The life and career of the late Brian Walsh will be celebrated and commemorated at the world premiere of The Great Entertainer, a deeply personal and poignant Foxtel Original documentary about his life.

Walsh, one of Australia’s most influential media executives and storytellers, died unexpectedly in March 2023, and this deeply personal documentary has been created by those who worked alongside him throughout his remarkable career.

Standing as a heartfelt tribute to his legacy and told by the people who knew him best, the film will make its world debut at SXSW Sydney on 16 October, ahead of its national premiere on Foxtel and BINGE on Monday 20 October.

The release also marks a significant milestone for the Foxtel Group as it celebrates 30 years of entertaining Australians.

From the groundbreaking Simply the Best NRL campaign featuring Tina Turner to the revival of Neighbours on Network 10 and beyond, Walsh’s colourful legacy endures as a powerful reminder of the role that passionate leadership and storytelling play in shaping a national identity.

The Great Entertainer charts Walsh’s unparalleled impact on Australian television, sport and entertainment, from his early beginnings in radio to his three-decade tenure at Foxtel, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s creative vision.

Described by colleagues and stars alike as “the ultimate showman,” Walsh’s contributions include launching and elevating some of Australia’s most iconic series including, The Twelve, Love My Way, Wentworth, Colin From Accounts, Australia’s Next Top Model and Gogglebox Australia.

His reputation for storytelling was matched only by his unique ability to identify and nurture exceptional talent, including Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, Kylie Minogue, and Guy Pearce.

The film features heartfelt tributes and appearances from a stellar line-up of his close friends, collaborators and industry luminaries. These include Hugh Jackman, Jason Donovan, Marcia Hines, Leah Purcell, Patrick Brammall, Harriet Dyer, Danielle Cormack, Matt Shirvington, Deborah Hutton OAM, and Wayne Pearce.

Each contribution paints a compelling portrait of a man whose creative instincts, humour, zest for life and unwavering commitment to Australian storytelling shaped generations.

Foxtel’s Lana Greenhalgh, Director of Scripted Originals, who worked closely with Walsh, reflected on his impact.

“Brian was a visionary and the cultural heart of Foxtel for nearly three decades. He continually set the bar for premium and bold Australian storytelling and created countless memorable moments that launched careers and put Australian sport and television on the world’s stage.”

Made by Shadow Productions for the Foxtel Group, the film is produced by Rudi McGregor, Mathew Brooks, Steve Cronan and Stephen Baldwin.

Executive Producers are Walsh’s late friend Graham McNeice, Rudi McGregor with Lana Greenhalgh and Alison Hurbert-Burns for the Foxtel Group. It is financed in association with Screen NSW and eligible for the SXSW Sydney Audience Choice Award.

McGregor spoke about the privilege of capturing Walsh’s remarkable story and his passion for TV and entertainment.

“Brian Walsh lived and breathed entertainment, with an unmatched instinct for talent and storytelling. He believed passionately in Australian stories and dedicated his life to nurturing the people who told them, leaving a legacy that continues to shape our industry today,” he said.

The Great Entertainer premieres on 16 October at SXSW Sydney, followed by its national broadcast on Foxtel and BINGE on 20 October.

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Havas Australia and New Zealand has officially opened its Melbourne Village in Richmond, bringing together more than 100 staff across six agencies in a move designed to bolster integration, collaboration, and client service.

The new premises unite Havas Red, Havas Media, Havas Play, Havas Host, Bastion Brands, and Pulse under one roof. The Village model mirrors Havas’ existing Sydney hub and is central to the group’s broader vision of becoming the most client-centric agency network in Australia and New Zealand.

Located at 4–12 Amsterdam Street, the Melbourne hub includes dedicated content and production studios, as well as large indoor and outdoor collaboration and entertainment spaces. It follows several years of local growth, both organic and via acquisitions.

“Havas has enjoyed a long and successful history in Melbourne and we’re investing further to ensure we continue to deliver world-class results for our clients that are based or operate there,” said James Wright, Group CEO, Havas ANZ and Global CEO, Havas Red.

