Monday November 10, 2025
'Everyone is freaking out': Nine staff warned of job cuts across its streaming and broadcast division
Nine Entertainment staff have been told that potential job cuts are on the way as the company begins consultations on structural changes across its Streaming and Broadcast division.
In an email sent staff this morning and sighted by Mediaweek, chief commercial officer Amanda Laing confirmed the leadership team has spent recent months reviewing the division’s operating model as it looks to “reduce duplication, drive greater collaboration and deliver commercial growth for the Nine Group.”
The note said the review has placed “particular focus” on News, Sport, Stan, Marketing and Creative functions, with consultations beginning today for some individuals whose roles are expected to be impacted.
“While only some teams and individuals are impacted by this, I ask you to be cognisant and mindful of your colleagues as we navigate this change,” Laing wrote.
She added that Nine’s employee wellbeing platform, Sonder, is available to support staff, and that the company is “committed to finalising this process as quickly as possible, whilst respecting the appropriate consultation process.”
A source told Mediaweek the news “could not have come at a worse time given we are so close to Christmas.”
“Everyone is freaking out,” they said.
Amanda Laing
Email timing
The email comes just days after the company held its Annual General Meeting (AGM)
The changes follow an ongoing restructure within Nine’s content and commercial arms, as the company looks to streamline operations and unify its broadcast and streaming businesses under a single leadership framework.
Laing told staff they would hear more from divisional leaders “over the coming days,” with the group set to reconvene next week.
‘He was a legend’: Anthony Albanese leads tributes to John Laws
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to radio icon John Laws, calling him “a legend” and “an authentic voice of Australians” following the broadcaster’s death at age 90.
“He was a legend, of course,” Albanese said KIIS FM’s Kyle and Jackie O Show this morning.
“I had many conversations with him over the last four decads, and back to before I was in Parliament. He was fantastic company off air as well – someone who was an authentic voice of Australians.
He was a patriot. He loved Australia. He talked Australia up, and that’s why people trusted him. They respected him. They followed stations with him when he changed channel. He was on top for such a long period of time – a great voice, of course, as well.”
The golden voice of Australian radio
Australian radio lost one of its most enduring figures with the death of Laws.
His death comes almost a year to the day since his final broadcast on 2SM, marking the close of a seven-decade career that helped define the medium.
Known as “Golden Tonsils” for his distinctive, velvety delivery, Laws’ voice became part of the national soundtrack – a mix of conversation, conviction, and connection that made him one of the country’s most trusted broadcasters.
A life behind the mic
Laws’ career began in 1953 at Bendigo’s 3BO, before moving to Sydney’s 2UE in 1957.
He was among the first Australian DJs to spin rock ’n’ roll records on air, before shifting into talkback – a format he would come to dominate for decades at both 2UE and 2GB.
His ability to blend warmth, authority, and opinion saw him command enormous influence – and become one of the highest-paid personalities in Australian media.
After stepping away from radio in 2007, Laws returned four years later to 2SM and the Super Radio Network, re-establishing the connection that had defined his professional life.
A career and love story
Married to his wife Caroline for more than 40 years, Laws affectionately referred to her as his “princess.” The pair were a fixture on Sydney’s social and charity circuit, and he often credited her as his greatest support.
When he signed off for the final time in October 2023, Laws told his listeners the decision to retire after 71 years behind the microphone was “bittersweet.”
“It’s hard to comprehend the outpouring of love and support,” he said. “I’ve been so lucky to share the airwaves with Australians for so long.”
John Laws’ passing marks the end of an era in Australian radio – a voice that informed, entertained and, above all, reflected the country he loved.
BBC in meltdown as Trump edit scandal claims top bosses
The BBC has been plunged into crisis after two of its top executives, director-general Tim Davie and head of news Deborah Turness, resigned following revelations the broadcaster’s flagship program Panorama aired a misleading edit of a Donald Trump speech.
An internal dossier, presented earlier this year by former editorial standards adviser Mark Prescott, accused Panorama of splicing together sections of Trump’s January 6, 2021 address in a way that suggested he encouraged supporters to storm the US Capitol – a serious breach of editorial integrity.
