Australian special forces veteran Ben Roberts-Smith has been unsuccessful in overturning his high-profile defamation suit loss against Nine newspapers.
The full bench of the Federal Court this morning finding Roberts-Smith was not defamed by the media giant and journalists Nick McKenzie and Chris Masters when they published reports claiming the SAS veteran committed war crimes.
Roberts-Smith, recipient of the Victoria Cross and once hailed as a national hero, launched a defamation case against The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, and The Canberra Times, all publications owned by Nine.
His lawsuit followed a series of investigative reports published five years earlier that accused him of committing war crimes in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012, engaging in bullying behaviour, and assaulting a woman in Canberra.
In June last year, Justice Anthony Besanko dismissed the case after a drawn-out trial that spanned more than 100 days and cost an estimated $25 million.
In a landmark ruling, the court found, on the balance of probabilities, that Roberts-Smith was involved in the unlawful killings of four detainees and had also engaged in bullying. The domestic violence allegations, however, were deemed insufficiently proven.
The defamation standard of proof, unlike that in criminal cases, requires a civil threshold. Despite not being found guilty of war crimes in a criminal court, the civil judgment marked a dramatic fall from grace for one of Australia’s most decorated soldiers.
Roberts-Smith has consistently denied all wrongdoing and appealed the judgment in early 2024.
His legal team, led by Arthur Moses SC and Bret Walker SC, presented a sweeping challenge to Justice Besanko’s findings. They argued the judge had made a series of legal and factual errors, from failing to properly weigh witness credibility to delivering insufficient reasons for key conclusions.
Central to their case was the argument that the Briginshaw principle, requiring caution when courts make findings on serious allegations, had not been adequately applied.
The veteran’s legal counsel asserted that the evidence put forward by Nine’s newspapers lacked the strength and clarity needed to justify such serious reputational damage.
They further contended that Roberts-Smith remained entitled to the presumption of innocence and that findings tantamount to criminal guilt should only be made in the context of the criminal justice system.
In a dramatic twist late in the appeal process, Roberts-Smith’s legal team made an eleventh-hour attempt to reopen the case based on a secret recording.
The recording, emailed anonymously to the legal team, captured a 2021 conversation between The Age journalist Nick McKenzie and a potential witness.
According to Roberts-Smith’s lawyers, the recording contained what they described as “damning” admissions suggesting McKenzie had received confidential information about their client’s legal strategy.
McKenzie, under cross-examination, acknowledged that receiving legally privileged material would be wrong, but categorically denied ever receiving such information. “I accept that getting legally privileged information would be wrong. I do not accept I ever got legally privileged information,” he told the court.
Nine has stood firmly behind its journalist. A spokesperson described the misconduct claims as “baseless” and part of “a sustained campaign of mistruths” from Roberts-Smith and his legal backers.
Seven West Media has appointed Ray Kuka, the long-serving 7NEWS Perth News Director and current Deputy Director of News, to replace Seven’s Director of News and Current Affairs and Editor-in-Chief, Anthony De Ceglie after just a year in the role.
De Ceglie, formerly Editor-in-Chief of The West Australian and the launch editor of PDF newspaper The Nightly, will return to Perth from Sydney where he will take up the role of inaugural chief executive of NRL’s Perth Bears.
With more than two decades working for Seven, Kuka has been instrumental in maintaining the station’s dominance in the local Perth news market, and more recently working with other News Directors across the organisation. He will start his new role on 19 May and De Ceglie will leave the company on 30 May.
Kuka’s appointment underscores Seven West Media’s focus on a much-needed return to strength for its news division and ensuring consistent, high-quality journalism across its national network.
Ray Kuka.
SWM Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Howard, said: “Ray will build on the drive for high quality journalism that defines our news services. The continued integration with sport and the progress we have made building 7NEWS’ digital presence will also remain priorities.”
Howard also confirmed more changes to the Seven leadership team with a promotion for popular Sunrise boss, Sarah Stinson.
“In addition to Ray’s appointment, we have taken the opportunity to bolster our executive team, to ensure we continue to deliver our strategic objectives and future ambition,” he said. “To that end, we are also excited to announce that Sarah Stinson, Director of Morning Television, will join the SWM executive team.”
Seven’s dominance in the 6pm news bulletin across capital cities has dropped in recent months.
Over the past year De Ceglie has courted controversy after taking the helm without any experience working in TV.
His leadership covered 7NEWS, Sunrise, The Morning Show and 7NEWS: Spotlight and 7NEWS.com.au.
Anthony De Ceglie
Throughout his short tenure, De Ceglie attempted to revitalise the network’s news coverage by adding horoscope readings to the 6pm bulletin and bringing in a weekly satire segment with comedian Mark Humphries on a Friday at 6.57pm which was quietly dropped after a negative reaction from viewers.
“We need more risk-taking in our industry – not less – if we want to compete,” said De Ceglie as it launched.
Mediaweek understands news of Kuka’s appointment was greeted favourably by staff across the 7NEWS network.
Kuka began his career as a reporter at Seven in Sydney before moving to Perth, where he quickly developed strength and influence over Seven’s presence in the local market.
Known for his strong work ethic and ambition, Kuka is well-liked and respected at Seven by both journalists, production staff and SWM bosses.
“I am already so proud to be part of the Seven newsrooms that deliver the best daily stories and the best coverage of major events,” said Kuka following the announcement.
“Now being charged with leading them is next level and a privilege I’ll never take for granted. I love working in television and can’t wait to see what the future brings our staff and our audiences.”
Kuka has played a crucial leadership role in recent months.
He was flown into Queensland to reassure staff following newsreader Sharyn Ghidella’s unpopular departure, and was placed in charge of the production of the channel’s leadership debate between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton.
“This is a clear indication of Seven’s determination to get back on top,” one source confirmed to Mediaweek.