“Following several years of excellent growth in Melbourne, it’s an exciting time to bring all our talent and capabilities together to meet the rapidly changing needs of marketers and brands.”

The group has made multiple local acquisitions since 2022, including Frontier Media, Australian Public Affairs (APA), Bastion Brands, and Hotglue. Hotglue now operates as Havas Media Melbourne, while APA has rebranded to H/Advisors APA.

Melbourne is considered a strategic market for Havas, with the new Village forming part of the group’s global Converged.AI transformation strategy. The initiative is backed by a €400 million investment over four years and aims to integrate data, AI, and creativity into a single operating system.

“Forming the Melbourne Village helps us accelerate our vision to be the most client-centric agency network that utilises data, tech, people, and AI to unlock the full potential of our capabilities. Havas has committed €400 million to deliver its Converged.AI strategy over the next four years, and we’re supporting that investment through growth and integration of our local agencies” Wright said.

In addition to Melbourne, Havas ANZ has offices in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, Perth, and Auckland. Across the region, the network now employs more than 400 staff across agencies including Havas Blvd, Havas People, Organic, One Green Bean and H/Advisors APA.

Top image: James Wright

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SXSW Sydney has unveiled its full 2025 Screen Festival program, with more than 100 films set to screen across seven days from 13 to 19 October. The packed lineup spans world premieres, local debuts, and a series of headline features, shorts, and live experiences across venues including Dendy Newtown, Ritz Cinemas, Palace Cinemas and, for the first time, the Seymour Centre.

Among the highlights is opening night film Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere, starring Jeremy Allen White, alongside buzzy titles such as Bugonia, Nirvanna The Band The Show The Movie, and Black Phone 2 from Universal Pictures and Blumhouse.

The festival will feature five world premieres and 39 Australian premieres, with a strong presence of international cinema including Cannes-winner The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo, and Japanese horror-thriller Exit 8, based on the viral video game.

Australian stories and standout debuts

Local productions include Proclivitas, from debut filmmaker Miley Tunnecliffe, and the Foxtel-backed documentary The Great Entertainer, celebrating the life of Brian Walsh. That film will premiere on 16 October at the Ritz, accompanied by an in-conversation event moderated by Deborah Hutton OAM.

Also screening is the experimental Western Heads Or Tails? starring John C. Reilly, and Ben Wheatley‘s new feature Bulk. Other Showcase titles include The Ice Tower with Marion Cotillard, and Magic Farm, led by Chloë Sevigny and Alex Wolff.

Shorts and episodic spotlight

The festival’s short film program has expanded significantly this year, with new spotlights on television pilots, horror anthologies, and First Nations filmmakers. Standout titles include Charlie Kaufman‘s How To Shoot A Ghost, Stomach Bug (BAFTA-nominated), and Help, I’m Alien Pregnant.

Shorts will also screen in Tumbalong Park as part of the free SXSW Sydney Unlocked program.

In episodic content, audiences can preview Jungle Entertainment’s Stan Original series He Had It Coming, followed by a Q&A with creator Gretel Vella. Other international episodics include The Sleeping Beauty from Mattie Do and Jacques The Giant Slayer from Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson.

Events, live reads, and retrospectives

Comedians Alexei Toliopoulos and Gen Fricker will lead a live script read of the 1983 classic BMX Bandits on 17 October. Also returning is the Paul Feig Retrospective, featuring screenings of Bridesmaids, The Heat, and a 14-hour Freaks and Geeks marathon.

A double-feature spotlight on The Wicker Man will present both the 1973 original and the infamous 2006 remake starring Nicolas Cage.

Judges and jury highlights

This year’s competition will be judged by a mix of filmmakers, comedians, and programmers including Michael Shanks, Mish Wittrup, Ben McLeay, and Gen Fricker.

Jordan Bastian, Screen Festival Director, said: “We are not here for safe choices or predictable cinema. We want stories that stay with you, that make you feel something long after the credits roll.”

Full program and ticket details are available at sxswsydney.com.

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Vinyl Media, has unveiled a series of key senior promotions and structural changes designed to strengthen commercial alignment and operational efficiency heading into the final quarter of 2025.

