Thursday May 3, 2018
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Greg Hywood presents to Macquarie conference: “Fairfax is thriving”
This year he presented another deep dive into the media company’s strategy.
Below are some of the highlights from his presentation.
In the past we have focused on the transformation of Fairfax, from a traditional media model with a large fixed-cost base to a modern, diversified portfolio of multimedia and digital assets with a flexible, lower cost base.
Transformation is one of those words that gets thrown about. In our case the changes have quite literally been transformational.
Today’s presentation outlines our growth and value creation agenda for our portfolio of leading information brands, marketplaces and entertainment, assets that connect with 70% of Australians and 90% of New Zealanders.
We have hit a new phase in the development of the business. We have taken big decisions around cost. We have taken big decisions to create businesses such as Domain and Stan. Our continued focus is on organic value creation opportunities, going for growth, maximising our existing core assets.
Between 2012 and 2018, newspaper industry advertising revenue as a percentage of the total Australian advertising pie went from 23% to just 8%. To date, that’s been a $300 million average annual reduction in revenue across the industry.
In the face of that profound industry disruption, setting ourselves on the path of originating commercially viable new media has proven correct.
We are achieving our goal of sustaining independent journalism’s public good while at the same time delivering shareholder value creation. In the past six years we have built around $1.6 billion of value. We are focused on accelerating value creation.
First to our Domain real estate media and services business, a leading platform at the centre of the Australian property ecosystem, delivering a compelling consumer and agent experience.
A year ago we discussed at this forum our strategic intent to separate Domain into a new ASX-listed entity. We achieved that milestone in November 2017. Our 60% shareholding remains a key strategic asset with strong fundamentals.
Highlights of Publishing’s contribution to the delivery of Fairfax’s strategy include:
• Growing digital subscribers of The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Australian Financial Review to 283,000;
• Transforming through simplification and business model innovation resulting in more than $500 million of annualised cost savings; and
• Building value by growing our quality, highly engaged audiences from 10 million to 13 million.
The new revenue model underpinning our publishing business is multifaceted and moves well beyond the traditional reliance on advertising, print subscriptions and circulation. It continues to leverage premium brands, quality journalism and audiences that have never been larger in the company’s history.
Australian Metro Media is focused on strengthening earnings and long-term growth by driving digital performance and maximising the print contribution. Metro operates six main capital city and national mastheads, and associated Life Media brands, attracting an audience of 11 million across platforms. Revenue is concentrated in that small number of mastheads, with contribution of digital and other non-print revenue at 35% of total.
Australian Community Media’s focus is on optimising the operating structure to grow digital and maximise cash flows of low capital-intensive and profitable print. ACM comprises 13 daily and more than 130 non-daily regional titles, nine community titles and 10 specialist agricultural titles. Revenue is diversified among mastheads with the top five contributing only 28% of total revenue. Contribution of digital and other non-print revenue is modest at 7% of total.
In New Zealand, our strategic focus is on leveraging the enormous power of Stuff into growing digital, transactional and advertising revenues while rationalising the long tail of print. Stuff operates New Zealand’s leading national digital news site Stuff.co.nz, nine large daily regional titles, 11 national titles and sites, along with more than 50 community titles. Revenue is relatively concentrated with the top five mastheads contributing half of total revenue. Contribution of digital and other non-print revenue is 17% of total and growing rapidly.
In New Zealand, the centrepiece of the audience and revenue generation model is Stuff.co.nz, which is the leading local digital platform nationally. Stuff group reaches 90% of the population. The scale of this audience and reach provides Stuff with compelling competitive advantage.
Our strategy to grow has delivered an increase in the group’s digital and other non-print revenue as a percentage of total from 23% to 39% in the past four years. Print is generating strong cash flows, which should continue for some time given the industry back-end cost initiatives under way.
Our strategy to transform has delivered net debt reduction of close to $1 billion resulting in a strong balance sheet with a net cash position for Fairfax’s 100%-owned entities.
