win – I’d been nominated before and didn’t win, that’s fine. This felt more personal this year.”
Keller admitted that Gleeson’s sarcastic smear campaign in the lead-up to the awards had taken a toll.
ABC Commercial sells Aussie drama Pulse to Channel 5’s My5 in UK
Pulse attracted critical acclaim in Australia with the media praising the series for its realism, diversity and socially charged storytelling. The internationally renowned cast are led by Claire van der Boom (The Pacific, Hawaii Five-O, Masters of Sex and Sisters of War), Owen Teale (Game of Thrones, Line of Duty) and Pallavi Sharda (Lion). Also starring are Liam McIntyre (Spartacus: War of the Damned), Andrea Demetriades (Janet King), Arka Das (Top of The Lake), Blessing Mokgohloa (Hunters), Susie Porter (Seven Types of Ambiguity), Penny Cook (A Country Practice) and Renee Lim (Please Like Me).
“ABC Commercial is pleased to partner with Channel Five to bring Pulse to UK audiences,” said Jessica Ellis, Head of Content Sales & Distribution, ABC Commercial. “This top-quality Aussie drama was a ratings success when it premiered on the ABC. We are certain international audiences will enjoy Pulse as much as audiences here in Australia.”
Oliver Thomas, Vice President of Digital, Viacom International Media Networks UK said, “Pulse is a gripping medical drama and we’re thrilled to be bringing this acclaimed series to My5, as part of the continued expansion of our scripted offering.”
Pulse is a Clandestine Beyond Production, in association with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Screen Australia and Screen NSW. Created by Kris Wyld, Michael Miller and Mel Hill, produced by Kris Wyld and Antony l Ginnane with Sally Riley and Kym Goldsworthy serving as Executive Producers for ABC TV and David Ogilvy as Executive Producer for Clandestine Beyond.