You can watch a side-by-side comparison of the speech Panorama aired compared to the on Trump actually gace below:
In his letter to staff, Davie said stepping down after five years was “entirely my decision,” but acknowledged the gravity of recent mistakes.
“Overall, the BBC is delivering well, but there have been some mistakes made and as director-general I have to take ultimate responsibility,” he said, adding that he would work with the board “to allow for an orderly transition to a successor over the coming months.”
Turness said the controversy had escalated to a point where it was “causing damage to the BBC – an institution that I love.”
“As the CEO of BBC News and Current Affairs, the buck stops with me,” she said.
“While mistakes have been made, I want to be absolutely clear recent allegations that BBC News is institutionally biased are wrong.”
Broader claims and political fallout
The dossier went beyond the Trump incident, alleging bias in the BBC’s coverage of the Israel–Gaza conflict and claims that certain editorial teams had censored stories that contradicted a “pro-trans” narrative.
The revelations triggered backlash across the UK, US and Israel, with mounting pressure on the BBC board to take action.
In Washington, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt posted screenshots of the resignations on X, linking the developments to Trump’s ongoing battle with what he calls “fake news.”
Shot: Chaser: pic.twitter.com/n0U08PnUJb
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) November 9, 2025
With both Davie and Turness stepping aside, the BBC faces a bruising test of trust – and a critical period of rebuilding confidence in its global reputation for impartial journalism.
EXCLUSIVE: Hubbl extends Comcast deal as Foxtel Group doubles down on innovation
Hubbl has renewed its technology partnership with Comcast, reaffirming Foxtel Group’s long-term commitment to the platform as it continues to expand the hybrid streaming ecosystem launched in February 2024.
The new agreement extends Hubbl’s collaboration with Comcast, leveraging its Entertainment OS to power a “one-of-a-kind viewing experience” for Australian audiences.
Hilary Perchard, CEO of Foxtel, Kayo and Binge, said the renewed partnership underscores the company’s focus on customer-led innovation.
“We are committed to Hubbl. We have a loyal, highly engaged customer base that loves the product, and we are pleased to have completed a new agreement that extends our relationship with Comcast,” Perchard said.
“It allows us to focus on providing the technology to reflect what app-savvy users expect from their TV experience and what they value most about Hubbl.”
Strong growth and record engagement
Since launching in early 2024, Hubbl has attracted a growing, engaged audience drawn to its ability to simplify fragmented streaming experiences.
The platform brings together 19 local and global apps – including Kayo Sports, Binge, Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV, HBO Max, Stan, Paramount+, YouTube, and the free-to-air BVOD services – on one interface.
Features such as universal search, a single watchlist across apps, and plug-and-play free-to-air access have positioned Hubbl as a connected TV built for today’s “app-native” households.
Perchard said viewing across Hubbl devices had reached record highs in recent months, driven by customers embracing the device’s ease of use and streamlined functionality.
Simplifying for customers
Hubbl will make a small adjustment to its offer in December, retiring its Stack & Save feature to simplify billing – a move the company says reflects direct feedback from customers seeking a cleaner, more intuitive experience.
Extending the Comcast partnership signals Foxtel Group’s continued investment in Hubbl as a next-generation viewing platform.
With audiences increasingly shifting from broadcast to connected devices, the group is betting on Hubbl’s hybrid model to stay ahead of evolving streaming habits.
Global superstars join 2025 ARIA Awards lineup
The 2025 ARIA Awards in partnership with Spotify will bring together a powerhouse lineup of Australian and international artists for an evening of exclusive performances, first-time collaborations and live moments celebrating the best in music.
Fresh from her GRAMMY nomination and the announcement of her sophomore album The Art of Loving, British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean will make her ARIA stage debut.
With over 4.5 billion global streams – including 236 million in Australia – Dean’s performance is expected to be one of the night’s most anticipated.
Homegrown talent takes centre stage
An array of Australian talent will deliver ARIA-exclusive performances, including Alex Lahey, Anna Ryan, Baker Boy, G Flip, Janet English, Keli Holiday, Kita Alexander, Missy Higgins, Neve Van Boxsel, Thelma Plum, Touch Sensitive, You Am I and Young Franco.
