Thursday June 18, 2026
Pauline Hanson in full 'teacher mode' at National Press Club
One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson was in full ‘teacher mode’ during her appearance at the National Press Club on Wednesday.
It was her first-ever time at the esteemed podium, despite being in politics for more than 30 years. Hanson has always been taciturn with the media, and yesterday she was peak Pauline, telling off a lot of people and threatening them with time-outs, just as a teacher would.
Hanson smirked and tutted her head when a ‘prank’ was played
During her speech, an unauthorised banner slowly rolled down the screen behind Hanson. It displayed a mocked-up photo of the Senator wearing flashy sunglasses and throwing around cash. It read: “I opposed a pay rise for workers while I took a $100 000 pay rise for myself.”
Advocacy group GetUp! have claimed responsibility for the stunt, and the AFP are investigating how it was placed.
But Hanson remained calm and undeterred as she continued her lesson, oops, I mean her speech.
View this post on Instagram
Hanson threatened a reporter with being sent to a different classroom
When Hanson announced her desire to dismantle SBS, the public broadcaster’s chief political correspondent, Anna Henderson, told the One Nation leader that it provides Australian news in 60 different languages, and questioned how her plan to close it would help her policy of integrating foreign-born Australians into a “monoculture” (as Hanson called it yesterday).
Hanson responded by telling Henderson that she would be “out of a job” if she won office.
Making it clear that she’s concerned with two of the ‘three Rs’ of education, as the saying goes – reading and writing – Hanson added that anyone who comes to live in Australia should be able to speak better English.
Hanson grouped her bullies together
Like a teacher telling the class that everyone would be punished for one person’s crimes, Hanson said another public broadcaster – the ABC – would also need to be reviewed.
The senator added she’d like to ban the ABC from her election campaign – unless it can prove it will “treat (her) fairly.”
“I want truthful, honest reporting from the media,” she said.
“You will have access to me … the public must know that we are going to answer the questions for the public, but with truth and honesty, and that’s all I expect.”
“From its chairman down, the ABC has proven itself to be completely in denial about its profoundly transparent political bias and the activists in its ranks.
“Yet they think of themselves as a pillar of democracy. The arrogance is stunning in its scope. It is partly for this reason I have – at times – refused ABC interviews.”
It was quite the telling off.
View this post on Instagram
Hanson cracked it when pushed too far, threatening a journo with a ‘time out’
Much like the ‘extra challenges’ teacher in Jonah from Tonga, Hanson finally exploded when asked about the employment of her daughter, Lee Hanson, by NSW One Nation senator Sean Bell.
The senator told Guardian Australia reporter Sarah Martin she would no longer grant her interviews.
“You’ve got this obsession with constantly trying to pull down myself, my party, or Mrs (Gina) Rinehart,” Hanson said.
“I’ll answer you this question today, but I’m telling you now, don’t come near me for an interview in future, because 25 of your articles … it’s constantly bashing One Nation.”
Hanson accused Martin’s reporting on One Nation of being “lies” and defended her daughter’s appointment.
“Her abilities, her skills in HR, her abilities in working for the Tasmania University for eight years, and she was head of a department down there. So my daughter is very capable of doing it.”
Pauline Hanson and the Australian media
After more than three decades of wrangling with the Australian press, Hanson has recently experienced a few notable exchanges – one of which happened last week at Perth airport.
Pauline Hanson publicly snapped at a reporter who asked her a seemingly innocent question as she landed in Perth via a Virgin Airlines flight.
Referring to the Senator’s recent access to a new private jet that mining tycoon Gina Rinehart had gifted, the reporter questioned why Hanson had flown on a public airline.
“Why didn’t you fly Gina’s jet?’’ the reporter from Nine News asked.
“Did you fly cattle class?”
Mediaweek has contacted Nine for comment. Another masthead has reported that the journalist’s name is Sophie Fenna.
Hanson was visibly irritated by the questions. Her chief of staff, James Ashby, who was recording the exchange, zoomed in on the reporter’s seemingly satisfied smile.
Ashby is heard muttering, “What a stupid question,” before Hanson snapped, “I’m not answering those stupid questions. Get some credibility about you as a journalist and learn respect as well.”
