Monday September 15, 2025

Matt White and Michael Wilkins launch Playbook Advice
From newsroom to boardroom: Matt White and Michael Wilkins write a new playbook

By Natasha Lee

After decades in media and sport, White and Wilkins are channelling their newsroom and boardroom experience to help others.

For Matt White and Michael Wilkins, the idea for Playbook Advice didn’t come from a whiteboard session or corporate retreat. It started with two colleagues reflecting on their careers – the highs, the battle scars, and the shifting industry beneath their feet – and realising they could offer something different.

Everyone in media and sport talks about getting a deal over the line, but rarely about the things that stop a deal. As Wilkins told Mediaweek: “We’ve seen where negotiations have been stopped and the reasons they’ve been unsuccessful.” That experience of knowing not just how to close but how to navigate the sticking points has become central to the consultancy they’ve now built together.

Both men know what it means to sit on either side of the table.

White has spent decades in front of the camera and behind the scenes, from anchoring sport and current affairs to leading major broadcast negotiations, while Wilkins rose through the ranks of News Corp to the boardroom, managing commercial and editorial teams and working with every major sporting code.

That mix of newsroom instincts and boardroom experience now sits at the heart of Playbook Advice – their new consultancy aimed at helping businesses navigate strategy, communications and growth in a rapidly changing landscape.

From newsroom to boardroom

The pair say what differentiates Playbook Advice from other consultancies is their shared background, straddling both journalism and executive leadership.

“While there are a lot of consultancies around, we saw a gap in the market,” Wilkins said. “Matt and I have this unique proposition where we are both journalists, so we know what goes on inside newsrooms, and inside news conferences. We also then turned into media executives, so we also know what goes in the boardroom of media companies.”

That dual perspective, White added, gives them a clear point of difference.

“It’s that newsroom to the boardroom experience,” he said. “There are very few consultancy cmompanies, I think, who have the kind of experiences that we’ve had along the way. The good and the bad, you know, the highs and the lows and the ugly. We both had a few battle scars.”

Matt White

Matt White

Leadership lessons

Leadership and mentoring are also central to the Playbook Advice offering. Both founders say it’s an area where real-world scars matter as much as strategy slides.

White explained: “We do a thing called Halftime Storytime in our podcast, where Wilko and I share stories from our career. The first episode is themed around leadership. And I recount a story on Dancing With The Stars, of all things. Leadership for me came in the most unlikeliest of places back in 2009.”

For Wilkins, leadership comes down to two responsibilities. “One was to make sure that the business performed as it should. And the other was to make sure that the people who I led had every opportunity to advance and be the best they could be,” he said. “I think a lot of leaders now are just very poor communicators. And I think the communication issue from leadership is still an endemic problem.”

White added that part of their approach is about improving what already works. “What I’m seeing a lot of the time is we have good leaders, but all good leaders want to be better leaders. Part of our mantra is let’s make good leaders even better leaders.”

That view has been shaped by personal experience.

White recalled the pride of being appointed Ten’s Head of Sport while still on air – a role that included helping broker the Melbourne Cup deal. “Out of everything that I’ve done in my career and all the highs and everything along the way, that was one of the proudest moments, because I achieved something that I’d been quietly working towards and also had a very strong desire not to just be successful with that role, but to also help people and lead people.”

But the role was cut short. “A couple of years later, with COVID and the state of Channel 10, I had that job taken off me. I lost my job in a phone call and I was still on air at the time. And it broke my heart.”

The setback forced him to rethink leadership. “It took me a while to recover from that, but over the last five years I’ve worked in all different ways to understand it better – from streaming and radio to mentoring students and coaching sport. What I worked out was I needed to understand what kind of leader I needed to be and what tools I needed to do that.”

“That’s brought us to this point,” he added. “What we’re doing now is a leadership position. We’re leading people to better outcomes. I’m very, very comfortable in where I’m at with that step.”

A focus on complex problems

Playbook Advice will work with clients on areas including media rights and partnerships, new revenue streams, audience growth, digital and AI strategies, communications, and executive mentoring.

The pair believe their practical experience in high-pressure negotiations allows them to simplify problems that often feel like a minefield for others.

“We’ve already got a couple of clients early on, before we’ve even launched,” Wilkins said. “It’s amazing just the nuance that we were able to deliver them, thinking through how to approach a situation differently that they were confronting. To us, the solution was pretty simple. That just comes from those years of experience.”

White added: “Quite often a lot of people think it’s the cork in the bottle that’s stopping them from going further, whereas it’s quite often what’s already in the bottle and how you actually clarify that. This is second nature to us with first-hand experience.”

Navigating a shifting sports landscape

Both men are drawing on careers spent at the intersection of sport and media.

Wilkins has worked with every major sporting code in Australia, while White oversaw key deals as Head of Sport at Ten – including rights negotiations in a market now reshaped by the $240 million World Rugby agreement with Nine.

For them, the lesson is clear: organisations can’t afford to stand still.

“One of the things Matt and I discussed when we were setting this up was we want to prepare people to be uncomfortable because we have really seen this acceleration in change,” Wilkins said.

“There are some instances where we will be saying to clients who are looking for a traditional solution, that just isn’t going to work for you. Because if you’re really looking for new audiences, you’re not going to be looking through traditional channels.”

White added: “I think the key word for us in this one is agility. A lot of the times, and we’re already doing this, we’re saying to sports and outlets and businesses, be prepared to be agile. That’s nothing new, but at the moment, the agility is going to be the key because everything is moving so fast and the understanding is so hard to grapple with.”

Michael Wilkinson (centre) stands with former Prime Minister Scott Morrison and The Daily Telegraph's current Editor-in-Chief Ben English

Michael Wilkinson (centre) stands with former Prime Minister Scott Morrison and The Daily Telegraph’s current Editor-in-Chief Ben English

Keeping the fan in focus

White’s daily SEN talkback show gives him an ear to what consumers are saying – and, he argues, their perspective is often missing from executive discussions.

“This has got to be one of the biggest, hottest topics for the punters: How can I watch my sport, where can I watch my sport, why am I paying money to watch certain things?” he said.

“Your fan, your member, your stakeholder is the key to all of this. Both media and sports have to remember the viewer, the listener and the fan, because they’re a third key component.”

Wilkins agreed: “It’s got to be – I mean in sport – it’s got to be fan first. If you’re not doing fan first, then you’re going to lose. And as sport rights become more expensive, no one can afford them all. So they have to go on different spaces. The challenge for codes is making sure they remember the fan in that process.”

The future

Playbook Advice was born out of a simple chat between two old colleagues who had both seen the industry from every angle, and what began as an offhand conversation has since become a structured business with early clients already on board.

For White and Wilkins, the appeal lies not just in leveraging their experience, but in putting it to work for others. Playbook Advice is, in their words, about helping organisations cut through the noise, adapt to change, and find clarity in a crowded media and sporting landscape.

Main image: (L-R) Michael Wilkins and Matt White

Keep on top of the most important media, marketing, and agency news each day with the Mediaweek Morning Report – delivered for free every morning to your inbox.

Social media star Kayla Jade reveals how she’s turned TikTok fame into a million‑stream podcast

By Frances Sheen

Storytime with Kayla Jade hit one million streams in its first month, and she’s now one of Australia’s most powerful digital creators with brands paying very close attention.

Kayla Jade never set out to dominate social media, but her influence is now impossible to ignore.

With more than three million followers across TikTok and Instagram, where’s she’s called @blueyedkaylajade, she has quickly become one of Australia’s most well-known, and arguably one of the most prominent influencers in the global digital space.

Originally from New Zealand, and now based in Australia, Kayla began posting on TikTok about a year ago, initially using the platform as a space to “vent” about her experiences as a sex worker with clients and her work.

“I was like, ‘I’m just going to throw this out there’ and then it just totally blew up,” she told Mediaweek.

Kayla jade on a bed and mixing a cocktail

Kayla Jade

But now, she has emerged from that social media influencer sphere, and successfully transitioned into podcasting and content creation  – and the results are staggering.

When her vodcast Storytime with Kayla Jade launched in April under Made in Katana’s new podcast division, MIK Made, the studio expected strong engagement with Gen Z audiences.

What they didn’t predict was the scale. More than one million streams and views across platforms in its first month, and it’s growing, fast. It’s now a Top Ten podcast in the US too.

The audience data tells a clear story. As a vodcast, it draws a heavily female base, 85–90 per cent, with a core skew of 18–34 but a surprising reach into older demographics, that is unexpected.

MIK Made’s Amelia Chappelow is the show’s Executive Producer. Her impressive credits include working at Triple J, and as EP on the hugely successfully podcasts Storytime with Seth Rogen, I Weigh with Jameela Jamil and Who is Daniel Johns?

Amelia Chappelow

She says the format of Kayla’s podcast was clear and is shaped around the content creator’s strengths. “She’s one of the rare creators who can jump from short-form to long-form. She knows the beats, she’s curious, and she connects with guests in a way you can’t teach,” she says.

Kayla’s trademark intimacy is baked into the production. Episodes are recorded wherever she feels most comfortable, often on her bed, and without the trappings of a traditional studio. “I don’t want it to feel like I’m pretending to be a newsreader,” she says. “I want it to be easy and real. If I wait too long, I lose motivation, so I just press record and start talking.”

She says some of that is down to her ADHD diagnosis, but some of that is also down to the way she’s found success on social media. Her intimate delivery, spontaneous posts and unfiltered delivery.