Kuka’s successor for Perth News Director will be announced soon.
It was a big day at Seven West Media, the kind of shake-up that ripples well beyond the newsroom walls.
While the network issued its official announcement about Anthony De Ceglie’s departure from 7NEWS, the story didn’t stop there.
Across the country, media outlets quickly dug deeper, offering their own takes, fresh insights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into what really went down.
From industry insiders to sharp commentary, the nation’s press put the spotlight not just on the news, but on the narrative behind it all.
Here’s a roundup of how the media covered the exit of one of Seven’s most high-profile and controversial figures, and what it might mean for the broadcaster moving forward.
As Annette Sharpe writes, after just 13 months in the hot seat, De Ceglie’s departure caught many at Seven off guard, staff were still processing the news while De Ceglie was already updating his LinkedIn with his next gig.
And it’s a curveball: he’s been named the inaugural CEO of the Perth Bears rugby league team, a direct nod to a rival sport aligned with Seven’s competitor, Nine. Talk about switching allegiances.
As Alexandra Feiam and Emma Kirk report, once seen as Kerry Stokes’ trusted lieutenant, De Ceglie will now head up the NRL’s new Perth Bears franchise.
The 39-year-old brings a solid media pedigree, having joined Seven West Media in 2019 after nearly three years as deputy editor at The Daily Telegraph.
Reports suggest Kerry Stokes, Seven’s billionaire chairman who personally backed De Ceglie’s rise, is far from pleased by the defection.
As Steve Jackson writes, De Ceglie will step down from Seven at the end of the month and head back to Perth, just over a year after taking the helm at Seven News.
As James Harrison reports, after roughly a year steering Seven’s news division, De Ceglie is heading back home to WA to help grow the league out west.
Replacing him at Seven is Ray Kuka, the Perth bureau boss who’s been a steady hand through some turbulent times at the network.
The NRL’s Peter V’landys pulling Seven’s news chief Anthony De Ceglie into the fold as the inaugural CEO of the Perth Bears has stirred quite the buzz, and according to Mark Di Stefano, it’s been quietly building for weeks.
The backstory? A chance encounter at a Sydney wedding, where the sport and media worlds collided in style.
It all took place at George Moskos’s decked-out wedding at Woolwich, where V’landys and De Ceglie had a chat about the Bears’ move west.
According to Calum Jaspan and Adrian Proszenko, De Ceglie’s leap from one of the most high-profile editorial gigs at 7NEWS to the sports front signals a major shake-up.
De Ceglie’s departure from Seven West Media comes just over a year into his tenure as director of news and current affairs, as he takes on the challenge of launching the NRL’s 18th team.
‘Kerry Stokes doesn’t do things by halves, so when he tapped Anthony De Ceglie to lead Seven’s news division just over a year ago, it was a big deal.’
In this op-ed, Elizabeth Knight compares De Ceglie’s sudden pivot from newsroom chief to the NRL’s Perth Bears CEO to a royal reshuffle.
Knight writes that “De Ceglie’s time running Seven News wasn’t exactly smooth sailing.”
“His attempts to shake things up with a comedy segment and a nightly horoscope left many scratching their heads. Both ideas were quickly canned, but they certainly made their mark on the bulletin’s style, for better or worse.”
The Australian Rugby League Commission has officially named Anthony De Ceglie as the first CEO of the Perth Bears, the NRL’s newest expansion team set to kick off in 2027.
De Ceglie steps into the role fresh from his stint as director of news and current affairs at Seven West Media, bringing a solid mix of leadership chops and a reputation for shaking things up.
De Ceglie’s deep roots in Western Australia, including his time as editor-in-chief of The West Australian, have earned him high praise from ARLC chairman Peter V’landys.
The network’s news website covered the news of De Ceglie’s appointment via a surprising channel – AAP’s wire story – but then added commentary in its own InsideMedia segment with Rob McKnight.
McKnight revealed that family “played a big part” in Anthony De Ceglie’s decision to head back to his hometown of Perth.
The appointment of Ray Kuka as the new news boss was also touched upon, with McKnight offering his own take on the decision.
Online gambling provider PointsBet has paid a $500,800 spam penalty and is subject to enforceable undertakings after breaching Australia’s e-marketing and gambling self-exclusion laws.
An investigation by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) found that PointsBet Pty Ltd sent more than 800 illegal messages in breach of spam regulations, and also failed to comply with obligations under BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register (NSER).
Between September and November 2023, PointsBet sent 705 emails containing direct links to its betting services without including an unsubscribe option.
The company was found to have misclassified the emails as “non-commercial,” despite their promotional content, placing them firmly within the scope of spam regulations.
In addition, PointsBet sent seven marketing emails without recipient consent and 90 commercial SMS messages that lacked mandatory sender contact information.
Separately, ACMA’s investigation into NSER compliance found that in August and September 2023, PointsBet sent 508 marketing messages to individuals who had self-excluded through the national register.
Under the NSER rules, licensed wagering providers are strictly prohibited from sending marketing material to people who have opted out of online gambling communications.
ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said the breaches showed a concerning disregard for legal obligations, particularly in relation to vulnerable individuals seeking to avoid gambling harm.
“It is deeply concerning that these failures have impacted PointsBet’s customers, some of whom had taken proactive steps to exclude themselves from online wagering,” O’Loughlin said.
“People signing up to the NSER are taking positive steps to remove online gambling from their lives. Their decision must not be compromised by companies like PointsBet.
“Wagering providers must also appropriately identify where messages promote or advertise their services and ensure that those messages comply with the rules, including the obligation to promote the NSER.”
While the ACMA confirmed no self-excluded customers were able to place bets during the period under review, the authority has accepted legally binding undertakings from PointsBet. These include third-party reviews of compliance processes, implementation of recommended improvements, and mandatory staff training.
