Tuesday June 2, 2026
Foxtel’s $4 billion play to freeze Nine out of the NRL
The battle for Australia’s most lucrative sports broadcast rights has officially entered the heavyweight rounds.
Foxtel is plotting a massive move to secure the entire suite of National Rugby League media rights from 2028. The goal is simple: protect its historic partnership and completely cut Nine Entertainment out of the picture.
A high-stakes standoff
The pay television and streaming giant pitched its ambitious proposal to Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) chairman Peter V’landys and outgoing NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo last Tuesday morning.
Just hours later, Nine executives presented their own vision.
As first reported by The Australian Financial Review, Foxtel will throw everything at retaining the sport.
The current broadcast deal, split between Foxtel and the Nine Network, expires at the end of the 2027 season. But with the competitive landscape rapidly evolving, Nine’s chief executive, Matt Stanton, reportedly wants full exclusivity to bolster the network’s paid streaming platform, Stan Sport.
In retaliation, Foxtel pitched for complete control of the rights.
Now backed by the international streaming giant DAZN, which recently acquired the Australian business, Foxtel is determined to maintain its sports dominance.
The DAZN leadership considers the Australian arm key to its global strategy and believes securing the NRL remains critical to keeping Kayo Sports thriving in a crowded market.
Anti-siphoning rules and unlikely alliances
To bypass the hurdle of Australia’s strict anti-siphoning laws, Foxtel cannot go it alone.
The legislation mandates that major events, such as the NRL, remain available to the general public on free-to-air platforms. Foxtel reportedly engaged in discussions with the Seven Network and Network Ten about sub-licensing a portion of the games to satisfy these requirements.
If successful, the strategic play would sever Nine’s three-decade relationship with rugby league.
For a network that relies on the massive audiences of State of Origin and the NRL grand final to promote its broader television slate, losing the rights would land a severe blow. Nine already faces pressure from declining advertising markets, and its market capitalisation currently hovers just over $1 billion.
Expanding the code
For the NRL, a brutal bidding war is precisely what V’landys has been engineering. The ARLC chairman wants the code’s next deal to land around the $4 billion mark over five years.
This target would effectively double the value of the current agreement.
To justify the astronomical price tag, the NRL is aggressively expanding its footprint. The Perth Bears will enter the competition in 2027, increasing the volume of games and creating greater overall value for the winning broadcasters.
The wildcards on the field
While Foxtel and Nine dominate the current conversation, they do not stand alone on the field.
Tech juggernaut Amazon reportedly looms in the background with a potential bid for Prime Video. Meanwhile, Paramount, owner of Network Ten, remains eager to build its local sports portfolio.
Foxtel remains Australia’s single biggest investor in sport. With Kayo Sports acting as the primary engine for subscriber growth, executives view retaining the NRL as an absolute necessity for the company’s future.
Whether Foxtel successfully executes its solo play or is ultimately forced to collaborate with Nine once again, the coming months will fundamentally reshape the Australian media landscape.
Main image: Patrick Delany
Federal Court delays next ARN clash with Kyle and Jackie O
The paperwork pile in ARN’s dispute with Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O Henderson just got a little taller.
The Federal Court has extended key deadlines in the case, delaying a scheduled June hearing and giving the parties more time to prepare evidence and submissions ahead of their next appearance.
The orders come amid reports Henderson is set to be served with a subpoena linked to ARN’s separate proceedings against Sandilands.
The timetable changes were agreed to by the parties and do not involve any findings on the substantive issues in dispute.
Jackie O Henderson and Kyle Sandilands.
Court documents confirm parties and cross-claim
Court documents identify the applicants as Sandilands, Quasar Media Services Pty Ltd and Quasar Intellectual Property Pty Ltd. The respondents are Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation Pty Ltd and Australian Radio Network Pty Ltd.
The schedule attached to the orders also confirms that ARN and Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation have filed a cross-claim against Sandilands, Quasar Media Services, Quasar Intellectual Property, Henderson Media Pty Ltd and Jacqueline Ellen Henderson.
The latest court orders come a day after reports emerged that Henderson is set to be served with a subpoena as ARN seeks documents for use in its separate legal proceedings against Sandilands.