If the vodcast was heavily produced or scripted, Chappelow and Kayla feared her fans wouldn’t see it as authentic, and as a result there are no long introduction sections, title credits or stylised studios for her to talk from. “It’s natural,” says Chappelow. “And that’s the way it works.”

‘Balanced look at life’

“With ADHD, it’s definitely a struggle,” she says. “Some days l’m so great, I’m so motivated, and then other days, I just don’t want to do anything.

“But the medication has helped me have a more balanced look of life. My ADHD means I am a very creative person, and maybe I wasn’t the best at school, but I’ve always excelled in other ways. I’m so happy that I have the personality and the creativity that I do.”

But, even so, the move from short social posts to a longer-form podcast was a big leap.

“I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I first got into this,” Kayla says when she first started to talk to her agent Lem Zakharia about the idea of a vodcast. “People had been asking for longer-form content for ages.

“TikTok is great, but it’s fast. The podcast lets me talk about things I wouldn’t cram into a 30-second clip, even something as simple as what I’m doing next month.”

“I like to have control over things,” she adds. “I had to let go of that. Obviously I do everything myself on social, so giving it to other people to edit was hard, and so is talking to producers about content. That was the biggest thing for me, but it’s been good.”

Kayla Jade’s podcast has surpassed all expectations.

The show was still in its planning stages when the launch was suddenly brought forward, after Kayla was “outed” as a mother by a section of social media followers who appeared to want to label her as fake for not talking about her children.

‘She didn’t need scripting. It was raw’

Within days, Kayla had recorded her first episode dealing with the intrusion and the fall-out. The vlog was raw, unfiltered and answered as many questions as she felt she could face at the time. There were tears, some laughter but also a vulnerability that fans fully supported.

“It was her story to tell, in her own space,” says Chappelow. “Rather than letting speculation run, we worked to get it out quickly. She didn’t need scripting, she just talked. It was raw and it was hers.”

Kayla says the experience was confronting. “I hadn’t planned on doing that then. I mean, I had planned for a podcast where I was going to say I had kids but try to talk about it in a natural way, but that was very much sprung on me.

“We had an episode already lined up, but I said I think I need to talk about it. So that’s when I set up the camera, and told my side of it.

“Safety is a big thing for me. So obviously, I don’t want to harm the safety of my family, me or, even my clients, but sometimes you need to deal with what comes up and what feels natural.”

Working with brands

That unscripted style runs through every episode. From feminism, her past eating disorder, mental health and sex work, Kayla interviews friends, fellow s-workers, and subject experts, including a recent episode on PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) that Chappelow cites as a standout.

“Kayla found the expert herself, came fully prepared, and didn’t need me to feed her a single question. She asked what her audience would want to know and what she wanted to know, that’s what makes her so strong as a host.”

Commercially, the podcast works with brands, but there are clear boundaries around what will and won’t be promoted, and as Kayla is not aligned to one platform like Acast or Listner, the ultimate decision rests with Kayla.

Kay

“I only work with brands I truly align with,” she says. “If it’s not authentic, it’s not happening. I’ve even ended agreements when brands asked me to change things that didn’t fit my values.”

Chappelow says that independence is deliberate. “Being outside a major network means you can choose partnerships on your terms, and you own the IP.”

Reports of products Kayla promotes selling-out are rife across the media. One client, Georgia Geminder, the founder of Gem deodorant, took to the company’s TikTok account following the product’s viral success to confirm they were working hard to replenish stock.

Geminder told news.com.au, “Blue Eyed Kayla Jade has made our small business go completely viral! Over four days, we’ve sold out nationwide, with one product being sold every three seconds.”

Gen Z strategy

For MIK Made, Storytime is also a proof point in its Gen Z strategy. “We meet audiences where they already are, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, but the audio has to stand on its own,” says Chappelow. “Video podcasts are now standard for growth, but if the audio doesn’t work, the format won’t last. We’re future-proofing so the show could live anywhere, even on a streaming service.”

So does that mean TV is next for Kayla?

Kayla isn’t mapping out the next stage in detail. “I’ve never planned anything,” she says. “I just see where it goes. The opportunities that have already come from the podcast are incredible, so anything else is a bonus.”

And is there anything else she wants to do with all the opportunities on offer?

“I’m not sure,” she says honestly. “There was a free ad that I did for a company that gives free period products to women. So even just like, shouting out companies that deserve a shout out, like, I’m happy doing that.”

Chappelow keeps a list of potential guests and ideas on hand, but says the direction will always come from the host. “It works because it’s her,” she says. “Our job is just making sure the audience can find it.”

Keep on top of the most important media, marketing, and agency news each day with the Mediaweek Morning Report – delivered for free every morning to your inbox.

LeadStory's Tim Gilbert
Former Today Show star Tim Gilbert finds his new newsroom at LeadStory

By Natasha Lee

Gilbert will help businesses create authentic, news-style content alongside global publishers.

For Tim Gilbert, storytelling isn’t just part of the job – it is the job.

From long days on the road covering sport to presenting live news and features, he’s built a career on the belief that “everyone’s got a story to tell.”

Now, he’s bringing that philosophy to LeadStory, where he’ll work across business, sport, technology and industry to craft news-led stories that sit alongside breaking news.

Gilbert’s path to this point has been shaped by variety.

At Nine he covered everything from cricket test matches, Olympic Games to New Year’s Eve broadcasts – and anchored the sport on the Today Show for many years alongside hosts Karl Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson.

Later, he hosted weekend breakfast on Sky News for six years, broadening his “newsy aspect” while working alongside his brother Kieran Gilbert and others. More recently, he continues to present Racing Dreams on Sky News with Julie Snook on Saturday mornings.

Richard Wilkins, Karl Stefanovic, and Tim Gilbert on the Today show.

Richard Wilkins, Karl Stefanovic, and Tim Gilbert on the Today show.

A natural step to LeadStory

LeadStory co-founder and CEO Cam Price said: “Tim Gilbert is one of Australia’s most respected broadcasters and we’re proud to have him join LeadStory. Tim is a proven storyteller who understands how to make complex subjects engaging and relatable.

“His experience will help us expand our Native Advertising product further working with clients across a variety of sectors, supporting our mission to deliver high-quality and compelling content to our 13-million strong global audience every day.”

Gilbert told Mediaweek that the opportunity to work with LeadStory came about “organically”.

“I’ve know the team behind the company for a long time and it just seemed to be a really good fit for me. I love storytelling, and a lot of commercial, corporates and businesses have got great stories to tell. And over the course of the years there hasn’t always been an opportunity for them to do it until now,” he said.

A global news platform built in Australia

Founded in 2021, LeadStory positions itself as a global news platform designed to give audiences access to broadcast journalism on demand.

Originally launched as a web and mobile app, the business has signed direct and licensed content partnerships with major publishers including CBS, CNBC, Reuters, Bloomberg, Deutsche Welle, Al Jazeera, France 24 and Channel 10 in Australia.

Currently, LeadStory pulls in more than 13 million viewers each month across web, mobile and its FAST TV channels – Breaking News Channel and Your News Channel, billed as the world’s first personalised TV channel – available on Samsung TV Plus, LG Channels and Vizio in Australia, New Zealand and beyond.

The company has also launched an in-car app that comes pre-installed in new Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

Tim Gilbert and Julie Snook on Sky News' Racing Dreams

Tim Gilbert and Julie Snook on Sky News’ Racing Dreams

Innovation and branded content

In July 2025, LeadStory announced $2.75 million USD in seed funding alongside the launch of an AI video search tool designed to make content discovery faster and more efficient.

Alongside licensed news, LeadStory has developed a branded storytelling offering through its “Native Advertising” product – which sees the team work directly with a diverse range of clients as well as via their media agencies, public relations and investor relations organisations.

Recent projects have featured Tourism Fiji, Sydney Water, Engineers Australia, Goodstart Early Learning, Juniper & Pilot, Koh, and Nova Systems.

And they’re resonating. According to the company, the watch-through rate for branded content is “above 90% on our channels, which is far higher than typical completion rates on YouTube (40%) and Facebook/Instagram (25%)”.

Gilbert added that their branded pieces need to carry the same weight as the journalism they sit alongside.

“When you’ve got big stories by all these mastheads – like CBS and Reuters – our content needs to sit authentically in between that. And obviously it’s in full transparency that it’s badged as commercial content. But that needs to be told in a way that will make people interested in what they’re watching,” he said.

Careful and collaborative storytelling

Gilbert said what drew him to LeadStory was not just the opportunity to help businesses tell their stories, but also the production culture.

“Everyone that I’ve worked with so far on the team is not only talented, but committed,” he said. “Nothing’s done flippantly. It’s done collaboratively, and it’s done well.”

A day of filming with Gilbert and the team might stretch out to ten hours, but he says it’s all worth it for the finished product. “With TV, the more time you take to tell the story the better the story is. We put a lot of care into our storytelling.”

And, he added, the ultimate reward is in the response. “There’s a lot of care taken into it. And you really enjoy telling those stories. I love it. I love it and I love actually seeing the finished product and seeing someone very happy with having done an interview and feeling that it wasn’t as intimidating as it may have felt at the start, just even that little piece of the story.”

For Gilbert, it all comes back to a simple truth: every brand has a story worth telling – it just needs to be told well.

Keep on top of the most important media, marketing, and agency news each day with the Mediaweek Morning Report – delivered for free every morning to your inbox.

Golden Bachelor
Meet Australia's 2025 Golden Bachelor and his ladies

By Natasha Lee

The Golden Bachelor brings a new twist to the dating format, with Samantha Armytage set to host.

Australian audiences are about to meet a very different kind of Bachelor.