“This action should serve as a warning to all wagering providers that they must meet their legal obligations or face the consequences. We will closely monitor PointsBet’s compliance with its undertakings and with the spam and NSER laws,” O’Loughlin said.
ACMA noted that financial penalties are not currently available for NSER-related breaches due to the novelty and complexity of the issues under investigation. However, failure to comply with the undertakings can result in court-ordered penalties.
This case marks the first enforcement action under the NSER laws.
According to the ACMA, businesses have paid more than $14 million in spam-related penalties in the past 18 months, highlighting the regulator’s focus on compliance around gambling safeguards and misleading digital marketing.
More information can be found on the ACMA website.
An ill-judged quip from ABC Radio Melbourne’s Bob Murphy on Thursday quickly turned into a national talking point, after the former AFL captain implied on-air that his co-host Sharnelle Vella once worked at a strip club.
This morning, Murphy addressed the comment, offering a grovelling on-air apology.
It all began during Thursday morning’s broadcast of ABC Radio Melbourne Breakfast, hosted by Murphy and Vella.
The pair were in conversation with Elinor Kasapidis from Certified Practising Accountants Australia, discussing early work experiences and financial advice.
Vella began a story about her high school job in retail, saying, “I remember when I worked in retail many moons ago…” before Murphy interjected, “Not at Spearmint Rhino?” referencing a well-known Melbourne strip club.
The moment was brief, but the implication hung heavily in the air. Vella gave a swift and composed “No” before continuing with the segment, but the damage was done.
The offhand remark, made just before the 7.30am news bulletin, drew criticism from listeners and quickly gained media traction.
This morning, Murphy addressed the incident at the start of the show. “I think it’d be pertinent from my point of view to start with some news that came out of this studio,” he said, acknowledging the growing media coverage.
“I made a comment that insinuated my colleague and co-host Sharnelle here worked at Spearmint Rhino. Cutting straight to the point, it was not just a mistake, it was a gross and inaccurate offhand quip. I promised Sharnelle that I’d never disrespect her, and I broke that promise. Put simply, I’m really sorry.”
Vella, for her part, didn’t let it slide.
Her reply was pointed and clear: “I won’t let you off the hook on it. It wasn’t OK. I appreciate your words, but we do move on.” Her professionalism in the moment was widely noted, even as the exchange underscored growing scrutiny on Murphy’s tenure at the station.
Murphy and Vella took over ABC Melbourne Breakfast earlier this year, replacing long-time host and comedian Sammy J.
But it’s been a challenging transition.
The show’s ratings have dropped significantly, from 7.9 percent audience share to 5.6 in the space of just a few months, according to recent surveys.
While the chemistry between hosts is often the magic ingredient for morning radio, this latest misstep may raise internal questions about the pairing.
Whether the team can bounce back remains to be seen, but for now, Murphy’s attempt at ‘humour’ has become a case study in what not to say on live radio.
Thinkerbell has marked the departure of its very first employee, Emma O’Leary, in true Thinkerbell fashion, by (temporarily) rebranding the agency to O’Learybell.
Emma, who joined on day one and has been instrumental in shaping the agency’s culture, is leaving to become Head of People at QT Hotels.
Emma O’Leary.
Co-founder Adam Ferrier said the one-day rebrand is a tongue-in-cheek tribute to O’Leary’s lasting impact on the business: “The thing we will miss most about Emma is her laugh which is why we have dedicated the bar at Thinkerbell South to be forever named in her honour.”
O’Leary’s bar at Thinkerbell South.
CEO Margie Reid added, “Emma has been with the agency since day 1 and has been in large part the secret to the agency’s success. Our Scattered Sunshine is leaving.”
Co-founder Ben Couzens said Emma helped create the rituals and culture Thinkerbell is known for today: “Emma was the original Thinkerbell COP — Head of Culture, Operations and People (before we even had any Culture, Operations or People). She’ll be missed to be sure.”
Television’s past is proving to be its future. While streaming platforms have spent the last decade chasing cinematic universes and hyper-serialised arcs, a surprising winner has emerged; a return to classic, episodic storytelling, and it’s not just older viewers tuning in.
Poker Face, the stylish mystery-of-the-week series now streaming on Stan, has its roots in 70s and 80s classics like Columbo, Knight Rider, and Magnum P.I..
It blends old-school narrative rhythms with modern production values and it’s attracting both the older ‘nostalgic’ audience, plus the younger demo who are clearly taking notice.
Creator Rian Johnson, the director of Knives Out, has clearly hit a nerve with the show, starring Natasha Lyonne who stars as lie-detecting prodigy Charlie Cale. She’s a former waitress on the run from a gang intent on killing her. As she travels the country trying to evade them, she uses her innate skills to solve a different murder every week.
Rian Johnson
“I watched The A-Team, Quantum Leap and Charlie’s Angels growing up,” Johnson explains to Mediaweek. “And they were all episodic in the true sense of an episodic nature.
“You weren’t following a big, long arc. It was every week, you got your own little mini story. As great as modern serialised television is, I just felt a deep hunger for kind of the comfort food of that kind of storytelling.
“I love a TV show where someone solves a thing and moves on,” says Johnson. “Not everything needs to be connected by a massive arc. Sometimes it’s satisfying to drop in, get a complete story, and come back the next week.”
And it’s not just the format that harks back to the classic 80s episodic TV. Johnson ensured the way the show is shot, and even the graphics, have the same feel.
“Coming to it for the first time, I wanted to give audiences a cue as to what the game is that we’re playing with this show,” he notes. “I didn’t want to be coy about what type of show it is. I wanted, when you tune in, to give you a very clear visual marker and then let you ease in and enjoy it on that level.
“The yellow titles, the filmic look of how it is shot, the way we use music and all of it is geared towards just orientating the audience.
“It’s less about nostalgia as a pursuit of its own, but also about letting the audience know, ‘This is this type of storytelling and this is what we’re doing with this.’”