According to claims made on the Game Changers Radio podcast, the Federal Court approved ARN’s request to seek documents from Henderson, who is pursuing her own legal action against the broadcaster following the termination of her contract.
Speaking on the podcast, Craig Bruce said ARN was seeking access to documents that could potentially be relevant to its case against Sandilands.
“So ARN have been trying to get access to Jackie’s documents so they can potentially use them in the case involving Kyle,” Bruce said.
He added, “In Jackie’s own case against ARN, the company can directly request documents from her because she’s part of the lawsuit. That’s called a notice to produce. But in Kyle’s case, Jackie isn’t a party. So ARN can’t ask her directly. They need the court to issue a subpoena, which has been approved, from my understanding.”
Jackie O Henderson and Kyle Sandilands.
Subpoena claims emerge
Co-host Irene Hume said she believed the subpoena application had been approved following a court hearing she attended remotely.
“It has been approved. I know that because I was on the call on Wednesday,” Hume said.
“Someone who we know in law sent me links for Wednesday, which was the hearing the court was going to assess or determine whether or not ARN have the right to request these subpoenas. There were two. There was one for the documents and one for a witness.”
Hume said she became aware Henderson was involved when the court sought appearances from her legal representatives.
“I then jumped on the call, and the judge or host said, ‘Who is present for Jackie Henderson’s team? Can you state your name?’ And then I realised at that point that one of the subpoenas is for Jackie.”
ARN declined to comment when contacted by Mediaweek.
Henderson, ARN and Sandilands remain in legal battle
The dispute stems from ARN’s February decision to terminate the contracts of both Sandilands and Henderson, despite several years remaining on their 10-year agreement.
ARN has argued the pair breached contractual obligations, while Sandilands and Henderson have maintained they were wrongfully terminated. The broadcaster is defending its decision and seeking damages, as well as the return of millions of dollars in shares and related benefits provided under the agreement.
The parties are next expected to return to the Federal Court on 18 June for further case management proceedings.
Main image: Jackie O Henderson and Kyle Sandilands
Howatson+Company wins CommBank account
Commonwealth Bank (CommBank) has appointed Howatson+Company as its new external creative agency partner following a competitive pitch process.
The agency will work alongside the bank’s in-house agency team to lead brand strategy and creative direction, while partnering with marketing teams on campaigns across the business.
The appointment follows a 14-year partnership between Commonwealth Bank and M+C Saatchi, which developed the bank’s long-running ‘Can’ brand platform.
In announcing the appointment, Commonwealth Bank said the move reflects its focus on evolving how it connects with customers in a changing technology and media environment, while continuing to build on the existing brand platform.
End of a 14-year partnership
M+C Saatchi CEO Dani Bassil acknowledged the conclusion of the agency’s long-standing relationship with the bank.
“CBA has played an incredibly important role in M+C’s story over the past 14 years. Together through CAN, we’ve created impactful work, navigated change and built a relationship grounded in trust, ambition and shared values.
“We’re deeply grateful to the many teams and people at CBA who have partnered with us over that time, and incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved together. We wish them every success in the future.”
The appointment marks one of the most significant creative account moves in the Australian market this year, with Howatson+Company taking responsibility for Commonwealth Bank’s external creative agency remit.
Jim Jefferies says he declined Logies hosting role before Sam Pang
Jim Jefferies has revealed he was offered the opportunity to host the TV WEEK Logie Awards before Sam Pang, but declined the role.
The comedian and television host made the comments during an appearance on Triple M Sydney Breakfast with Beau, Cat & Woodsy.
Co-host Beau Ryan raised the vacancy left by Pang’s departure from the awards ceremony.
“The hosting role is up for grabs. Sam Pang, for whatever reason, is not doing it again. He does a wonderful job. If anyone can do it as good [as] Sam Pang, it’s Jim Jefferies,” Ryan said.
Jefferies responded by revealing he had previously been approached to host the event.
“I like Sam a lot, and I think he did a wonderful job hosting. I saw one of them. I was in town. I saw one of them. I might sound like a bit of an arse, I was offered the job before Sam was… I’m too much of a coward. I said no.
“I said maybe if I was nominated or something, but I can’t show up un-nominated. I’m not going to the Logies if I’m not nominated for a Logie.”