The Golden Bachelor, hosted by Samantha Armytage, is set to premiere with a focus on love later in life and the stories that come with it.

At the centre of the new series is Bear, a 61-year-old Sydneysider who will become the country’s first Golden Bachelor.

Bear’s life has been shaped by both love and loss. After moving to the northern beaches in 1998 with his late wife Audrey, the pair raised three sons together before tragedy struck in 2011, when he lost both Audrey and his mother in the same year.

Since then, Bear has put fatherhood first and now says he is ready to explore love again.

Bear, The Golden Bachelor

Bear, The Golden Bachelor

“It’s quite surreal getting to be Australia’s first Golden Bachelor,” Bear said.

“It’s an incredible privilege that twenty remarkable women are willing to come on this journey with me, for all of us to have the courage to open our hearts and take the chance to fall in love again. I couldn’t be more grateful or excited to see where this trailblazing experience takes us.”

‘One in a million’

Armytage says viewers are in for something special.

“I can’t wait to introduce Bear to Australia. We’ve found a one-in-a-million Golden Bachelor, full of integrity and compassion. He’s incredibly kind and, I might add, very handsome! I know you’re all going to want to join him on his journey to fall in love again.”

Armytage’s return to the Bachelor franchise is likely to bring a mix of warmth and curiosity, as the series moves into new territory by spotlighting relationships built on life experience rather than youthful firsts.

Meet the ladies

Angela from The Golden Bachelor

Angela from The Golden Bachelor

Angela, 52, Psychotherapist, VIC. What is your worst habit? Putting on my bathrobe as soon as I walk in the door.

Bianca from The Golden Bachelor

Bianca from The Golden Bachelor

Bianca, 51, Radio Presenter, QLD. What do you have to offer a potential partner? I’m kind, compassionate and very funny, and willing to embrace the Golden Bachelor’s kids, if he has any.

Catherine from The Golden Bachelor

Catherine from The Golden Bachelor

Catherine, 56, Interior Designer, NSW. What is your proudest achievement to date? That would be motherhood. I’ve set myself some goals over the years to rebuild my confidence, including bodybuilding.

Elizete from The Golden Bachelor

Elizete from The Golden Bachelor

Elizete, 54, Property Manager, NSW. Have you been in love before? Yes, about three times. My husband of 15 years, my second partner, who was 13 years my junior, and my last love who was 20 years my senior.

Gera from The Golden Bachelor

Gera from The Golden Bachelor

Gera, 52, Real Estate Business Owner, WA. What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome in life? Getting out of my comfort zone. My best friend helped me overcome that by asking me to walk the catwalk and get up and speak about myself.

Hamidah from The Golden Bachelor

Hamidah from The Golden Bachelor

Hamidah, 60, Disability Support Worker, NSW. What did your family think when you told them you were going on the show? I told my daughter that I might be bringing home another dad, and her response was, “Another one?” This will be the fourth, as I’ve been married three times already.

Jan from The Golden Bachelor

Jan from The Golden Bachelor

Jan, 66, Age Transformation Coach, NSW. What are your relationship deal-breakers? To be able to trust someone, so I’m looking for honesty and loyalty.

Jane from The Golden Bachelor

Jane from The Golden Bachelor

Jane, 60, Interior Designer, NSW. Why did you apply for the show? I believe there is love out there, and I’m ready to meet someone I can potentially marry.

Janette from The Golden Bachelor

Janette from The Golden Bachelor

Janette, 61, Pilates Studio Owner, VIC. What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome in life? Surviving a heart attack at the age of 50, which was a near death experience.

Katrina from The Golden Bachelor

Katrina from The Golden Bachelor

Katrina, 55, NICU Nurse, QLD. What is your proudest achievement to date? My two beautiful daughters, who are my strongest supporters.

Kim from The Golden Bachelor

Kim from The Golden Bachelor

Kim, 60, Doctor, QLD. What are your hobbies/interests outside of work? I love motorsports and cars and enjoy racing my Porsche on a racetrack.

Laura from The Golden Bachelor

Laura from The Golden Bachelor

Laura, 64, Primary School Teacher, QLD. Why did you apply for Bachelor? Why not? It’s definitely my time.

Lauren from The Golden Bachelor

Lauren from The Golden Bachelor

Lauren, 60, Dressage Team Manager, QLD. What are you looking for in a partner? Someone I can build a connection with. Someone who will accept me for who I am.

Linda from The Golden Bachelor

Linda from The Golden Bachelor

Linda, 61, Stylist, QLD. What’s the biggest obstacle you have overcome in your life? I was recently in a very toxic relationship, and in the same year I lost my mum and dog. Also my son moved out, so it was a challenging time.

Nicolette from The Golden Bachelor

Nicolette from The Golden Bachelor

Nicolette, 55, Singer, NSW. What do you have to offer a potential partner? I’m fierce, sassy with a punk attitude.

Pip from The Golden Bachelor

Pip from The Golden Bachelor

Pip, 60, Hoist Operator, VIC. Are you a romantic? I’m a hopeless romantic.

Shamse from The Golden Bachelor

Shamse from The Golden Bachelor

Shamse, 60, Interior Designer, VIC. Why did you apply for the show? I’m not really sure, but I am ready. My head warns of the pain, but my heart contradicts, saying, “Go for it!”

Shana from The Golden Bachelor

Shana from The Golden Bachelor

Shana, 60, Retired (Education Sales Executive), NSW. Do you have any regrets? I let my pride stand in the way of going back to my husband, who was my soulmate. He has since passed away and I regret not being able to spend those last years with him.

Sunny from The Golden Bachelor

Sunny from The Golden Bachelor

Sunny, 58, CEO, NSW. What has your experience with online dating been like? I can tell you one thing – so many young guys contact me. I just couldn’t put myself to date anyone younger than my son.

Terri from The Golden Bachelor

Terri from The Golden Bachelor

Terri, 61, Property Investor, VIC. Do you still believe in love? My ex-husband was obviously the greatest love. When you get burnt that badly it’s hard to throw yourself into something else. But you never know
what’s around that corner.

Keep on top of the most important media, marketing, and agency news each day with the Mediaweek Morning Report – delivered for free every morning to your inbox.

Emmys host Nate Bargatze
Your guide to the 2025 Emmy Awards winners and where to watch the shows in Australia

By Dan Barrett

Mediaweek will live update the winners of the 2025 Emmy Awards, with a guide on where to watch the shows in Australia.

The Emmy Awards are broadcast live in Australia on Foxtel’s Showcase channel, along with a live stream on BINGE. The show kicks off at 10am AEST, with stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze hosting.

It is expected to be a big night for Apple TV+ and HBO Max with each studio dominating nominations and the favourites expected to win. HBO Max led all of the studios with 142 nominations.

The shows up for the most awards are Severance (Apple TV+ – 27 nominations), The Penguin (HBO Max – 24 nominations), The White Lotus (HBO Max – 23 nominations), The Studio (Apple TV+ – 23 nominations), The Last of Us (HBO Max – 16 nominations), Andor (Disney+ – 14 nominations), and Hacks (HBO Max – 14 nominations).

Australian betting agency Betfair has Severance (Apple TV+) expected to with Outstanding Drama Series, The Studio (Apple TV+) expected to win Outstanding Comedy Series, and Adolescence (Netflix) expected to win Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series.

Outstanding drama series

Andor (Disney+)
The Diplomat (Netflix)
The Last of Us (HBO Max)
Paradise (Disney+)
The Pitt (HBO Max)
Severance (Apple TV+)
Slow Horses (Apple TV+)
The White Lotus (HBO Max)

Outstanding comedy series

Abbott Elementary (Disney+)
The Bear (Disney+)
Hacks (HBO Max)
Nobody Wants This (Netflix)
Only Murders in the Building (Disney+)
Shrinking (Apple TV+)
The Studio (Apple TV+)
What We Do in the Shadows (Disney+)

Outstanding limited or anthology series

Adolescence (Netflix)
Black Mirror (Netflix)
Dying for Sex (Disney+)
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story (Netflix)
The Penguin (HBO Max)

Outstanding lead actor in a drama series

Sterling K Brown – Paradise (Disney+)
Gary Oldman – Slow Horses (Apple TV+)
Pedro Pascal – The Last of Us (HBO Max)
Adam Scott – Severance (Apple TV+)
Noah Wyle – The Pitt (HBO Max)

Outstanding lead actress in a drama series

Kathy Bates – Matlock (Paramount+)
Sharon Horgan – Bad Sisters (Apple TV+)
Britt Lower – Severance (Apple TV+)
Bella Ramsey – The Last of Us (HBO Max)
Keri Russell – The Diplomat (Netflix)

Outstanding lead actor in a comedy series

Adam Brody – Nobody Wants This (Netflix)
Seth Rogen – The Studio (Apple TV+)
Jason Segel – Shrinking (Apple TV+)
Martin Short – Only Murders in the Building (Disney+)
Jeremy Allen White – The Bear (Disney+)

Outstanding lead actress in a comedy series

Uzo Aduba – The Residence (Netflix)
Kristen Bell – Nobody Wants This (Netflix)
Quinta Brunson – Abbott Elementary (Disney+)
Ayo Edebiri – The Bear (Disney+)
Jean Smart – Hacks (HBO Max)

Outstanding lead actor in a limited or anthology series or movie

Colin Farrell – The Penguin (HBO Max)
Stephen Graham – Adolescence (Netflix)
Jake Gyllenhaal – Presumed Innocent (Apple TV+)
Bryan Tyree Henry – Dope Thief (Apple TV+)
Cooper Koch – Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story (Netflix)