Natasha Lyonne in Poker Face
This back-to-basics approach, familiar structure, rotating guest stars, and a clear beginning-middle-end, has become Poker Face’s signature, alongside Lyonne’s drawl and one-liners. And for an audience fatigued by commitment-heavy binge-watching, this simplicity is a real draw.
But Johnson admits it wasn’t over-thought or part of some grand strategy to appeal to two demos at once.
“We didn’t try to calculate what a younger audience would want,” he says. “We just made something that felt good. Younger audiences watch Frasier and Friends, they’re not opposed to formula, as long as it works.”
Season two of Poker Face, currently available to watch, expands on the original format, with a more ambitious roster of guest stars and a confident sense of identity. Cynthia Erivo, Katie Holmes and Rhea Pearlman are just some of the stars who feature.
“Once the actors saw the show, it was easier to get them to jump in,” Johnson explains. “Like Columbo, we wanted big stars and great character actors to own their episode.
“But casting is always a challenge, even on a Knives Out movie.”
Johnson is currently directing the third Knives Out instalment, Wake Up Dead Man, due for release later this year.
And as for whether Charlie Cale will ever face a larger story arc or get “caught,”? The answer is refreshingly unfussy.
“We’re taking it episode by episode. No big endgame. We just want to keep ourselves, the writers, surprised,” says Johnson.
While no third season has been officially confirmed, Johnson says the team is watching how the latest season performs. “We’ll see. No one’s making guarantees,” he adds.
At a time when the streaming landscape is saturated with sprawling story arcs and IP-driven franchises, Poker Face is a reminder that smart, self-contained storytelling still has power, especially when it’s delivered with style and confidence.
“TV can be smart without being smug,” said Johnson recently.
In a world of overcomplication, this return to simplicity might just be the most radical move of all.
Poker Face, seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on Stan now.
Dentsu Queensland and Vinyl Media’s Rolling Stone have partnered to launch McCormick’s Cholula product range in Australia with a one-night event, ‘Cinco Sounds’, held on May 5 to coincide with Cinco de Mayo.
The activation, aimed at introducing a new range of Cholula seasonings and salsas now available in Woolworths, brought together Mexican cuisine and live music at Brisbane’s Hotel Mexico. The event matched musical performances with Cholula-infused dishes and cocktails, highlighting the versatility of the brand’s expanded lineup.
Performers included Triple J Unearthed 2023 finalist Lotte Gallagher and genre-blending act Queen of Hearts, with headline DJs Client Liaison closing the night while serving Cholula-covered oysters.
Cam Law, Head of Strategy at Dentsu QLD, said the campaign sought to tap into cultural authenticity: “We wanted to give Aussies a way to try these products, knowing once tasted Cholula would become their go-to Mexican brand. With the target audience inspired by authentic voices, music, arts and culture, a night bringing together these elements with excellent Mexican food was a no brainer.”
Marcus Allen, Group Partnerships Director for Vinyl Media across Victoria, Queensland and South Australia, added: “Cinco Sounds was a brilliant example of how an FMCG brand can integrate into music culture in an authentic way, whilst still paying homage to the legacy of the Mexican brand itself.”
The event forms part of a broader campaign spanning social media, street art, out-of-home, and programmatic audio and display.
Top image: Ayesha Madon.
In the theatre of Australian Rules Football, some voices don’t just call the game, they define it.
Robert Walls was one of them. For over 15 years, his unmistakable tone, fearless takes, and sharp football intellect echoed through radios across the country.
This week, 3AW mourns the passing of a man who wasn’t just part of their broadcast team, he helped shape its soul.
Walls didn’t plan to become a broadcaster. But fate, or perhaps footy serendipity, had other ideas.
It was during his final days coaching Richmond when a gutsy young journalist named Anthony Hudson approached him for an interview. What followed wasn’t just a good yarn, it was a revelation. Walls’ candour and clarity were magnetic. Before long, he wasn’t just offering commentary, he was rewriting how it could sound.
That off-the-cuff moment led to a permanent home in the 3AW commentary box. And not just as a fill-in. Walls quickly became a cornerstone of the team.
Walls didn’t pander, posture, or sugarcoat. His analysis cut through with a precision that made you lean in, or sometimes sit back in disbelief. But love him or argue with him, you listened.
He reimagined the role of the special comments man, tossing out platitudes in favour of honest, incisive football thinking. With each call, he gave listeners something more, depth, debate, and, above all, authenticity.
His chemistry with broadcast legends like Clinton Grybas, Tony Shaw, and Caroline Wilson made for compulsive listening.
To fans, Walls was the voice that could cut through the fog of footy clichés. To colleagues, he was much more.
Inside the 3AW team, Walls was respected not only for his footy knowledge, but for his integrity. He was fiercely loyal, utterly professional, and, despite his gruff on-air persona, a warm and generous mate behind the scenes.
His presence elevated every Saturday afternoon. There was energy, yes. Banter? Plenty. But underneath it all was a deep love for the game and a desire to honour it with honest, intelligent conversation.
Walls wasn’t just part of 3AW Football, he was a pillar. His departure leaves more than a gap in the broadcast line-up; it marks the end of a rich era in footy radio.
Australian businesses have been able to grow and expand into international markets with the support of Meta’s suite of ad campaigns and tools.
Tom Hosking, client partner, eCommerce – Meta, told Mediaweek that the tech company’s Advantage+ offering has been a game changer of businesses launching into new markets by disrupting cross-border business through innovations in automation and AI.
He noted Meta has supported businesses through unmatched audience opportunities with over 3 billion monthly users globally, AI allowing brands to focus on discoverability, and connect with culture through local creators and unique seasonal shopping moments.
Hosking said Meta customers have said the platform has offered them a “reliable channel for guaranteed results and return for cross-border marketing.”