Jim Jeffries and Beau Ryan
Pang steps away after three years
The comments come after Pang confirmed he would not return to host the TV WEEK Logie Awards in 2026.
Pang told The Sydney Morning Herald he had been approached by Seven to return for this year’s ceremony on August 16, but decided not to continue in the role.
“I’ve had three great years, and it was wonderful, but I’m just not going to do it this year,” Pang said.
“It was very amicable. I’m well aware I may never do it again, and whoever does it, I’m sure will do a great job, but I just thought three was a nice number.”
Representatives for the Logies previously confirmed to Mediaweek that a host for the 2026 ceremony will be announced at a later date.
Jefferies currently hosts The 1% Club Australia on Seven and, last year, hosted Jim Jefferies and Friends for the network.
The TV WEEK Logie Awards will be broadcast on Seven on August 16.
Main image: Jim Jeffries
Joe Rogan rumoured to join CBS after Anderson Cooper loss
Conservative podcaster Joe Rogan is rumoured to be moving to CBS News.
The broadcaster is struggling with ratings on its flagship show 60 Minutes, after veteran journalist Anderson Cooper left last year.
Whilst Rogan and Cooper at ideologically opposite, it’s hoped that the immensely popular podcaster, who hosts the Joe Rogan Experience with a reported 11 million listeners a day, will attract some much-needed viewers.
Technically, Rogan is already on screens, as he presents his daily show in video format on social media.
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“This isn’t stunt casting,” a television industry insider told Radar Online.
“It’s strategy. Rogan opens a direct pipeline to the massive MAGA audience CBS has struggled to reach for years.”
The insider added: “You bring in Rogan and you immediately gain a core connection to over 50 percent of the country.”
“He speaks to viewers who feel ignored or mocked by legacy media. That could solve the ratings and credibility problems of CBS overnight.”
Another source told Radar that the rumoured move is a “gamble” because he is “raw, unscripted, and polarizing. That could either electrify 60 Minutes or blow it up.”
Anderson Cooper leaves 60 Minutes
After almost 20 years, Cooper called time on his 60 Minutes tenure in 2025. He cited family priorities after years of managing roles at competing networks.
“Being a correspondent at 60 Minutes has been a great honour. I told amazing stories and worked with the best crews in the business,” Cooper said.
“For nearly two decades, I balanced my jobs at CNN and CBS. I have little kids now and want to spend time with them while they are young.”
Top image: Joe Rogan. Image credit: YouTube
'Drinking and smoking': Australian retailer breaches ad standards
The Ad Standards Community Panel has issued a report on ad by Australian clothing retailer Billy Bones Club.
The ASCP investigated the YouTube ad after a complaint about the ad, which includes footage of young people drinking and smoking.
The video, which can be viewed below, depicts three women driving while smoking, and drinking from glass bottles. Then a group is shown partying outdoors while smoking and consuming alcohol.
It was first posted seven years ago, but the complaint was made recently.
The complainant argued that the ad promoted smoking as part of the Billy Bones Club’s image, and that it breached health and safety standards.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, the Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) Act bans any form of communication or activity that directly or indirectly promotes smoking or vaping, or the use of tobacco products.
Accordingly, the ASCP was found to be in breach.
Billy Bones Club ad breaches standards
The ASCP report said: “The Panel considered that the ad leveraged the typical rebellious youth lifestyle, including scenes where a character gestures to others with his middle fingers, scenes with characters apparently drinking straight from the bottle and scenes where the characters are shown smoking.
“While the Panel acknowledge that this was likely the deliberate brand positioning to align with the advertiser’s ‘bad to the bones’ aspirations, it expressed concerns over the fact that the rebellious behaviour included behaviour that would be considered unhealthy and unsafe by community standards.”
The report added: “The Panel considered that the community at large has moved away from the notion that smoking is considered appealing or essential to one’s image.”
The Billy Bones Club did not respond to the panel decision.
The ASCP has referred a copy of the decision to Google’s Trust and Safety team for review.
Top Image: A photo from the official Billy Bones Club Instagram page. Not the advertisement that breached standards. Image: Instagram
Entry-level jobs near extinction in digital advertising
Australia’s digital advertising and ad tech sector is facing pressure on its future talent pipeline, as AI changes day-to-day work and employers prioritise more experienced, commercially minded staff.