Our strategy to build value has delivered Fairfax shareholders $1.6 billion in value creation.
In conclusion, Fairfax is thriving.
Kylie Washington quits Matchbox to launch BBC Studios Australia
• Media giant rebrands: OUT – BBC Worldwide, IN – BBC Studios
• BBC Studios to launch in Australia, first commission reveal
Washington is the second recent departure from Matchbox after managing director Chris Oliver-Taylor was recently appointed CEO of FremantleMedia Australia.
Washington’s CV includes developing and overseeing formatted factual entertainment, including the Real Housewives brand for Foxtel, Australian Spartan for Seven and Room 101 for SBS.
In her new role, Washington will launch and manage the growth of BBC Studios’ television production arm in Australia, exploit the potential of BBC Studios’ format catalogue, drive the creation of new intellectual property and build creative partnerships between BBC Studios’ editorial teams in the UK and Australian broadcasters and digital platforms.
Washington will report into BBC Studios’ international production division, led by Anna Mallett, managing director, production and COO, BBC Studios. She will work closely with Jon Penn, managing director, BBC Studios, Australia & New Zealand, and his executive leadership team.
BBC Studios recently gained its first commission in Australia with Stargazing Live 2
Anna Mallett said: “It’s wonderful that BBC Studios has attracted someone of Kylie’s calibre, experience and passion, and I can think of no one better to lead our Australian production operation at this exciting time.”
Kylie Washington commented: “I am thrilled to be joining BBC Studios as it establishes its first production studio in Australia. It’s an exciting time of change in the Australian media and I look forward to joining a company that I have admired for many years. The BBC has such a wonderful rich history of content and I look forward to continuing that legacy within the Australian market place.”
Jon Penn said: “Kylie is a talented creative who combines a strong track record in television production with insight into the entertainment experiences our customers and their audiences are looking for. I’m looking forward to welcoming her into the business.”
BBC Studios recently gained its first commission in Australia with Stargazing Live 2, due to broadcast live on ABC and ABC iview from May 22-24. It will be produced locally for ABC by a team from BBC Studios’ Science Unit in the UK.
Top photo: Kylie Washington
Greg Haddrick quits Screentime to launch his own production business Rainfall Creations
The co-creator, co-writer, executive producer and showrunner of Pine Gap, Haddrick stepped down from his role at Screentime in January 2018 as head of drama.
“After 17 wonderful years at Screentime, I am looking forward to continuing to create compelling original stories across all mediums of production, including feature films,” said Haddrick.
Underbelly, Cloudstreet, ANZAC Girls and Janet King are some of the productions Haddrick has been responsible for.
Nominated for an International Emmy, Haddrick is the recipient of seven AWGIE Awards for his screenwriting and three AFI/AACTA Awards for producing/showrunning some of Australia’s most celebrated dramas. Notably the writer of the first five episodes of Home and Away, Haddrick’s early credits include writing, script editing and script producing on Sons and Daughters, Elly & Jools, and Mirror, Mirror as well as writing for The Flying Doctors, E-Street, GP, and Blue Heelers.
Parker Sawyers as Gus and Tess Haubrich as Jasmine in Pine Gap (credit: Lisa Tomasetti)
Haddrick joined Screentime as head of drama in 2001 following the success of My Husband My Killer, for which he wrote the screenplay. He then created, co-wrote and script-produced three series of MDA, produced The Incredible Journey of Mary Bryant, executive-produced Jessica, produced and script-edited False Witness, and wrote and produced both The Society Murders and The Informant.
Haddrick also secured the commission and produced the now-legendary first series of Underbelly (with Brenda Pam) for the Nine Network, writing episodes 4, 6 and 10. He also produced Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities in addition to writing episode 8, executive produced Underbelly: The Golden Mile writing episodes 3 and 13, and produced and script-edited the critically acclaimed miniseries Tim Winton’s Cloudstreet (with Brenda Pam). Haddrick executive produced the three Underbelly Files telemovies, as well as Underbelly: Razor, Underbelly: Badness, Underbelly: Squizzy and Fat Tony & Co. He also executive produced and co-wrote both Crownies and Bikie Wars: Brothers In Arms.
