Nova has confirmed that its Late Drive program with Ben Harvey, Liam Stapleton and Belle Jackson will finish up at the end of 2025, with the final show airing Friday, December 12.

The decision to drop the trio comes despite the show sitting at number one in its timeslot.

According to the most recent radio ratings, the show leads national Late Drive (6pm–8pm) with a 9.5% share and a weekly audience of 654,000 listeners.

The network even spruiked the show’s success in the obligatory press release sent out after ratings dropped:

The trio have been familiar voices across the Nova network since 2020. After hosting breakfast on Nova 100 Melbourne, they shifted to Late Drive earlier this year when Jase and Lauren took over breakfast and Kyle and Jackie O were announced for KIIS 101.1.

Returning to Adelaide for the national show brought them closer to family commitments – Ben is raising two young children – while keeping their presence on air.

Nova’s response

The broadcaster acknowledged their contribution in a statement: “Since joining Nova in 2020, Ben, Liam and Belle have made a significant impact both on air and beyond. A hugely talented team and valued members of the Nova family, they have delivered excellent results for Nova and developed a unique connection to their audience.”

The network confirmed the conclude at the end of 2025 with a final show celebrating their five years together.

“The final Late Drive show will be on Friday, December 12 and is set to be a celebration of Ben, Liam and Belle’s time on the Nova Network,” Nova said.

No word yet on who will replace them.

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Roger Climpson, one of Sydney’s most recognisable broadcasters, has died aged 93.

Best known for anchoring 7NEWS and hosting This Is Your Life and Australia’s Most Wanted, Climpson built a career that stretched across decades and left a lasting mark on Australian television.

Climpson joined Seven in the 1960s as a newsreader and became a household name for his calm delivery and engaging style.

He later co-anchored Seven’s Nightly News in Sydney with Ann Sanders, adding to his reputation as a steady presence in Australian living rooms.

Warmth behind the desk

Sanders, now host of Seven’s Afternoon News in Sydney, reflected on their time together: “Roger was a highly respected newsreader with great presence and reach to the television audience who adored him.

“He was an absolute gentleman on and off camera – warm, quick witted and kind, and it was a privilege to work alongside him.”

Mark Ferguson, co-anchor of 7NEWS Sydney, shared his own connection: “Like so many families we watched Roger most nights for many years. As a teenager in Tamworth, he helped me open a window to a wider world.

“A few years later as a cadet journo I remember interviewing him when he came to town. I think he was lead story that night on the local news – he was a big deal. Then down the track I was working alongside him in the Sydney newsroom.”

He added: “For a nervous country kid, Roger was very warm and very welcoming. Behind the desk he was all class – informed and engaging, with a voice that made you sit up and listen. Our condolences to his family, friends and the many viewers, who I’m sure thought of Roger as a trusted friend.”

Marking a golden era

7NEWS Sydney News Director Geoff Dunn described Climpson as central to the network’s history: “Roger Climpson was the trusted face of 7NEWS, defining a golden era of broadcast television and playing a central role in how we stayed informed. He stood out as one of Australia’s most authoritative news presenters.

“For our viewers, he also felt like a friend with a beaming smile and his trademark wink as he said good night. From everyone at 7NEWS, we offer our sincere condolences to Roger’s family.”

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The US ABC network has announced that it will pull new episodes of late night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live! from broadcast after comments made by its host about the politics surrounding the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

On Monday night’s episode, Jimmy Kimmel joked in his monologue: “The MAGA Gang desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it. In between the finger-pointing, there was grieving.”

The announcement by the Disney-owned ABC to drop new episodes of the show came soon after a statement from Nexstar that it had axed the show across the 32 ABC affiliate stations it owns. ABC is broadcast across 200 stations nation-wide, making the loss of 32 of those significant.

Earlier in the day, the Trump-appointed Federal Communications Commission chairman Brendan Carr appeared on Benny Johnson’s podcast The Benny Show where he slammed Kimmel’s comments, threatening action by the FCC: “There are avenues here for the FCC, so there are some ways in which I need to be a little careful, because I could be called wholly to become a judge on some of these claims that come up.”