The restructure of the group, who own Mediaweek, sees Batoul Peters appointed Chief Business Officer, following her successful role in scaling the group’s commercial division.

Peters will oversee business and commercial operations across the publisher’s mastheads, which include Rolling Stone AU/NZ, Variety Australia, Concrete Playground, The Music Network, and Refinery29.

She will work closely with Jack Castles, who has been promoted to Head of Commercial Partnerships, ANZ, tasked with shaping commercial strategy and brand partnerships across the network.

On the content side, Vinyl Media has elevated Neil Griffiths to Editor-in-Chief, Vinyl Media & Rolling Stone AU/NZ.

In this newly-created role, Griffiths will lead content strategy across all owned and operated mastheads in the Vinyl Media group, shaping editorial direction, brand voice, and audience engagement, while continuing to oversee Rolling Stone AU/NZ.

Sarah Chapman, currently General Manager of Mediaweek, has been promoted to Head of Editorial Operations, where she will have full responsibility for all editorial consistency, streamlining workflows and strengthening collaboration across every team in the group.

These appointments, and several others within the business, follow strong audience growth, with Vinyl Media scaling its multi-platform audience in 2025 from 34.5 million views in February to 115 million views in July.

Vinyl Media and Group CEO Josh Simons said the changes come at a critical time for the business.

“The first half of this year saw our investment in publishing pay off, with multi-platform views up almost 250 per cent,” he said.

“With this inventory secured and growing, the next phase will be about increasing our content output and scaling our revenue streams. We look forward to expanding on this alongside the imminent launch of our AI strategy.”

Peters added that the restructure reflects the business’ focus heading into the busiest period of the year:

“This is about sharpening focus ahead of the Christmas sprint and ensuring we have the right people in the right roles to deliver strong outcomes for our brand partners and audiences,” she said.
Each of these team members has demonstrated the initiative, creativity, and rigour we need for this next phase.”

The restructure comes after a record-breaking year of commercial growth for Vinyl Media, including the relaunch of Refinery29 Australia, the 2025 Rolling Stone Awards, and multi-channel partnerships with leading brands.

Parent company Vinyl Group reported FY25 revenue growth of 190% to $14.4 million, driven by a three-fold increase in Vinyl Media revenue following four acquisitions, as well as strong organic growth across its technology platform division.

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My Kitchen Rules is about to raise the stakes.

Three fresh teams have joined the line-up, ready to disrupt the leaderboard and challenge the original contenders with bold flavours and a competitive edge.

Meet the newcomers

Danielle, 26 and Marko, 26, happy couple, Western Australia

How would you describe your personalities?

Danielle: I love having a joke and don’t take life too seriously, but I’m also probably the most organised person you’ll ever meet. I have a list for everything.

Marko: Happy and positive.

Mark, 35 and Tan, 27, competitive mates, South Australia

Why did you want to compete on MKR?

Mark: MKR is a chance to try something different and interesting, combining the competition element and cooking alongside Tan.

Tan: To prove to myself that I can compete and do well in high-pressure environments, outside of businesses. I want to cook for people, showcase my background and make my family proud.

Amy, 45 and Lara, 36, divorcees, Queensland.

What are your hobbies or passions outside of food?

Amy: I love travelling, adventures, surfing, art, sport and animals.

Lara: My passions include overthinking, walking for clarity and karaoke for chaos.

Where the leaderboard stands

Judges Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge have already completed the first six Instant Restaurant visits.

Best mates Justin and Will (79) and Greek mother-daughter duo Anne and Maree (78) topped the first-round leaderboard and head straight to Kitchen HQ.

Meanwhile, cousins Mel and Jacinta bowed out of the competition with a score of 50, while Maria and Bailey (68), Michael and Rielli (65), and Lol and Lil (64) remain in play for a second Instant Restaurant round.

OGs versus gatecrashers

The question now is whether the new teams can knock the originals off their perch. Meat-lover Michael isn’t convinced: “These Gatecrashers have got no idea what they’re in for and they need to be put in their place.”

With a fresh mix of personalities and cooking styles, the next round of Instant Restaurants promises plenty of sparks both in and out of the kitchen.

