The Australian internet advertising market grew 9.7% year-on-year to reach $15.6bn in spend for the financial year ending 30 June 2024.

The IAB Australia Internet Advertising Revenue Report (IARR), prepared by PwC Australia, found strong growth in formats that are considered short-term performance drivers and mixed market growth across other formats and environments.
 
According to the report, video advertising grew 18.6% year on year to reach $4.1bn, while search & directories increased 10.4% to reach $6.9bn.

Classifieds advertising revenue grew 4.3% year on year to $2.5bn, while general display (excluding video) advertising fell by 1.1% year on year to $2bn. Traditional standard display formats fell by 13.1% to $558.5m. Digital audio performed strongly over the year, increasing 23.6% to reach $290.2m.

 
For the financial year, connected TV continued to yield the greatest share of content publishers’ video inventory expenditure, increasing to 55% (up from 47%), with both mobile and desktop expenditure decreasing.
 
Buying internet advertising from an agency via insertion order decreased year on year, down from 46% in FY23 to 42% in FY24.  Over the same period, client direct buying increased from 15% to 18%, while programmatic purchasing increased 39% to 40%.
 
Retail remained the number one advertiser industry category for display inventory representing 17.7% share of the ad spend, followed by automotive at 15.4% which has been steadily regaining share over the last few years after a slump with a lack of new car launches and lack of supply during COVID lockdowns.

Gai Le Roy, CEO of IAB Australia, said: “The results for financial year 2024 show that marketers continue to increase their investment in reaching audiences across a range of digital advertising environments.

“While video and audio formats continue to grow the overall market, there is still a strong skew towards driving short term sales results with strong investments in search and social.

“In the June quarter results we saw a solid growth uptick in the classified listings revenue category, which was up 21% versus the previous June quarter, led by automotive and real estate activity.”

–

Top image: Gai Le Roy

Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) has welcomed figures that show podcast and streaming online audio advertising expenditure increased 23.6% year-on-year in FY24, to $290 million.

Total online audio advertising is the fastest-growing display category, according to the Australian Internet Advertising Revenue Report (IARR), compiled by PwC and released today by IAB Australia.

See also: Internet ad spend rises 9.7% to reach $15.6 billion: IAB

The report also shows strong quarterly growth, with the total of $78.9 million for the June Quarter 2024 surpassing the December Quarter 2023 peak of $77.8 million.

Lizzie Young, CRA chief executive officer (pictured above), said in a statement the results were particularly pleasing off the back of GfK Survey 5 data which showed commercial radio share had reached its highest level since 2014.

“Commercial radio continues to grow its audiences, and one of the reasons is audio is everywhere – whether listeners are tuning into broadcast radio, DAB, or a podcast, audio is in their cars, at home, and with them via their phone,” said Young.

“The FY24 results from IAB are incredibly strong, with total online audio ad spending up 23.6% on FY23, making it the fastest growing display category.

“Advertisers are increasingly investing in online audio because it delivers both audience trust and accessibility.”

The total Australian online audio advertising market in FY24 was $290 million ($185 million streaming and $105 million podcast), representing 4.7% of total general display ad spending for the year.

“The IARR report also shows expenditure on podcast advertising increased by a massive 32% in the June Quarter compared to the March Quarter,” added Young.

Data from Australian Podcast Bi-Annual Report. See the report here.

“We expect to see more advertisers investing in podcasts, as their popularity continues to increase, as we saw in our first Australian Podcast Bi-Annual Report, released last week.”

The report showed average monthly podcast listeners up increased almost 9% in the first half of 2024 compared to last year.

Commenting on the report today, Gai Le Roy, CEO of IAB Australia, said: “The results for financial year 2024 show that marketers continue to increase their investment in reaching audiences across a range of digital advertising environments.

“While video and audio formats continue to grow the overall market, there is still a strong skew towards driving short-term sales results with strong investments in search and social.”

