After seven years with News Corp Australia, head of national trading and NSW consortium agencies, Alexandra Bliekast, is exiting the business.

“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my leaders and peers, for their incredible support, trust, and guidance throughout the years,” Bliekast wrote on LinkedIn.

“I feel very lucky to have worked with some of the most talented individuals in our industry, both locally and globally, and will always cherish the remarkable accomplishments we’ve had together.”

Bliekast’s exit comes as The Sydney Morning Herald reports News Corp Australia will “make up to 80 roles in its sales workforce redundant” as part of its ongoing restructure. A News Corp spokesperson told the Nine masthead that the claims of a 40% reduction in sales staff was “wildly inaccurate”.

A News Corp Australia spokesman told Mediaweek: “Like most companies we do not provide commentary on employment matters but the story that first appeared in the Nine Entertainment tabloids, The Age and Sydney Morning Herald, contained multiple errors, including the egregiously false claim 40 percent of sales staff were to lose their jobs. 

“The published story still contains significant errors and we would appreciate having the opportunity to consider and respond to questions rather than media outlets automatically assuming these reports are correct.”

Other exits so far include Michael Wilkins, managing director of national sport brands, Marcus Hooke, general manager of print production, and Michael Desiere, head of sales – NSW independent agencies and major direct.

Two of the first high-profile exits were Lisa Muxworthy, the editor-in-chief of news.com.au – the most popular news website in the country – and John McGourty, the Editorial Innovation Centre’s group director.

Speaking about the restructure in an address to the National Press Club last week, News Corp’s executive chairman Michael Miller said the move was to ensure the business “rightsize[s] through the advertising downturn to be in a position for growth.”

“I’ve never talked about numbers, and the speculation of the numbers out there is incorrect. In terms of journalists, we will always try to minimise the loss of frontline journalists who are on the ground,” he said in a Q&A following his Press Club address.

“Unfortunately, we are going through a lot of change as an industry. We’re looking to rightsize through the advertising downturn to be in a position for growth coming out. I’m not going to talk to numbers and never have, I don’t plan to either.”

The restructure comes in the wake of Meta’s refusal to re-sign media bargaining code deals, with Miller using his Press Club address to call for tech giants to be beholden to a legally binding “social license” with criminal consequences if they want to operate in Australia. 

See also: Michael Miller calls for tech giants to be bound by ‘social licence’: ‘They don’t mine our minerals, they mine our lives’

Scott Lorson has stepped down as CEO of Fetch TV after 15 years in the role, replaced by Dominic Arena.

Lorson will remain in the business in an advisory role until January 2025, while Arena will take over the top job from the new financial year. He has been a non-executive director at Fetch TV since 2022. 

“Scott has done an outstanding job building Fetch into the thriving business that it is today,” said Kim Krogh Andersen, the chair of Fetch TV.

“His stewardship has been instrumental in establishing Fetch’s strong market position, ready for future expansion. I’ve enjoyed working with him and want to thank him for the fantastic job he’s done leading the team, particularly over the past two years, as we added Telstra as a channel for Fetch and migrated Telstra TV customers to the platform.”

Lorson said he is “fortunate to have a clear and talented successor in Dominic and, after an orderly transition, it is the right time for me to step down as CEO.”

“In 2009, I joined a small team that set out to disrupt the Australian media landscape by introducing a world class content aggregation platform, forming true content and distribution partnerships, and providing exceptional customer value,” he said. 

“In the subsequent 15 years, Fetch has achieved tremendous success owing to the unwavering commitment of shareholders, the efforts of an amazingly talented team, the strong support of our distribution and content partners, and the loyalty of our passionate customers.

“Now, two years on from the commencement of the Telstra partnership, Fetch continues to invest, innovate, and disrupt. The business has entered a period of unprecedented subscriber growth and has cemented its position as a leader.”

Lorson said he will support Arena and is “excited about the future of Fetch under his leadership.” Holding the role has been “a wonderful journey and the honour of a lifetime,” he added.

Arena

Arena was formerly an executive director at Telstra Group responsible for strategy, commercial, and growth, and group chief strategy and marketing officer of the publicly-listed telecom and infrastructure company Axiata Group.

He has also worked as the managing director and partner of strategy consulting firms in Singapore, and a director at KPMG Advisory in Australia, focused on telecom, media, and technology strategy.

Arena said of the elevation: “I am excited to lead Fetch into its next phase of investment and growth. The business is in an excellent position thanks to Scott’s leadership, and I look forward to Fetch bringing new and localised entertainment and lifestyle options to our customers, making it easier and more affordable to discover, enjoy and engage with the content they love.

“We’ll remain focused on delivering great home-grown products, exceptional experiences and continuing to work with all of our valued partners and customers.”

In February, Lorson told Mediaweek the launch of Foxtel’s Hubbl wouldn’t impact Fetch TV, because the business has already been successfully fending off competitors like Apple TV and Chromecast. “We’ve been very successful as the true local aggregation platform in Australia. I see no reason that that’s not going to continue,” he said.