As a business, Nexstar’s corporate management is non-partisan and largely veterans of local broadcasting.

In July, rival broadcaster CBS made the decision to cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, citing financial concerns about the profitability of the program. It was met with claims that the cancellation was political. That show represented a concern that US networks were retreating from costly late night shows with declining revenue.

It is still too early to know whether Jimmy Kimmel will issue an apology and see the show return to the air, or whether ABC will replace the show with another late night talk show. If the show isn’t replaced, from May next year, NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon will be the last remaining talk show on US free-to-air broadcast television.

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Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield has announced his resignation from the company, accusing parent company Unilever of limiting the ice-cream brand’s ability to speak out on social issues.

The ice cream company, which operates multiple ‘scoop shops’ in Australia and is stocked widely across Australian supermarkets, launched in 1978 and is has a decades-long history of being outspoken on social and political issues. Locally, it has been an advocate for action on the climate crisis, marriage equality, fairtrade, and other issues. A list of the issues the company is concerned about can be found on its website.

When Unilever bought the brand in 2000 for $326 million, part of the agreement negotiated involved protections to enable Ben & Jerry’s to continue to speak out on social and political issues.

In a letter published to the Free Ben & Jerry’s website, which is focused on the efforts by Ben & Jerry’s to break free from Unilever as it plans to de-merge its ice cream business under Magnum Ice Cream Company, Greenfield published his resignation letter.

“It’s with a broken heart that I’ve decided I can no longer, in good conscience, and after 47 years, remain an employee of Ben & Jerry’s. I am resigning from the company Ben and I started back in 1978. This is one of the hardest and most painful decisions I’ve ever made,” Greenfield wrote in the letter.

Later in the letter he wrote: “And it’s happening at a time when our country’s current administration is attacking civil rights, voting rights, the rights of immigrants, women, and the LGBTQ community. Standing up for the values of justice, equity, and our shared humanity has never been more important — and yet Ben & Jerry’s has been silenced, sidelined for fear of upsetting those in power. It’s easy to stand up and speak out when there’s nothing at risk. The real test of values is when times are challenging and you have something to lose.”

Not mentioned in the letter is the tension surrounding the war in Gaza, which is prominently identified as a concern on the Free Ben & Jerry’s website. It’s an issue of concern for Ben & Jerry’s. Co-founder Ben Cohen was arrested earlier this year after disrupting a Senate hearing to protest US military aid to Israel and humanitarian conditions in Gaza and in 2022 Ben & Jerry’s ended its licensing agreement with a company distributing the brand into the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OTP).

Greenfield and Cohen have both been vocal in their push for Ben & Jerry’s to operate as an independently owned company again. In an interview with NBC today, Cohen has publicly backed Greenfield, saying that his decision to quit was the result of feeling muzzled and impacting on his general health. Cohen has said that he plans to keep fighting.

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MKTG and dentsu Sports Analytics (DSA) have been appointed as Tennis Australia’s global research and insights partner, in a multi-year agreement designed to deepen audience understanding and drive international growth for the sport.

The partnership spans 12 global markets and will cover Tennis Australia’s tentpole events, including the Australian Open, United Cup, and lead-in tournaments in Adelaide, Brisbane and Hobart, as well as grassroots programs like Hot Shots Tennis, Cardio Tennis, Padel, Pop Tennis and Pickleball.

The deal brings together MKTG’s sports strategy and insights expertise with the custom research capabilities of dentsu Intelligence, under the DSA umbrella. The collaboration aims to help Tennis Australia sharpen its global fan and participant segmentation, leading to more targeted, data-informed engagement strategies.

Martin Ansell, Head of Strategy and Insights at MKTG, said: “Tennis Australia is well known as one of the world’s leading forward-thinking and innovative rights holders who value the importance of having the best data and insight to stay ahead.”

“We are excited to support TA by bringing the best of DSA’s research innovation to the fore and are laser-focused to help them understand the cultural impact of their brands, how to grow their already-strong player base, and to uncover the key opportunities to grow audience segments around the world.”