Although the exchange may not seem flattering to Hanson, she proudly posted a video of the moment on Instagram on Wednesday night.
She captioned it: “Have a listen to these disrespectful questions asked by this Channel Nine reporter when I came off the Virgin flight to Perth.
“This is why mainstream media have lost much of the respect from the public.”
And so has Hanson; a fact which has never been clearer than at her first appearance at the National Press Club.
Main image: Pauline Hanson at the National Press Club. Image: The Australian
Jackie O and KIIS communication breakdown amidst Sandilands settlement
Negotiations between Jackie “O” Henderson and her former employer KIIS FM via ARN Media, have broken down, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.
The news has been confirmed as her co-host, Kyle Sandilands, reached a settlement with ARN Media earlier this week.
The matter is due back in court for a hearing on Thursday.
Sources have told the SMH that Henderson and the company have not had contact for over a month, making an October trial more likely.
Mediaweek will update this story as the hearing unfolds today.
Kyle Sandilands settlement with ARN
ARN Media has reached a binding settlement with Kyle Sandilands, ending Federal Court proceedings that have hung over the ASX-listed radio network since his acrimonious departure.
The deal includes $12.09 million in cash payments, $1.5 million in advertising credits across ARN’s partner platforms, and a 19.9% net revenue share from Sandilands’ future independent media venture for up to three years.
Jackie O is one of many who claims she was bullied until she broke
Mediaweek published an opinion story on Henderson’s situation with ARN in May.
In her statement of claim, Henderson says ARN Media failed to act on her repeated complaints before the fatal fallout, about Sandilands’ on-air behaviour. She is seeking more than $82 million in compensation.
Henderson also alleges she raised concerns with senior executives months before the February 20 incident that ended the pair’s long-running partnership, warning the on-air dynamic was being perceived as an “abusive relationship” and detailing a series of incidents across August and September 2025.
Now knowing that Henderson had similarly tried to get others to change the structure and dynamics of her working relationship with Sandilands, my heart breaks for her that she was experiencing something similar.
It’s something many sources say they have endured in the name of career and a reliable salary.
Until they’re utterly destroyed, that is.
Read more about Henderson’s experience, here.
Déjà News: Did WIN air the same bulletin twice?
How long does it take to watch a 30-minute news bulletin?
Let us explain.
At around 6:50pm last night, Mediaweek sent a request to WIN News staff following a tip-off that its 5:30pm Toowoomba edition had been repeated on two consecutive nights.
The incident was flagged on the Toowoomba Community Notice Board Facebook page, where residents questioned why the network had aired identical content on both Tuesday, 15 June and Wednesday, 16 June.
“From the first item, I realised they were repeating last night’s news,” one commenter wrote. “You’d think someone from the station would have realised, unless they don’t watch their own news.”
At around 9:24am Thursday, Mediaweek was told that “news has now seen it” – referring to the original email enquiry – and that it had been shared with the network’s tech team “to investigate.”
Despite repeated emails, text messages and phone calls, WIN has yet to confirm or deny whether the 30-minute bulletin was replayed in error. A response remained outstanding nearly an hour after Mediaweek was told the matter was under review.
Of course, this might all be much ado about nothing. A couple of confused TV watchers took to Facebook to double-check if they were indeed seeing double. But usually these requests are handled with a swift denial accompanied by proof.
And so the question remains: how long does it take to watch a 30-minute bulletin?
The incident occurred just a day before WIN Network confirmed it would proceed with a restructure of NBN News operations. The new structure is set to take effect from Monday, 29 June 2026 – the same date flagged when the proposal was first revealed last week.
The decision was communicated to staff by WIN TV General Manager Stevan Djokic via an internal memo, seen by Mediaweek, bringing to a close a consultation period that had been underway since the plan was first reported by this publication.
The company had previously indicated a final decision was expected by 17 June 2026.
Main image: Groundhog Day.
Virginia Trioli departs ABC after 27 years
Virginia Trioli is departing the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on 26 June after 27 years, announcing she is leaving to pursue independent creative projects, including books and a television script.
Trioli joined the ABC in 1999 following roles at The Age and The Bulletin.
Over nearly three decades, she presented News Breakfast, Lateline, Q&A, 7.30, Mornings on ABC Radio Melbourne and Sydney, Drive, and most recently Creative Types with Virginia Trioli.