Since 2022, Fetch TV has been a joint venture between Telstra – with a 51.4% stake – and Astro Holdings.

“Telstra is selling Fetch to their new and existing customer base as well. Not only do we have an incredibly supportive shareholder, but we also have another anchor tenant customer,” Lorson said in February.

“We have the combined scale of Telstra TV and Fetch– over 1.3 million households in Australia.

“We are now a very, very significant player in the aggregation space. We have the benefit of scale, which is critical in this market.”

With the Cannes International Festival of Creativity 2024 approaching, Mediaweek heard from representatives at Special Melbourne, Innocean, DDB Group Melbourne and Dentsu Creative to learn about the predicted frontrunners.

Here, Gillian Dalla Pozza (associate CD, Dentsu Creative), Ryan Fitzgerald (ECD, Special Melbourne), Wez Hawes (ECD, Innocean Australia), and Psembi Kinstan (group ECD, DDB Melbourne) discuss the promising entries from their own offices, which they believe are their strongest contenders for a coveted Lion.

DDB Group Melbourne’s Kinstan is confident that “across the network, I’m sure we’ll see success for Macca’s Original Mouthful, VW RooBadge and Greenprint.”

But from its Melbourne office, specifically, he believes Movember’s Mancestry “has the tech, idea and humour to cut through.”

He explains: “To help the men that grow for Movember connect more deeply with their health, we created a DNA kit that analysed the hair from your mo and linked growers to notable ancestors from history (we actually found more than one influencer related to Ghengis Khan, and another related to Eric the Red). 

“Crucially, each Mancestry test also uncovers health markers within the DNA that each man should be aware of, prompting potentially life-saving conversations with healthcare professionals. Whilst the experience was exceptionally humorous, it was a perfect example of health by stealth.” 

Dentsu Creative’s associate creative director Dalla Pozza says she’s cheering for the agency’s Second Chance Champions campaign to pick up some metal at Cannes.

“And how could it not?,” she continues. “We created a world-first at the Transplant Games giving athletes the opportunity to split their winning medals with the donors or the donor families who made their ‘second chance’ possible. We also managed to shift some pretty ingrained public perceptions by focusing on all that is gained with organ transplants, rather than focusing on the loss.”

Innocean Australia’s Hawes says the agency’s “fingers are crossed that the Cannes jurors read the supporting material, or that there is an Aussie juror who explains who’s who in the Kia Tasman campaign.

“It’s a brave strategy to launch a new ute without the car, or even the name of the car, so we’re hoping the jurors recognise this and it brings home some metal for Australia.”

Hawes adds that Innocean is also pinning its hopes on the White Ribbon The Daily Issue campaign.

“We printed just 1% of the articles on men’s violence against women in Australia since the start of 2024 in a special edition newspaper,” he explains.

“The campaign garnered nationwide coverage and recently picked up a coveted Yellow Pencil at D&AD.”

Special Melbourne’s Fitzgerald says the agency is hoping its work for the Dylan Alcott Foundation, the Shift 20 Initiative, “will raise eyebrows in the south of France.”

Shift 20 Initiative for the Dylan Alcott Foundation

“The Initiative was created to normalise disability inclusion and representation in advertising for the almost 20% of Australians who have some form of visible or invisible disability, who are only represented in advertising 1% of the time. We launched with a mass inclusion moment, where 10 of Australia’s biggest brands swapped out a key scene in their advertising to feature a person with disability.

“The long term impact of the initiative was cemented with open source tools to give brands, agencies and production companies the tools they need to help make the shift, amongst other initiatives.”

He contends that “whatever happens on the Côte-d’Or, we’re excited that the Shift 20 message will be shared directly with some very clever jurors.”

See also: The Shift 20 Initiative: Setting the standard for representation in advertising

“Nine has been far too slow to acknowledge and take seriously the concerns raised by editorial staff about the failings of management in providing safe workplaces,” says the acting director of MEAA Media, Michelle Rae.

In March, Nine’s national director of news and current affairs, Darren Wick, left the network after 29 years at the company. In the wake of his departure, allegations of inappropriate behaviour in the workplace followed.

“Poor management culture starts at the top, and the announcement of a new chair is an opportunity to reset by beginning to take the actions that the previous chair and senior management have been unwilling or unable to do,” Rae added on behalf of the industry’s union.

“The journalists who work for Nine are the company’s biggest asset, and the first priority of the new chair must be to demonstrate through actions – not only words – that journalism is valued and respected at Nine.”

Following the Wick allegations and an altercation with a News Corp journalist, Peter Costello stepped down as Nine Entertainment chairman and resigned as a director. Costello was under pressure about the company’s failure to deal with alleged sexual harassment in its television newsrooms.

Catherine West was subsequently appointed Nine chair on Sunday evening following Costello’s resignation.

“The board has been supportive through the events of the last month and last few days in particular,” Costello said in a statement issued on Sunday.