Outstanding lead actress in a limited or anthology series or movie

Cate Blanchett – Disclaimer (Apple TV+)
Meghan Fehy – Sirens (Netflix)
Rashidah Jones – Black Mirror (Netflix)
Cristin Milioti – The Penguin (HBO Max)
Michelle Williams – Dying for Sex (Disney+)

Outstanding supporting actor in a drama series

Zach Cherry – Severance (Apple TV+)
Walton Goggins – The White Lotus (HBO Max)
Jason Isaacs – The White Lotus (HBO Max)
James Marsden – Paradise (Disney+)
Sam Rockwell -The White Lotus (HBO Max)
Tramell Tillman – Severance (Apple TV+)
John Turturro – Severance (Apple TV+)

Outstanding supporting actress in a drama series

Patricia Arquette – Severance (Apple TV+)
Carrie Coon – The White Lotus (HBO Max)
Katherine LaNasa – The Pitt (HBO Max)
Julianne Nicholson – Paradise (Disney+)
Parker Posey – The White Lotus (HBO Max)
Natasha Rothwell – The White Lotus (HBO Max)
Aimee Lou Wood – The White Lotus (HBO Max)

Outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series

Ike Barinholtz – The Studio (Apple TV+)
Colman Domingo – The Four Seasons (Netflix)
Harrison Ford – Shrinking (Apple TV+)
Jeff Hiller – Somebody Somewhere (HBO Max)
Ebon Moss-Bachrach – The Bear (Disney+)
Michael Urie – Shrinking (Apple TV+)
Bowen Yang – Saturday Night Live (BINGE)

Outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series

Liza Colón-Zayas – The Bear (Disney+)
Hannah Einbinder – Hacks (HBO Max)
Kathryn Hahn – The Studio (Apple TV+)
Janelle James – Abbott Elementary (Disney+)
Catherine O’Hara – The Studio (Apple TV+)
Sheryl Lee Ralph – Abbott Elementary (Disney+)
Jessica Williams – Shrinking (Apple TV+)

Outstanding supporting actor in a limited or anthology series or movie

Javier Bardem – Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story (Netflix)
Bill Camp – Presumed Innocent (Apple TV+)
Owen Cooper – Adolescence (Netflix)
Rob Delaney – Dying For Sex (Disney+)
Peter Sarsgaard – Presumed Innocent (Apple TV+)
Ashley Walters – Adolescence (Netflix)

Outstanding supporting actress in a limited or anthology series or movie

Erin Doherty – Adolescence (Netflix)
Ruth Negga – Presumed Innocent (Apple TV+)
Deirdre O’Connell – The Penguin (HBO Max)
Chloë Sevigny – Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story (Netflix)
Jenny Slate – Dying For Sex (Disney+)
Christine Tremarco – Adolescence (Netflix)

Outstanding reality competition programme

The Amazing Race (Seven)
RuPaul’s Drag Race (Stan)
Survivor (Nine)
Top Chef (Seven)
The Traitors (Ten)

Outstanding scripted variety series

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (BINGE)
Saturday Night Live (BINGE)

Outstanding talk series

The Daily Show (BINGE)
Jimmy Kimmel Live! (Not available in Australia)
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (Paramount+)

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The next competitive edge in the streaming wars

By Natasha Lee

Seven’s AI Factory is more than technology – it’s an operating model that delivers real growth, from 30% more 7plus users to smarter ad targeting and new revenue streams.

By Andrew Brain
Director Data and Growth, Seven West Media

Most media companies are drowning in data. Either they can’t access it, or they lack the tools and governance to use it effectively due to legacy technology issues.

Seven was in a similar position. We were sitting on billions of viewer interactions locked away in data warehouses, unable to access real-time insights that could drive smarter, faster decisions.

During 2024-25, Seven’s 7plus platform grew its average daily active users by just over 30%, compared to 20% growth in the broader Australian streaming market.

Our above-the-line and below-the-line marketing efforts have been supercharged by machine learning, boosting click-through rates by 40% and halving paid campaign cost-per-clicks.

This isn’t just efficiency, it’s a preview of the next era of the fight for streaming audience attention.

Partnering with Databricks, we built the Seven AI Factory, not for flashy demos or novelty chatbots, but to solve three critical problems.

Predicting audience behaviour with precision: We now forecast content viewing patterns four weeks out with 94% accuracy. This transforms how we schedule content, reducing reliance on gut feel and deliver commercial outcomes with greater certainty.

Re-engaging dormant viewers (the smart way): Instead of blanketing lapsed users with generic “come back” emails, we built targeting algorithms to identify which users to pursue and how often to nudge them back into an active state. This has resulted in a 13% reactivation rate and a clear uplift in incremental ad revenue.

Democratising data across the business: With Databricks’ AI/BI Genie, we created a natural language query tool that lets anyone, from sales to marketing to executives, ask complex data questions and get instant answers. In its first month, Genie handled more than 400 business questions and reduced our analytics backlog by 35%.

Many media owners remain trapped by legacy infrastructure, focused on cost control and asset “sweating”. This leads to siloed data, delayed insights and decisions based on yesterday’s information.

In today’s on-demand world, it’s no longer enough to explain what happened yesterday; we need to provide immediate answers to what just happened, driving data-driven proof points on what will happen next.

The expectations are higher than ever: viewers demand personalised recommendations, while advertisers insist on smarter targeting. If media companies can’t deliver on both fronts, they risk losing ground, no matter how strong their content may be.

This isn’t about a specific tech stack. It’s about a fundamental shift in how media companies operate in a data-rich world.

Seven’s AI Factory is not a project; it’s an operating model. It brings together data, models, governance and business applications into a unified framework.

Yes, AI will bring automation and eliminate repetitive tasks, but it’s not something to fear. Think of what happened when programmatic transformed the way we bought and sold digital inventory. The same will happen here and the opportunity is massive.

For example, we’re now building AI systems using Databricks’ Mosaic AI to make premium video advertising accessible to local businesses with $1,000 budgets. Imagine SMEs running targeted campaigns on 7plus in the same way they do on social platforms. This could reshape how local area marketing works and brings new revenue to our business.

The 30% growth in active users on 7plus didn’t come from some black box dataset; we used OZTAM VPM data and modelled it relentlessly on what we know will shift the dial in terms of audience engagement triggers. We fixed inefficiencies and invested in infrastructure that makes every content and marketing decision smarter.

When we predict what’s going to happen, with high confidence, we can plan better, sell better and deliver better. We’re not just filling ad impressions; we’re delivering audience scale across all seven days of the week, so ad campaigns seamlessly hit their reach and frequency goals without under-delivery hassles.

We now treat intelligence like core infrastructure. The AI Factory isn’t just about tech.

It’s about unlocking growth, making better decisions, and reaching more Australians, with every team and every person at Seven playing an active role.

The future of streaming media isn’t just about content. It’s how smartly you run the business behind it with data and AI driven decisions at the forefront.

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PepsiCo Marketing Director Susan Press: 'You’re nothing without your team'

By Alisha Buaya

‘I love to sit back and watch them own their stuff. There’s very clear accountability in my team, but they feel supported and nurtured in a delivery.’

“Investing in understanding people, knowing what makes them tick, what makes them feel valued, and what motivates them is incredibly important,” Susan Press, Marketing Director Beverages ANZ at PepsiCo, told Mediaweek after a panel at ADMA 2025 Global Forum.

She was sitting alongside Optus’ Emma Jensen and NAB’s Natalie Lockwood to discuss how their brands are leveraging capability to drive competitive advantage.

“[Leaders] can get so focused on results that we forget to stop and recognize the humans driving those results. That’s something I’m incredibly passionate about as a leader.

“I want to always be people-first, which I haven’t always had the experience of with managers in the past. That’s the kind of person that I am and want to continue to be in my leadership.”

Press said that in those previous organisations she has worked in, there has been a clear hierarchy of who you talk to and when to talk. It is a work environment she has intentionally pivoted away from as a leader.

“It doesn’t bring out the natural way that we work. It’s just not who we are as humans. I think the more collaborative, the more conversational, the more approachable you are, the more people want to do great work with you and for you.”

She shared that her team of 12 all work on the same floor and hot desk, providing ample opportunities for developing the community of the office and “corridor conversations.”

“I think they’re incredibly important, and that’s where I get my energy. I don’t want to sit at home and be on teams trying to understand what’s going on in the room and read the body language through the image.

“I want to be part of it in a way where I can celebrate my team. I don’t want to be part of it in a way where I’m dominating anything.

“I love to sit back and watch them own their stuff. There’s very clear accountability in my team, but they feel supported and nurtured in a delivery.”

ADMA - PepsiCo - Susan Press, Emma Jensen, Natalie Lockwood

Susan Press, Emma Jensen, Natalie Lockwood

From insights to role modelling: The building blocks of resilience at PepsiCo

In a global team like PepsiCo, Press noted that resilience building is an opportunity in the local organisation. As an FMCG company work closely with big retailers, agencies, and partners.

“The resilience comes in dealing with so many different personalities, so many different priorities.”

She explained that her team undertook an insights discovery model to understand how people learn, how they react under pressure, where they naturally lean their energy into, and where we can get the best out of them.

Press said that the findings from the insights discover helps build a profile and how to best support team members learn and grow.

She added that role modelling also plays a part in resilience.

“My team sees a lot of the pressure that I’m under and how I manage that. I think that they feel that it’s possible for them as well.”