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Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) has struck an exclusive partnership with US audio company Audacy, securing sales representation and LiSTNR distribution rights for the Australian market.

The deal gives local advertisers access to a wide slate of premium US podcast content, while also expanding LiSTNR’s growing audio catalogue.

Access to top US titles

Audacy brings deep roots in American radio – operating more than 200 stations across 45 markets – and an award-winning podcast portfolio with over 300 shows.

Its line-up includes Office Ladies with Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, Fly on the Wall with David Spade and Dana Carvey, Search Engine, The Moth, plus podcasts from CBS Sports and CBS News & Entertainment.

For Australian advertisers, this means more opportunities to integrate campaigns with globally recognised titles and audiences.

Boost for LiSTNR’s audio offering

The move strengthens LiSTNR’s position as a one-stop digital audio platform. Alongside live radio streams (FM, AM and DAB+), sports coverage spanning AFL, NRL and international cricket, and more than 50 curated music playlists, LiSTNR already hosts over 800 podcasts from Australian and international creators.

With 2.4 million signed-in users and a total audience network of more than 10 million Australians each month, the Audacy addition further expands both content choice and advertiser reach.

Industry voices on the partnership

Grant Tothill, Executive Head LiSTNR Operations and Audience, said: “Audacy is one of America’s leading audio content and entertainment companies, with many similarities to SCA in its commitment to delivering trusted local news, passionate sports coverage and the music audiences love.

With a network spanning more than 220 radio stations, premium podcasts, live events and digital experiences reaching over 200 million listeners every month, we are delighted to be partnering with the Audacy team to represent them in Australia.”

Leah Reis-Dennis, Head of Podcasts at Audacy, added: “We believe in the power of being everywhere – bringing our stories, voices and award-winning podcasts to audiences wherever they are.

Partnering with SCA and LiSTNR allows us to extend that reach to even more listeners around the world, creating new opportunities for connection while giving advertisers access to some of the most passionate and engaged audiences in audio.”

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Penske Media Corporation (PMC), a publisher with a near-monopoly over the leading US media industry trade and entertainment news sites, has become the first major US news company to sue Google and parent company Alphabet over its use of AI-created summaries in its search results.

PMC is the publisher of well-known titles including Variety, Rolling Stone, The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, Indiewire, Billboard, Billboard Music Charts, WWD, SHE Media, Robb Report, Vibe, Dirt, and more. It owns the Golden Globes, and also stages live events like the ATX Television Festival and SXSW. Through its brands and live events, PMC reports that it reaches 340 million people each month.

It filed the antitrust suit in a federal district court in the District of Columbia – this is the same court which ruled last year that Google maintained an illegal monopoly following an antitrust filing by the US Department of Justice in 2020. In that case, the DOJ contended that Google used exclusive agreements with device makers like Apple and Samsung to reduce competition.

In its filing, PMC says that the business allows Google to crawl its websites to index its content for the purpose of generating search referral traffic. It argues that “the exchange of access for traffic is the fundamental bargain that supports the production of content for the open commercial Web”. PMC allege that Google now requires publishers to supply the content for other uses that “cannibalize or preempt search referrals,” by which PMC is referring to Google products like AI summaries.

Google has defended its use of AI summaries in its search results, which is has branded as ‘AI Overviews’.

Spokesman José Castañeda said: “With AI Overviews, people find search more helpful and use it more, creating new opportunities for content to be discovered. Every day, Google sends billions of clicks to sites across the web, and AI Overviews send traffic to a greater diversity of sites. We will defend against these meritless claims.”

The AI summaries extracts information from websites and displays answers to questions without the user needing to click through to a third party site. This zero-click push has been labelled by critics as ‘Google Zero.’

As Google explains through its own AI summary:

Google has also helpfully summarised the concerns levelled against AI Overviews in its Google Zero AI Overview:

It follows a similar lawsuit filed against Google in February by Chegg, an online education business that rents text books and offers tutoring. It claimed that Google’s AI-generated overviews is eroding demand for original content and has undermined publishers’ ability to compete.