“But going forward I think they need a new chair to unite them around a fresh vision and someone with the energy to lead to that vision for the next decade.”

West added “As chairman, he [Costello] has always put the needs of the company first and his decision to stand down and pass on the baton of leading Nine at this time is in line with that approach.” 

In his statement, Costello said CEO Mike Sneesby has always had his full support, and expressed his faith in the investigation into complaints against Wick. 

“Mr Sneesby has always had my full support as CEO,” he said. “The company has set up a robust process to investigate historical complaints which has my full support. I believe it will get to the bottom of any unknown issues.”

–

Top image: Catherine West and Peter Costello

R/GA has promoted its VP, executive creative director of brand design for APAC, Ben Miles, to the newly-created role of chief design officer APAC. 

Miles first joined the creative innovation studio as executive creative director, business transformation in 2020, before his appointment to the VP position in 2022.

“I joined R/GA because they intersect design and technology, and through our creative innovation model, design isn’t just visual — it’s a mindset,” Miles commented.

“Design elevates businesses, equipping them with the tools to solve today’s most pressing issues and anticipate tomorrow’s challenges. It navigates complexity, strengthening connections across sectors and empowering organisations to reimagine brands in innovative ways. I’m honoured by the trust R/GA has put in me to elevate our capabilities across the region.” 

During his tenure, Miles has worked for brands across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, including Telstra, Westpac, Powerhouse Museum and City of Sydney, Google, Nike, UOB, SingLife, IGA, Toll, SKY NZ, Foxtel, Cotton On Group, Huffer, Fed Square, Bailey Nelson, ZIG (part of CDG), Timberland and The Prince Akatoki, as well as startups. 

In the new role, Miles’ remit will involve overseeing R/GA’s craft, thinking, and output across APAC, collaborating with multidisciplinary leaders in the market. 

R/GA global chair and global chief creative officer, Tiffany Rolfe, said the role was especially significant as “R/GA was founded on the principles of design and technology.”

“Ben has proven to be a skilled practitioner and inspiring leader, always designing to create impact for our clients and the world. I look forward to having his infectious passion across even more of our work and teams in APAC,” she said. 

“Ben makes the industry, R/GA and all of us better with his passion, creativity and innovation,” added R/GA’s APAC CEO, Michael Titshall.

“In this unique role, he’ll inject his brand and design expertise giving R/GA’s clients across the region access to unique creative solutions.” 

Miles’ leadership has been recognised with awards including Fast Company’s ‘World Changing Ideas’ accolade for the G’ AY MATE project supporting Marriage Equality, and two D&AD Yellow Pencils and a Cannes Lions for the social Indigenous enterprise ‘We Are Warriors.’ 

His promotion follows the May appointment of Marie Conley to the role of executive strategy director, who moved from her post as strategy partner at The Pharm/VML, based in London. 

In March, R/GA Public Practice division expanded its team with four senior hires in Canberra: senior product strategist Skye Kibbey from Deloitte Digital, technology director Sam Brunno from Dentsu’s Merkle, design ops director Joe McKinley from Deloitte Digital, and group account director Nick Trembath from Liquid Interactive.

See also:
R/GA appoints Marie Conley as executive strategy director
R/GA Australia announces four new senior appointments to public practice division

–

Top image: Ben Miles

The merger of two WPP creative agencies, AKQA and Grey, is officially complete as of this week.

The move comes three and a half years after they were combined globally to form the AKQA Group, and three months after the move to operationally merge the two agencies in Australia was announced. As part of the merger, whiteGREY CEO Lee Simpson departed the business.

AKQA is now the lead brand in four markets, including Australia, led by AKQA’s APAC managing partner, Brian Vella. Grey continues to be the lead brand in China.

Vella reports directly to AKQA global CEO and founder, Ajaz Ahmed.

In Australia, AKQA is led by managing director Jeremy Smart, and supported by general manager of Sydney, Justine Leonge.

In comment to Mediaweek, Smart said: “For two and a half decades we’ve been building our strength and suitability for this constantly changing landscape. We are fit for complexity. That’s exactly what our clients need, and we help them find differentiation to deliver breakthrough results”.

Leong added: “The strength of AKQA is that innovation is in our DNA. We were born to handle complexity, applying creativity and technology to bring clarity and fresh perspective for our clients. We have been recognised as AFR’s Most Innovative Company, two of the last three years. This is a powerful advantage in today’s landscape.

As a result of the merger, AKQA operates across six arts and sciences specialisms: growth strategy, storytelling, emerging ideas, product and experience, technology, and data and AI. The client roster includes such brands Bunnings, HESTA, Scentre Group, KFC, Adore Beauty, Country Road Group, Officeworks, Visit Victoria, and Volvo.

The White Agency and Grey Group Australia first merged to form whiteGrey in 2017.

“I joined whiteGREY at a challenging time when Grey and The White Agency merged and embarked on an ambitious journey of expansion and growth to its services, capabilities and clients,” Simpson said at the time his departure became public.