The research program will use DSA’s proprietary Cultural Relevance Framework, the Decoding 360 insights platform, and fan transaction data from its partnership with Fonto. These tools will support Tennis Australia’s 2030 strategy by identifying and acting on growth opportunities in key and emerging markets.

Jarrad Provis, General Manager of Integrated Marketing at MKTG, called the agreement “a significant milestone for dentsu Sports Analytics,” adding: “Innovation to drive meaningful impact sits at our core, fueling growth and generating positive outcomes for our clients, the industry, and society.”

Cedric Cornelis, Chief Commercial Officer at Tennis Australia, said the partnership would transform how the organisation leverages insights: “The agency’s Cultural Relevance Framework, advanced fan segmentation, and seamless integration with dentsu’s global insights network will empower us to better understand our global audiences and the cultural influence of our brands.”

“What truly stood out was the ability to turn actionable insights directly into strategy, propelling us toward our 2030 vision.”

The deal strengthens DSA’s position in the global sports analytics market, with existing research programs in place across properties including Formula 1, the NFL and UEFA.

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Mars United Commerce has appointed Ashley Wales-Brown as digital commerce director for Australia and New Zealand, as the agency continues to expand its connected commerce offering in the region.

The appointment comes a year after Mars United rebranded from The Mars Agency, following its acquisition by Publicis Groupe in September 2024. The rebrand reflected a broader ambition to deliver end-to-end commerce marketing solutions, with 14 hubs now operating globally.

Wales-Brown brings two decades of experience across agency, sales, ad tech and e-commerce in both the UK and Australia. He was previously managing director and founder of Podean ANZ, where he led the region’s first Amazon-specialist agency. Under his leadership, Podean won Campaign’s E-Commerce Agency of the Year three years running and became the first Amazon Advanced Partner in ANZ.

Kelly Wearmouth, managing director ANZ, Mars United Commerce, said: “I am delighted to welcome Ashley to the Mars United Commerce team. I was very impressed with the work he did at Podean and the partnership he provided as I was building out the Amazon Ads business. He is incredibly adept at navigating the fast-changing commerce space and translating this into something that can meet his clients’ needs.”

In his new role, Wales-Brown will focus on simplifying commerce delivery for clients and integrating with Publicis Groupe’s broader capabilities. “As the commerce space becomes increasingly fragmented, providing brands with the ability to have all their commerce objectives consolidated in one agency offering is unique and much needed,” Wales-Brown said. “Pulling together not only the proven pedigree of Mars United but the resources and breadth of Publicis Groupe makes for a compelling proposition, which I’m excited to grow.”

Mars United Commerce ANZ partners with more than 100 global brands, leveraging retail consultancy, commerce media and shopper intelligence to drive growth across multiple touchpoints.

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By Adam Singolda, CEO of Taboola

Many believe Gen AI engines and LLMs are a problem for the open web, publishers, and even advertisers. Wrong.

Some think they are a problem for Google because they’ll have less search traffic to monetise, replaced by Gemini LLM conversations. Wrong.

In just a single year since launch, Gen AI search and large language models (LLMs) have changed the face of the open web. This rapid change is impacting both search engines and publishers. We’re seeing a decline in traditional search traffic, with some publishers experiencing more significant drops than others. This trend directly affects Google, which is seeing fewer search queries, and also impacts publishers who are receiving less referral traffic from search engines.

The competition for this shrinking pool of traffic is heating up, with companies like OpenAI and Perplexity vying for a share, and Google actively competing with itself by offering a generative AI product called Gemini.

Whether OpenAI and ChatGPT “kill” Google search or Google themselves do it, there’s no doubt – search traffic to publishers is going down. The question is what do publishers do if search traffic drops 20%, 30%, or 50%?

It is likely the end of search as we know it.

And it is the best thing that could have ever happened to Google and the open web.