Other media publishers have filed suits against other AI companies. In October of last year, Rupert Murdoch’s Dow Jones and the New York Post filed against Perplexity AI. It accused the AI company of copying large volumes of copyrighted work.

In a statement, News Corp CEO, Robert Thomson, said: “Perplexity perpetrates an abuse of intellectual property that harms journalists, writers, publishers, and News Corp.”

There is also an ongoing copyright infringement lawsuit filed by The New York Times against OpenAI and Microsoft.

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Seven West Media’s national digital news brand The Nightly is expanding its portfolio with the launch of ROAM, a premium digital travel magazine designed for readers who want more from their journeys than just a checklist of sights.

The debut issue will be published this Saturday, 20 September.

Positioned for “curious wanderers and adventure seekers,” ROAM promises to move beyond traditional destination guides.

Its first edition covers the fast-growing Indigenous tourism sector, including WA’s El Questro, highlighting the connection between travellers, heritage and Country.

Other features include a look at Japan’s tropical islands, a wellness story inspired by global “Blue Zones,” an interview with British supermodel David Gandy, and a profile of Sydney restaurateurs-turned-hoteliers.

The edition also poses the question: is overregulation harming Australia’s international reputation?

Editorial vision

Richard Clune, The Nightly’s new Editorial Director of Travel, said the publication aims to combine journalism with a more nuanced view of travel.

“With ROAM we’re bringing The Nightly’s journalistic rigour, curiosity and passion for storytelling to the world of travel,” he said.

“ROAM goes far beyond the lists and clichés of traditional travel journalism to tell authentic, in-depth stories that reveal the people, places and cultures shaping the best destinations and experiences.

“ROAM will deliver stories that balance inspiration with information, are premium but approachable, practical yet never ordinary and always smart.”

Editor-in-Chief Christopher Dore added: “ROAM is the latest iteration of The Nightly, which is re-defining what publishing looks like in the digital era. The newspaper and magazine aesthetic coupled with the exceptional writing presented beautifully on your phone, at just the right time, is the perfect marriage of journalism with the modern reader.”

Expanding The Nightly

Launched in February 2024, The Nightly has quickly established itself with its stable of high-profile journalists and commentators.

The travel magazine is part of an expanding suite of products, with The Nightly On Innovation also debuting this week.

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HBF, Australia’s second-largest not-for-profit health fund, has appointed Starcom Australia as its new lead media agency after a competitive pitch.

The decision ends a five-year relationship with UM and comes as HBF looks to accelerate its national growth ambitions under a new five-year strategy launched in July.

Starcom’s remit will cover media strategy, planning, and buying across brand, performance, and both traditional and digital channels, with a strong focus on data-led insights.

Owen Davies, General Manager, Marketing at HBF, said Starcom stood out during the process: “Starcom Australia impressed us with the energy, creativity and ambition they brought to the table.

“Their team showed a clear drive to challenge convention and deliver commercial outcomes which are qualities that strongly align with our bold culture and growth mindset.

 “Combined with their depth of strategic thinking and innovative, data-led approach, we’re confident in Starcom Australia’s ability to support our strategy and national expansion plans.”

Davies also acknowledged UM’s contribution over the past five years, thanking the agency for helping to establish a strong foundation for brand and member engagement.

For HBF, the appointment underscores a push to broaden its footprint beyond Western Australia and compete more aggressively on the national stage.

With healthcare brands facing increased competition from both private insurers and digital-first entrants, the shift to a new agency partner reflects HBF’s focus on cutting through a crowded marketplace with stronger brand visibility and measurable results.

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One in three Gen Z and one in four Millennials now prefer AI platforms over search engines, social media, or influencers for shopping advice, according to new global research from Commerce and Future Commerce.

The New Modes 2025 report surveyed 1,000 consumers across the US, UK, and Australia/New Zealand, highlighting the rise of what researchers call “agentic commerce”, a shift where AI becomes the first stop in the shopping journey.

The trend is particularly visible in Australia and New Zealand, where 46 per cent of Gen Z and Millennials use AI platforms daily.