“Especially when it comes to testing new campaigns and marketing approaches across different countries, our tools allow brands to easily validate whether their offering and approach works, with the opportunity to tailor their budget spend, before successfully scaling their strategy and investment once the market proves to be viable,” he added.
Among the clients to have a positive experience with the platform’s advertising suite are Clementine Boshevski, founder and CEO of Salt Lab, and Kim Zorn, VP, Growth & Performance at Princess Polly.
Tom Hosking said Meta customers have said the platform has offered them a “reliable channel for guaranteed results and return for cross-border marketing.”
Boshevski launched Salt Lab in 2017 after experiencing complete burnout which resulted in hormonal issues, insomnia and severe nervous system disruption. She was advised to take magnesium to alleviate symptoms and hormonal deficiencies but couldn’t find a clean, high-quality product that was locally made and owned.
“So I decided to develop my own – a 100% natural, Australian made, topical magnesium oil that has since helped thousands of Australians relax, recover and sleep better.
Since launching eight years ago, the brand has expanded across Australia and in the USA market, and grown to nine employees with plans of growing further and continuing to expand to additional markets.
For Boshevski, reaching an international market was a major milestone for the business in proving global demand for their products while creating new jobs and expanding the size of its team globally. Part of achieving national and global success has been Meta’s suite of tool which Boshevski said helped her business target the right audience at the right time.
“We have been implementing a mix of Meta tools, from manual brand campaigns, awareness and reach campaigns to more specific Advantage + AI tools to best reach and target our diverse audience. A key benefit of implementing Meta’s solutions has been the opportunity to maintain a consistent yet relevant voice to our brand and our values, across different demographics and geographies.
“We also have been able to optimise the performance of our ads, by leveraging testing and refinement of different categories across campaigns – meaning we have been able to reach the right audiences and pivot accordingly depending on our targets.”
Clementine Boshevski: ‘We have already experienced great results and have been having success in international markets closer to home, including Singapore and Hong Kong, but our objective is to establish our position in the USA as a priority, given the size and opportunities offered by such a prominent market.’
Boshevski highlighted Meta’s tools as having played a particularly important role in raising awareness for the brand with local customers.
Salt Labs took advantage of Meta’s digital marketing solutions to scale the business through targeted ad campaigns, which achieved brand recall and engagement through targeted ad campaigns.
“In 2023, we experienced an arson attack on the storage facility we were using at the time, losing all our stock and production as a result, valued at $1.5M. We were able to successfully bring back our production through a ‘bring us back’ campaign, which we ran organically through our community grown on Instagram and Facebook.”
The successful campaign over the past year resulted Salt Labs doubling in size and achieving 300% YoY growth and expanding our customer base to the USA market through the implementation of ad campaigns run through Meta’s Advantage+ AI tools.
“As a result of this growth, we have also been able to expand our team, hiring an additional five roles and currently looking to continue to grow and further expand our staff to include roles based in the USA.”
Looking ahead, expansion is on the cards for Salt Labs’ business and customer base across international markets.
“We have already experienced great results and have been having success in international markets closer to home, including Singapore and Hong Kong, but our objective is to establish our position in the USA as a priority, given the size and opportunities offered by such a prominent market.”
Online clothing retailer Princess Polly entered the market in 2010 from a beachside apartment on the Gold Coast and it has since transformed into a global fashion destination with a big digital presence, loyal Gen Z following and retail stores across the US.
“What’s helped us grow is our deep understanding of our customers. We know the moments that matter most to them, whether that’s graduation, a night out, or everyday campus life,” Zorn said.
“We make it easy for them to discover these looks by meeting them where they already are, on social media. Our international stores represent a new chapter and are a testament to how far we’ve come. Our goal is to give our customers an immersive, unforgettable shopping experience, while continuing to provide accessible and more sustainable styles both online and in person,” she added.
Kim Zorn: ‘Meta Ad Products have allowed us to tap into vast international markets, drive sales, and grow our brand presence efficiently, making Meta an essential partner in our global advertising strategy.’
Zorn shared that Meta’s Ad Products played a significant role in helping the business reach national and international consumers and highlighted Advantage+ in being a key to driving performance.
“This feature allowed us to optimise campaigns across multiple levers, such as budget, creative, and placement, resulting in more efficient and impactful international sales while decreasing the time to set up campaigns for the team.
“The flexibility and automation that Advantage+ provides have been invaluable to reach diverse audiences across different regions while maximising return on investment.”
Princess Polly also launched Reach Campaigns through the suite, which Zorn said lead to increased Brand Awareness and Consideration.
These campaigns delivered 86% lower CPMs, which not only drove cost-effective exposure but also fueled overall performance across the account. Most importantly, they helped increase our net new reach, enabling us to attract new customers and boost brand visibility on a global scale.
“Together, these Meta Ad Products have allowed us to tap into vast international markets, drive sales, and grow our brand presence efficiently, making Meta an essential partner in our global advertising strategy.”
Zorn and the Princess Polly are focused on expanding their customer base and building on early omnichannel expansion and brand awareness efforts while driving strong performance across over 25 active channels.
This year, the clothing retailer is also planning of opening seven physical stores in the US, bringing the total number of shop fronts to 13, including SoHo in New York, Miami, Glendale, Garden City and King of Prussia.
“We already have six stores open along both coasts, and this is the next step in our hybrid retail expansion plan.”
As for the brand’s partnership with Meta, Zorn said: “we will focus on leveraging Meta’s expertise and guidance to create a true omnichannel advertising strategy while continuing our Performance and Reach strategy.”
Hosking noted that the industry can expect to see more brands reach out to European countries which are “relatively untapped opportunities for many local businesses” as uncertainty with exports into markets like the US continues.
He added that another key trend is increased focus on creative, specifically creative systems that promote an increase in volume, velocity and diversity of ad creative.
“Businesses that are well positioned to produce more content, at higher speeds, for a larger range of customer needs and wants, will gain competitive advantage.”