The Craig Hutchison-led sports media content and entertainment business Sports Entertainment Group (SEG) has reported its FY24 financial year.

FY24 revenue from continuing operations of $124.6m was up 10.8% on the prior corresponding period (pcp).

The Australian business revenue growth was driven by its complementary services divisions which includes sports teams.

Combined, those business units grew by 21%.

The biggest news at the group this year has happened since the end of FY24. In mid-August Craig Hutchison confirmed receipt of $21m as the first payment in the $40m sale of the NBL team Perth Wildcats. A profit on the sale will be reported in subsequent  FY25 financial statements.

See also: Hutchy’s sale of Perth Wildcats secures future of SEG including SEN radio network

Digital dollars climb

FY24 digital audience consumption via the SEN app, www.sen.com.au, podcasts and social media platforms experienced 1.2 million monthly average users. The introduction of the SEN Stadium and SEN Sync increased the streaming audience and had a positive impact on revenue.

Group revenue up 14.6%

FY241 underlying EBITDA of $7.4m was 14.6% up on the pcp. This excludes the impact of the SENZ audio and digital business which was sold on 29th February 2024. The loss after tax of discontinued operations in FY24 was $1.9m. EBITDA loss from discontinued operations was $2m.

FY24 cash flow from operating activities was $4.3m. Net debt as at 30 June 2024 was $13.3m significantly down from $22.8m at 30 June 2023.

SEG noted post June 30 it had reduced its CBA debt facility to $11.5m (from $27m as at 30 June 2023).

The SEG board also declared a fully franked special dividend of 2 cents per share payable on 3 October 2024.

Future planning

The SEG commentary about its performance included:

We continued to build our asset base through FY24 with minor acquisitions and new inventory unlocked. As we move into FY25, with a reduced debt position and stronger balance sheet, we are well-positioned to expand margin and grow our earnings.

We do not envisage significant new asset purchases in FY25 unless opportunities that are aligned to our broader strategy exist and we will maintain a strong focus on cost governance.

Sports team ownership: Mavericks arrive

FY24 saw the integration of the Melbourne Mavericks into the SEG stable of teams. The team finished the 2024 season ranked five out of eight teams with six wins and eight losses. SEG reported the Mavericks were able to make a positive EBITDA contribution to the group.

SEG currently administers the management of the Perth Lynx Basketball club, who play in the WNBL. As part of the management agreement, SEG holds the rights to purchase the franchise. These rights are valid up to 31 March 2025.

Trading outlook

Looking at July 2024, SEG is reporting revenue growth was up 2% on pep, with EBITDA $1m better than pop.

ASX statement: “Our current forecasts remain positive with the AFL & NRL finals expected to be stronger than previous periods and the expectation that Q1 will outperform pop by double digits. We are forecasting FY25 underlying EBITDA to grow by single digits.”

After several weeks of experimenting with different newsreaders, Seven has confirmed a shakeup for 7News Sydney.

Mark Ferguson and Angela Cox will co-anchor Seven’s flagship 6pm bulletin from Sunday to Thursday.

Seven Network director of news and current affairs and Seven West Media editor-in-chief Anthony De Ceglie has made the change after also testing Angie Asimus and Michael Usher in different combinations in the timeslot.

It has been speculated that Asimus will join Usher to present the Friday and Saturday Sydney 6pm bulletins.

Could Melbourne be the next market to feel the winds of change across the newsdesk? Fiona Byrne points out in the Herald Sun that recently signed newsreader Karina Carvalho has been on the Melbourne weekend newsdesk with Mike Amor. Could she end up moving to weeknights to join Peter Mitchell?

In a statement about the Sydney change, Seven pointed out Ferguson and Cox share almost 70 years of experience in journalism and news broadcasting. Both started their careers in Tamworth in regional NSW. They then spent many years overseas as foreign correspondents before returning to Sydney.