In an ARIA-first, all five nominees for Best Soul/R&B Release – Boy Soda, Larissa Lambert, PANIA, Jerome Farah, and Jacotene – will perform together with a 15-piece band, spotlighting the creativity and connection driving Australia’s R&B scene.
Baker Boy
Star-studded presenters join the celebration
Hosts Tim Blackwell and Concetta Caristo will be joined by a mix of local and international stars, including Amy Shark, Budjerah, Dom Dolla, Josh Pyke, Kacey Musgraves, Kate Ceberano, Kaylee Bell, King Stingray, Kobie Dee, Meg Washington, Melanie Bracewell, Mia Wray, Sosefina Fuamoli, Tim Nelson and Sam Netterfield (2Charm), Tyra Banks, and Vidya Makan.
Throughout the night, artists and presenters will take the stage across 29 award categories, from Album of the Year and Song of the Year to Best Australian Live Act (presented by Destination NSW) and the brand-new Best Music Festival award presented by Tixel.
“A true celebration of Australian music”
ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd said this year’s lineup encapsulates everything that makes Australian music world-class.
“Diversity, emotion, raw talent and constant evolution all make Australian music so powerful, and that’s exactly what we’re celebrating in this incredible lineup of artists,” Herd said.
“Each performer and presenter represents a part of our story – one that’s deeply local but heard all over the world. With Spotify’s partnership, the Hordern Pavilion will once again be the beating heart of Australian music’s biggest night.”
Spotify AUNZ managing director Mikaela Lancaster said the event arrives at the perfect moment in AusMusic Month.
“Australian music has never sounded louder or prouder. This year’s ARIA Awards lineup is stacked with incredible performers and presenters who embody everything that makes our industry so special – creativity, community, and a fearless drive to share our stories with the world,” Lancaster said.
“Spotify is proud to support the 2025 ARIA Awards. It’s going to be a night to remember.”
The 2025 ARIA Awards in partnership with Spotify will stream live from 5.00pm AEDT, Wednesday 19 November on Paramount+, with red carpet coverage airing from 7.00pm on 10.
NRMA and JCDecaux take flight with major airport media partnership
JCDecaux has inked a long-term airport media partnership with NRMA Insurance via Initiative, securing some of the most high-impact advertising real estate in the country across Sydney and Adelaide airports.
The deal positions NRMA Insurance as one of Australia’s most visible travel-environment brands, reaching more than 50 million passengers each year.
Premium placements include aerobridges at Sydney Domestic Terminals T2 and T3, the 2,000-square-metre P7 Statement at Sydney International, first-mover access to the new T3 Atrium Halo, and launch-partner status across six digital large-format sites along the Sydney Gateway and St Peters Interchange.
“A new era for airport media”
JCDecaux Australia & New Zealand general manager of airports Jemma Enright said the partnership reflects how the company has reimagined its airport strategy to deliver richer, multi-layered brand experiences.
“We set out about a year ago to fundamentally change the way brands think about the airport environment,” Enright told Mediaweek.
“Around this time last year we held a launch at the Sydney Opera House to showcase that evolution – and our conversations with NRMA started soon after.”
She said airports now cater to a broader traveller mix, from high-value business flyers to younger audiences seeking experiential moments.
“Passenger growth has been very strong this year, especially internationally,” she said.
“Airports have invested heavily in upgrading the experience, which means brands can connect with travellers in positive, emotionally resonant ways.”
Jemma Enright
Deeper, longer, smarter partnerships
Enright added that NRMA’s two-year commitment to JCDecaux’s domestic aerobridge network is a significant step forward.
“Typically, these partnerships run year-to-year, but this longer-term approach allows us to work more deeply with the client and agency,” she said.
“We have regular forums with Sydney Airport, the agency, and the client, which lets us explore new opportunities across and even beyond our network.”
She also highlighted JCDecaux’s growing focus on experiential activations – part of its “immersive experiences” pillar – with the T3 Halo screen serving as a key platform for creative storytelling.