The findings come from IAB Australia’s 2026 Digital Advertising and Ad Tech Industry Talent Review, which shows entry-level roles have almost disappeared from the available vacancy pool, falling to just 1 per cent of vacancies.
At the same time, 49 per cent of open roles now require more than six years’ experience. The Review points to a market still investing in talent, but doing so more selectively.
What is happening to digital advertising jobs?
The Review found the industry is not moving in one direction. Over the past year, 42 per cent of organisations reported headcount growth, 37 per cent contracted and 21 per cent remained flat.
Growth is being led by locally headquartered technology companies, emerging ad tech firms and global businesses still building their Australian presence. Contraction is more concentrated among larger, established global platforms responding to AI-driven efficiency programs and global restructuring.
The industry vacancy rate has fallen to 2.4 per cent, the lowest level since tracking began. Only 40 per cent of companies reported having any open roles.
AI shifts expectations for talent
AI is delivering productivity gains across the sector, but the impact is being felt most sharply in junior and process-driven roles. Those roles have traditionally helped develop the next generation of media and advertising talent.
Employers are now placing a higher premium on candidates who can combine AI fluency with commercial judgement, strategic thinking and client leadership.
Gai Le Roy, CEO of IAB Australia, said the Review highlights a structural workforce issue that needs an industry-wide response.
“If the industry wants to maintain a strong Australian media and advertising market, it cannot focus only on short-term efficiency. Continued investment in people, leadership capability and future talent pipelines will be critical.
“AI capability is rapidly becoming a baseline expectation across most parts of the market. But the findings also make it clear that technical skills alone are not enough. The capability gaps employers are struggling with most are strategic thinking, commercial acumen, leadership and the ability to work with clients and businesses in more sophisticated ways as the market becomes more complex.
“This is an area where the industry needs to work together. Employers, industry bodies and education providers all have a role to play in ensuring Australia continues to develop the depth of talent and expertise the market depends on.”
Gai Le Roy
Hiring remains cautious
The Review found 23 per cent of organisations expect to increase hiring over the next six months. Almost half (49 per cent) expect staffing levels to stay the same, while 28 per cent expect a decrease.
Commercial roles continue to dominate the sector, with 50 per cent of the workforce employed in sales and client service roles. The Review said this reflects the commercial structure of Australia’s digital advertising and ad tech market.
The workforce also remains heavily concentrated in NSW, which accounts for 76 per cent of roles. Victoria accounts for 19 per cent, Queensland for three per cent, and South Australia and Western Australia for one per cent each.
Salary, offshoring and regional remits
Salary increases have moderated, with the average increase over the past year sitting at 3.5 per cent. The most common increase was three per cent.
Offshoring also continues to rise. A quarter of companies reported an increase in offshoring over the past 12 months, while 15 per cent reported increased use of contractors.
Australian-based teams are also carrying broader regional workloads. Around 47 per cent of Australian-based roles also cover New Zealand, while about 31 per cent cover APAC.
Gender and age representation
The Review found gender representation is close to parity overall, with the workforce 46 per cent female and 54 per cent male. However, representation varies significantly by role.
Female representation is strongest in marketing and research or analytics roles, but remains low in technology and engineering.
The workforce is also concentrated in mid-career age groups. Around 88 per cent of workers are aged between 25 and 49, while under-25s account for 7.5 per cent and workers aged 50 and over account for 5.3 per cent.
Industry calls to action
The report outlines four calls to action for the sector:
- Individuals should invest in AI fluency, while also building strategic thinking, storytelling and commercial acumen.
- Hiring managers should widen the talent lens and consider candidates from adjacent industries.
- Organisations should build graduate and internship pipelines before the entry-level shortage deepens.
- The industry should advocate for more Australian-based training pathways in measurement, AI and digital advertising capability.
IAB Australia said it will use the findings to inform its industry training, mentoring, research and capability-building programs across AI, measurement, privacy, leadership and digital advertising fundamentals.
First conducted in 2021, the annual Digital Advertising and Ad Tech Industry Talent Review was created to address a gap in available workforce data for Australia’s digital advertising industry. The 2026 Review is based on data gathered from 54 ad tech and media owner organisations in May 2026.