The Gen AI threat reshaping and rebuilding the publisher business model

GenAI Search like ChatGPT, Perplexity and Google’s Gemini are stealing traffic from publishers. Data suggests that just 0.1% of traffic from these engines are making their way to publishers, meaning if you’re searching on ChatGPT or Perplexity, the likelihood you then click out to read more about a topic is next to nil. In fact – the newest buzzword from publishing executives is ‘zero click searches’ whereby not a single action is taken after a search is performed. No publisher is immune to this threat. Search referral traffic to 1,000 web domains decreased by nearly 7% year-over-year, nearly a billion critical visits that have disappeared from the open web.

On the face of it, you would think there is no rational defence from GenAI companies that are tanking publisher traffic. Google would try to put a spin on things by publicly claiming that people who click on links after seeing AI Overviews tend to spend more time on those sites.

Right… Now back to reality.

The Gen AI threat is causing a chain reaction for the business foundation for publishers. Today, the primary determining factor to how much revenue a publisher makes is tied to how many potential people view ads on their site. Put simply, less traffic means less revenue in the short term.

This has made it necessary for publishers to rethink how they make money. In fact, it’s even made Google rethink how they make money. Short-term disruption is inevitable, but what’s coming next is a leap toward deeper engagement and bigger revenue than we’ve ever seen before. Both to Google, and to the open web.

Google, Publishers, and the Rise of High-Value LLM Conversations

While search traffic will decline, potentially hurting Google and publishers in the short term, a new type of “supply” is emerging: LLM conversations. Nearly a billion people use ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity, each month. Most are asking general knowledge questions, but an estimated 10–20% of those chats are high-value: travel planning, healthcare, commerce, financial advice and more.

These conversations are worth a fortune – far more than a search click.

ChatGPT’s model is straightforward, earning $20/month per subscriber, making every question valued the same, whether you asked about the weather or about a trip to Cancun. Google’s Gemini, backed by a $US200 billion search ads business and 10 million advertisers, will see these conversations as commercial opportunities.

Over time, a multi-day exchange about a trip can evolve. If a person asks a question, Gemini can reply in the moment or if more research is needed, it can come back with more ideas, until that conversation ends with a full-service transaction. From here, users can book flights, hotels, and restaurants. This is an incredible revolution for Google, from each interaction worth $1 per click to $1,000 per conversation. This shift positions Gemini’s long-term revenue potential well beyond search. In essence, less search traffic, but a lot more revenue.

Publishers have an equally powerful opportunity. While 30–40% of their audience today arrives via search, 60–70% comes direct. By launching their own Gemini-style LLMs, publishers can host high-value conversations within their trusted environments, covering travel, shopping, health, and finance. This is where deep content and expert voices can guide meaningful decisions.

While ChatGPT can instantly give you ideas and information about a trip you’re considering, you would never book it on the spot. You’ll still seek out reviews from people who’ve been there, browse images and videos, and explore different perspectives before making the decision. While AI offers a new way to search, the human need remains the same. People want to be informed and educated on what matters before making a decision in a way that creates trust and confidence. Publishers have expertise. They have earned trust over decades. They can use that to create amazing value in this new
landscape.

This is where publishers win over the next decade. Major purchases and commitments require more than quick answers; they require exploration of reviews, imagery, videos, and authoritative reporting, all of which publishers already deliver.

Some publishers will monetise these interactions through transactions like I believe Gemini will, others through subscriptions like ChatGPT is doing now. For those who lean in, this represents a once-in-a-generation shift from pageview-driven models to
relationship-driven value.

User trust becomes the foundation for both resilience and growth in the LLM era. The future of publishers (and Google) is bright.

Urban List has appointed Jacqui La’Brooy as its new CEO, promoting from within as the lifestyle publisher sets up for its next stage of expansion across the Asia-Pacific.

The move comes after months of work on technology, product and cultural leadership designed to sharpen its competitive edge.

La’Brooy replaces former CEO Ben Naparstek who spent just over a year in the role. On his exit, Urban List founder Susannah George told Mediaweek: “Ben made a valuable contribution during his time as CEO, particularly in helping us navigate the early phases of our new strategy, and investment in technology and products to fuel our future. He has now moved on to new opportunities and we continue to have a strong relationship.