More recently Haddrick executive produced both series of the television special event Wolf Creek, the celebrated miniseries ANZAC Girls and executive produced three seasons of Janet King, writing numerous episodes, as well as continuing in his capacity as executive producer/showrunner of Pine Gap.
Screentime executive chairman Bob Campbell said: “Greg leaves his position as head of drama after 17 years having made a mighty contribution to Screentime’s scripted slate. He goes with our best wishes for Rainfall Creations and the certainty that we will be working with him again, hopefully on subsequent seasons of Pine Gap amongst others.”
Top photo: Greg Haddrick (credit Lisa Tomasetti)
Introducing The Farmer: Medium Rare's magazine for regional NSW farmers
By Kruti Joshi
Endacott is now the editor of The Farmer, which is published by Medium Rare Content Agency on behalf of NSW Farmers. “We really are a first of our kind in Australia,” she told Mediaweek. “There are lifestyle magazines aimed at the outback areas but The Farmer is the first business meets lifestyle magazine that exists.” The first issue of the monthly magazine came out on May 1.
Being a custom magazine means that The Farmer has guaranteed circulation. This is a security that Endacott would not have been able to enjoy when she worked on various on-stand magazines for the past two decades.
—
This is an excerpt from the full article, which appears on Mediaweek Premium. Read the full article here, or subscribe to Mediaweek Premium here.
SBS announces 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia match broadcast schedule
SBS has announced its broadcast schedule for the group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup this June.
The broadcaster’s TV coverage will feature 25 premium games live, free and in HD, including the opening match, semifinals, final and all Socceroos fixtures.
SBS’s coverage – hosted by former Socceroo captain Craig Foster and The World Game’s Lucy Zelic – launches on Thursday June 14 at 10.30pm with Russia taking on Saudi Arabia.
Craig Foster and Lucy Zelic
Coverage of the Socceroos’ campaign to progress from Group C under new coach Bert van Marwijk will see the team face Denmark from 9pm on Thursday June 21, then Peru on Tuesday June 26 from 11pm. Both matches will feature exclusive commentary from David Basheer and former Socceroo captain Craig Moore.
The World Game website will stream all 25 SBS matches live alongside and the latest scores, video highlights, breaking news and analysis from all 64 games from Russia.
SBS Radio will broadcast all 64 matches of the World Cup, live and free via the official FIFA World Cup and SBS Radio apps. Matches will be broadcast in up to three languages simultaneously: English and in languages of competing teams.
SBS Radio’s English coverage be hosted by former Matilda striker Kate Gill, former Socceroo goalkeeper Clint Bolton and current Melbourne City FC defender Scott Jamieson.
Throughout the tournament, SBS Radio will broadcast in at least 13 languages including Arabic, Korean, French, German, Spanish, and Portuguese, more than any other FIFA World Cup broadcaster.
Optus Sport last week announced its 2018 FIFA World Cup coverage, which includes two 24/7 channels, all 64 matches both live and on-demand.
SBS live match broadcast schedule
Friday 15 June, 12am
Russia v Saudi Arabia (kick-off 1am)
Saturday 16 June, 3.30am
Portugal v Spain (kick-off 4am)
Saturday 16 June, 7pm
France v Australia (kick-off 8pm)
Monday 18 June, 12am
Germany v Mexico (kick-off 1am)
Tuesday 19 June, 3.30am
Tunisia v England (kick-off 4am)
Tuesday 19 June, 9.30pm
Colombia v Japan (kick-off 10pm)
Wednesday 20 June, 9.30pm
Portugal v Morocco (kick-off 10pm)
Thursday 21 June, 9pm
Denmark v Australia (kick-off 10pm)
Friday 22 June, 9.30pm
Brazil v Costa Rica (kick-off 10pm)
Sunday 24 June, 3.30am
Germany v Sweden (kick-off 4am)
Sunday 24 June, 9.30pm
England v Panama (kick-off 10pm)
Monday 25 June
TBC
Tuesday 26 June, 11pm
Australia v Peru (kick-off 12am)
Wednesday 27 June
TBC – following earlier Group E and F matches
Thursday 28 June
TBC – following earlier Group G and H matches
SBS’s coverage of the Round of 16 and Quarter Finals will be announced throughout the tournament.