Meanwhile, clients can expect Automation and AI to continue to play a key role in Meta’s offering as it continues to invest in innovation that powers the tools helping advertisers maximise campaign performance.
“This is why we are already testing a revamped Meta Advantage+ campaign setup that ensures AI-optimisations will automatically be turned on sales, app install and leads campaigns, while maintaining the ability for advertisers to make manual adjustments if preferred.
“We are also seeing our customers taking advantage of the new opportunity scores available on Ads manager, to maximise campaign set ups and ads testing from the get-go.”
Radio hosts Will McMahon and Woody Whitelaw (Will and Woody) have brought their comedic branding to outdoor advertising, partnering with GloBird Energy for an unconventional billboard campaign now running across major Australian cities.
The campaign, described as a “billboard bombing” by the duo, flips traditional advertising on its head (quite literally). Rather than a standard posed image, the billboards feature the backs of Will & Woody, offering a humorous twist to passers-by and listeners alike.
Will & Woody with their GloBird billboard.
According to the campaign’s concept, Woody approached GloBird Energy with the idea of hijacking an existing ad buy by offering themselves as “models”, a creative manoeuvre that led to the current iteration. The activation has since gone live in over 100 prominent locations spanning Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide.
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Nine has confirmed the departure of Jamie Gilbert-Smith, Director of Trade Marketing, following a strategic restructure of the Trade Marketing team.
In a note to staff shared this week, Matt James, Chief Sales Officer, acknowledged the “tough decision” to realign parts of the business, resulting in the disestablishment of the Director of Trade Marketing role.
Gilbert-Smith will officially leave the business at the end of this week.
“After careful consideration, and as part of our ongoing efforts to align our business needs, we have made the tough decision to restructure the Trade Marketing team, impacting the role of Director of Trade Marketing,” the internal email read.
Since joining Nine nearly three years ago, Gilbert-Smith has played a key role in evolving the company’s Trade Marketing strategy, leading efforts to bolster the brand’s presence in market.
“We are grateful for Jamie’s contributions and the impact he has had on our team,” the message continued. “I personally would like to thank him for his commitment, professionalism, and dedication during his time with us.”
Gilbert-Smith’s departure marks a notable change in the structure of Nine’s trade-facing operations as the company continues to refine its approach to market engagement.
Staff were invited to join in wishing him the best in his future endeavours.
This week’s Meeting of the Minds sees Laura Brown and Christine Hepburn from Communicado reveal their leadership heroes, current streaming binge, and career goals.
The Mediaweek series showcases diverse perspectives, thoughts and opinions by bringing together two different points of view from an industry rookie and an experienced expert.
Favourite podcast/read – I try to read every day but I don’t tend to listen to podcasts, I’m too overwhelmed by all the options! I’m part of a book group and recently read the latest David Nicholls book You Are Here which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Current streaming binge – Slow Horses, waiting for the latest episodes to drop was difficult, I’d rather save them up and binge them!
Guilty pleasure content – Love Island UK! It has to be the UK version, the ‘banter’ and accents remind me of home.
What do you have on repeat – I don’t tend to rewatch much as there’s always so much new content to keep up with, but I do love to revisit Friends from time to time, for that nostalgic 90s comfort.
Best career advice – ‘Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better’ It’s a Maya Angelou quote, and probably a little overused lately, but I find it motivates me to keep working and developing both professionally and personally.
Leadership hero – I’m lucky to have worked with some fantastic leaders and mentors during my career. For me great leaders trust and empower their teams and I’m fortunate to be around clients and colleagues that do this every day.
Best training course/session – I took the RMIT Copywriting in Action course a few years back and loved it, great fun and a brilliant way to build new skills.
I wish someone had told me – More about careers in marketing and advertising when I was at school, I did a degree in English Literature and Media Studies, but found my passion for marketing during a Uni work placement by chance and always wished I’d studied it.
Favourite place to network – I don’t tend to go to many networking events, I prefer to meet people organically and just to chat and see where the conversation goes.
Something that’s surprised you about the industry – How small it is, I moved to the other side of the world 15 years ago and still constantly cross paths with people I’m connected to somehow.
What is your hot take on the industry – As the marketing funnel continues to evolve adapting to complex shopper journeys requires a flexible approach and stronger integration across marketing disciplines.
Career goal for 2025 – To get more people and businesses thinking about shoppers vs consumers; we need to influence shoppers to create consumers in most instances. The challenge continues.
Favourite podcast/read – Shameless is always my go to, I love knowing what’s going on in pop culture.
Current streaming binge – I always have a few shows on the go but currently bingeing Monsters, The Lyle and Erick Menendez story, Kaos and Outer Banks.
Guilty pleasure content – Reality TV (but I don’t feel much guilt) whether its Vanderpump Rules, The Kardashians, Love Island, Fboy Island or Goggle Box I can’t get enough.
What do you have on repeat – I always try to find new things to watch and always look for recommendations but when all else fails I turn to New Girl.
Best career advice – Don’t be afraid to change it up and follow your interests, I started off in Digital but wasn’t feeling like it was the right fit and I’m so glad I took a chance and changed to Shopper. Before Communicado I didn’t have any experience in Shopper Marketing but I have loved every minute.
Leadership hero – I’m very lucky at Communicado, I have some great mentors in my team and I have a learnt a lot from them and they have all played such a big role in my development.
Best training course/session – I attended a few sessions in the Retail marketing in 2024 Online Conference and found the ‘Connecting Consumer and Shopper in the Strategic Planning Process’ with Victoria Garcia and ‘The Power of Consideration’ with Raghav Pratap super interesting.
I wish someone had told me – The importance of having a strong work life balance, making sure to switch off after work and take your annual leave when you can is key. This year I’ve made more of an effort to take small holidays and it’s helped me a lot as I have come back refreshed and a lot more focused.