She also wrote the Weekend Reads column for ABC News.
The decision to leave
Trioli said her work on Creative Types with Virginia Trioli prompted the decision.
“After spending all this time with a whole lot of creative types, I realised that I kind of am one, too. And that’s really what I want to go and focus on now,” she told ABC News.
“I’ve just been so fortunate and had the luckiest and best career you can possibly have in mainstream media, but right now I am just itching – there is this voice that’s getting increasingly loud in my head – to go and work on my own creative projects.”
Trioli said she has been working on two books since publishing A Bit On The Side in 2024, and is developing a television script.
“There’s also a TV script I’m noodling away with, and a million other things in my head that are dying to get out,” she said.
Audiences and colleagues
Trioli said she would miss the connection with her audiences most.
“I’ve worked really closely with audiences for all of my career. You feel very close to them in the sort of jobs that I’ve done, and they will ring you, and they will text you, and they’ll write to you,” she said.
“And it’s really quite remarkable the intimacy and trust that you create. So I will absolutely miss them. And I’ll miss some of the really fine editors and colleagues that I’ve been able to work with over the years.”
ABC response
ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks acknowledged Trioli’s contribution and indicated the organisation hoped to continue working with her.
“Her achievements are many. I also know Virginia has ambitions to explore new work opportunities, and I hope we can work together to realise them in the coming years,” Marks said.
“I will be watching her every success with enthusiasm, and I hope much of it is with the ABC.”
Bluey will be screened in indigenous language for NAIDOC week
The ABC today announced a major Indigenous language initiative for NAIDOC Week, bringing Australia’s beloved blue heeler family to audiences in Yolŋu Matha, the First Nations language of Northeast Arnhem Land.
The project will led by Yolŋu Radio and the Aboriginal Resource and Development Services (ARDS), and has been developed in collaboration with the ABC and Bluey producers Ludo Studio.
Five Bluey episodes have been translated: The Beach, The Creek, Sleepytime, Grandad and Rug Island. These episodes have been selected for their culturally relevant themes of family and country.
They are set to be screened on ABC iview on Sunday 5 July, at the commencement of NAIDOC Week.
They will also feature on the big screen at the Garma Festival in August.
The episodes were produced at Yolŋu Radio’s studio in Northeast Arnhem Land, with dad Bandit voiced by Dimathaya Burrawanga, founding member of Yolŋu surf rock band King Stingray, and mum Chilli by Rosie Mununggurr.
The Bluey Indigenous language initiative is a centrepiece of the ABC’s NAIDOC Week 2026 programming, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, creative voices and languages across screen, audio and digital platforms.
ABC Director, First Nations Strategy Kelly Williams said: “Bluey has become part of family life for many Australians, so hearing these stories told in Yolŋu Matha is a powerful way of bringing Northeast Arnhem Land language and culture into homes across the country.
“At the ABC, we’re committed to ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages are part of the national conversation and these episodes, alongside our broader NAIDOC Week content, is a strong example of that commitment in action.”
ARDS co-chief executive officers Julia Wormer and Sylvia Nulpinditj added that “Bluey has become a shared language for families right across Australia, so to hear these stories told in Yolŋu Matha, languages spoken on this continent for thousands of generations, is incredibly special.
“We’re grateful to the ABC, Ludo Studio, and our talented cast and crew for bringing this vision to life. We hope this project contributes to a future where First Nations languages are increasingly heard, celebrated and recognised as a vital part of Australia’s story.”
Bluey. Image: ABC
‘Bluey is a show intended for everyone to enjoy’
Speaking about the special project, Bluey producer Ludo Studio said in a statement: “We are very grateful to the teams at Yolŋu Radio and the Aboriginal Resource and Development Services (ARDS) alongside the support of ABC to be able to make Bluey available in the Yolŋu Matha language which will allow Bluey to be accessed by new families across Australia. Bluey is a show that is intended for everyone to enjoy, so to be able to share it in Indigenous Language at NAIDOC week feels really special.”
NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee) Week will be celebrated nationally from 5 to 12 July. This year’s theme, ‘50 Years of Deadly’, honours the strength, leadership and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
ABC programming highlights for NAIDOC Week include the return of That Blackfella Show on Saturday 8 July on ABC TV and ABC iview, hosted by Jess Mauboy and Ian Zaro.