“At the end of the day, we are all just doing a job, and we all have lives outside of our jobs, and they need to be more important. We need to find that balance and that’s why when I was saying on the panel, I share all my mum fails with my team because it’s quite a deliberate, no one’s perfect.”

Press emphasised the need for people to put up boundaries at work.

“It is the biggest thing that I’m trying to work with the guys on at the moment, when they have really late calls. That’s part of resilience building. You need time to rest and recuperate to build resilience.

“You also need to be able to contextualize what work is in your world. If you can’t do that, then everything becomes bigger than it perhaps is and needs to be.”

CMOs are nothing without their teams

For Press, she said that while tech is an important emerging capability, CMOs and leaders need to be future-ready, they should focus on understanding people and care about culture.

“Being a manager who understands people, and who understands how people tick and cares about culture, the team and energy is going to be incredibly important.

“There are many things that you could say that we need to be future-ready from a skills perspective – they will happen anyway. But what is never going to be individual is leadership and how you show up, support and nurture, and grow the next layer of talent through the organisation.

“I see too many managers who don’t have the ability to develop people and manage people in their core competence; they’re all about business results. I think that you’re nothing without your team.”

Press on PepsiCo’s summer push

Looking ahead to the summer and festive season, Press said it was an important time of the year for the business and growth.

She said that the corporate strategy is about putting “smiles on the faces of our consumers with every sip and every bite.”

“It’s uncomplicating the situation. We have great brands that make people happy, and that’s ultimately at the head of everything that we do.

“I’m constantly saying to the team, I know this feels like really hard work, but it shouldn’t be. We’re selling beverages, let’s have fun with this and bring it back to that.”

“We’ve got some really awesome campaigns coming, some great innovation, and it’s a really exciting time to be in PepsiCo and in beverages.”

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Media buyers weigh in on Foxtel’s 2026 upfronts: Bold bets or measured moves?

Carolyn Northcote, David Roddick, Lisa McMillan, Michael Kay, Jay Malig, Daniela Rocchi and Sally Lawrence shared their thoughts on the biggest selling points of the subscription TV company’s presentation.

Foxtel welcomed media buyers, partners, and journalists to the White Bay Power Station for it’s 2026 upfronts presentation.

The subscription television company unveiled a slate of new advertising formats and platform upgrades across Kayo Sports and BINGE, set to launch from early 2026.

Among the developments revealed include new digital ad opportunities, a major revamp of BINGE, and the debut of Kayo Buddy – an AI-powered personal streaming companion for sports fans, and multi-year partnership with global gaming marketing company Livewire.

After the presentation, media buyers shared their reactions with Mediaweek, as well as their thoughts on the presentation, and what the biggest selling points were for them.

Carolyn Northcote

Carolyn Northcote

Carolyn Northcote, Media & Investment Partner at Avenue C, Foxtel’s focus on sport was clear and powerful, while a few standout content wins strengthening its position for 2026.

She noted that Foxtel’s days of being the default home for major sporting events may be evolving as the competitive global streaming landscape intensifies and compete with the growing number of SVOD players.

“Their decision to step away from the VOZ panel has shifted the narrative, moving them from their long-held position as the ‘builder of incremental reach’.”

“With Netflix, Stan, Disney and Amazon already securing high-profile sporting rights, and DAZN poised to enter; the competitive landscape has never been more dynamic. The question is whether Foxtel’s presentation clearly demonstrated how they will hold their ground.”

She described Foxtel’s Upfront as “measured rather than headline grabbing” and that despite the vast and varied existing platforms “they are no longer a singular ‘one-stop shop’”.

“From a traditional perspective I missed the big, all-encompassing sizzle reel that signals a year of must-watch moments. Yes, 2026 will again showcase multiple sporting codes on Kayo alongside strong new and returning series on Binge, but it remains to be seen how these will perform against major events on other SVOD, BVOD and broadcast networks. In today’s multi-subscription households, viewers readily switch services, so loyalty is harder to lock in.”

Northcote said the branded Pause and L-Bar ad formats bring fresh opportunities for advertisers and that it would be “interesting to see how Foxtel executes these at scale.”

She also noted promising partnerships including Foxtel’s steps into gaming environments and ad-effectiveness studies, as well as fully branded Luxury Escapes series “likely suited to a select group of advertisers.”

“Foxtel still occupies a distinctive middle ground between BVOD and SVOD, and the expected impact of the DAZN acquisition has yet to fully play out.”

David Roddick

David Roddick

David Roddick, General Manager Active International said Foxtel went all out on its offering in the major codes thank to its well-resourced owners whose expertise is in sport.

For Roddick, the surprise was Foxtel’s foray into new industry segments, from gaming and retail media through ecommerce and app integration.

“What they’re offering – if it delivers as described and at scale – is clever and exciting, though it’s not the first time we’ve heard tech spruiked that creates pathways to purchase what’s on screen.”

“A lot of big promises about ‘changing the game’ and becoming ‘next level’; an announcement every five minutes across more than two hours; an intimate personal message from Jennifer Garner; and a host of stats – there was a lot in there for clients as Foxtel moves to its new ownership under DAZN.”

Lisa McMillan

Lisa McMillan

Lisa McMillan, UM’s Managing Director, Government, said Foxtel’s message was loud and clear, “they really are Playing to Win” in 2026 across sport, gaming, entertainment, commerce and data.

She noted sport, content and choice as attractive standouts. However, it was Mark Frain’s promise of reshaping the market was a particular stand out as advertisers deserve better was a refreshing message which came to life in a demonstrative way.

“Narratv provides brands with the opportunity to create content that connects with consumers where viewers are immersed, and brands are at the core. I think we all wanted Cameron Daddo’s role on Luxury Escapes after that highlight reel!”

McMillan noted new formats such as Solus Bumpers on Kayo, the L-Bar wrapping brands around content, and Pause Ads, offer brands the ability to stand out, to maximise attention, and ideally to drive action.

However, the “biggest game-changer” for McMillan was the enablement of Snowflake.

“The ability to leverage 1PD to better understand and then connect with audiences is what can make a real difference. And the offering isn’t just limited to brands with a wealth of their own Snowflake data. The data enrichment capability can provide those brands who play a real advantage. Because we already know that when you understand people, you can achieve real outcomes.”

McMillan rounded out her thoughts with a prediction for the biggest show of the year, Apocalypse.

“It looks like a combination of Chernobyl meets The Walking Dead likely with a touch of Alone thrown in. Seems like a winning formula to me!’

Michael Kay

Michael Kay

Michael Kay, Managing Director, Havas Media, noted that this year’s upfront centred on the ‘Foxtel Formula’ of great content + premium ad experience + at scale = results.

“This year felt like a tripling down on their commitments from 2024 in new measurement solutions, but with a supercharged confidence to keep pushing a new path of innovation and partnerships which is really exciting to see within our local media landscape.

“Kayo in particular has been revamped and continues to grow boasting viewing time +82% YoY with a refreshed brand and platform UX, embedding more ad formats particularly into live sports which creates more opportunities for us to connect our brands with audiences right into the heart of the action.”

For Kay, Foxtel’s partnership with tech company allt.tv , which is focused on an interactive second screen experience that puts the consumer first and removes the need to scan a QR code, was a stand out.

Rounding out the most announcements was also the expansion into gaming with a Livewire partnership.

“It brings two powerhouses of culture – gaming and sport – together to offer partnership opportunities to a major broadcaster for the first time. The build of a Kayo sport stadium within Roblox will bring major sporting moments into the gaming world and offer our clients partnership opportunities to reach gaming audiences like never before.”

Jay Malig

Jay Malig

Jay Malig, Atomic 212°’s National Trading Lead, acknowledged international and national breadth of sport as the cornerstone of Foxtel’s content.

“It’s been the primary driver of viewership and subscriber growth across both Kayo and Binge, successfully compensating for the departure of Warner Bros/HBO content, and the recent acquisition by DAZN is set to further enhance their sports offerings – as we saw with the earlier broadcasting of the FIFA Club World Cup.

“Even with the absence of Warner Bros/HBO content, their Upfronts highlighted a substantial entertainment lineup.”

For Malig, the announcement of Apocalypse, a new survival reality series with a unique premise that is likely to appeal to fans of The Walking Dead and Alone series, was a particular standout.

In terms of new advancements in brand integration, retail and e-commerce, Malig said the was the partnership with allt.tv.

“This tech links smartphone apps with real-time TV content and represents the most fluid shoppable experience from live TV that I have encountered so far.”

Daniela Rocchi

Daniela Rocchi

Daniela Rocchi, Initiative’s Head of Investment, Sydney, said the Foxtel Upfront were about rewriting the streaming rulebook.

“Partnering with DAZN, Foxtel Media unveiled formats built for attention, not impressions: Pause Ads that own silence, L-Bars that wrap around live sport, and solus bumpers that hit before the whistle blows.

“Add in Kayo Buddy an AI sports companion and a rebuilt Binge, and the play is clear. Foxtel isn’t stacking shelves, it’s engineering culture.

“While rivals chase catalogue volume, Foxtel is betting on scarcity, premium moments, and brand integration as the new growth levers. Safe advertising is background noise bold bets win attention.”

Sally Lawrence

Sally Lawrence

Sally Lawrence, Executive Director, Media at Enigma, was thoroughly entertained by the beatbox, drumming and DJ performance that kicked off Foxtel’s 2026 upfront.

She noted the gaming theme aligned with the partnership with Livewire, and the opening of Kayo Stadium in Roblox.

“A focus on gaming is unique amongst the major broadcasters, and it’s gives media planners a new way to be engaging with the Foxtel group. Its and interesting way for them to embed themselves in culture and if done well, this is something they could hang their hats on.”