“We’ve seen brands measure strong social amplification and engagement from these activations,” Enright said.
“When travellers are in a positive mindset, that feeling transfers directly to the brands they encounter.”
Setting the standard for the creator economy of travel
The NRMA partnership rounds out JCDecaux’s coverage of every major Sydney gateway, from the M8 tunnel system to airport arrival halls, cementing the company’s dominance in premium travel environments.
“It’s a great time to be in the airport space,” Enright said.
“We’re seeing growth, innovation and optimism across the board – and partnerships like this show the true potential of airports as brand-building platforms.”
The JCDecaux and NRMA agreement is effective immediately.
Uber Eats delivers ‘Ding Dong Deals’ via Special
Uber Eats has launched the second instalment of its ‘Ding Dong Deals’ platform in partnership with Special and EssenceMediacom.
The campaign uses the brand’s iconic doorbell chime as a censor to bleep out the spontaneous swearing that slips out after discovering how good the deals are on the Uber Eats app.
The films, directed by Good Oil’s Adam Gunser, were inspired by the insight that Aussies and Kiwis can’t help but let an expletive fly when confronted with a bargain.
In this latest instalment, a shopping centre Santa drops his child-friendly persona after glimpsing the silly season deals on Uber Eats.
This follows one where a serene bridge game is abruptly interrupted by a $10 burger offer and another where a live news anchor can’t quite keep it together after spotting a $10 grocery deal just as the cameras roll.
Uber Eats ANZ marketing lead Margot Deltour said the latest instalment shows how good the deals can be in a playful way.
“Creating a platform to unite the breadth of deals on offer was a chance to spotlight some truly impressive value – made even more entertaining by using swearing as a creative device,” she said.
A playful approach to big deals
The rollout includes OOH placements showcasing a range of products and deals and a social series shot from the perspective of users’ front cameras capturing their reactions as the push notifications hit.
Special group creative director Alan Wilson said retail doesn’t have to be boring, and you don’t need to shout to be heard, especially in a market already full of shouty campaigns.
“So, in true Aussie and Kiwi fashion, we’re swapping shouting for swearing, because we feel that’s the kind of honesty we find entertaining,” he said.
‘Ding Dong Deals’ acts as a value layer alongside Uber Eats’ brand platform, ‘Get Almost, Almost Anything’, which reinforces the brand’s versatility across takeaway, grocery, convenience and more.
Uber Eats’ continues platform is designed to be long-running and flexible, with more content, categories and surprise offers set to roll out across the year.
The campaign forms part of a broader regional initiative to deliver value-led campaigns tailored to cultural nuances across a range of APAC markets.
Credits
Client: Uber Eats
Nicole Bardsley, Head of Marketing, Uber and Uber Eats ANZ
Margot Deltour, Marketing Lead Growth and Engagement, Delivery ANZ
Adam Ledbury, Creative Director, Uber and Uber Eats APAC
Tom Walter, Brand Marketing Strategy, Uber and Uber Eats APAC
Creative Agency: Special
Lindsey Evans & Cade Heyde, Partner/CEO
Julian Schreiber & Tom Martin, Partner/CCO
Peter Defries & Alan Wilson, Group Creative Directors, Uber APAC
Sophie Aitken & Matt Aitken, Creatives
Lauren Portelli, Managing Director
Rachel McEwen, Team Lead
Charlie Keeble, Business Director
Fabrizia Violante, Business Director
Alicia Aguilera, Business Director
Celia Garforth, Regional Executive Strategy Director
Heather Sheen, Group Strategy Director
Kellie Box, Strategy Director
Mahima Silwal, Strategist
Jo Howlett, Integrated Producer
Nick Lilley, Head of Stills
Di Williams, Stills Producer
Adam Shear, Head of Design
Cam Morris, Designer
John Rivera, Finished Artist
Jen Bailey, Finished Artist
Production Company: Good Oil
Director: Adam Gunser
EP: Juliet Bishop
Producer: Claire Richards
Casting: Peta Einberg
DP: Crighton Bone
Prod Designer: Arabella Lockhart
Editor: Mark Burnett
Post-Production: The Editors
Sound: Rumble
Media Agency: EssenceMediacom
Owned Channels & CRM: RX
Solstice Media appoints Heath Richards
Solstice Media has Heath Richards as chief financial and commercial officer as it expands its national and state-based publishing businesses.