Australian box office sets all-time May record
Australia’s box office has reached a new historic high, with May 2026 overtaking 2019 to become the biggest May of all time.
The month’s box office reached $119 million, surpassing 2019 by 26% and marking a major milestone for the cinema industry while reinforcing the continued strength of theatrical exhibition.
The record month was driven by a mix of high release volume and diverse content, with strong performances across key audience demographics including families, youth and NEOs.
A diverse slate drives attendance
Several major titles helped power the result.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 became the third-biggest comedy of all time, while Michael became the third-biggest biopic ever released.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie continued the momentum for gaming IP, becoming the third-biggest video game adaptation of all time.
Project Hail Mary delivered a standout performance as the seventh-biggest sci-fi film ever released, while horror also performed strongly, with Backrooms achieving the fourth-biggest opening ever for a horror film.
Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft recorded the fifth-biggest documentary opening of all time, reinforcing the growing appetite for eventised non-fiction storytelling in cinema.
Mother’s Day weekend also recorded its biggest box office result of all time, highlighting cinema’s role in shared cultural moments and seasonal occasions.
Val Morgan on the record result
Guy Burbidge
Guy Burbidge, Managing Director of Val Morgan Cinema, said the strength of May came from the breadth of the slate.
“What May proved is that strong box office performance is built on breadth. This wasn’t a month carried by one film or one audience; it was the diversity of titles driving attendance among all key demographics.
“It’s a reminder that Australians love cinema, and that the big screen will always be part of Australian culture and entertainment habits, with an experience they simply can’t get at home.”
Burbidge said the outlook for the rest of the year remains strong.
“The outlook for the rest of the year is exceptionally strong, with huge IP still to come in Toy Story 5, Minions & Monsters, The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, alongside unique titles and original content such as Digger, The Social Reckoning and Wild Horse Nine, further expanding the depth of the slate.”
Top image: Backrooms movie
Baiada taps Omnicom Oceania in first Australian client partnership
Baiada has appointed Omnicom Oceania in a new integrated partnership following a competitive pitch process.
The poultry business, which is behind Lilydale Free Range and Steggles, has selected the group to support the next phase of growth and brand evolution across its portfolio.
The partnership brings together specialist capabilities across Omnicom Oceania, spanning strategy, media, creative, CX, shopper marketing, earned media, MarTech, and measurement.
A central leadership team, anchored by Clemenger BBDO and Hearts & Science, will work closely with Baiada while drawing on the broader Oceania network.
First Australian client partnership
The appointment marks the first Australian client partnership launched under the Omnicom Oceania banner.
Yash Gandhi, Head of Marketing at Baiada, said the business was looking for a partner model that could bring together broad capability while remaining agile and closely connected.
“What stood out throughout the process was the strength of the collaboration across the Omnicom Oceania team, as well as the ability to access specialist capabilities from across the network through a single, integrated team.
“It felt less like an agency model and more like an extension of our marketing team.”
Gandhi said the partnership had already begun with work in development.
“While it’s still early days, we’ve been encouraged by the partnership so far and are excited about what lies ahead.
“We have some exciting work already in development and look forward to bringing it to market as we continue to drive growth and deepen our connection with consumers.”
Yash Gandhi
‘An important time’
Nick Garrett
Nick Garrett, CEO of Omnicom Oceania, said the partnership reflects growing demand from brands for connected and flexible agency models.
“We’re excited to be partnering with Baiada at such an important time for the business and its brands,” Garrett said.
“This partnership reflects exactly what Omnicom Oceania has been built to do, bringing together the right talent, capabilities and expertise from across our network around a shared client ambition.”
Garrett said the team was looking forward to working with Gandhi and Baiada.
“Yash is highly respected across the industry and brings a clear ambition for the future of the brands.
“To help bring that ambition to life is a privilege, and we’re looking forward to building a strong partnership together.”
Asahi Beverages appoints Mindshare as media agency
Asahi Beverages has appointed Mindshare as its media agency following a competitive pitch.
The agency will take responsibility for national media strategy, planning and buying across Asahi brands, including Carlton, Victoria Bitter, Great Northern, Hard Rated and Schweppes, from 1 July 2026.