Mark Ferguson said: “I’m really looking forward to it. Ange will add so much extra to the bulletin each night; more experience, more energy and it will allow us to be much more versatile when big stories break.

“In some ways, it’s a fresh start for me, I’ve never really co-presented before so I’m hoping Ange can teach this older dog some new tricks. She is a talented journalist, a great presenter and an even greater person. Very honest and very positive with real drive and energy.

“We have a fantastic team in the Sydney newsroom focused on covering what matters most to Sydney each and every night. This move will only help.”

See also: Diary of a TV newsreader: Seven’s Mark Ferguson celebrates a media milestone

Angela Cox said: “I am thrilled to be sitting alongside Mark Ferguson as we embark on an exciting new era for Seven’s 6.00pm Sydney news.

“Mark’s warmth, integrity and authority behind the news desk has rightfully earned him a loyal following. He’s also a great bloke, always professional, very funny and a great husband and family man.

“The news landscape has changed so much. The way we consume news is radically different now than even 10 years ago and 7News is evolving too. Exciting times ahead.”

Anthony De Ceglie, said: “This is a new and fresh approach for Seven’s flagship Sydney 6pm news.

“Mark Ferguson is an institution and deservedly one of the most trusted news voices in Australia.

“This new co-anchor approach brings a new sense of dynamism, innovation and flexibility to the hour-long program and I am incredibly excited to see Mark and Angela Cox work together.”

7News Sydney: Fergo and Ange

Fergo has helmed 7News Sydney for the past decade and earlier this year marked 40 years in journalism and broadcasting.

Cox is an award-winning journalist and foreign correspondent with Seven for the past two decades, seven of those years in the network’s US bureau. Since December 2020, she has co-anchored 7News Sydney’s weekend bulletins alongside Michael Usher. She will continue to anchor live news coverage and special reports for the network.

The pair will present their first bulletin together on Sunday, 8 September, with Ferguson on assignment all this week filming a special series of reports for 7News.

See also: Watching Sunrise as popular as ever: Seven breakfast show wins 21st consecutive ratings year

Kayo Sports has launched an Australian Original, social-led content series, Everyone’s Game, aimed at driving conversations around gender equity in sport.

Everyone’s Game tackles issues unique to female athletes when it comes to maintaining their best form while participating in sports.

Kayo Sports director of social Carl Burgmann said: “Our audience is more diverse than ever, reflecting our increased investment in women’s sport including through our streaming of the AFLW, NRLW and Netball.

“Through this groundbreaking series, Kayo Sports is continuing to champion women’s sport and female athletes while educating and offering solutions to ensure gender equity in sport.”

Hosted by Olympic Gold Medalist and founder of The Female Athlete Project, Chloe Dalton, the series couples female experts and athletes to explore topics such as breathwork, sport after pregnancy, women’s clothing and recovering from injury.

Athletes featured alongside Dalton include Ellyse Perry, Gretel Bueta and Maddie Collier with qualified experts including Lynsey Chan, Jemma McGeachie, Clare Hanlon and Gillian Weir offering their knowledge on the topics.

Dalton said: “At The Female Athlete Project, we champion the stories and achievements of women in sport. We are so excited to partner with Kayo Sports for this innovative series and believe it is a timely evolution – moving beyond storytelling to dig deeper into the inequities that exist in the women’s game, and finding solutions that can apply across all levels, from the grassroots to the elite.

“By inviting input from our social media followers, we hope we have developed a series addressing real issues women in sport are facing.”

Kayo Sports social media audiences and followers of Dalton were invited to provide input to shape the direction and content of the series to ensure broad appeal and audience engagement.

Everyone’s Game is now available to stream on the Kayo Sports YouTube channel. 

See also: Kayo Sports promotes value in campaign via BALBOA

The Growth Distillery has released new research into Aussie travellers, revealing the four key moments when brands and marketers should engage with customers to make an impact.