“We created a new positioning and model, welcomed some fantastic clients, have been recognised as a top ten agency in the region for creativity and effectiveness (Cannes and WARC respectively) and are currently AFR’s Most Innovative Media & Marketing Company and the Most Innovative Small business in ANZ. We proved Tension really can create extraordinary.”

See also: WPP merges Grey and AKQA’s operations in Australia, Lee Simpson departs

–

Top image: Justine Leong and Jeremy Smart

Bega Group has appointed The Royals to handle the creative account for its Dairy Farmers brand, effective from 1 July 2024.

The brand put the Dairy Farmers creative account up for pitch in March after its former agency of record M&C Saatchi and the FMCG giant parted ways.

It engaged Madclarity media consultancy to manage the pitch, which involved three agencies. 

“Dairy Farmers’ story began in 1900, and it has grown to become one of Australia’s leading brands for  milk and other dairy products,” commented Bega Group’s general manager, marketing, and innovation, Matt Gray.

“To honour its legacy, and to continue to drive the brand forward, we were on the lookout for a new creative direction. We engaged with our long term consulting partner Madclarity to facilitate the creative pitch process which allowed Bega Group to focus on finding the right partner. 

“We are delighted to announce that we will be working with The Royals, who demonstrated a depth of understanding of the Dairy Farmers business, were a great  team to work with, and brought strong creative credentials to the table.”

The Dairy Farmers brand houses a number of dairy products including milks, flavoured milks, creams, yoghurts, custards and butter.

The Royals’ managing partner, Steve O’Farrell, said the agency was “delighted to be entrusted with a leading brand for dairy products in Australian supermarkets.”

“This partnership is about combining The Royals’ ‘Most Interested’ philosophy with Dairy Farmers’ extraordinary brand legacy to create work that’s not only interesting  but profoundly impactful,” he said.

In July 2023, Starcom Australia was re-appointed to lead the media strategy, planning, and buying accounts in Australia for Bega Group.

In May, The Royals was awarded the top spot on AFR Boss’ annual Best Places to Work list among media and marketing agencies. Shortly after, it launched the first major campaign for wellbeing company Australian Unity.

See also:
Starcom Australia reappointed to lead P&G and Bega Group
The Royals leads industry pack on 2024 AFR BOSS Best Places to Work

Ad revenue in the Australian market is forecast to rise 1.1% to $23.5 billion in the year ahead, according to GroupM’s mid-year This Year Next Year report.

Australia’s predicted growth is soft compared to that expected for the top 10 markets around the world, including the US at 5.8%, the UK at 4.9%, and China at 14%.

Melissa Hey, chief investment officer of GroupM Australia and New Zealand, said: “Economic uncertainty is front of mind for consumers, advertisers and politicians and continues to cast a shadow in Australia for the year ahead, but there are bright spots in the landscape.
 
“Despite the economic challenges it’s positive to see growth in the year ahead. Based on the current economic conditions, we’re expecting overall ad revenue to increase 1.1% across 2024 to $23.5 billion before stronger growth returns in 2025.”

Australia’s retail media market is set to cement itself as a primary growth engine for brands, projected to rise by 28.6% in 2024 to reach $1.162 billion.

Digital audio, including podcasts and streaming, is projected to rise 16.4%, despite the overall audio landscape predicted to remain relatively flat at -0.1% ($1.237 billion).
 
Digital out-of-home represents 75% of all outdoor revenue, and growth across the channel is forecast for 2024 at $1.246 billion (+7.3%). There is still under 10% of inventory traded programmatically.

Meanwhile, digital biddable media represents 76% of ad spend in 2024 and search has the biggest share: 37% of digital media.

The report forecasts a 13.3% decline in linear TV to $2.85 billion in 2024. VOD is expected to grow by 15.3%, and total TV is predicted to dip by 9.5% to $3.43 billion.

“Retail media is seeing accelerated growth, solidifying its position as a primary growth engine for brands, podcasts and streaming continue to drive growth in audio, while the decline of linear TV is slowing,” Hey added.

As the box office continues to decline year-on-year, the forecast for cinema has been downgraded to +2.6% to reach $117 million.
 
–
 
Top image: Melissa Hey

Advertisers aren’t ready for the cookieless future and many agree with Google’s decision to delay the phaseout of third-party cookies, a new study from Taboola conducted on its behalf by YouGov has found.

Only 25% of advertisers are completely prepared for the cookie phaseout and 46% are happy with Google’s decision to delay the phaseout.

The new Taboola and YouGov study polled decision-makers in advertising and marketing to understand their level of preparedness for cookie deprecation, the effect they anticipate it will have on their business, and how it will affect their decision to invest in certain advertising channels.

According to the study, advertisers will change the way they spend in a cookieless world. 44% of advertisers anticipate shifting advertising spend to different channels, as the cookie is phased out.

Advertisers also see different channels as providing better performance and return on investment in a cookieless world. Search advertising and native advertising were among those ranked as the strongest. 