Thursday 12 July, 3.30am
2018 FIFA World Cup™ Semi-Final 1 (kick-off 4am)
Thursday 12 July, 3.30am
2018 FIFA World Cup™ Semi-Final 2 (kick-off 4am)
Saturday 14 July, 11pm
2018 FIFA World Cup™ Playoff for 3rd (kick-off 12am)
Sunday 15 July from 11pm
2018 FIFA World Cup™ Final (kick-off 1am)
All times are AEST and are subject to change
TV Ratings Analysis: Wednesday May 2
By James Manning
Seven
Home and Away was rock solid again in the 700,000s with 741,000.
Kim and Suong are the first team through to the My Kitchen Rules 2018 grand final after the mothers edged out brothers Josh and Nic with a specialty soup that judge Pete Evans called his dish of the competition. Teams had to prove they were worthy of a place in the grand final by serving a knockout three-course meal, with 90 minutes for entrée, an hour for main and a half hour for dessert. Judges Pete and Manu were joined by Colin Fassnidge and guest judges Karen Martini, Guy Grossi and Liz Egan to taste and score each team’s entire menu out of 10. The team with the lowest total score would be eliminated. The third last episode this season did 1.22m after 1.14m a week prior.
Modern Family has changed channels and the series started life on Seven with 577,000 after MKR.
Back With The Ex was on later this week with 206,000, after 328,000 a week ago.
Nine
Home energy costs and an Airbnb stoush featured on A Current Affair with 808,000 watching.
US sitcoms Young Sheldon and The Big Bang Theory returned to the 7.30pm hour after a break from the schedule while The Voice blind auditions were under way. The comedies did 737,000 and 643,000 respectively.
Nine then launched a new season of Britain’s Got Talent with 525,000 on debut. The series launched in the UK in mid-April.
TEN
Special guests on The Project were Nick Giannopoulos and Mary Coustas in character as Jim and Effie. When asked what sparked their reunion, Effie said, “Cash.” The episode did 507,000 after 7pm.
Another Royal Wedding doco on air last night was Meghan Markle: American Princess, which did 383,000 after 7.30pm.
Graham Norton featured guests Orlando Bloom and Stephen Merchant with 240,000.
ABC
Some of the channel’s tried and trusted brands returned last night with Home Delivery kicking off the entertainment at 8pm with multiplatform and multichannel star Julia Zemiro taking Rebecca Gibney home for the 609,000 viewers.
Gruen then returned at 8.30pm with what could be its lowest debut audience ever – 734,000. However, there is a growing audience watching on demand which doesn’t yet factor into these overnight numbers. The first episode featured Leo Burnett’s Karen Ferry and Campaign Edge’s Dee Madigan joining host Wil Anderson and regulars Todd Sampson and Russel Howcroft.
The Weekly then also returned with one of the highlights the Hard Copy interview with Em Rusciano. The episode did 583,000.
SBS
Another three nights of Michael Portillo at 7.30pm started with his Great Continental Railway Journey from Batumi To Baku, which did 252,000. Last week’s episode ranked #2 for the channel behind only Who Do You Think You Are?
A repeat of Clean Eating: The Dirty Truth then did 206,000.