The Growth Distillery says the Moments That Matter: Travel report is a valuable tool for companies in highlighting when, where and how to best engage with travellers to help turn holiday dreams into holiday realities. It found:

• 82 per cent say travel is very important
• 83 per cent are open to more trips and different types of trips
• 73 per cent are willing to sacrifice in other areas to be able to travel

The report revealed Aussie travellers are looking for more guidance but can be overwhelmed when it comes to narrowing choices and making decisions.

The Growth Distillery research director Ciel Graham

To help prioritise, this new research identified four key moments that matter for both travellers and marketers in pursuit of the perfect trip: 

• Dreaming: 70 percent say they’re ‘always’ planning a trip. Brands can stand out by keeping it casual, fun and pressure free, so when they are ready, consumers know where to turn for help. 

• Discovery: 70 percent say they regularly consume travel content, whether planning a trip or not. Brands should seize this moment by staying inspirational and top of mind.

• Decision: 1 in 3 of those struggling at this stage blamed information overload. It’s at this moment brands should step in to help consumers stay focused on their chosen path. Now is the time to provide clear, actionable information, not more ideas.

• Details: 3 in 5 are still making travel reservations at this stage, organising essentials and exploring experiences. Brands can shine by providing tailored information and suggestions to make their trip truly unforgettable.

The Growth Distillery research director Ciel Graham said: “With all the considerations and possibilities that travel brings, it’s easy for travellers to become overwhelmed and lost in all the options and choices. It’s critical for brands and marketers to simplify the journey and understand the key turning points that guide those decisions.”

How much is Seven going to pay Kane Cornes? Since the announcement earlier this week that Seven had poached the footy analyst there has been speculation about how much Cornes is being paid.

Cornes is managed by Chris Giannopoulos, founder of Bravo Talent Management. A business that also boasts Liam Pickering as a director and is now part of SEG under the leadership of Craig Hutchison. The talent agency is full of successful media and sporting talent including Scott Cam, Gary Ablett, Shaynna Blaze, Jamie Durie, Shelley Craft, Cherie Barber and many more.

Kane Cornes with Hutchy on Footy Classified

The starting place for any analysis of what Cornes might be being paid should be Nathan Brown’s annual footy commentator rich list. However, there was a change in methodology in this year’s list that saw Brown name only players-turned-commentators and also estimates only of the amount they earned from football.

That means the list this year excluded the work of Gerard Whateley, Anthony Hudson and Mark Howard. The list still includes James Brayshaw, a former cricketer and former football club president.

In Brown’s 2023 top five there was one former AFL player – Garry Lyon. Brown estimated he was on a total of $1m with $400,000 from his radio work on SEN, plus $600,000 from Fox Footy. That ranked Lyon the second-biggest earner.

The other four on the list in 2023 were James Brayshaw (#1 with $1.2m), Mark Howard (#3 with $850,000), Anthony Hudson (#4 with $750,000) and Gerard Whateley (#5 with $650,000).

With mostly non-players and footy earnings only on Brown’s 2024 list, it looked like this:

1. James Brayshaw $1.3m+
2. Garry Lyon $710,000
3. Brian Taylor $650,000
4. Jason Dunstall $570,000
5. Kane Cornes $550,000

The big mover of course since this list was released just six weeks ago has been Cornes. In July this year Brown broke down Cornes’ earnings as follows – Nine $150,000; SEN $300,000; AFL.com.au $50,000; The Age $50,000.

There was some speculation this week that Cornes might have catapulted to $800,000 annually. Presumably, that is not all Seven money, but the bulk of it will be with him now focusing on just Seven and SEN.

Cornes is keeping the length of his contract with Seven private. When he starts at Seven it will be the first year of Seven’s new seven-year AFL rights contract. Although seven years would be a very long media deal, it would make sense for the broadcaster to lock away its hot property for the length of the deal.

If Cornes has signed for seven years on a starting combined media salary of $800,000, that would make him the $5.6m man. That’s without factoring in any inflation or bonus payment clauses. One media executive told Mediaweek anything longer than three years would be a very long contract.