Favourite place to network – I haven’t done a lot of networking but so far, my favourite places to network have been at client product launches & industry events.
Something that’s surprised you about the industry – So much has surprised me about the industry, I started working in the industry when covid hit so nothing could have prepared me for that and the continuous changes since then.
What is your hot take on the industry – That in the coming years there will be even more of a push for sustainability when creating POS and prizing as we are regularly targeting Gen Z for a lot of our promotions and they are very environmentally conscious consumers.
Career goal for2025 – To keep learning and expanding my skills, every year so far, I’ve had opportunities to work on bigger campaigns with different clients and it has been an awesome challenge and I look forward to continuing to grow my experience and knowledge.
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To take part in future editions of Meeting of the Minds, please email: [email protected]
Past editions of Meeting of the Minds.
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Top image: Laura Brown and Christine Hepburn
Kantar’s newly released Consumer Sentiment Barometer has revealed a significant shift in Australian consumer behaviour in the wake of escalating global tariffs. The data shows 42% of Australians claim they will stop buying US products and services, while 53% say they plan to increase purchases of local alternatives.
The study, which surveyed 500 Australians in April 2025 as part of a global 20-market initiative, attributes these changes to widespread concerns over cost-of-living pressures. These concerns are most notably driven by rising energy costs (64%), business profiteering (51%), and economic policies (52%).
In addition to the shift away from international products, Australians are cutting back on discretionary spending across various categories. Notably, 41% are reducing their spend on fast food and takeaways, 39% on new clothing, 38% on bar visits, and 37% on streaming services. Larger expenditures such as overseas travel and vehicle purchases are also seeing significant pullbacks.
“People are uncertain – and genuinely so,” said Mark Kennedy, Managing Partner – Consulting at Kantar Australia. “Add tariffs to an already tumultuous world and it’s important to understand public sentiment and how this is impacting people’s behaviour.”
The findings underscore the urgency for businesses to adapt their strategies. Kantar identified five critical behaviours that distinguish brands that thrive during disruption: being meaningfully different, maintaining brand visibility, reinforcing pricing power, leveraging creative communications, and exploring new category opportunities.
Globally, 71% of respondents blame the US for the current tariff situation, though local approval of government responses varies. In APAC, Japan and South Korea stand out for their pessimism about future economic conditions, while confidence remains high in India, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
Kantar Consumer Sentiment Barometer, May 2025
Kantar’s research suggests brands need to engage in proactive scenario planning and strategy recalibration. “If your business is underperforming in good times, you won’t be protected in bad ones,” Kennedy added. “Now is the wrong time to be passive.”
Nine Publishing has announced a bundling deal that grants premium subscribers of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age complimentary access to The Athletic, a digital sports journalism platform owned by The New York Times.
The partnership, which comes into effect immediately, offers Australian readers one year of unlimited access to The Athletic’s coverage of major global sports including the NBA, English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Formula 1, and the NFL. Known for its in-depth analysis, real-time insights and exclusive reporting, The Athletic features content from some of the world’s most experienced sports journalists.
This initiative builds on Nine’s recent digital enhancements, including updates to its puzzles platform and the launch of the Good Food app, as part of its broader subscriber engagement and growth strategy.
“We are thrilled to give our Herald and Age subscribers access to the world’s best standalone sports site,” said Luke McIlveen, Executive Editor of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. “The surge in popularity of US sports in Australia makes The Athletic the perfect offering for readers who value quality, trusted journalism.”
Aimie Rigas, Director of Audience Growth at Nine, added: “Our subscribers are passionate about quality journalism, and sport is no exception. The Athletic delivers the kind of sharp, in-depth coverage our subscribers can’t get enough of.”
Nine says the bundle represents the first of its kind for a local Australian masthead, underscoring its commitment to delivering added value to its premium digital audience.
By Geoff Clarke, COO, IPG Mediabrands
I often describe scaling a business as a high-wire act. Why?
Because it’s complex and demands a delicate balance driving both short-term wins and long-term innovation; attracting and retaining top talent; and maintaining profitability.
Our industry is a constant revolving door of technological advancements and changing consumer behaviours, and the realisation that we need to adapt or be left behind is very real.
So, if you want to scale your business, survive and lead a strategic approach is required.
Geoff Clarke
How?
The answer lies in strategic investment, but more importantly in courageous investment – the willingness to prioritise long-term gains over short-term pressures – even when shareholder and market pressures make it difficult.
The Internet of Things (IoT), culture changes and shifts in consumer behaviours places immense pressure on scaling businesses. While technologies like Robotic Process Automation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Large Language Models (LLMs), and data analytics are transforming operational models, a clear technology investment strategy is critical. The right investments will be the key differentiator between achieving profitable scale and missing a significant opportunity.
Courageous investment in the right technology is paramount; I view it as the difference between leading the charge and being left behind.
Consider the following hypothetical: an agency invests heavily in building a new technology solution as it is the latest trend. They poured resources into creating virtual experiences, only to find that their investment yielded little to no ROI. In fact, the agency missed out on opportunities to strengthen its core data analytics capabilities while it poured its resources into the ‘fad’ technology solution.
While a hypothetical, it highlights the importance of focusing on investments that align with long-term strategic goals, rather than chasing fleeting trends.
A technology investment roadmap is the blueprint that guides a business’s investments and ensures they align with overall business objectives.
To build an effective roadmap, the first step is to define clear business goals. Ask yourself what you’re aiming to achieve—whether it’s improving campaign performance, enhancing client relationships, or expanding into new markets. Your technology investments should directly support these goals. For instance, if your objective is to improve campaign performance, your roadmap might prioritise AI-powered analytics tools and programmatic advertising platforms. Conversely, if your focus is on deepening client relationships, investment in CRM systems and collaboration platforms would take precedence.