“Jacqui’s appointment builds on the strong foundation we’ve put in place and signals our intent to accelerate the momentum we’ve been building. We’re now focused on the opportunities ahead: scaling new products, expanding into new markets, and deepening brand impact.”

Elevation from within

La’Brooy has been part of Urban List’s leadership team for five years, driving its commercial growth and helping the brand pick up awards including Media Brand of the Year (2021, 2023) and Commercial Team of the Year (2023).

Her promotion signals the company’s intent to push ahead with new products, market expansion and investment in people and culture.

“Urban List enters this chapter with real momentum – systems, partnerships and stories that deliver both cultural credibility and commercial outcomes for our clients,” La’Brooy said.

“Our intent is clear: we are an independent media brand on the incline, investing in growth across people, technology and innovation, delivering partners the cultural relevance and results they can’t find elsewhere. Urban List has always had an extraordinary ability to move audiences to act, not just scroll, and it’s time to scale that superpower and drive true brand value.”

Strengthening editorial, product and commercial teams

The appointment comes with a round of new hires and promotions across the business. Scott Henderson (ex-Men’s Health) has joined as Head of Content – APAC, while Emma Bishop moves up to Head of Content – Features & Lifestyle. Elizabeth McDonald joins as Commissioning Producer to expand the lifestyle slate, and Jessica Best becomes Sydney Editor.

On the product side, Daniel LaForest has been appointed Product Manager – Platform & Innovation, tasked with rebuilding Urban List’s platform and personalisation engine. In commercial operations, Hamish Taylor and Andi Baulderstone move into new strategy roles, while Sally Herbert has been promoted to Head of Commercial Operations.

Founder remains engaged

Founder Susannah George will remain active in the business, providing strategic guidance to La’Brooy and her leadership team.

“Jacqui has a rare combination of commercial firepower and creative instinct, and has consistently shown up with a relentless belief in the potential of Urban List,” George said.

“She understands the DNA of this brand and deeply values the crew who make it what it is. She brings people with her, driving their growth and ours, side by side. She’s set the pace for the new era of Urban List and our team is behind her, confidently backing in her ability to drive this next phase of influence and impact.”

Expanding footprint

With an audience of more than 3 million across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, Urban List is positioning itself as a key independent player in lifestyle media.

Backed by La’Brooy’s appointment and a pipeline of new initiatives, the brand is looking to deepen cultural influence and scale commercial opportunities across the region.

Image: Jacqui La’Brooy (Photo credit: James Adams)

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Less than 24 hours after its finale aired, it can now be confirmed that a The Summer I Turned Pretty film is on the way.

On Thursday (September 18th), Prime Video announced that the global hit series’ story will now end with a feature film, written and directed by Jenny Han.

“The Summer I Turned Pretty has struck a chord with audiences everywhere, creating moments of joy, nostalgia, and connection that have made it a global sensation,” Courtenay Valenti, head of film, streaming and theatrical at Amazon MGM Studios, and Vernon Sanders, Global Head of Television, at Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios said in a joint statement.

“We’re proud of the series’ extraordinary success and couldn’t be more excited to partner again with Jenny Han to bring fans an unforgettable next chapter.”

Han added: “There is another big milestone left in Belly’s journey, and I thought only a movie could give it its proper due.

“I’m so grateful to Prime Video for continuing to support my vision for this story and for making it possible to share this final chapter with the fans.”

Adapted from Han’s best-selling trilogy, The Summer I Turned Pretty has evolved into a global phenomenon since its 2022 premiere.

Per Amazon, season three, which debuted this past July, was watched by 25 million viewers globally in its first seven days and is currently the fifth most watched returning season on Prime Video. The

Season Two, which dropped in 2023, more than doubled the viewership of the first season within its first three days.