See also: Bombshell footy trade – Kane Cornes quits Nine, signs with Seven for 2025 and beyond

Kane Cornes and his Footy Show colleagues at Nine

How Kane Cornes told Nine he was quitting

Cornes has to see the year out at Nine, fronting up to another month of Footy Classified and Sunday Footy Show episodes. With his new Seven deal finalised he realised he had to move quickly last week to break the news to Nine before it started leaking out.

Just how he went about telling his employer about his departure was discussed on Kane and Kingy, the Friday SEN 1116 breakfast show Cornes co-hosts with David King.

“This has been a big decision clearly,” Cornes told King.

“Channel Nine has been so good to me,” Cornes added. He then paid tribute to Nine’s head of AFL, Matt Conway. “He’s one of the best bosses I’ve had. He’s been amazing and a great friend. He was the brains behind the charity run and we did it together. We spent two weeks together doing that which was some of the best memories I’ve ever had. The people I work with [at Nine] are so good and I really rate what they do.”

King told people at Nine he saw on Monday night that he was leaving. People he couldn’t see got a phone call. “I ran Matt Conway first and he was terrific and supportive. I then ran Damo [Damian Barrett] and he was great. Then I rang Brownie [Nathan Brown]. I went to the ones that I thought would give me the least angst first.”

Telling Nine’s Tony Jones proved a little more complicated. “When I was at Nine on Monday night I went to see TJ, but he was reading the news. I was waiting for a break, but I couldn’t get him. Then I decided to ring him later and he answered straight away. I thought he was going to give it to me. He was the one I was really nervous about. But he was really good about it.”

Cornes said he told all the Footy Classified team in person including Caroline Wilson and Matthew Lloyd and all the staff. “They were just magnificent about it which made me feel a bit better about it.”

Who called Cornes from Seven?

Much has been made about the frosty relationship Cornes might get from some of the Seven AFL team. Cornes hasn’t held back from being critical of some of them. They have returned fire too.

Just earlier this year, Seven and Triple M commentator Luke Darcy accused Cornes of being “more mean-spirited and nasty to people than anyone in the history of our industry”. This came off the back of Cornes sending up some of the commentary on Seven. (Caroline Wilson later called Darcy’s comments nasty and mean-spirited.)

Cornes told David King last week that Seven’s James Brayshaw, Brian Taylor, Alister Nicholson and Luke Hodge had all called with congratulations. “I haven’t heard from Darcy yet,” he added. “You want Darcy to ring you?” asked King.

Kane Cornes

When will viewers see Kane Cornes?

The Herald Sun’s Alice Coster has reported it is likely Cornes will spearhead a TV footy war with a new Seven show likely to launch on Monday nights up against his old show Footy Classified and Fox Footy’s On the Couch. There was a hint too he might be used on Wednesday night in a new program to replace Talking Footy.

Cornes will also be on duty for Seven’s Thursday Night Footy and at games played in Adelaide that are covered by Seven. He will also be offering news and opinion for 7News. Mediaweek mentioned in a report last week Cornes is expected to host a podcast and write a column for 7News.com.au, or maybe even The Nightly too.

Revelations about a former manager and a media boss

It was nice timing for The Howie Games podcast this week when episode #218 dropped – a two hour plus two-episode interview with Kane Cornes. The interview was recorded in mid-July and features some blockbuster revelations about hurdles in the life of Cornes from his playing days through to the media.

One involved a former manager who told Cornes to focus on South Australian media. The manager didn’t think he would make it in the Melbourne media.

Then just this year Cornes said he heard second-hand that one media boss said he would never work at Seven.

Howie’s podcast also has revelations about a helpful call Bruce McAvaney made to Cornes early in his playing career. There is also detail about Cornes’ schedule during the three nights a week he spends in Melbourne.

Listen to The Howie Games here.