The study polled 202 decision-makers in advertising and marketing, in companies with at least 100 employees. Fieldwork was conducted online and undertaken between 3 and 9 May 2024. The figures are unweighted.

Google delayed the end of third-party cookies in its Chrome browser in April, due to regulatory oversight in the UK.

This delay marks the third time Google has pushed back its original deadline set in January 2020.

In a statement, Google said it recognises there are ongoing challenges related to reconciling divergent feedback from the industry, regulators, and developers.

“We will continue to engage closely with the entire ecosystem,” the statement read.

“It’s also critical that the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has sufficient time to review all evidence including results from industry tests, which the CMA has asked market participants to provide by the end of June. Given both of these significant considerations, we will not complete third-party cookie deprecation during the second half of Q4.”

Founder and director of ZRO FOX David Gaskill said the news demonstrates why smart brands and businesses are investing in owning their own data and diversification. 

“Relying on and paying for big tech is like sitting on a freeway in neutral,” he said.

See also: Google delays end of third-party cookies for third time

Compiled by Tess Connery

Pro Podcast opens new studio

It’s a milestone week for Pro Podcast, celebrating the opening of two new podcast studios. Founded by Darcy Milne in 2016, Pro Podcast has helped over 300 people plan, create, and launch podcasts, including notable clients like LinkedIn, Lifeline, Realestate.com.au, Logan Paul, and more.

This week, Pro Podcast opened two podcast studios and offices located at 70 Castlereagh Street Sydney.

Milne said: “We are so excited to expand and offer new studios in the city’s heart, offering a space designed for comfort, rich content production, and collaboration.”

[Find Pro Podcast here]

News Corp Australia and News UK join forces on investigative podcast into global cocaine trade

News Corp Australia and News UK have united for an international investigation into the global cocaine trade, to be revealed in a new podcast, video and editorial series, Cocaine Inc.

News Corp Australia reporter Stephen Drill, The Times chief reporter Fiona Hamilton, and The Sunday Times northern editor David Collins travelled 50,000 kilometres across six countries to lift the lid on the global cocaine industry where profits are counted in billions and losses measured in murders.

The investigation travels to England, Colombia, Mexico, the Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, and Australia. The reporters tracked the cocaine trade from the Colombian narco tunnels and the ports of Rotterdam, all the way to the streets of Melbourne.

[Listen to Cocaine Inc. here]

Merrick Watts returns to host season three of Picture Discuss

ARN’s iHeart is welcoming back Merrick Watts with the third season of Picture Discuss.

In each episode, two comedians join Watts, and the group is tasked with explaining the backstory behind a picture they have no context for.

Season three promises to answer the big questions, like why is toe wrestling not an Olympic sport? What led to a group of women riding a rollercoaster topless? Is there really a championship for splicing a watermelon with your bare hands… on another person’s stomach?

Comedians joining Merrick to uncover each picture’s backstory include Tom Cashman, Michelle Brasier, Tom Ballard, Pete Helliar, Rhys Nicholson, Geraldine Hickey, and Mel Buttle.

[Listen to Picture Discuss here]

Hedley Thomas on Bronwyn, and doing ‘more good with this sort of journalism than most’

“The former police commissioner of New South Wales, Mick Fuller, described a true crime podcast series as the most effective crime-fighting tool he had ever witnessed in all his years of policing,” Hedley Thomas told Mediaweek.

“There’s an impact on listeners who know things, that missing persons posters, police appeal through Crimestoppers, rewards, and so on simply do not and probably will never have.”

Hedley Thomas

With podcasts The Teacher’s Pet, The Night Driver, Shandee’s Story, The Teacher’s Trial, Shandee’s Legacy and The Teacher’s Accuser, Thomas says the biggest thing he has learned through investigative work is that “there will always be new information and new evidence trails in sometimes very old cases.

“Even a very thorough police investigation following a very poor investigation will never be as effective as the mass reach of a podcast series, which prompts people to unburden themselves of information that they have not previously come forward with.”

[Read more]

Brent Smart: ‘Nothing has ever been invented that’s as good at killing ideas as a corporation’

According to Telstra CMO Brent Smart, “Nothing has ever been invented that’s as good at killing ideas as a corporation – they’re built to kill ideas.” 

Referencing the idea that “culture eats strategy for breakfast” Smart said: “If you can create a creative culture inside a corporation, it’s an incredibly powerful thing.”

Reflecting on his career, Smart said he “loved” his 20 years in agencies, but it got to a point where “the driving motivation” to leave agencies and become a marketer “was frustration with clients.”

Smart was talking to Dan Krigstein on The Growth Distillery’s Reset for Growth vodcast, run by News Corp Australia. 

[Read more]

Hello Social has been appointed as the creative agency of record for the Lynx brand as it launches a premium fine fragrance collection in Australia and New Zealand.

The independent integrated agency will lead creative and activations in partnership with media agency Mindshare and PR partner Forward PR.