Asahi Beverages GM Consumer Experience Jarrod Holt said the company was impressed by Mindshare’s vision for the partnership and its track record of investing in client relationships to deliver strong results.
“Mindshare has built a reputation in Australia for investing in client relationships to achieve significant results, and we congratulate them on their appointment,” Holt said.
He also thanked all agencies involved in the review process, acknowledging the time, energy and creativity they brought to the competitive pitch.
Maria Grivas, CEO of Mindshare ANZ, said the agency was proud to partner with Asahi Beverages and saw the appointment as an opportunity to demonstrate the role media can play in driving long-term value and impact.
“We have built a proposition and focus that will deliver more connected and effective media outcomes,” Grivas said.
She said Mindshare looked forward to working closely with Jarrod Holt and the broader Asahi team as the companies begin the new partnership.
Asahi also acknowledged the outgoing agency, PHD, for its contributions during the partnership.
The company said it would provide an update on its creative agency pitch in due course.
Allianz shows why care matters when customers need it most
Allianz is building further meaning into its “Care you can count on” platform, one year after launching the brand promise.
The latest campaign showcases the insurer’s service experience, highlighting the compassion and expertise delivered by Allianz teams when customers need to make a claim.
The work marks the third chapter of the platform, following the original “eagle and the finch” brand work and Allianz’s partnership with Football Australia, which spotlighted Amy Sayer’s story of resilience and recovery.
A new chapter for care
Laura Halbert, CMO at Allianz, said the campaign is designed to show what care means across the insurance journey.
“Over the past 18 months we’ve built depth and meaning via two chapters. Firstly, we established our intent via the ‘eagle and the finch’. A moving metaphor that elevated Allianz beyond category expectations of comprehensiveness and into the clear space of care.
“Secondly, through our partnership with Football Australia, we retold Amy Sayer’s story of resilience to return from injury into the national squad. By shining a light on Amy’s story, we hoped to inspire our customers to never give up when facing their own personal challenges, knowing they have the security and confidence of Allianz as their insurer.
“Today we build further meaning with the commencement of a third chapter, by showcasing the mastery and compassion of the Allianz team who deliver care to our customers each and every day.”
The anxiety of making a claim
Chris Howatson, CEO of Howatson+Company, said the campaign is grounded in how customers feel when they need to claim.
“The value of an insurance policy is tested when Australians call to make a claim. However, the anxiety of that moment isn’t necessarily what you’d think,” Howatson said.
“In talking to customers we learnt that while most trust their insurer to pay their claims, there is real anxiety around the claims experience.”
Halbert said Allianz wanted to demonstrate the care behind that experience.
“The Allianz service experience is special. It’s one of extraordinary care where our people bring compassion to every customer’s situation and expertise to every solution,” she said.
“This campaign is all about demonstrating our high level of service, so our customers know if the time comes, we’ll be there to care. That’s the value of being with Allianz.”
Gavin Chimes, CCO at Howatson+Company, added: “That’s the real value of being an Allianz customer. Knowing if you do need to claim, it’s an experience informed by care.”
The campaign will run across owned channels, BVOD, online video, linear TV, cinema, audio, out-of-home and social.
Credits:
Client: Allianz Australia
Creative Agency: Howatson+Company
Production Company: Exit
Media Agency: Wavemaker
Top image: Howatson+Company
Media Tonic rebrands as Jetstream Media for national expansion
Media Tonic has rebranded as Jetstream Media, marking a new phase for the business after 20 years in Western Australia’s media industry.
The rebrand reflects the company’s expansion across the East Coast in recent years, giving it a national presence across Australia.
For two decades, Media Tonic has operated as a growth partner in Western Australia, representing a portfolio that includes Yahoo, News Australia, Cartology and the Australian Traffic Network.
A national growth push
Jetstream Media’s sales house model is designed to help publishers and platforms access an established national sales infrastructure, enabling partners to build market traction and scale across Australia.
While the name is changing, the company said its relationships, people and partnership-first approach will remain at the centre of the business.
Jetstream Media Managing Director Mark Treasure said the rebrand reflects the company’s national growth ambition.
“After years of building a reputation based on trust and results in the West, this rebrand is about aligning our identity with our growth ambition nationally,” Treasure said.