Read the Jon Anderson interview in the Sunday Herald Sun.

Are Media today releases the anticipated second issue of the new ELLE Australia magazine.

The spring/summer bumper issue follows the successful return of ELLE Australia in March this year, which saw its autumn/winter edition smash its advertising budgets.

The latest edition, featuring cover star Anya Taylor-Joy (shot in LA by the ELLE Australia team), boasts 248 pages of fashion, beauty and features curated specially for the Gen Z and millennial woman obsessed with the new, now and next.

The brand’s return has triggered a portfolio of new digital omnichannel offerings, including exclusive video and bridal content and a new weekly podcast, What The ELLE?

The podcast is hosted by ELLE Australia editor Grace O’Neill. The audio series (published in partnership with Kerastase) peaked at #1 on Spotify’s Fashion & Beauty podcast charts in Australia and New Zealand, and #5 in the UK.

Advertisers in the second edition include Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Celine, Tiffany, and MG Motors.

Grace O’Neill said: “We had an incredible response to the relaunch of ELLE in March, and I’m so excited to continue to expand our omnichannel offering next year. In 2025, we will be focusing on content commerce, ramping up our original video content series, expanding our stable of podcasts – including more seasons of What the ELLE? – and hosting some incredible live events. Plus, to coincide with the release of the September issue starring the magnificent Anya Taylor-Joy, we’ll be officially launching our ELLE Bride vertical in print and online.”

Are Media general manager of fashion and beauty, Nicky Briger, said: “We’re thrilled to say that ELLE has over-delivered on every metric this year, which is no easy feat in a tough market.

“Following a hugely successful relaunch in March, we’ve continued to receive strong support from key clients for the spring/summer edition. The return of the brand in print has also driven significant increases in social engagement and digital performance, with notable spikes in online traffic aligning with each new print issue. This demonstrates ELLE’s strength as a truly omnichannel brand, with print, digital, and social platforms working seamlessly together.

“The Gen Z audience is highly desirable, and ELLE’s unique ability to engage with fashion-forward, zeitgeist content is unparalleled. 2025 will definitely be the year of ELLE!”

Nicky Briger

The brand boasts 45 global editions with 70 million unique browsers and 37 million social media followers internationally.

Locally, ELLE.com.au claims a total Australian audience of more than 1.6 million across all touch points, with 743,000 followers on Facebook, 302,000 on Instagram and a rapidly growing TikTok channel (over 100,000).

See also: Behind all six covers of ELLE Australia’s relaunch

SBS has unveiled a new lineup of football content along with a fresh football destination on its streaming app, SBS On Demand, ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

September sees the network launch a new weekly football show and 54 top-shelf FIFA World Cup™ South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) qualifier matches alongside fresh football content.

New show: The Weekly Football Wrap

Following the success of The World Cup Daily Show during Qatar 2022™, SBS will kick off a new football program presented by returning host, Claudio ‘Claudes’ Fabiano, alongside a team of analysts and special guests.

The new weekly show will cover all the colour, personalities and action from the world of football, with expert opinion, news, analysis and insights on the big stories leading up to World Cup 2026™.

The first of 35 episodes airs at 10:20 pm Monday 9 September on SBS VICELAND, and earlier on SBS On Demand, with subsequent episodes airing each Monday.

SBS has also secured exclusive free-to-air Australian broadcast rights to key South American CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup 2026™ qualifying matches.

The deal, which follows SBS securing exclusive broadcast rights to all 104 matches of FIFA World Cup 2026™, sees the network bring 54 South American CONMEBOL qualifying matches to Australian audiences.

The matches will include the national teams of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.

The matches will be broadcast live and free across SBS, SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand during September, October and November of 2024, and March, June and September of 2025.

Top-tier talents set to play in the qualifiers include Argentina’s Lionel Messi, Angel Di María and Emiliano Martinez; Neymar, Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo of Brazil; James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz of Colombia; Enner Valencia of Ecuador; and Darwin Nunez and Fede Valverde of Uruguay.