Hello Social’s managing partner, Sam Kelly, said: “Lynx is an intergenerational icon and almost part of growing up here in Australia. We are honoured to be partnering with Unilever and their progressive team to bring this exciting new range to market.”

Alison Holland, head of media and content at Unilever, added: “Hello’s unique capabilities and cultural perspective really impressed our team and we are very excited to be launching this amazing new Lynx range with them as part of an expanded Agency Village.”

The account win for Hello Social comes after the agency welcomed a slew of new hires across its business units in March.

Among those recruits were viral TikToker Madeleine Spencer (@mad.day), who leads the internal creator division; Maya Weidner, integrated client lead from Saatchi & Saatchi; Charlotte Shackley, senior account manager from CHEP Network; and Tristan Byrnes, an account director who joined from JOY.

Nathan Bramley also joined the agency, stepping into the role of account director, Seamus McShane started as head of design, and Cody Waters became senior designer.
 
The agency, founded in 2011 by Max Doyle, already has clients across its various disciplines, including Uber, Kmart, Afterpay, BMW, Budget Direct, Anko, Kimberly-Clark, Mini, Paramount+, Paramount Pictures, Amazon Alexa, Audible, LDV, Peloton, and Rebel Sport.
 
The new additions and offering expansion comes after Hello Social won six awards at the 2023 AiMCO Awards earlier this year.
 
See also: Hello Social welcomes new hires, including viral TikToker

Following multiple client wins including Peter Lehmann Wines, Reflections Holidays, and Zambrero, Bread Agency has made six new hires, significantly bolstering the existing team of three. 

Former creative content lead at Havas Red Talya Kaplan joins as content lead. With over 10 years of experience in design and content creation, Kaplan’s portfolio of brands includes Toyota, Nikon, NIVEA, Sunrice, Roche, Abbvie and UCB.

After a year of freelancing for multiple agencies and clients, Katie Moon joins the team from Aruga as social creative. She has over 10 years of agency and in-house experience. Moon has led campaigns for clients including Aspen, Beko, Caravanning Queensland, Brisbane City Council, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services, and University of Queensland.

Coming from Havas Media, Werner Coetzee joins the team as content creator. Coetzee has worked across a range of categories, from cosmetics and lifestyle to food and finance. Werner has worked with brands like Darrell-Lea, KitchenAid, Deliveroo, Marc Jacobs, and Rimmel London.

Carla Woodhouse comes from Mamamia’s content and influencer agency SQUAD, where she was social media manager. Woodhouse has worked with brands such as Amazon Prime Video, CommBank, Donut King, Campari Group, Coles, Johnson & Johnson, Google, Optus, Samsung, and Tourism Whitsundays.

Maayke Louwerens becomes social media manager. For the past two years, she worked at men’s apparel brand Johnny Bigg.

Starting in early July, Scarlett Govey will join the agency as senior account director. Having worked in both in-house brand and agency roles, Govey has over 10 years of experience in social media and marketing.

She has worked on creating and executing social strategies for global names including Heineken, Huawei, Hungry Jack’s, Revlon, and Toyota Financial Services. In her last role at Hungry Jack’s, Scarlett led the overall strategy, creative direction, and expansion of the brand’s social media presence.

Scarlett Govey, senior account director at Bread Agency

Amaury Treguer, co-founder of Bread Agency, said: “Since the inception of Bread, our goal has always been to attract and retain the best talent.

“That means recruitment has been a huge priority for us and looking at this lineup of talent – it’s paid off. We’re excited about the team we’re building and the impact their fresh perspectives and social skillsets will have on the clients we’re working with.”

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Top image L-R: Werner Coetzee, Talya Kaplan, Maayke Louwerens, Amaury Treguer, Mary Proulx, Natasha Michelmore, Katie Moon and Carla Woodhouse.

Daily Mail is marking a decade since its launch in Australia, simultaneously surpassing the 10 million readers milestone. 

Launched in 2014, Daily Mail Australia is now the fourth most-read news brand in the country according to the latest Ipsos rankings.

Over the last decade, the masthead has grown from a team of fewer than 30 reporters to more than 100, with offices in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, with journalists located across the country.

To celebrate the milestone 10th anniversary, a party is planned for staff, with a separate event to be held later in the year for key clients and partners.

Editor Felicity Hetherington said of Daily Mail Australia, “We always give our readers what they want, not what we think they should want. As a result, they’re informed, entertained and never bored.”

In addition to its 10.2 million readers, the masthead also records more than 5 million followers on Facebook, and across TikTok and Instagram. 

In April, Peter van Onselen joined Daily Mail as its political editor, with Hetherington saying at the time that the team was “thrilled with Peter’s appointment and believe his in-depth knowledge of the political issues affecting everyday Australians coupled with his incisiveness are perfect for our ever-growing readership.

“Peter knows Australian politics and the people who run the country inside out and will tell it how it is.”