He has held senior finance and commercial roles across the media, most recently with a global advertising agency, and has experience in the retail, sport and professional services sectors.
His expertise in financial strategy, operational leadership, and business transformation will support Solstice’s next phase of growth across its portfolio, which includes The New Daily, InDaily, Australian Traveller, SALIFE, CityMag, 7am and InReview.
Solstice Media managing director Paul Hamra said Richards’ appointment marks an important step in building a unified natonal business model.
“Heath brings deep commercial and financial experience, along with a sharp understanding of how to drive sustainable growth in modern media businesses,” he said.
“As Solstice continues to expand its national reach while investing in local journalism and audiences, Heath’s leadership will be invaluable in shaping a strong, agile organisation.”
Richards’ expertise powers Solstice’s ambitions
Richards said he was excited to join Solstice Media at a pivotal moment for independent
Australian media.
“Solstice has built a remarkable collection of trusted brands with strong, engaged audiences,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to helping drive its strategic and commercial ambitions as the business
continues to evolve nationally.”
Richards commenced in November and will be based at the company’s Adelaide headquarters.
Candice Wyatt to depart Network 10 after 15 years
Longtime Network 10 Melbourne newsreader Candice Wyatt has announced she will leave the network after 15 years, marking the end of a distinguished broadcast career that has seen her report from major events both in Australia and abroad.
Wyatt, 41, confirmed she will finish up early next month, calling the decision “a new chapter” after more than a decade on air.
“I leave Network 10 very proud of the journalism I have produced across 15 years, and the stories I have been privileged to tell,” Wyatt told the Herald Sun.
“I have interviewed people in their darkest hours and others in the happiest moments of their lives. I have made lifelong friends and memories, and at times, the 10 newsroom in Melbourne has been filled with colleagues who have felt like family – it has been my second home.”
Wyatt said she was looking forward to “new challenges” and “seeing what the future brings.”
Two decades across print, radio and TV
A Deakin University graduate, Wyatt began her career with the Werribee Times before moving into broadcast journalism with Southern Cross Television in Tasmania, where she gained national recognition for her coverage of the 2006 Beaconsfield Mine Disaster.
She joined ABC Ballarat in 2008, later becoming senior reporter for Western Victoria, before moving to Network 10 in 2010.
At 10, Wyatt became known for her crime reporting and live coverage of major stories including the Jill Meagher murder case, Victorian bushfires, and bikie raids across Melbourne.
She also reported internationally – covering Schapelle Corby’s release from Bali’s Kerobokan Prison, the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, and the Rio Olympics.
In 2014, Wyatt was promoted to the TEN Eyewitness News Melbourne anchor desk, co-presenting alongside Stephen Quartermain before returning to senior reporting duties in 2017 following a national newsroom restructure.
Wyatt’s exit comes amid a broader period of change for Australian television newsrooms.
Last week, Nine News weather presenter Livinia Nixon announced she would step down after 21 years with the network, signalling a shift in the familiar on-air line-ups that have defined Melbourne’s evening news for decades.
Media
BBC bosses quit over Trump documentary fallout
The broadcaster is running a live blog capturing the news as it unfolds.
On background, BBC director general Tim Davie and News CEO Deborah Turness have resigned after reports a Panorama episode edited parts of Donald Trump’s 2021 speech to suggest he encouraged the Capitol Hill riots.
ABC journalists threaten strike amid pay dispute
Capital Brief’s John Buckley reports that journalists have accused managing director Hugh Marks of trying to “divide” staff after withholding details of the broadcaster’s latest pay offer, sparking the first major test of his leadership.
Online
FBI investigates owner of paywall-busting site
The FBI has issued a subpoena seeking the identity of the person behind archive.today, the site widely used to bypass paywalls and save online content.
According to 404Media’s Jason Koebler, the order has been filed with domain registrar Tucows, and demands subscriber and billing details as part of a criminal probe.