She noted Foxtel showcased its breadth of sporting codes and an equal representation of men’s and women’s codes.

“Foxtel Group are clearly paving the way for Binge and Kayo to be their primary brands with investment into brand refreshes, new ad formats, app updates, and new content. Very warranted given their continued growth and success. It does make me wonder what the future of the original Foxtel brand will look like.”

Lawrence noted the Video Futures Collective continue to be a priority for Foxtel and continues to be their ambition to do what is right for the industry and shift to outcome-based measurement.

“It will be interesting to see how this continues to evolve over the coming year as for it to truly succeed all the major players need to get on board.”

For Lawrence, the most exciting announcement from the upfront as a media buyer was Foxtel’s partnership with Allt TV, which she said sees the group move into retail media for the first time.

“Being able to serve people relevant ads in apps based on what their watching, pushing them closer to purchase is a game changer (particularly based on the ability to prefill someone’s cart as mentioned last night). Excited to see where this goes in 2026.”

Lawrence applauded Foxtel’s inclusion of the MVP’s last night.

“Acknowledging the emerging talent in our industry is so important, and these younger buyers and planners deserve the recognition they got last night. Would love to see some more independents agencies in the mix at the 2027 upfront.”

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Lyla Thorn profile image
Honeycomb Strategy appoints Lyla Thorn as marketing and content manager

By Dan Barrett

Honeycomb Strategy has appointed Lyla Thorn to the newly created role of marketing and content manager, strengthening the consultancy’s industry presence.

Honeycomb Strategy has appointed Lyla Thorn to the newly created role of marketing and content manager, as the consultancy looks to expand its industry profile and accelerate growth initiatives.

Thorn will work closely with founder Renata Freund and operations director Jac Nguyen to strengthen Honeycomb’s brand positioning and communications. She brings nearly 10 years of experience across agency, consultancy, and freelance work, most recently spending two years in South Korea as a social media strategist and graphic designer with Gunther Consulting. Prior to that, she was senior marketing executive at ICON.

Recognised as one of Australia’s top 10 social media directors, Thorn also completed AWARD School this year, where she was named the online winner for the radio brief and featured on “the wall” twice. Her background blends marketing and design, giving her experience at the intersection of creativity and strategy.

Freund said Thorn’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the eight-year-old consultancy: “We no longer want to be the industry’s best-kept secret. Lyla’s marketing expertise and creative energy will be instrumental in driving our growth strategy forward. Having a dedicated resource in this space is already enabling us to deliver on initiatives we’ve been eager to launch for some time.”

Freund added that Honeycomb continues to invest in proprietary AI tools that combine behavioural science with technology: “Our suite of AI-powered solutions enables us to deliver sharper insights to our clients, surfacing the answers that traditional research often misses.”

Commenting on her appointment, Thorn said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Honeycomb Strategy, a workplace that truly puts people first. From day one, the team has given me such a warm welcome. I’m excited to apply my creative and strategic skills to strengthen Honeycomb’s brand and help share our story with the wider industry.”

The appointment follows a period of momentum for Honeycomb, which recently presented its Digital Insights Series keynote at iMedia’s Future of Marketing Summit. The presentation shared findings from the consultancy’s self-funded Science of Loyalty study on behaviourally informed loyalty programs, which will be released shortly. Earlier this year, Honeycomb also hosted its Behavioural Science Masterclass, equipping 20 senior marketing and insights leaders with practical tools to apply to their strategies.

Founded in 2017, Honeycomb Strategy combines market research, behavioural science and AI to support leading brands on product-market fit, go-to-market and brand strategy challenges. The consultancy has been recognised as one of The Australian’s Top 10 Best Places to Work (Small Organisation and Ethnic Minorities) 2025, and was a Research Agency of the Year finalist at the B&T Awards in 2022 and 2023.

Top image: Lyla Thorn

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ABC bolsters investigative team with new hires and returning editor

By Natasha Lee

ABC News has appointed Charlotte Grieve and Jessica Halloran to its Investigative Reporting Team, while Lisa Whitby returns as News Standards Editor.

ABC News has announced three senior appointments, strengthening both its investigative reporting and editorial standards teams ahead of 2026.

The announcement was made by the broadcaster’s Director of News, Justin Stevens, via an all-staff email which has been sighted by Mediaweek.

“These are exciting times for ABC News,” Stevens wrote, pointing to the impact expected from the incoming reporters and the importance of strengthening editorial standards in a changing media environment.

The changes will see award-winning reporters Charlotte Grieve and Jessica Halloran join the Investigative Reporting Team (IRT) in the new year, while Lisa Whitby will return to ABC News as News Standards Editor.

Charlotte Grieve and Jessica Halloran

Charlotte Grieve and Jessica Halloran

Charlotte Grieve joins from Nine

Grieve is currently with Nine, reporting across The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. She has a track record of high-impact investigations and has also produced work for 60 Minutes.

Her reporting on celebrity surgeon Munjed Al Muderis, who unsuccessfully sued for defamation, became a landmark test of the new public interest defence.

Jessica Halloran adds sports expertise

Halloran, a Walkley Award-winning journalist, brings more than two decades of experience covering sport.

She is currently Chief Sports Writer at The Australian and has broken a series of major stories, including allegations against Olympic pole-vault coach Alex Parnov.

Halloran is also the best-selling author of Unbreakable, Jelena Dokic’s biography. The book was adapted into a documentary last year, which Halloran wrote and directed. The program went on to win the 2025 Logie for Best Factual or Documentary Program.

Both Halloran and Grieve will report to IRT editor Sean Nicholls.

Lisa Whitby

Lisa Whitby

Lisa Whitby returns as News Standards Editor

Lisa Whitby will re-join the news division on Monday as News Standards Editor, taking over from Matt Brown. The role involves advising teams on complex editorial issues, overseeing editorial reviews, and guiding ABC’s approach to trust and AI initiatives.

Whitby has worked in senior editorial roles in Australia and the UK, most recently as Managing Editor, National News. Over the past six months she has been Acting Managing Editor, Standards and Compliance in the Screen division.

During her secondment, Sam Clark has been Acting Managing Editor, National News, and will continue in that role until a permanent appointment is made.

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LinkedIn research confirms the value of trusted voices as AI floods the internet

New LinkedIn research finds that younger B2B buyers still rely on professional networks over AI-generated content to vet brands.

LinkedIn has released new research showing that even as AI-generated content floods digital platforms, professional networks remain the most trusted source of brand information for B2B buyers, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z.

The research, conducted in July 2025 by Censuswide across 14 global markets including Australia, found that 77% of B2B marketing leaders say buyers still rely on their networks to vet brands.

This number jumps among younger buyers, with 77% of 18-24-year-olds stating that no amount of AI can replace the insights and intuition they get from trusted colleagues.

“While AI has changed the way we work, it hasn’t replaced the human filter of trust,” said Andrea Rule, Director, LinkedIn Marketing Solutions. “Aussie professionals – especially Millennials and Gen Z – are actively turning to their networks for clarity amid the noise.”

Key findings from the study include:

• 88% of Australian marketers are increasing investment in community-driven content, including employees and subject matter experts.
• 79% say trusted creators are essential to building credibility with younger buyers.
• 81% of marketing leaders agree that authentic voices are more important than ever in today’s environment.

LinkedIn’s own data backs the trend, with posts on the platform up 41% over the past three years and AI-related topics surging 29% year-on-year. Terms like “overwhelmed” and “navigating change” have also seen a 60% rise in mentions, suggesting a growing desire for clarity over quantity.

“The future of B2B marketing isn’t about shouting louder,” said Rule. “It’s about sparking authentic conversations that travel further than any algorithm can.”

BrandLink and the shift from campaigns to conversations

LinkedIn is also expanding its BrandLink platform, which allows advertisers to align with editorial and creator-led content. Four new branded shows are launching: Small Business Builders (AT&T Business), Founder’s Blueprint (IBM), AI in Action (SAP), and The CEO Playbook (ServiceNow). These series aim to combine storytelling with industry insight directly in members’ LinkedIn feeds.

Video has become central to this strategy, with 80% of marketing leaders calling it the “new language of the internet.” LinkedIn has added global publishers including BBC Studios, TED, Vox Media, and The Economist to BrandLink’s growing footprint.

Crista Gibbons, Global Head of Partnerships and Media Solutions at The Economist Group, said: “We’re able to connect our trusted journalism with advertisers who want to support meaningful reporting and reach engaged professional audiences.”

According to Matt Derella, VP, LinkedIn Marketing Solutions: “AI has unlocked scale like never before, but credibility can’t be automated. The brands breaking through today are doing so through the voices people trust most—peers, creators, and experts.”

Top image: Andrea Rule

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Amanda Stevens
Marketers urged to rethink summer as Aussies spend $166 billion

Australians spent $166 billion between December and February, with oOh!media urging marketers not to overlook summer as a key retail moment.

Australians spend more in summer than any other season, with new analysis from Westpac DataX released by oOh!media showing $166 billion is splashed out between December and February.

The data highlights a significant uplift in consumer activity, with summer generating 16 million more transactions than winter.

Discretionary purchases alone rose by $2.9 billion, with categories such as supermarkets, fashion, cosmetics, electronics, and leisure all experiencing growth.

Jewellery spend increased 31 per cent, while office and education supplies rose 26 per cent as Australians prepared for the year ahead.