ABC iview will also feature a dedicated NAIDOC month collection throughout July, including a guest curation by Mauboy.
ABC Kids will broadcast special NAIDOC Week programming, including a series of Little Yarns featuring guest artists, alongside a special edition of News Time.
Main image: Bluey. Image: ABC
VML appoints Mark Verhagen as Group Executive Creative Director for Brisbane and Perth
VML has appointed Mark Verhagen as group executive creative director for its Brisbane and Perth offices, following an extensive local and global search.
Verhagen joins from VML Indonesia, where he was executive creative director. During his time in Jakarta, he played a role in building the office into one of Indonesia’s most awarded creative agencies.
In 2025, VML Indonesia was ranked the second most awarded agency in Indonesia by Campaign Brief Asia. Verhagen’s almost two-decade career includes recognition at Cannes Lions, APAC Effies, Adfest and the New York Festivals AME Awards.
His work has spanned health and wellness innovation, brand experience, social and digital campaigns, and creative platforms for major brands across the region.
Creative leadership across Brisbane and Perth
Paul Nagy, chief creative officer, VML APAC, said Verhagen’s work reflected the kind of creativity the agency wants to build across the region.
“Mark’s work consistently demonstrates the calibre of creativity we aspire to at VML – he’s relentlessly curious, deeply collaborative and knows how to turn ambitious thinking into ideas that move culture and business,” Nagy said.
“What he and the team achieved in Jakarta, taking VML from unranked to one of the most awarded agencies in Indonesia, speaks for itself. Bringing that momentum, energy and craft to VML in Brisbane and Perth is a massive win for our clients and our people. Exciting times.”
Adam Kennedy, managing director, VML Brisbane and Perth, said Verhagen brings a broad creative skill set to the agency’s Australian operations.
“Mark brings exactly the kind of creative leadership we want to build around in Brisbane and Perth – he’s hands-on, human-first, and thinks end-to-end across brand, digital, social and experience,” Kennedy said.
“He understands how to grow teams, mentor talent and push for work that’s both brave and brilliantly effective. We’re excited to see the impact he’ll have on our clients and our culture.”
Building on VML’s Australian momentum
Verhagen said Australia’s creative industry and VML’s local momentum were key attractions for the move.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with great people and teams across different markets, and together we’ve shown what’s possible when you combine ambitious thinking with a deep love for creativity,” Verhagen said.
“Australia has an incredible creative culture and VML has serious momentum here. I’m excited to help build on that – partnering with our clients, growing our teams in Brisbane and Perth, and making work that’s both culturally sharp and commercially effective.”
Are Media appoints Jocelin Abbey as Director of Content and Consumer Growth
Are Media has appointed Jocelin Abbey as Director of Content and Consumer Growth, effective immediately.
The newly created role that will see her oversee content, audience development, subscriptions, memberships, affiliate, video, and vodcast strategy across the business.
Abbey moves into the position from her role as General Manager, Homes and Lifestyle, a post she held while leading the growth of titles including The Australian Women’s Weekly, Better Homes and Gardens, Australian House & Garden, and Home Beautiful.
She also spearheaded Are Media’s vodcast capabilities and the launch of the My Women’s Weekly membership program.
Before joining Are Media, Abbey held senior audience and marketing leadership roles at Mamamia, The Guardian, and the ABC.
Marketing structure shifts
The appointment coincides with a broader restructure at Are Media, in which marketing functions are moving closer to individual content verticals.
Director of Marketing Carly Bowra will depart the business as a result of those changes.
Chief Executive Officer Sally Eagle said the move was designed to sharpen brand-level decision-making.
“As we look to drive growth across the business, we have made the decision to move marketing to more closely align with our content verticals,” said Eagle.
“This will enable individual brands to respond faster, operate with clear ownership and deliver greater impact for both audiences and advertisers. I would like to thank Carly for her contribution over the past two and a half years and wish her well for the future.”
New role, new brief
Eagle said the newly created director position was central to Are Media’s strategy as a digitally-led, multi-platform publisher.