Week 18 TV: Wednesday
| WEDNESDAY METRO | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABC | Seven | Nine | Ten | SBS | |||||
| ABC | 13.7% | 7 | 23.9% | 9 | 19.0% | TEN | 9.2% | SBS One | 5.1% |
| ABC 2 | 2.7% | 7TWO | 4.1% | GO! | 3.2% | ONE | 2.4% | VICELAND | 1.0% |
| ABC ME | 0.8% | 7mate | 2.8% | GEM | 2.3% | ELEVEN | 3.0% | Food Net | 0.6% |
| ABC NEWS | 1.6% | 7flix | 2.3% | 9Life | 2.1% | NITV | 0.2% | ||
| TOTAL | 18.7% | 33.2% | 26.5% | 14.6% | 7.0% | ||||
| WEDNESDAY REGIONAL | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABC | Seven Affiliates | Nine Affiliates | Ten Affiliates | SBS | |||||
| ABC | 11.6% | 7 | 23.2% | 9 | 17.0% | WIN | 8.2% | SBS One | 4.6% |
| ABC 2 | 2.9% | 7TWO | 6.9% | GO! | 4.3% | ONE | 3.1% | VICELAND | 1.1% |
| ABC ME | 1.1% | 7mate | 3.9% | GEM | 3.0% | ELEVEN | 2.9% | Food Net | 0.4% |
| ABC NEWS | 1.4% | 7flix | 2.1% | 9Life | 2.1% | NITV | 0.1% | ||
| TOTAL | 17.0% | 36.1% | 26.4% | 14.2% | 6.2% | ||||
| WEDNESDAY METRO ALL TV | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTA | STV | ||||||||
| 85.1% | 14.9% | ||||||||
Wednesday FTA
- My Kitchen Rules Seven 1,221,000
- Seven News Seven 1,028,000
- Seven News / Today Tonight Seven 996,000
- Nine News Nine 899,000
- Nine News 6:30 Nine 862,000
- A Current Affair Nine 808,000
- Home And Away Seven 741,000
- Young Sheldon Nine 737,000
- Gruen ABC 734,000
- ABC News ABC 699,000
- The Big Bang Theory Nine 643,000
- Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery ABC 609,000
- 7.30 ABC 584,000
- The Weekly With Charlie Pickering ABC 583,000
- Modern Family Seven 577,000
- The Chase Australia Seven 571,000
- Britain’s Got Talent Nine 525,000
- Hot Seat Nine 512,000
- The Project 7pm Ten 507,000
- Ten Eyewitness News First At Five Ten 409,000
Demo Top Fives
16-39 Top 5
- My Kitchen Rules Seven 285,000
- Modern Family Seven 171,000
- Home And Away Seven 157,000
- Young Sheldon Nine 155,000
- The Big Bang Theory Nine 148,000
18-49 Top 5
- My Kitchen Rules Seven 464,000
- Young Sheldon Nine 290,000
- The Big Bang Theory Nine 285,000
- Modern Family Seven 282,000
- Home And Away Seven 266,000
25-54 Top 5
- My Kitchen Rules Seven 524,000
- Young Sheldon Nine 341,000
- The Big Bang Theory Nine 332,000
- Seven News / Today Tonight Seven 329,000
- Modern Family Seven 326,000
Wednesday Multichannel
- Peppa Pig-AM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 196,000
- Floogals ABCKIDS/COMEDY 190,000
- Fireman Sam-AM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 185,000
- Peter Rabbit ABCKIDS/COMEDY 184,000
- Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom-AM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 182,000
- The Justine Clarke Show! ABCKIDS/COMEDY 178,000
- Hey Duggee-AM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 170,000
- A Touch Of Frost-PM 7TWO 167,000
- Andy’s Baby Animals ABCKIDS/COMEDY 165,000
- Teacup Travels-PM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 162,000
- Octonauts ABCKIDS/COMEDY 160,000
- Thomas And Friends-AM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 156,000
- Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom ABCKIDS/COMEDY 150,000
- PJ Masks-PM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 145,000
- Charlie And Lola-AM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 144,000
- Neighbours ELEVEN 138,000
- Andy’s Prehistoric Adventures-AM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 133,000
- Go Jetters-PM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 132,000
- Luo Bao Bei-PM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 131,000
- Shaun The Sheep ABCKIDS/COMEDY 130,000
Wednesday Subscription TV
- Selling Houses Australia LifeStyle Channel 149,000