Al Williams, general manager of B2C at Commerce, said the data shows a clear generational change: “Gen Z and Millennials now trust AI more than search, social or influencers to guide what they buy. The shift is clear: brands that show up inside AI-driven platforms will be the ones earning relevance and loyalty in this new era.”

Trust in AI recommendations grows

The report found 23 per cent of Gen Z and 27 per cent of Millennials trust AI recommendations more than human ones. Among all respondents, 41 per cent reported using AI platforms daily. By comparison, only 13 per cent of Gen X and 3 per cent of Boomers said they prefer AI for product research.

Phillip Jackson, co-founder and CEO of Future Commerce, said AI is shifting how brands connect with customers. “AI platforms aren’t just tools; they’re becoming trusted companions in the consumer journey. For retailers and brands, the implication is clear: the path to trust and loyalty increasingly runs through AI-driven channels.”

Always-on commerce mindset

The study also shows commerce is becoming embedded into culture and daily life. Nearly half of all consumers (48 per cent) say they maintain a “perpetual shopping list,” while 63 per cent abandon carts when forced to create an account, a sign of ongoing friction in ecommerce.

Other key findings include:

• Gen Z shoppers are nearly as likely to use AI (33 per cent) as search engines (37 per cent) for product research.
• Millennials show a wider gap, with 26 per cent preferring AI and 40 per cent search engines.
• 55 per cent of consumers said they would unsubscribe from a brand if they receive too many marketing messages.

The research suggests brands must adopt strategies such as Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) to ensure products are visible inside AI-driven platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity. Without this, retailers risk being left out of the next generation’s shopping journey.

The full New Modes 2025 report is available via Future Commerce.

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The Independent Media Agencies of Australia (IMAA) has announced its first-ever Fast.Future.Present conference, a deep dive into the media landscape of today and tomorrow.

The event is exclusively for IMAA members, their clients, and media partners.

Sponsored by News Australia, with supporting partner QBE, the inaugural conference will be held on Thursday, 16 October at the Sydney Masonic Centre. The program will feature media partner activations, networking opportunities, and presentations from futurists, AI experts, and media industry professionals.

The conference will open with IMAA media partners sharing company and market updates through designated activations.

A total of 29 media partners are set to attend, including ATN, Audience360, ARN, Bishopp, Blis, Channel Factory, Commercial Radio Audio (CRA), Crimtan, Criteo, Double Verify, Foxtel Media, Gumtree Group, IAS, Mamamia, Meta, News Australia, QBE, Nexxen, Nine, oOh!media, Pinterest, QMS, REA Group, Scentre Group, Seven Network, StackAdapt, TikTok, Uber, and Weatherzone.

Guests will hear a keynote from Anders Sörman-Nilsson, global futurist and founder of the think tank Thinque, which provides data-based research, foresight, and thought leadership for clients including Microsoft, Apple, Meta, McKinsey, Jaguar Land Rover, Adobe, MINI, Dyson, Rugby New Zealand, and Lego.

Sörman-Nilsson has published three books on digital transformation and innovation and is a member of TEDGlobal and the Entrepreneurs Organization, where he chairs the Sydney Chapter’s Leadership Impact.

A panel discussion titled “Is social the new search?” will feature TikTok Agency Head, Nhi Le; Pinterest Agency Lead, Natasa Tintor; and Meta Industry Head, Independent Agencies | ANZ, Kristy Barclay-Allen.

The session will be moderated by VonniMedia managing director, Veronica Cremen.

Another panel will examine the future of media, focusing on navigating the rapidly shifting landscape and strategies for success.

Lou Barrett, News Australia Managing Director of Client Partnerships, said, “News Australia is proud to support the IMAA’s inaugural ‘Fast.Future.Present’ event as headline sponsor.

“The IMAA community plays an important role in championing the independent sector, creating opportunities for collaboration and growth. In a time when our industry is evolving at a record pace with AI, new technologies and shifting consumer behaviours, events like this are invaluable.

“They provide the space to connect, share knowledge and explore the future together. We look forward to engaging with more than 300 decision makers from across the independent agency community at what’s sure to be a thought-provoking event.”