“Are Media continues its growth into a content and data-led company. Bringing content, marketing, and audience growth together will accelerate that, allowing us to connect more deeply with our audiences and create stronger commercial outcomes for partners. Jocelin is exactly the leader for this next phase. She combines strategic vision, commercial drive and a deep understanding of what makes our brands resonate to ultimately drive audience growth,” said Eagle.
Abbey said the appointment presented an opportunity to deepen how Are Media’s brands connect with consumers.
“The role of premium, trusted content has never been more important than it is today. Australian women continue to seek out credible sources to inform, inspire and validate the decisions they make, from the products they purchase to the lives they aspire to lead,” said Abbey.
“I’m excited by the opportunity to further evolve how Are Media’s brands show up in the lives of consumers, creating deeper connections through content and experiences that deliver inspiration, entertainment and utility, while driving meaningful growth for the business,” she said.
A search for Abbey’s successor as General Manager, Homes and Lifestyle is now underway.
Main image: Jocelin Abbey and Sally Eagle
MFA Awards 2026 finalists revealed
The Media Federation of Australia (MFA) has unveiled the finalists for its 2026 Awards, with campaigns for BMW, Diageo, Medibank, L’Oréal, McDonald’s, Unilever, and several state and federal government clients among the top contenders vying for honours at the industry’s biggest night on 24 September.
The finalists were selected from a competitive field by a 120-strong judging panel, comprising an industry-leading 50% client-side chief marketing officers, who collectively brought 1,692 years of industry experience to the process.
All winners were determined by silent vote, with results to remain undisclosed until the gala.
In-person judging returns
This year marked a return to in-person judging, a move praised by both co-chairs and signature judges for elevating the rigour and quality of deliberation.
Catherine Rushton, Chief Strategic Officer at This is Flow and MFA Awards Co-Chair, said the format shift made a tangible difference.
“Bringing judges together in person lifted the energy, debate and rigour of judging. The list of finalists reflects both the growing sophistication of media and its critical role in driving business outcomes. With such an experienced cohort of judges and a strong focus on effectiveness, every finalist has earned their place by meeting an exceptionally high standard,” said Rushton.
Catherine Rushton
Naysla Edwards, VP, Customer Marketing & Member Experience, American Express ANZ, echoed the sentiment.
“Judging the MFA Awards is always a rewarding and inspiring experience, seeing firsthand the exceptional media thinking, collaboration and innovation that exists across our industry. Remarkably, the standard continues to rise year after year, and this year was no exception.
“Returning to in-person judging was a particular highlight, enabling deeper discussion, greater scrutiny and robust debate among the judges. The result is a finalist field that truly represents the very best in bold thinking, strategic excellence and measurable impact. Congratulations to all those who have earned their place among this year’s finalists,” said Edwards.
Naysla Edwards, Amex Vice President of Brand, Customer Marketing and Member Experience.
Breadth of agencies on show
The finalist list spans independent agencies and global networks, reflecting the depth of talent across the industry.
Standout entries include Mindshare & Motion Entertainment by WPP’s Rexona RIVALS: The New Playbook for Branded Entertainment for Unilever, which earned nominations across Business Impact, Best Integrated Campaign, Best Use of Screens, and the Partnership Award.
Clemenger BBDO’s Lifeblood Blood Supply campaign for Australian Red Cross Lifeblood also secured multiple nominations, across Behaviour Change, Best Integrated Campaign, and Best Use of Outdoor.
MFA CEO Sophie Madden said the recognised work demonstrates the strength of Australia’s media industry on a global stage.
“The work recognised this year demonstrates exactly why Australia’s media industry is regarded as world-class. These finalists have combined creativity, strategy, data, and partnership to deliver outstanding results for their clients while advancing the craft of media. Congratulations to every finalist, and thank you to our judges for the expertise, passion and commitment they brought to the process,” said Madden.
In addition to category winners, the gala dinner will reveal the prestigious MFA Awards Grand Prix (presented by Seven), as well as the Hall of Fame inductee, Industry Contributor, and NGEN Award winners.