Next, assess your current technology infrastructure and conduct a thorough evaluation of existing systems and capabilities. Identify what’s working well and what’s holding the business back. This analysis will help identify gaps and areas for improvement. Don’t shy away from streamlining or restructuring incumbent systems—while it may take time, doing so will enable more effective scaling in the long run.
Once you understand the business needs, it’s crucial to prioritise investments. Not all technologies offer the same value or feasibility, so develop a framework that evaluates potential investments based on criteria such as strategic alignment, potential ROI, risk, and ease of implementation. For example, use a weighted scoring system where strategic alignment and potential ROI each carry a weight of 30%, while risk and ease of implementation are weighted at 20% each. This helps ensure the technology investment delivers the most benefit with the least downside.
With priorities in place, create a phased implementation plan. Avoid trying to do everything at once. Break the roadmap into manageable phases, each with clear milestones and timelines. Start with the technologies that will have the most immediate and significant impact to gain early wins and build momentum.
Finally, allocate resources wisely. Make sure the necessary budget, personnel, and expertise is available to support each stage of the implementation. This could involve hiring new talent, upskilling current employees, or working with external partners to fill capability gaps. Strategic resource planning will ensure the technology investments deliver on their promise and drive real business value.
Implementing new technologies is not always smooth sailing. There are many potential pitfalls that can derail efforts. To help navigate the implementation minefield here are some clear recommendations:
• Do: Communicate clearly and often. Keep everyone in the loop. Clearly communicate the vision and benefits of new technologies to all stakeholders. Explain how the changes will impact individual roles and responsibilities.
• Don’t: Assume that employees will automatically know how to use new technologies. Provide adequate training to ensure that they can effectively use the new tools and systems.
• Do: Expect some resistance. Overcoming this requires a proactive approach: involve employees early, provide comprehensive training, and clearly demonstrate the benefits of new technologies.
• Don’t: Forget about integration. Ensure new technologies can be seamlessly integrated with existing systems. A fragmented technology eco-system is beneficial to no-one, the more integrated it is, the greater the future scaling opportunity will be.
• Do: Prioritise data security and privacy. Implement robust security measures to protect sensitive data and comply with relevant regulations.
• Do: Measure Success. How will you know if the technology investments are paying off? Track key metrics such as: Growth, Profit, Margin, along with Campaign performance, Client satisfaction, Employee productivity and Cost savings.
In the advertising industry investing in robust data governance and security measures to protect sensitive information and comply with regulations is always critical. This includes implementing data encryption, access controls, and regular security audits.
The path to scaling a business is not easy. It requires a delicate balance of innovation, talent, and profitability. But for those who have the courage to invest strategically, the rewards are significant: increased efficiency, improved client relationships, a more engaged workforce, and sustainable growth.
The future belongs to those who dare to think long-term and invest wisely.
De Ceglie, formerly Editor-in-Chief of The West Australian and the launch editor of PDF newspaper The Nightly, will return to Perth from Sydney where he will take up the role of inaugural chief executive of NRL’s Perth Bears.
With more than two decades working for Seven, Kuka has been instrumental in maintaining the station’s dominance in the local Perth news market, and more recently working with other News Directors across the organisation.
As Calum Jaspan reports in The Sydney Morning Herald, Greber only joined the ABC last year, but his current role as chief digital political correspondent has made him a standout in the press gallery.
While the internal shortlist features familiar heavy-hitters, bureau chief David Lipson, Melissa Clarke, and Insiders host David Speers, Greber’s name keeps floating to the top.
With five decades across print, radio and TV, Doogue is a fitting choice to honour Olle’s legacy of smart, broad-minded reporting.
As David Knox writes in TV Tonight, the annual lecture, which raises funds for Brain Cancer Australia, returns to Sydney’s W Hotel on Friday 25 July.
As Jordan Fabian and Sankalp Phartiyal write in The Australian Financial Review, speaking from Qatar, the former US President claimed he gave CEO Tim Cook a serve for ramping up iPhone production in India instead of the States.
“I don’t want you building in India,” he reportedly told Cook.
Yep, according to Crikey’s Cam Wilson, the PM’s longest chat came courtesy of the YouTuber best known for swearing through animal videos and yelling about Game of Thrones in full bogan mode.
The 48-minute interview dropped in early April and proved a sleeper hit in what many dubbed the “influencer election”.
As Danielle Long writes in The Australian, the “for you who did that thing you did” promo invited people to celebrate life’s little wins, like finally cleaning out the junk drawer or answering a call from an unknown number.
Over eight weeks, more than 60,000 entries rolled in.
As Michael Smith reports in The Australian Financial Review, the sale brings his total offload to $800 million since February, just after the pharmacy empire’s $34 billion backdoor ASX debut.
Gance, a Sigma director and son of Chemist Warehouse co-founder Sam Gance, sold 126.5 million shares at $3.02 apiece in his latest move.
But as James Wigney writes in The Daily Telegraph, instead of kicking back in Samoa, he jumped on a plane to Sydney for a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it acting detour.
LaPaglia flew home between Brains v Brawn II and the upcoming Australia v the World to film a handful of scenes for season two of Strife on Binge.
“It was killing me,” he said of the early mornings, which eventually pushed him to breaking point.
As Christine Estera writes for news.com.au, Armstrong admitted he knew halfway through last year that his time on the show was up, but it wasn’t until his body shut down that the decision really landed.
Now, as Radio Today reports, after a year in the mix, Lachy’s stepping away from radio to take the wheel as Head of Motorsport at One Raceway.
Michael Shanks, alongside Alison Brie and Dave Franco (who also star), plus their agency WME and distributor Neon, have been hit with a copyright suit accusing them of lifting the concept from a 2023 indie film.
As Nell Geraets reports in The Sydney Morning Herald, the claim comes from Patrick Henry Phelan, who directed Better Half, a satirical romcom that he says Together shamelessly copied.