IMAA CEO Sam Buchanan said,“Our first-ever ‘Fast.Future.Present’ event is part of the IMAA’s commitment to both innovate in the sector and provide our members and their clients with a unique and exciting opportunity to connect with our media partners and gain valuable insights we head into 2026.

“This is an opportunity for our members to come together to hear about the current state-of-play of the national media landscape, along with what’s to come, from some of the nation’s foremost tech and media experts.

“Events discussing the future of media are vital, particularly as the sector is undergoing such rapid, transformative change. These events provide critical platforms for industry leaders to share knowledge, adapt strategies and foster innovation, and ensure that we all stay relevant, sustainable and impactful in an increasingly complex, digital-first world.”

The event will conclude with a networking session, presented in partnership with News Australia and featuring a DJ courtesy of CRA.

The Fast.Future.Present conference will run from 3pm to 8pm, Thursday, 16 October, at the Sydney Masonic Centre, 279 Castlereagh Street, Sydney.

For more information and details of all sessions, visit www.theimaa.com.au.

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News Corp Australia has launched Think Again, a national initiative designed to shift how Australians understand and talk about dementia.

Timed with Dementia Action Week, the four-week campaign will run across the company’s editorial platforms, aiming to highlight early prevention, activate Medicare supports, and reduce the stigma that surrounds the condition.

Specsavers Audiology has also partnered with the campaign.

Changing the conversation on dementia

The project is being led by news.com.au and The Australian, with support from News Australia’s broader network. Mick Carroll, Free News and Lifestyle Editor-in-Chief, said it was time to challenge outdated perceptions.

“For too long the narrative around dementia has been that it is an inevitable part of ageing and only affects the elderly. That needs to change,” Carroll said.

“Just as we have become better at talking about and looking after our heart and mental health, we need to do the same for our brain health.

“We have listened to the experts and, more importantly, to those living with dementia. The message is the same – we need to openly discuss this cruel condition and work to ease the burden on those affected and their loved ones. Prioritising brain health starts now. If you think you’re too young for dementia, think again.”

The campaign will feature editorial, video and social content exploring the personal impact of dementia. This includes stories from people living with the condition, carers, and News Australia’s own Managing Editor of The Australian Prestige, Louise Bryant, whose partner has early-onset dementia.

Interviews with well-known Australians who share this lived experience will also be published.

Prevention focus

With dementia now the leading cause of death in Australia, Think Again places its focus on Australians aged 40 to 60, where prevention strategies can make the greatest difference.

News Australia has worked with Dementia Australia, NeuRA, CHeBA, the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, the AMA, the RACGP, and neurologist Dr Rowena Mobbs to inform its coverage.

The initiative will be supported by a consumer marketing push spanning print, digital, video, outdoor, digital radio and social media.

Featured image: Mick Carroll, Free News and Lifestyle Editor-in-Chief

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Spotify is giving its free tier a makeover, adding a batch of features designed to make it easier to play, share and personalise music.

The updates, rolling out globally, reflect the platform’s push to improve the entry-level experience where most listeners start their streaming journey.

Alas, if only the change had been rolled out a little earlier this incident may have been avoided:

Spotify says the enhancements reflect a broader investment in making the platform the best meeting place for fans and creators, regardless of whether they pay for Premium or not.

As the company puts it: “Our goal is to help you get the most out of your music. We’re continuing to invest in making Spotify the best place for fans and creators to meet – no matter how they listen.”

More choice and control

Free users now have greater control over what they listen to.

Features like Pick & Play and Search & Play mean you can go straight to any song you want, instead of waiting for it to appear in a shuffle.

Sharing has also been streamlined. That means if a friend or artist posts a track on social media, you can tap and start listening instantly.

Spotify says the goal is simple – help fans get closer to the songs and artists they already love while discovering new favourites.

Custom playlists with personality

Playlists remain central to the Spotify experience, and free users are getting more creative tools to make them their own.

Users can now design playlist covers in-app with images, colours, text and graphics, a feature available in 128 markets.

It’s another way to give each playlist a unique identity, whether it’s a carefully curated road-trip mix or a guilty-pleasures list.

Spotify also continues to feed in personalised recommendations while you’re building playlists, making it easier to expand your selections with one tap.