Full finalist list
Outcomes
Behaviour Change – Sponsored by Reddit
Clemenger BBDO, Lifeblood Blood Supply, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood
dentsu, Medibank’s Family Roast, Medibank
EssenceMediacom, Bincoin, Containers for Change
Uber Advertising & Atomic 212, Test Rides, BMW Group Australia
Brand Impact
dentsu, Medibank’s Family Roast, Medibank
EssenceMediacom and Seven Network, Google AI Finds its Voice, Google
Business Impact
EssenceMediacom, Tooheys Muster, Lion
Mindshare & Motion Entertainment by WPP, Rexona RIVALS: The New Playbook for Branded Entertainment, Unilever
OMD, McCafé and Little Treats: A Matcha Made in Heaven, McDonald’s
Performics, Bank of Queenslanders, Bank of Queensland
Wavemaker, La Roche-Posay Anthelios: Owning Summer by Owning Trust, L’Oréal
Data-Led Activation
Hearts & Science, Data That Decides, Diageo
Spark Foundry, Winning When There’s Less to Sell, Royal Caribbean
Execution
Best Content Amplification Strategy
dentsu WA & Southern Cross Austereo (SCA), Cop Week: Behind the Badge, Western Australia Police Force
Best Integrated Campaign
Clemenger BBDO, Lifeblood Blood Supply, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood
Mindshare & Motion Entertainment by WPP, Rexona RIVALS: The New Playbook for Branded Entertainment, Unilever
OM United, Nissan Patrol: It’s Out There. Quite Literally, Nissan
UM, STIs: Make STI Testing Your Beforeplay, Australian Government – Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Best Use of Small Budget <$500K
EssenceMediacom, Tooheys Muster, Lion
Hearts & Science, Data That Decides, Diageo
OMD, The Mystery of the Missing Golden Slipper, Australian Turf Club
UM, RSV Maternal Vaccination, Australian Government – Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
ESG Campaign – Sponsored by SBS
dentsu, Medibank’s Family Roast, Medibank
Spark Foundry, Iconic Lipstick. Real Impact, Revlon
Partnership Award
dentsu, Medibank’s Family Roast, Medibank
Mindshare & Motion Entertainment by WPP, Rexona RIVALS: The New Playbook for Branded Entertainment, Unilever
OMD, Macca’s AFL Happy Meal – Play on!, McDonald’s Australia
PHD Media & OM Content, AFLW wX, AFL
Channel excellence
Best Use of Audio
UM, The Sound of Solidarity: Canteen’s Bandanna Day Reignited on its 40th Year, Canteen
Wavemaker, YSL Beauty Loveshine: Love Game, L’Oréal
Wavemaker, Seat Belters: Remixing Road Safety, Allianz
Best Use of Creators/Influencers – Sponsored by Meta
EssenceMediacom, Badge vs Buttons, Queensland Police Services – Recruitment
Best Use of Events and Experiential
dentsu, eBay Australia at the Cutting Edge of the Circular Economy, eBay Australia
Uber Advertising & Atomic 212, Test Rides, BMW Group Australia
Wavemaker, The Audible Express, Audible
Best Use of Outdoor – Sponsored by OMA Move
Clemenger BBDO, Lifeblood Blood Supply, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood
Mindshare, Bowled Out! How IKEA Won Australia’s Summer of Cricket, IKEA
Mindshare, Hero the Bits Beyond the Pits, Unilever
Best Use of Retailer Owned Media
EssenceMediacom, Dine Cat Decoder, Mars
Uber Advertising, Grab & Go, BWS
Best Use of Screens
EssenceMediacom, Livewire & Special, Backseat Arcade, Uber
Mindshare, Surviving Bad Sleep, IKEA
Mindshare & Motion Entertainment by WPP, Rexona RIVALS: The New Playbook for Branded Entertainment, Unilever
Best Use of Search
Avenue C, When Infrastructure Meets Intelligence, KitchenAid
dentsu X, The Hardest Search Problem is a Human One, Charles Sturt University
dentsu, Filling Up University Lectures with Value-Based Search, University of New England
Meaningful Agency, Better Results, Better Futures, Matrix Education
Best Use of Social
EssenceMediacom, Democracy Sauce, Mars
OMD, Reaction Time: Turning Social Media into a Road Safety Tool, NSW Government
People, planet & culture
Agency Talent & Culture (<100) Avenue C Match & Wood PMG This Is Flow Agency Talent & Culture (>100)
Sparro x BrainLabs
WPP Media
Zenith Media
Pro Bono/Cause Marketing Incentive (In recognition of Pam Lane)
Avenue C, Show We Care, MND Australia
dentsu, A Better 10th Birthday, Raise the Age NSW
Tickets are available via the MFA website here.