- Live: AFL 360 FOX FOOTY 74,000
- Paul Murray Live SKY NEWS LIVE 56,000
- Live: NRL 360 FOX LEAGUE 56,000
- Grand Designs Australia LifeStyle Channel 52,000
- Grand Designs LifeStyle Channel 47,000
- NCIS TVH!TS 45,000
- Peppa Pig Nick Jr. 43,000
- The Flash FOX8 42,000
- Paw Patrol Nick Jr. 41,000
- Live: League Life FOX LEAGUE 40,000
- Peppa Pig Nick Jr. 39,000
- PML Overtime SKY NEWS LIVE 38,000
- Credlin SKY NEWS LIVE 38,000
- Blaze And The Monster Machines Nick Jr. 37,000
- Jeopardy! FOX Classics 37,000
- Paw Patrol Nick Jr. 37,000
- Family Guy FOX8 37,000
- Peppa Pig Nick Jr. 36,000
- Shetland BBC First 36,000
Media News Roundup
Business Of Media
Network Ten appoints Fairfax’s Carla Webb-Sear as chief financial officer
Carla Webb-Sear
Webb-Sear is currently group general manager, finance, at Fairfax Media. She will report to Network Ten chief executive officer Paul Anderson, and join the company’s leadership group.
Webb-Sear has held various finance roles at Fairfax Media since December 2007, including finance director of the Australian Publishing Media division and group financial controller and investor relations.
Before joining Fairfax Media, Webb-Sear worked at EMI Music Australia and PwC in Australia, the UK and the US.
The appointment follows the resignation of Dave Boorman, who has been Network Ten’s chief financial officer since November 2015. He will remain with the company until May 31.
Anderson said: “I am delighted to welcome Carla to Network Ten. An experienced financial professional and strong strategic thinker, she has a proven track record in leading change in fast-paced, complex and transforming industries.
“I would like to thank Dave for his significant contribution over the past two and a half years and we wish him all the very best for the future.”
Boorman said: “I am proud of the transformation that has been achieved at Ten. With CBS, the company is now part of a major global media corporation with financial stability and is ready to take on the challenges ahead. I wish the company all the success for the future.”
Webb-Sear said: “I am excited to be joining Ten and the strong team taking the network into the future with renewed vigour.
“Ten has evolved in a changing media landscape and I look forward to using my industry expertise to help make the most of the many opportunities ahead and drive the company’s performance.”
REA Group to acquire property data services provider Hometrack Australia
Hometrack Australia is a provider of property data services to the financial sector. Its suite of products includes property data analytics and insights, customised data platforms and an Automated Valuation Model (AVM).
The purchase consideration of $130m will be funded from existing cash reserves and debt of $70m.
The Hometrack Australia management team will continue to be led by CEO Brendan Darcy and will operate under its current structure and brand.
Hometrack Australia is forecast to deliver revenue between $13m and $15m and EBITDA between $6m and $7m for its financial year ended September 30, 2018. There would also be cost synergies realised in the REA business once the Hometrack business is fully integrated into REA’s platforms.
REA Group CEO Tracey Fellows commented: “It’s an exciting move for our business and a natural extension for realestate.com.au. The acquisition allows us to deliver more property data and insights to our customers and consumers.”
AFL partners with Audience360 to provide audience data to advertisers
Penny Kee and Kylie Rogers
The partnership will see the AFL offering clients programmatic campaigns with 100% transparent data, targeting current consumers at a granular level.