The seasonal surge begins in November, with $8.7 billion spent across the four-day period between Black Friday and Cyber Monday in 2024, nearly $1.5 million per minute. The momentum extended into January 2025, when retail spending reached $37 billion, up 3.8 per cent year-on-year.

Despite these figures, oOh!media said many brands still overlook summer as a critical marketing window. Melinda Duffy, head of product at oOh!media, said: “Summer is a high-mobility season when people are spending, socialising and travelling more than ever. At the same time, many traditional media channels go quiet. With the non-rating TV period and popular radio presenters taking leave, brands often reduce their presence in market, missing a key window to connect when Australians are most active and ready to spend.”

Melinda Duffy

Melinda Duffy

Duffy said Out of Home (OOH) remains one of the few consistently visible channels across the season. She pointed to a Grey Goose *Vive La Vodka* campaign that ran last summer, which delivered a 21 per cent increase in buyers, a 34 per cent uplift in transactions, and a 14 per cent rise in brand penetration year-on-year.

Additional research from Analytic Partners supports the trend, finding OOH delivers a 2.6 per cent increase in advertising effectiveness during summer.

The findings were unveiled at an industry event hosted by oOh! at The Trust in Melbourne, attended by 100 agencies and clients. The event also featured consumer futurist Amanda Stevens, who delivered a keynote on ‘The Consumer of Tomorrow,’ exploring how evolving expectations, technology and shifting values are reshaping brand connections, particularly during the summer period.

Top image: Amanda Stevens

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ADMA - MECCA - Kate Blythe
Inside MECCA’s Beauty Loop: From loyalty program to community powerhouse

By Alisha Buaya

‘It is about customer connection, experience and inspiration and genuinely having that heart connection with our customers.’

The MECCA beauty loop community is the more than a reward program that provides its loyal customers with product samples, Kate Blythe, CMO of the Australian beauty brand, called it “a place for discovery and education.”

Speaking to Mediaweek at ADMA 2025, Blythe proudly called the Beauty Loop community a powerful network of friends who share ratings, reviews and advice on products.

“They are part of Mecca and are genuinely like team members. I think it goes beyond a loyalty program where you’re getting something for it.”

Blythe was joined on the ADMA stage with MECCA’s Head of Digital Marketing Hannah Fillis to talk about the brand’s successes with brand activations, from G’Day Glossier and Australian Open pop-up store, and business growth over the years.

Blythe said she hoped attendees saw how she and her team go beyond selling product or brand.

“It is about customer connection, experience and inspiration and genuinely having that heart connection with our customers.”

She shared that they work very hard with the brands sold at Mecca on upcoming launches or products that they believe the Beauty Loop community would love to learn about.

“It’s also not just about random things. It should be about a routine that you can take from it. We’ve tried doing a choose-your-own-adventure box as well and occasionally we’ll try something like a mystery box to drive a bit of excitement, so it doesn’t ever get stale.”

“I think it’s a powerful program, but I think we’re always very aware of keeping it fresh and keeping it interesting for our customers.”

Hannah Fillis and Kate Blythe

Balancing instinct and data to power customer connection

When it comes to connecting with their community in engaging and authentic ways, Blythe highlighted instinct as a key part of having a balance of data-driven insights, human creativity and showing up for customers in a personalised way.

“We try and get the balance right because the business predominantly was built on a lot of instinct. We don’t want to move away from that, but we also have to have robust data and insights to inform the next moves.

Blythe cited Jo Horgan, founder of MECCA, as someone who leads with instinct and who enisioned the space for transformation in the Australian beauty landscape.

“Creativity is at the heart of everything that we do, it sits at the centre of the whole business. This instinctive and emotional approach to how we think about what we do for the customer is at the core.

“Then your data and your insights can power those decisions and kind of back those decisions up, and then we measure relentlessly.”

The beauty brand also taps into MECCA Chit Chat, the Facebook channel the brand launched for its customers. Made up of nearly 245,000 members, Blythe called it “a source of education”.

“In the keynote we talked about it as a listening tool, because we can actually glean incredible insights from it, which can propel our thinking forward as well of what’s working and what’s not working as well.

“If there is a product that they’ve got that they don’t think is great, we can listen to that and think about how we can evolve the program going forward.

“But they don’t just talk about Beauty Loop. They talk about everything, store experiences and emotional, personal stories like a mother going in with her daughter who’s never been able to wear makeup because she’s had bad skin, and had a tutorial, and it’s given her confidence.

“It gives us this real connection to what the customers are feeling when they go into a Mecca store and have that experience as well.”

Blythe shared that while Mecca set up the group for the customers, they don’t do much to nurture or encourage the community but rather leave it up to the members to have conversations.

“We occasionally post on about an event happening or a new brand, but we don’t get involved per se because I think it’s really important for the community to feel like it’s theirs.”

ADMA - MECCA - Kate Blythe

Kate Blythe

Keeping up with the shifting landscape

Blythe said that as personalised AI-recommendations continue to evolve, the Beauty Loop box has the potential to provide its members with customised selections rather than a random assortment of items.

However, she noted that MECCA still encourages the real-life experience of going in-store to a local store and getting a box.

“The AI component will power some of the thinking, the personalisation and the way that we think about what that program could be. I think that’s where the excitement will come.”

In terms of the changing consumer behaviour, Blythe said the biggest consumer shift has been the rise of beauty content on social channels such as TikTok and Instagram.

“Our customers are educating themselves and becoming true beauty experts. Once upon a time you would have opened a magazine and followed what Vogue says in terms of these three products you should buy.

“These days our customers are finding creators that they like to follow, influencers that they think are interesting, and getting a different level of experience and education, which is fuelling their appetite for beauty. Once upon a time to have a skin routine, you would have gone into a Mecca store and had a consultation.

“We found customers are now coming in with these are three products they want to buy that they’ve seen them on TikTok. We’ve had to shift how we behave in terms of responding to that.

“The team are really across what’s trending on TikTok and social channels, and also then to help customers and guide them to what is actually right for them rather than just what they’ve seen.”

MECCA’s social strategy has also incorporated their store hosts who share their knowledge on products in an approachable way.

“We invest in education for our store hosts, that they really can become skin specialists, makeup specialists, fragrance experts. By putting them on the channels where our customers are, that means they get that connection directly.

“It’s exciting to see how those channels are evolving and putting our store hosts at the heart of where the customer goes is something that we are excited about.”

Generosity and magic at the heart of MECCA’s holiday plans

Looking ahead to Mecca’s strategy for the festive season, Blythe said it is the biggest time for the brand, and they intend to go “bigger, better, bolder and braver” than before.

As with past years, Mecca has teamed up with a yet-to-be announced artist on the holiday campaign and packaging.

“It’s a really beautiful campaign that’s going to be everywhere and the extra piece across that is we will be really thinking about the storytelling and bringing that story to life in physical stores as well as the digital and social channels.

“We really want to deliver generosity. We want customers to feel the magic, but also to find products.”

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IMAA Spotlight - MAK agency - Matt Huppatz
MAK Media's Matt Huppatz on delivering world-class work from regional Queensland

By Alisha Buaya

‘Our best work for our clients comes when we act as an extension of their marketing team, and if we can continue to do this we should see positive outcomes all around.’

Mediaweek has teamed up with the IMAA to give its indie leaders a platform to talk about their work, thoughts about the industry and their interests outside of their 9 to 5.

MAK Media, based in Townsville, joined the industry body in 2022. Digital director Matt Huppatz told Mediaweek, the agency proudly wants to show that “world-class work doesn’t have to out of Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne – it can (and does) come from regional Queensland.”

What sparked your interest in launching your indie agency and what sets your agency and its offering apart from others?

As one of the longest-standing full-service agencies in Queensland, MAK Media has been serving our clients for over 45 years.

Coming out of COVID, we knew we needed to evolve as a business to stay relevant. We saw clients facing the same problems time-and-time again – larger metro agencies often weren’t the right fit for their businesses, whether because of budget, scale, or a lack of flexibility. On the other hand, smaller shops sometimes struggled to offer the depth of service or technical capability clients desired.

We made the decision to pivot to serve this gap.

We doubled-down in digital, investing heavily into developing our own audience and targeting software, as well as data platforms, ad tech and training for our staff. We wanted to continue to ensure that all of our services were delivered in-house, with no offshoring or outsourcing.

Several years later, and this has paid dividends. We regularly win pitches against bigger agencies. And our investment in systems and processes means that we can continue to be a quick, nimble and dependable partner for our clients. Our clients recognise this – we have a significant portion of our client book who have been with our business for over 10 years (some for 30 years+), and our annual churn is less than 15%.

Indie agencies are increasingly seeing success with major pitches. What differentiates your pitch approach from that of larger agencies?

Our history in regional media gave us a great foundation in the importance of audience. There’s no margin for error in the regions. While larger agencies lean on third party tools or one-size-fits-all approaches, we built our own audience identification platform from scratch. It means that no matter what the postcode, we can provide relevant insights, hyper-local context, and ultimately a data-driven media plan that is tailored exactly to the local market.

Who have been your latest Agency account wins?
• Townsville Enterprise (major tourism/economic body for North Queensland)
• Great Barrier Reef Masters Games (with Cairns Regional Council)
• Northern Australian Festival of Arts

With 77% of indie agencies expecting ad spend to rise or remain stable in FY26, according to the IMAA Indie Census, how are you preparing for that growth?

We’ve overhauled our project management from the ground up in the last 12 months. We made a significant investment into a purpose-built project management system tailored to our agency needs, and have set up processes and training pathways to ensure we are set up for sustainable growth,

What’s another indie agency that you see is crushing it and why? (Whether it’s their work output, client relationships or culture/DE&I policies)

Vetta Creative in Townsville. They consistently deliver award-nominated creative that puts regional talent on the national stage

What’s a piece of work you’re most proud of?