“A Jetstream is a fast-flowing air current that moves from west to east, reflecting the momentum we’re carrying into Sydney and Melbourne.
“Importantly for our long-standing partners in WA and South Australia, our DNA hasn’t changed. We are the same expert team, now backed by even greater technical resources and national reach.”
Building a commercial engine
The expansion is being led by National Sales Director and part-owner Hayley Treasure.
Treasure brings more than 15 years of experience across OOH, TV and digital, including nearly a decade at Spotify. She has played a key role in shaping the company’s national growth strategy and building commercial partnerships across the market.
“The efficiency era is here and businesses are rethinking how they scale and grow,” Treasure said.
“Jetstream Media has been built as a modern plug-and-play commercial engine that creates a smarter path to growth.
“We sit at the intersection of premium media, data, tech and AI, helping great platforms connect with advertisers through smarter solutions and long-term partnerships.”
Melbourne leadership strengthened
The rebrand also coincides with the appointment of WPP veteran Jesse Proud as Victoria Sales Director.
Proud’s appointment strengthens Jetstream Media’s senior presence in Melbourne and Sydney, supporting the company’s plan to replicate its service model at scale.
The legal entity, ownership and management team remain unchanged. Existing trading arrangements and financial details will continue under the Jetstream Media banner.
Top image: Warwick Kingston (Commercial Director), Mark Treasure (Managing Director), Hayley Treasure (National Sales Director), David Fare (Finance Director)
Live entertainment veterans launch Dang & Duffy
Live entertainment veterans Jennifer Dang and Alex Duffy have launched Dang & Duffy.
The new Sydney-based event management and production agency offers end-to-end event delivery. The founders promise precision, collaboration, and a highly personalised approach for their clients.
The newly minted agency handles everything from intimate private functions to large-scale live productions.
Heavyweight experience behind the scenes
Both founders bring serious trade credentials to the table. Dang arrives with more than 10 years of executive operations leadership.
She previously held senior roles at major entertainment organisations, including TEG and Michael Cassel Group.
Throughout her career, she has contributed to major Australian projects like the Sydney Royal Easter Show, along with national tours for Darren Criss in 2023 and Patti LuPone in 2024.
She knows firsthand that trusted partnerships matter most when a brand’s profile and reputation sit on the line.
“When the stakes are high, you need the deepest trust in the team delivering your message,” Dang said.
Delivering complex productions
Duffy built his career across production management, technical direction, and stage management.
He works on major theatre, events, and live entertainment projects in Australia and international markets. The industry knows him well for delivering complex, high-profile productions where precision and execution remain critical.
He boasts key roles on massive theatrical undertakings, including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child across Melbourne, Hamburg, and Tokyo.
He also brings extensive experience in musical theatre, events, and live broadcast, including the Helpmann Awards. He held senior production roles on A (Very) Musical Christmas as production manager, House of Dancing Water as line producer, and Dubai New Year’s Eve 2026 as associate producer.
Former PM Julia Gillard has nothing but praise for the new venture. Image: Not Now, Not Ever
The power of a trusted partnership
This launch does not mark the first time the duo has collaborated under high pressure.
The founders previously teamed up to deliver former prime minister Julia Gillard‘s Not Now, Not Ever speaking tour in 2022. During that period, Dang managed Gillard’s speaking engagements while stationed at Michael Cassel Group.
Gillard herself endorsed the launch. “Over the past several years in her senior position at Michael Cassel Group, Jen provided exceptional work and support to me and my staff to ensure that my events undertaken with MCG were well executed and successful,” Gillard said. “Jen worked with us at the highest professional calibre.”
For the founders, the immediate focus remains on integrating directly with their clients rather than acting as a standard external hire.
“We created Dang & Duffy to offer something clients don’t always get: a partner, not simply a vendor, who embeds into their team and takes the pressure off,” Duffy said. “Our approach is hands-on, considered, and designed to make the process clear, controlled, and ultimately enjoyable.”
Dang echoed the sentiment, emphasising their preference for doing the heavy lifting out of the public eye. “We’ve built our careers behind the scenes. No spotlight required,” she noted. “That’s where we do our best work.”
Feature image- Jennifer Dang and Alex Duffy: supplied.