Audience360 Managing Director Penny Kee said: “As the data industry continues to grow, it’s essential that advertisers are provided with full disclosure on where the data they are purchasing has come from and how it is compiled.
“By partnering with organisations like the AFL, we are able to give clients that transparency and assurance that their audiences are trusted, unlike other players in our industry who may source or infer their audiences from a number of unidentified providers.”
AFL Commercial Manager Kylie Rogers said: “Audience360 is a trusted industry leader, and this alliance is already helping out business grow while ensuring our consumers continue to be served the best and most relevant advertisements.”
Audience360’s first job with the AFL will be to showcase these new opportunities to the sport’s premium partners.
News Brands
Former MP Sophie Mirabella wins defamation case against Benalla Ensign
The Wangaratta jury of five men and one woman deliberated for 40 minutes over the imputations of The Benalla Ensign’s five-paragraph article titled “Awkward encounter” before finding for Mirabella.
The parties will return to court tomorrow to make submissions regarding damages.
Publishing
Pacific’s fashion brand InStyle unveils a new premium digital experience
Will Everitt, head of product and technology, comments: “We gave ourselves the task to better translate InStyle’s bold, clean and sophisticated print brand aesthetic to its digital versions.
“As a result, the entire site has been re-engineered with new typography, a stronger colour palette, less clutter and a focus on serving our users the most engaging content in the smartest way possible.”
The new digital experience includes a new customised Women of Style vertical with the addition of a hero video module.
Emily Taylor, editor, InStyle, says: “Our new, clean digital experience enables better storytelling with simple, on-brand visuals and less distractions while native styling and contextually relevant integration offer our commercial partners maximum value and engagement within our brand-safe environment.
“It’s the perfect time to bring our growing online audience a more premium look and feel that better aligns the experience of brand across platforms.”
Design thinking heavily influences the development and UX of the site, with a view to enhance performance while data guides usability improvements with A/B and multivariate testing to assess user engagement and behaviour.
Will Everitt adds: “In the lead-up to launch, countless hours have been spent testing, analysing data, wireframing and prototyping to improve and simplify the way a user enjoys relevant and engaging content.
“Throughout the site everything has been made clicky, sticky and, now, zippy with optimised page load speed. This meant we had to declutter and intelligently reprioritise to develop a more intuitive navigation to allow users to explore content rapidly.”
Television
Screen Australia releases proposed new guidelines for Screen Story funding
“The proposed development guidelines represent a seismic shift for early career creators – doing away with barriers based on eligibility credits, distribution platform, when funding is available and even administrative barriers in the application process itself,” said Screen Australia CEO Graeme Mason.
“We expect experienced creators will also welcome the ability to apply for multiple phases of development on a single application, and the removal of funding caps.
“In proposing these changes we are seeking to ensure that our funding is accessible to the best projects on the platform and budget that best suits that story, with an emphasis on supporting talent who have a strong idea and a clear pathway to an audience. We expect the proposed changes will increase the diversity of screen stories being told and who is telling them.”
The proposed guidelines allow projects for any platform, including TV, film and online, to be able to apply for development funding from one of two program strands – the Generate Fund or the Premium Fund.
The Generate Fund will be for lower-budget projects with an emphasis on new and emerging talent or experienced talent wanting to take a creative risk. There will be no eligibility requirements for this fund. However, applications will need to be competitive against the criteria and in line with the aims of the fund.
The Premium Fund will be for higher-budget projects from creatives who have had critical and/or commercial success. This will be for projects that demonstrate ambition and scale. The commercial viability of the project, and the path to a significant and clearly defined audience will be a key focus of this fund.
The total funding pool between the two funds will be $3 million for 2018-19, which is approximately the same as the development funds available in 2017-18.
Screen Australia is seeking industry feedback via email from today until Thursday May 31 inclusive. Submissions should be made to DevelopmentReview@
Submissions will only be made public if the author gives permission in their email.