Daylists, lyrics and discovery

A new daylist feature recognises that listening habits change throughout the day.

It updates regularly with tracks tailored to specific moods and times – morning coffee, late-night study sessions, or weekend workouts.

Discovery tools like Discover Weekly and Release Radar remain part of the mix, offering personalised suggestions and new releases based on listening behaviour.

Lyrics have also been integrated more deeply into the experience.

Users can swipe up in the Now Playing view to see scrolling, real-time lyrics, and even share them directly on Instagram, WhatsApp and other platforms. It’s an easy way to highlight a favourite line or let friends know what’s stuck in your head.

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Australian creators leaned into uplifting, authentic storytelling in August, with Fabulate’s latest Fab 5 spotlighting a surge in “feel-good” content across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.

The monthly report found that audiences are increasingly engaging with creators sharing moments of positivity and connection, from nature content to acts of kindness. Lucy Ronald, head of strategy and talent at Fabulate, said the trend reflects a shift in audience appetite. “What’s different now is that we’re seeing creators move beyond private, micro-moments and instead celebrate collective experiences – whether that’s getting back into nature, embracing community, or simply the joy of human connection.”

TikTok highlights

Former Australian Idol contestant turned Netflix star Conor Smith crossed 142,000 followers in August, driven by music-led content. Birding with Cob grew to 40,000 followers with a 16.8 per cent engagement rate, resonating particularly with younger male audiences. Meanwhile, Kiki & Toby passed one million likes and 68,000 followers through candid storytelling on life with Tourette’s, and Dylan Brown connected strongly with millennial women through affirmations and acts of kindness, building his following to 45,000.

Instagram momentum

On Instagram, musician Mason Watts achieved a 23.4 per cent engagement rate, with 78 per cent of his audience based in Australia. Portrait photographer Josh Ball reached 44,000 followers, while Disney stage performer MK saw 28 per cent engagement across his content.

 

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YouTube growth

Stylist Anna Rova continued her growth with videos empowering women to “dress for their next level self,” while the Lambros brothers accumulated more than 1.6 million views on Shorts documenting a UK charity run for cancer research.

Ronald said the trend reflects broader cultural shifts: “It may be the state of the world, and a sense of global uncertainty that has driven us here, but for marketers the takeaway is clear. Audiences are craving positivity, authenticity, and a reminder of what makes life meaningful. Brands that can align with this mood have the opportunity to build deeper resonance and trust.”

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The Growth Distillery, in collaboration with The Research Agency, has released Reframe: Entertainment, a new study uncovering the emotional forces guiding how Australians engage with entertainment.

The research found that in an era of constant stimulation and attention overload, 67 per cent of Australians turn to entertainment to reset or recharge emotionally. Entertainment in the research covers music, cinema, streaming, gaming, and sport.

With audiences becoming more selective, they now expect a guaranteed emotional return for the time they invest, and they’re quick to disengage if these expectations are not met.

The research found entertainment must deliver on these two fronts.

The payoff: Clearly communicate the emotional benefit upfront whether it’s exhilaration, laughter, calm, or awe.
The promise: The experience must meet expectations or risk disappointment and audience churn.

Reframe: Entertainment pinpoints three emotional zones shaping how Australians choose entertainment:

Anchor: Provides comfort, familiarity, and a sense of safety, helping audiences slow down and recover from overstimulation.

Escape: Offers a chance to step outside reality, indulge, play, or disappear into another world.

Unleash: Heightens emotions to break through numbness, giving audiences permission to feel everything more intensely.

Bethan Hockey, Senior Research Director at The Growth Distillery, said the findings reflect a shifting consumer mindset across music, cinema, streaming, gaming, and sport.

“In an overloaded entertainment landscape spanning music, cinema, streaming, gaming and sport, audiences are increasingly unwilling to risk wasting their time and money on experiences that might disappoint. Brands that can both signal and consistently deliver on a clear emotional promise won’t just win attention but they’ll earn trust, loyalty and cultural cut-through,” she said

The Growth Distillery is an independent research think-tank powered by News Corp Australia.

Reframe: Entertainment is available to download now here.

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