There is plenty – but the work I’m particularly proud of the work that the team does that benefits the communities we live and work in. We work with various local councils, community and cultural groups on promoting projects and events that are vital to regional Queensland.

To give a specific example, we recently worked with Townsville Enterprise on a hydrogen campaign, with potential to massively impact the future of regional Queensland industry, jobs and sustainability.

As a leader, how do you switch off from work and unwind after a busy week?

I’m a member of my local community garden. It’s a great way to switch off, and it’s also a great way to get to know my neighbours and participate in the local community.

What does success look like for you over the next 12 months?

Success means deepening our partnerships and embedding even deeper into our client’s business. Our best work for our clients comes when we act as an extension of their marketing team, and if we can continue to do this we should see positive outcomes all around.

What can the industry expect from your agency?

We want to show that world-class work doesn’t have to out of Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne – it can (and does) come from regional Queensland.

IMAA

See here for past editions of IMAA Spotlight.

Top image: Matt Huppatz

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A free Gen V lunch for fans as Prime Video partners with Butter Sydney on season two launch

Prime Video will mark the launch of Gen V season two with a themed pop-up at Butter Sydney, offering fans free fiery fried chicken on September 17.

Prime Video is celebrating the launch of Gen V season two with a fiery food collaboration at Butter Sydney, giving fans a chance to immerse themselves in the world of supes, one spicy wing at a time.

On Wednesday 17 September, the Surry Hills venue will be transformed into a Gen V-themed pop-up, offering the first 200 customers a free limited-edition meal inspired by the hit spinoff from The Boys universe.

The “Gen V Combo” includes two of Butter’s crispy fried chicken wings with tangy pickles and two 50ml vials of exclusive sauces: the venue’s signature Fire Hot Sauce and a new creation dubbed the “Really F#$KN Hot One (aka Compound V)” — a fiery nod to the show’s dangerous, high-stakes world at Godolkin University.

Really F#$KN Hot One (aka Compound V)

Really F#$KN Hot One (aka Compound V)

Known for its blend of fried chicken, sneakers, champagne and hip hop, Butter will feature immersive branding and photo moments for fans, aligning with Gen V’s gritty, rebellious tone.

Gen V season two premieres globally on Prime Video the same day, continuing the story of the next generation of supes as they navigate life, power, and corruption at Godolkin University.

The series has been praised for its mix of action, satire, and dark humour, following the success of its parent series The Boys.

Event details:

• What: Gen V Season Two Pop-Up at Butter Sydney
• When: Wednesday, 17 September 2025, from midday until allocation exhausted
• Where: Butter Sydney, 6 Hunt Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
• Offer: Free Gen V-themed meal for the first 200 customers

Top image: Prime Video’s Gen V x Butter Sydney activation

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Dialogue adds Sydney Zoo, Nautilus Estate and Hyatt Regency Sydney to client roster

By Natasha Lee

Dialogue will also manage influencer engagement, media familiarisation, and brand collaborations.

Independent communications agency Dialogue has added three high-profile clients to its portfolio, expanding its footprint in drinks, hospitality and tourism.

Sydney Zoo has signed on as a retained client, New Zealand winery Nautilus Estate has joined for its 40th anniversary campaign, and Hyatt Regency Sydney has renewed its long-term partnership with the agency.

Building awareness for Sydney Zoo

Sydney Zoo has engaged Dialogue to boost awareness and drive visitation to its Western Sydney parklands, home to more than 4,000 animals including endangered species from around the world.

The agency’s remit includes positioning the attraction as Sydney’s leading family-first wildlife destination, with a focus on seasonal events, new animal arrivals, and year-round publicity.

Dialogue will manage press office activity and organise hosting opportunities for media.

Celebrating Nautilus Estate’s 40th anniversary

Dialogue has also been appointed by Nautilus Estate, a family-owned winery based in Marlborough, New Zealand. Its first campaign with the agency will mark the brand’s 40th anniversary.

The program includes a celebratory PR campaign highlighting the winery’s food-friendly philosophy, supported by a trade and media tasting event at QT Sydney, broader media outreach, and a consumer promotion to increase recognition of the brand.

Renewed partnership with Hyatt Regency Sydney

Hyatt Regency Sydney has extended its collaboration with Dialogue following two years of activity that delivered measurable results.

The agency will continue to support the hotel’s awareness and bookings strategy, including its dining outlets Zephyr Sky Bar, Sailmaker Restaurant and Jackalberry Bar + Restaurant.

Dialogue will also manage influencer engagement, media familiarisation, and brand collaborations.

Recent activity has included premium spirit pop-ups at Zephyr, a Nutella-themed high tea at Sailmaker, and the launch of a Kids’ Concierge service to attract families during holiday periods.

Dialogue on its expanding client base

Commenting on the new and extended partnerships, Dialogue’s Managing Director and Founder Kate Bradley said: “These partnerships represent more than new business – they are a validation of Dialogue’s extensive expertise in drinks, hospitality and destination marketing.

“From celebrating milestone anniversaries with established wineries to driving family visitation for premier wildlife destinations, these wins reflect our strategic thinking and our ability to deliver campaigns that create genuine impact.”

Growing portfolio

Dialogue’s client list also includes Acer, Posca Hydrate, Marnong Estate, Taylors Wines, Fourth Wave Wines, Ferrero Group, Legrand/HPM, Liveheats, Fackelmann Housewares, Duxton Vineyards and Humpty Doo Barramundi.

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Journalism

Veteran journo apologises after false post on Kirk’s shooting

Former Insiders host Barrie Cassidy has admitted to feeling “embarrassed” after mistakenly posting misinformation about the alleged killer of US conservative figure Charlie Kirk.

The Australian’s Steve Jackson writes Cassidy suggested online that the suspect’s motives stemmed from believing Kirk wasn’t “far enough to the right” – a claim that turned out to be false.

Cassidy’s post was later deleted.

Read more

Media bosses brace for more delays on tech payment policy

Capital Brief’s John Buckley writes that any hopes Anthony Albanese’s US trip might advance plans to make tech giants pay for news have faded.

Media execs are now told to expect the long-overdue consultation paper only after his return.

Executives had hoped the PM would raise the issue with Donald Trump at the UN General Assembly.

Read more

ABC backs reporter after Senator Price comments

Aunty has thrown its support behind reporter Isabella Higgins after she described Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price’s remarks about Indian migrants as “racist” on Insiders over the weekend.

According to James Madden in The Australian, the exchange came after Price suggested Labor was favouring some migrant groups – specifically Indians – for political reasons.

Higgins called the remarks “discriminatory” and “racist,” saying Price excels at tearing down ideas but struggles with “complicated or nuanced” policy.

Read more

Television

Nine inquiry probed bullying claims at 60 Minutes

Nine quietly launched an internal investigation into claims that veteran journalist Liz Hayes and producer Gareth Harvey were bullied by 60 Minutes executive producer Kirsty Thomson.

The review, according to The Daily Telegraph’s Nathanael Cooper, conducted by Enterprise Investigations, ran in parallel with Nine’s broader workplace culture inquiry but was never disclosed publicly.

Despite the claims, Thomson has since been promoted to head Nine’s new long-form desk, a role she holds alongside her existing 60 Minutes leadership.

Read more

Seven sets Sydney date for HD switchover

Seven has confirmed Sydney will be the next city to make the jump to MPEG4 High Definition, with the switchover locked in for 7 October 2025.

The upgrade follows Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, leaving Melbourne as the only metro market still waiting for a date.

TV Blackbox’s Kevin Perry reports the move means Channel 7, 70, 71 and 7two will all shift to MPEG4 HD.

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Streaming

Fox News host apologises for lethal injection remark

Anchor Brian Kilmeade has apologised after suggesting homeless people with mental illness should be “killed by lethal injection” during a segment on Fox & Friends.

The Sydney Morning Herald’s Michael Koziol writes that Kilmeade’s co-host Lawrence Jones argued that treatment should be mandatory, with jail as the fallback.

Kilmeade pushed it further, adding “just kill them.”

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Radio

Andrew Webster speaks out on SEN resignation

Andrew Webster has broken his silence on why he quit SEN Sydney, using a podcast chat with The Daily Telegraph’s Buzz Rothfield to spell out his frustration.

As Kevin Perry writes in TV Blackbox, the veteran sports journalist revealed he’d asked the network multiple times to block a listener who was sending him homophobic texts, but nothing was done.

Despite repeated requests, the number wasn’t blocked and, at one point, was even read on air.

Read more

Companies

Live Nation tipped to take over Sydney ticketing contract

Ticketek staff have been told to prepare for the likely loss of Venues NSW’s ticketing deal, with Live Nation emerging as the frontrunner to run sales for the SCG and other top Sydney venues from late October.

According to The Australian Financial Review’s Hannah Tattersall, the update came during a Friday town hall with Ticketek boss Brad Banducci and TEG COO Cameron Hoy.

If confirmed, it would hand the state’s most lucrative ticketing contract to the world’s biggest live entertainment company.

Read more

Film

Chloé Zhao makes TIFF history with Hamnet win

Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet has taken out the Toronto International Film Festival’s people’s choice award, instantly putting it in the thick of the Oscars race.

According to Variety’s Clayton Davis, the victory makes Zhao the first filmmaker to win the audience prize twice, following her 2020 triumph with Nomadland.

The award has become one of Hollywood’s most reliable awards-season signals.

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