Managing director Lachlan Heywood said Daily Mail Australia “is the undisputed leader of showbiz reporting in Australia,” but added that “anyone who visits the site knows it’s much more than that – it provokes emotion, shifts perceptions, drives action, but ultimately our content keeps our readers up to date on the stories that matter most to them.”

Heywood also thanked the title’s commercial partners, saying: “We are extremely proud of the first-to-market solutions we have launched with our key clients over the years, and we look forward to building on the momentum in future.

“In a time of huge change in the media industry, Daily Mail Australia has proven itself to be a real success story. I look forward to its continued growth and development over the next 10 years.”

Time Out has unveiled the launch of its inaugural Arts and Culture Awards in Australia.

The awards will honour organisations, spaces, performances, and talents in the Australian arts and culture scenes. There will be seven critically reviewed award categories as well as people’s choice categories, with nominees shortlisted and judged by Time Out’s local arts and culture critics. 

The awards will be celebrated with events in Sydney and Melbourne on 29 July 2024, where the winners will be announced.

The awards are sponsored by The Pinnacle Foundation, which focuses on empowering LGBTQIA+ youth through educational scholarships, mentorship programs and support networks, aiming to provide them with opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Kaylie Smith, Time Out APAC’s managing director, said that Time Out’s local expert editors have shortlisted the best, and there are also people’s choice categories for readers to have their say.

“Time Out is dedicated to spotlighting and celebrating thriving and diverse arts communities, and we wanted to find a way to recognise the strength and breadth of talent in Australia,” she said.

“Time Out’s Food & Drink Awards have been running for many years and are a huge success, hotly anticipated by nominees and readers alike, so we’re excited to add another award to our offering that represents the Time Out ethos.”

The categories include:

Musicals
• Best Musical
• Best Performance in a Musical

Theatre
• Best Play
• Best Performance in a Play

Exhibitions
• Best Art Exhibition
• Best Museum Exhibition

The Impact Award
• Recognising significant contributions to Visibility, Inclusion, and Sustainability

People’s Choice categories (as voted by the Australian public):

• People’s Choice: Best Musical
• People’s Choice: Best Performance in a Musical
• People’s Choice: Best Play
• People’s Choice: Best Performance in a Play
• People’s Choice: Best Art Exhibition
• People’s Choice: Best Museum Exhibition

Are Media’s ELLE Australia and MG Motor Australia partnered to launch the MG3 vehicle against the backdrop of Vivid last night, with celebrations taking place at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal.

Hosted by comedian, actress, and content creator Millie Ford, the MG3 launch event drew 350 Australian creatives, including talent from the acting, music, beauty, fashion, and design worlds. 

Added up, the social media reach of the people in the room was over 20 million.

The night was centred around the recognition of six ‘rising stars’, selected by ELLE Australia:

• The Style Star: Stylist, consultant and influencer Violet Grace Atkinson
• The Future of Beauty: Makeup artist Sean Brady
• The Trailblazer: Actor and singer Ayesha Madon
• The Modern Icon: Podcaster and author Flex Mami
• The Next Big Thing: Actor Mel Jarnson
• The Game Changer: Diversity and equality advocate, author and actor Maria Thattil

Maria Thattil

Attendees included MG Motor Australia CEO Peter Ciao, Pip Edwards, Moana Hope, David and Libby Koch, Hannah Diviney, Jessica Rowe, Jordan and Zac Stenmark, and Are Media general manager of fashion and beauty, Nicky Briger.

The MG3 launch event was one element of a marketing campaign created by MG, Are Media, and Joy Agency. Other elements include a public relations campaign, influencer marketing, social content, podcasts, and ELLE digital and editorial content featured in the September issue.

Are Media’s Briger said the night “was a fantastic celebration of the new, now and next – qualities MG and ELLE Australia share and champion.

“The MG3 event was a great example of how Are Media can create bespoke experiences for our partners, with built-in amplification across our brands and networks.”

ELLE Australia editor, Grace O’Neill, added: “ELLE Australia celebrates the new, now, and next, and this special event was a wonderful opportunity to showcase Australia’s rising stars. As incubators of talent in music, film, fashion and art, we are thrilled to be celebrating both young creativity and auto innovation with MG.”

–

Top image: David Hearty (MG Motor), Peter Ciao (MG Motor), Nicky Briger (Are Media), Melanie Savvidis (Are Media)

Tuesday 11 June 2024: VOZ Total TV Ratings Overnight Top 30 – Programs ranked on reach

Total People TV Ratings

Nine’s Australian Swimming Trials recorded a total TV national reach of 1,650,000, a total TV national audience of 665,000, and a BVOD audience of 71,000.

Nine’s A Current Affair recorded a total TV national reach of 1,540,000, a total TV national audience of 999,000, and a BVOD audience of 72,000.

Seven’s Dream Home recorded a total TV national reach of 1,308,000, a total TV national audience of 535,000, and a BVOD audience of 41,000.

Also on Seven, Home & Away recorded a total TV national reach of 1,205,000, a total TV national audience of 835,000, and a BVOD audience of 106,000.