The Summer I Turned Pretty stars a number of breakout actors including Lola Tung, Jackie Chung, Christopher Briney, Gavin Casalegno, Rachel Blanchard, Sean Kaufman, and Rain Spencer.

Shine Justice, the group behind Shine Lawyers and several subsidiary firms, has named dentsu Queensland as its new media agency of record.

The appointment follows a competitive pitch and will see the agency lead media strategy, planning and buying in close collaboration with Shine’s in-house marketing teams.

Founded in Toowoomba in 1976, Shine Justice has grown into a national and trans-Tasman group, with brands including Shine Lawyers across Australia and New Zealand and Stephen Browne Lawyers in Western Australia.

The firm, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026, continues to focus on strengthening its work in personal injury law and class actions both locally and internationally.

Values-driven partnership

Chris Ernst, dentsu Queensland Managing Director, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Shine, a company born in Queensland and driven by a mission to improve lives and ensure that all Australians have access to the justice that they deserve.

“Their values align perfectly with our own commitment to creating work that benefits society and communities. We’re excited to get started and delivering meaningful impact together.”

Shine Lawyers Chief Marketing Officer, Shannan Madden, added: “We’re excited to partner with dentsu to continue strengthening our connection with clients and communities. Together, we will develop targeted solutions that light the way to justice and help more people right wrong.”

A strong year for dentsu Queensland

The win continues dentsu Queensland’s momentum in 2025, which has included retaining The Lottery Corporation and being recognised by the Australian Financial Review as one of the Best Places to Work, ranking ninth in the media and marketing category.

The agency has also recorded double-digit revenue growth and national recognition, including Chris Ernst’s win in Mediaweek’s Next of the Best leadership category.

dentsu Queensland’s growing client list spans sectors from tourism and food to banking and community organisations.

Current clients include Tourism Whitsundays, .auDA, Good Drinks Australia, Tourism and Events Queensland, Brisbane Economic Development Agency, Experience Gold Coast, Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Visit Sunshine Coast, McCormick Foods, Great Southern Bank and Aveo Retirement Living.

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Attention Experts has been named the official digital marketing partner of Melbourne Victory Football Club, as the A-League club embarks on a renewed push to grow its supporter base and lift digital engagement ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The partnership will see the Sydney-based agency lead a performance marketing strategy aimed at boosting ticket sales, membership numbers, and community initiatives, including a targeted membership campaign timed to coincide with the upcoming fixture release.

Founded in 2004, Melbourne Victory is one of Australia’s most decorated football clubs and the only Victorian team to compete in the inaugural A-League season. Today, it continues to play a central role in uniting Melbourne’s diverse communities through football.

Under the agreement, Attention Experts will work closely with the club’s internal team to deliver data-led digital campaigns focused on segmentation, targeting, and return on investment. The agency will also support content that highlights player stories and community narratives, helping to reinforce the club’s cultural relevance.

“Our goal is to help Melbourne Victory deepen its relationship with supporters and reach new audiences,” said George Hawwa, Founder and Growth Director at Attention Experts. “By working together, we will help harness the Club’s iconic brand and passionate fan base, while assisting Melbourne Victory in delivering a digital experience that drives engagement, loyalty, and long-term growth.”

Caroline Carnegie, Managing Director of Melbourne Victory FC, said the partnership was a key step in elevating the Club’s digital capabilities: “Their data-led approach to digital marketing will be instrumental in amplifying our key initiatives, from boosting membership and ticketing to enhancing community engagement.”

Ticket sales are set to launch at the end of September, following the membership campaign rollout.

About Attention Experts

Established in Sydney and with offices in Melbourne, London and Dublin, Attention Experts is a digital marketing agency specialising in social media strategy, programmatic advertising, SEM, SEO, and EDM campaigns. The agency has worked with more than 1,000 clients across 30 industries in Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia and Europe.

About Melbourne Victory FC

Melbourne Victory Football Club is a founding member of the A-Leagues and one of the competition’s most successful clubs. The Club is renowned for its passionate fan base and matchday atmosphere at AAMI Park, and maintains a strong focus on both professional football and grassroots community programs.

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