Jungle Entertainment appoints Shay Spencer as development manager
Shay Spencer
Jungle produced Mr Inbetween, the only non-US drama series selected for the Sundance Film Festival, and now also has a number of dramas in advanced development with Australian networks. Spencer will play an integral role in managing and building on this slate.
Jungle CEO Jason Burrows said: “When we started talking to people about the role, Shay’s name kept being mentioned as a dynamic up and coming star in the industry and as someone who would fit the Jungle culture perfectly.”
Spencer was previously at FremantleMedia where she worked with Jo Porter on drama series such as Picnic at Hanging Rock, Wentworth and Hoges.
Spencer said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Jungle. I’ve long admired its creative approach and original programming. The opportunity to be part of growing its drama slate was something I couldn’t resist.”
Jungle will lean on Spencer’s expertise to bring in new projects and creative teams, and she will also work with head writer Phil Lloyd on the existing drama slate.
Jungle COO Chloe Rickard said: “Shay is respected by writers, with many speaking highly of her work ethic and taste. I am excited about the new collaborations she will champion and the diversity of stories this will bring.”
One of the series in development is Jungle’s Cli-Fi initiative, which brings together climate scientists and writers to develop an anthology of stories about climate change, funded by the ABC, Create NSW, Screen Australia and University of NSW.
CEO of the Banijay Group-owned 7Wonder Liza Abbott stepping down
Following her departure in May, an announcement will be made regarding the organisational changes that will follow Abbott’s exit.
Originally backed by Australia broadcaster Seven Network, Abbott, along with her fellow Maverick Television execs Alexandra Fraser and Simone Elise, founded the London and Birmingham based prodco in 2014 before Banijay acquired the company in February 2018.
“The rapid growth and success of 7Wonder have outstripped mine, Alex’s and Simon’s wildest expectations and aspirations,” said Abbott, in a statement. “I’m delighted to leave the company in supportive and safe hands knowing it will be able to continue to develop and grow under the Banijay umbrella.”
Em Rusciano on Hard Chat: “We’re rating lower than in-house hospital radio”
Rusciano started hosting the radio show in January last year with Harley Breen, who left the show at the end of 2017.
“You’re currently on breakfast radio with Grant Denyer and Ed Kavalee,” Gleeson said to Rusciano in Hard Chat. “There are three of you in the studio. Is that more than the number of listeners you have?”
“Yes, by one,” Rusciano joked. “I know that we’re rating lower than in-house hospital radio and the station that reports the fishing channels.”
Gleeson continued: “Your radio show doesn’t rate but on social media you have hundreds of thousands of followers. Does that mean that even your fans can’t bear to tune in?”
Mediaweek spoke with Gleeson about Hard Chat and his spinoff show Hard Quiz before its launch at the end of 2016. Read the interview here.
Sports Media
Invictus Games appoints GPJ Australia for opening and closing ceremonies
GPJ won the business as a result of a competitive pitch involving a number of Australia’s leading experiential agencies.
As part of the appointment, GPJ has enlisted the creative talent of Anthony Bastic of AGB Events as creative director for both ceremonies.
Rebecca Moran, director of events, Invictus Games Sydney 2018, said: “GPJ stood out on all levels, winning the business based on a number of factors, which saw it regarded as demonstrating a superior edge among the agencies involved in the pitch process. GPJ’s exceptional work, commitment, attention to detail, creative balance and wealth of experience working with some of the world’s most widely recognised brands could not be overlooked.”
Caleb Bush, managing director, GPJ Australia
Caleb Bush, managing director, GPJ Australia, said: “GPJ is honoured to be the ceremonies producer for the Invictus Games Sydney 2018, certain to be a significant piece of Australia’s history. As producer of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 opening and closing ceremonies, we will bring the ideal mix of artistic and creative flair, impact, efficiency and technical know-how. Our team is among the best in the business, delivering world-class, memorable experiences and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to achieve exactly that and more for the Games.”
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