‘The Nightly On’ explores modern influence
The Nightly On has released its latest premium magazine edition, The Nightly On: Influence, examining the Australians shaping how audiences think, react, travel, eat and engage with public life.
The edition, released Thursday, 18 June, focuses on the power of persuasion across media, politics, business and culture. It looks at how influence is built, sustained and communicated to audiences.
The issue features a range of figures described as “influencers” in the broader sense of the word, from Lucy and Nikki’s rise as media personalities to Governor-General Sam Mostyn and her push for greater social cohesion.
It also examines the role of Instagram, Barnaby Joyce’s impact on traditional politics, and the global consequences of decisions made by Rio Tinto boss Simon Trott.
What is The Nightly On: Influence about?
The Nightly On: Influence explores how power operates in modern Australia, and how individuals build audiences willing to listen. The edition looks beyond social media influence to include business, government, politics and media.
Sarah-Jane Tasker, Editor of The Nightly, said influence can appear in different forms.
“Influence doesn’t always look the way we expect it to, sometimes it’s loud and visible, sometimes it’s built steadily over time through trust, consistency and action.
“To influence you first need an audience that is willing to listen, and the people featured in this edition are those currently commanding that attention.”
The Nightly On: Influence cover
Seven West Media highlights prestige publishing strategy
Maryna Fewster, Seven West Media WA CEO, said The Nightly On reflects the company’s focus on premium digital publishing.
“The Nightly On is a great example of publishing innovation that is inspiring advertising clients to reach new audiences consuming content through a prestige lens.
“This is not a lifestyle glossy, it’s a must-read briefing for anyone in business, government or media who wants to understand how influence really works today.”
The The Nightly On series is available in digital format at thenightly.com.au and through The Nightly app.
Meta expands live video ads and affiliate commerce tools across Instagram and Facebook
Meta is rolling out live video ads across Instagram and expanding them globally on Facebook, as the social media giant moves to make more content directly shoppable for both creators and businesses.
The updates, announced ahead of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, include expanded affiliate partnerships, new virtual card checkout technology, and enhanced creator product tagging tools.
Live commerce takes centre stage
Live Video Ads will allow businesses to promote live video content to audiences beyond their existing followers on both Instagram and Facebook.
On Facebook, the feature is paired with Live Shopping Tools, which enable viewers to browse products, check pricing, and purchase items without leaving the livestream.
In the United States, Meta is working with live commerce platforms including CommentSold, Firework, LiveMeUp, Sprii, and TalkShopLive to allow sellers to convert eligible livestreams into ads reaching new customers.
Australian creators gain product tagging access
Australian creators can now add affiliate links or tag products from a business’s catalogue directly in Instagram Reels and Feed posts.
Businesses can make catalogues discoverable for creators to search and tag, with creators earning commission through affiliate links when purchases are made.
The feature is available to creators across 22 countries.
Affiliate partnerships and virtual cards
Meta is also expanding its Facebook affiliate partner program to include Flipkart in India and Mercado Libre in Brazil and Mexico, with Lazada set to join for creators in Asia and Flipkart coming to Instagram in India.
Starting this summer, Meta will roll out a virtual card checkout experience on Facebook and Instagram in partnership with Mastercard and Visa.
The feature generates temporary, one-time card numbers from a shopper’s existing account, allowing transactions without directly sharing credit card details with businesses.
Product data to underpin all sales campaigns
Meta also announced that product data – including product title, price, availability, and description – will become a foundational input across all Sales campaigns.
Rather than manually selecting ad formats, advertisers will provide both product data and creative assets, with Meta’s system assembling ads in real time based on the viewer.
These updates reflect Meta’s broader push to connect discovery and commerce across its platforms, helping people move from finding products to purchasing them within the same content experience.
Thrive PR wins BYD ANZ launch remit
Thrive PR & Communications has been appointed to lead BYD’s product launch and experiential account across Australia and New Zealand, following a competitive tender.
The independent creative communications agency will oversee launch strategy for BYD and DENZA over the next 12 months, as the electric vehicle brand expands its local presence.