10’s airing of MasterChef Australia recorded a total TV national reach of 1,250,000, a total TV national audience of 638,000, and a BVOD audience of 59,000.

10’s airing of The Cheap Seats recorded a total TV national reach of 1,194,000, a total TV national audience of 540,000, and a BVOD audience of 20,000.

See Also: TV Report 11 June 2024: Old decisions come back to haunt Dream Home teams

People 25-54

Nine’s Australian Swimming Trials:
• Total TV nation reach: 577,000
• National Audience: 263,000
• BVOD Audience: 39,000

Nine’s A Current Affair:
• Total TV nation reach: 471,000
• National Audience: 295,000
• BVOD Audience: 39,000

10’s MasterChef:
• Total TV nation reach: 481,000
• National Audience: 253,000 
• BVOD Audience: 33,000

Seven’s Dream Home:
• Total TV nation reach: 441,000
• National Audience: 184,000
• BVOD Audience: 24,000

Seven’s Home & Away:
• Total TV nation reach: 369,000
• National Audience: 260,000
• BVOD Audience: 60,000

10’s The Cheap Seats:
• Total TV nation reach: 503,000
• National Audience: 262,000 
• BVOD Audience: 12,000

People 16-39

Nine’s Australian Swimming Trials:
• Total TV nation reach: 577,000
• National Audience: 263,000
• BVOD Audience: 39,000

Nine’s A Current Affair:
• Total TV nation reach: 471,000
• National Audience: 295,000
• BVOD Audience: 39,000

10’s MasterChef:
• Total TV nation reach: 481,000
• National Audience: 253,000 
• BVOD Audience: 33,000

Seven’s Dream Home:
• Total TV nation reach: 441,000
• National Audience: 184,000
• BVOD Audience: 24,000

Seven’s Home & Away:
• Total TV nation reach: 369,000
• National Audience: 260,000
• BVOD Audience: 60,000

10’s The Cheap Seats:
• Total TV nation reach: 503,000
• National Audience: 262,000 
• BVOD Audience: 12,000

Grocery Shoppers 18+ TV Ratings

Nine’s Australian Swimming Trials:
• Total TV nation reach: 577,000
• National Audience: 263,000
• BVOD Audience: 39,000

Nine’s A Current Affair:
• Total TV nation reach: 471,000
• National Audience: 295,000
• BVOD Audience: 39,000

10’s MasterChef:
• Total TV nation reach: 481,000
• National Audience: 253,000 
• BVOD Audience: 33,000

Seven’s Dream Home:
• Total TV nation reach: 441,000
• National Audience: 184,000
• BVOD Audience: 24,000

Seven’s Home & Away:
• Total TV nation reach: 369,000
• National Audience: 260,000
• BVOD Audience: 60,000

10’s The Cheap Seats:
• Total TV nation reach: 503,000
• National Audience: 262,000 
• BVOD Audience: 12,000

Data © OzTAM and Regional TAM 2024. Not to be reproduced, published or communicated (electronically or in hard copy) in whole or in part, without prior written consent of OzTAM and Regional TAM.

TV Report 12 June 2024:

Nine TV Report

Australian Swimming Trials – Finals

Nine aired Day 3 of the Australian Swimming Trials. Coverage included finals of the Women’s 200m Freestyle, Men’s 800m Freestyle, Men’s 50m Freestyle, Men’s 150m IM MC & Celebrity Relay.

Ski Rescue Down Under

Dr Kate raced to evacuate three badly injured patients before a blizzard hit. A record-breaking snow dump placed the mountain’s Ops team on high alert.

Seven TV Report

The Front Bar

The Front Bar welcomed Adem Yze as they shared a laugh about the world of AFL and caught up with stars of yesteryear and today, ahead of the thirteenth round of the AFL 2024 season.

Home & Away

Earlier in the night was Home & Away as Mackenzie tried to return an unwanted gift. Levi came clean, and John and Dana clashed over a mystery.

10 TV Report

The Project

The Project on 10 looked into Celine Dion as she revealed all about her battle with stiff persons syndrome, investigated Aussie CEOs getting big pay rises during the cost of living crisis and spoke to Daniel MacPherson & John Waters.

MasterChef Australia

On 10’s MasterChef Australia, the iconic twin’s challenge took place. Each team had to utilize an appliance in their 90-minute dessert cook, aiming for identical dishes, despite only being able to shout instructions at each other.

ABC

7:30

On 7:30, a Senate inquiry into the PwC scandal has released its long-awaited report, recommending an overhaul of the way governments use consulting services.

Gruen

Gruen returned last night to discuss Telstra, Crocs and Extra Gum. Wil Anderson was joined by Russel Howcroft, Emily Taylor, Adam Ferrier and Dee Madigan.

SBS

Hunt for Truth: Tasmanian Tiger

Tim Noonan investigated the ultimate wildlife mystery to find out of the world’s most elusive animal – the Tasmanian Tiger – is gone for good or just very good at playing hide and seek.