The remit includes activations, media relations, corporate, community and government relations, creative content and fleet management. Thrive will work with Acuity Communications Advisory, its corporate communications sister agency, which launched earlier this year with BYD as a foundational partner.
What will Thrive PR do for BYD?
Thrive PR will support an upcoming pipeline of car launches for BYD and DENZA across the ANZ market.
The appointment marks the third consecutive tender win under the unified Thrive holding umbrella. It also extends the existing relationship between BYD, Thrive and Acuity.
BYD said the partnership comes as the brand looks to build stronger connections with Australian and New Zealand customers, while DENZA expands its premium positioning.
Kate Hornstein, BYD Australia and New Zealand Chief Marketing Officer, said: “BYD’s trajectory continues to outpace the market, and our ambitions have always been about more than numbers.
“We want to build brands this region genuinely connects with. DENZA extends that mission into premium territory, and we embrace it. Two brand worlds, delivering meaningful cultural impact and real value for customers.
“Thrive is a partner that holds that standard with us, and we’re excited to continue this partnership together.”
BYD launch event
Building BYD and DENZA in ANZ
Snezna Kerekovic, Managing Director, Thrive Australia, said BYD had already shown its ability to disrupt the mass market.
“Our focus now is on building deep cultural equity for both BYD and DENZA brands,” Kerekovic said.
“We’re not just managing a standard PR pipeline, we are creating high-stakes, cultural experiences that let the product’s technology speak for itself.
“We have brought together a team of expert automotive, technology and premium brand specialists who know how to turn innovative technology into unforgettable brand experiences that drive the kind of Excess Earned Attention that genuinely moves the needle and delivers business impact.”
BYD’s Australian range includes the DOLPHIN, SEAL, SEAL 6, ATTO 1, ATTO 2, ATTO 3, SHARK 6, SEALION 5, SEALION 6, SEALION 7 and SEALION 8.
Uncomfortable Growth® Uncut. Season 5, Episode 5: Alex Gibbs
In the latest episode of Uncomfortable Growth® Uncut, host Rowena Millward engages in a candid conversation with Alex Gibbs, the founder and CEO of Smile Marketing. Their discussion revolves around the transformative journey of parenthood and its profound impact on leadership and professional growth.
Alex shares his personal story, highlighting the momentous occasion of becoming a parent at a young age. He reflects on how the arrival of his first child shifted his priorities and perspective, allowing him to embrace a more relaxed approach to work.
The conversation takes a turn as Alex recounts his uncomfortable experiences with redundancy—twice in one year—while welcoming his third child. These challenges, rather than deterring him, ignited his entrepreneurial spirit and led him to establish Smile Marketing. He emphasises the importance of resilience and adaptability in today’s fast-paced business environment. ‘Uncomfortable growth is about how you choose to be in your best self,’ he states, encouraging listeners to embrace change and seek personal growth through adversity.
Throughout the episode, Rowena and Alex explore the significance of generational diversity in the workplace. They discuss how having a team that spans multiple generations can foster collaboration and innovation. Alex notes that focusing on the similarities between team members, rather than just their differences, can create a more cohesive and productive work environment.
As the conversation unfolds, they delve into the evolving landscape of marketing, particularly in the wake of AI advancements. Alex shares insights on how businesses must adapt to new technologies while maintaining a customer-centred approach. He encourages marketers to position themselves as leaders in AI adoption, ensuring that their strategies remain relevant and effective.
My three favourite quotes from Alex’s story are:
“I actually think what you need to do is just focus on how you’re similar.”
“It’s not just up to me to create culture, it’s up to you.“
“I think marketers should start positioning themselves as a customer-centred AI leader.”
This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of leadership, parenthood, and the ever-changing business world. Tune in to gain valuable insights and discover how uncomfortable growth can lead to remarkable personal and professional development.
Listen here.
Learn more about Uncomfortable Growth® & Rowena here.
The world doesn’t need more stories of success, it needs honest conversations about hard challenges, vulnerability, and proof that trials can ultimately become triumphs. That’s why the Uncomfortable Growth® Uncut podcast was born. It’s a reminder that struggle and success are intrinsically linked, that growth is rarely easy, and that the moments we feel most uncomfortable are where our greatest breakthroughs lie.