SBS On Demand has also unveiled its fresh dedicated destination Road to FIFA World Cup 26™ hub. The hub will house SBS’s new show The Weekly Football Wrap, the South American CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup 26™ qualifying match livestreams, replays, mini matches and highlights, as well as Classic World Cup™ finals, Classic World Cup™ Socceroos matches, FIFA official films, documentaries and more.

SBS’s director of sport, Ken Shipp, said, “We’re incredibly excited to be the Australian home of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and thrilled to bring these big South American qualifying matches to football fans in Australia, live and free on SBS.

“These matches offer audiences a chance to see live performances by some of the game’s top players in full flight, including Messi, Neymar, and many more. It really will be top-tier football.”

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be held in 16 cities across Canada, Mexico and the United States, 11 June–19 July, 2026.

Atomic 212° has been appointed to the BlueScope Australia media account.

The independent agency will oversee the strategy, media planning and buying across all media channels and social community management.

BlueScope is a global leader in metal coating and painting products for building and construction industries and provides vital components for houses, buildings, structures, vehicles and more. Its key brands include COLORBOND steel, TRUECORE steel and ZINCALUME steel.

Claire Fenner, Atomic 212° national chief executive officer, said: “We are excited about this new partnership, and we are honoured to be trusted as partners in the custodianship of two of Australia’s most iconic brands, COLORBOND steel and TRUECORE steel.”

“Having grown up seeing the BlueScope and COLORBOND brands all over our screens, to now experiencing these well-known brands and products firsthand, I am excited to continue to drive preference for both COLORBOND steel and TRUECORE steel through innovative, audience-led media solutions,” Ashleigh Carter, Atomic 212° head of client service Sydney, added.

The new partnership with BlueScope in Australia is the latest in a series of client wins and retentions for Atomic 212° over the past year including BMW Australia and New Zealand, Bupa, the Northern Territory Government, Tourism Northern Territory, Northern Territory Major Events Company, Darrell Lea, Victoria University, My Muscle Chef, Vet Partners, Adyen, and UKG.

Atomic 212° won Independent Agency of the Year (Media) and Digital Innovation Agency of the Year in Campaign UK’s 2023 Global Agency of the Year Awards, which were announced in June 2024. It also ranked #1 among independent agencies in Australia in the 2023 calendar year in terms of new business wins, including client retentions, according to the latest report from COMvergence.

This win for the independent agency comes after the recent promotion of Lorraine Woods to the new role of chief investment and trading officer, stepping up from her most recent role as national head of trading. 

See also: Atomic 212° promotes Lorraine Woods to chief investment and trading officer

–

Top image: Claire Fenner

Half Dome has been appointed to handle performance media for Amplify, a not-for-profit, with the ambition to bring together people from all walks of life to make a difference on important issues facing them.

Half Dome will be responsible for managing the performance media for Amplify to help broaden its impact in fostering vital public conversations on societal issues.

Amplify, chaired by Paul Bassat, co-founder of SEEK and Square Peg, with former NSW Department of Education Secretary Georgina Harrisson as CEO, is designed to empower citizens and bridge the gap between community voices and policymaking. 

A recent survey by Amplify of more than 4,000 Australians revealed that 80% think that politicians prioritise winning votes over developing sound policies. It also found that 84% of people want to be more involved with policy decisions. Amplify has been launched as a response to these challenges and aims to reshape the big debates across the country and make a difference on the most important issues facing them.

Joe Frazer, co-founder and head of growth and digital at Half Dome, said: “We are immensely proud to partner with Amplify. Their commitment to harnessing diverse perspectives and driving public engagement aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver impactful media strategies that resonate deeply and broadly.”

Fiona Le Brocq, chief marketing and community officer at Amplify, said: “At Amplify, we are committed to finding the uncommon ground on issues Australians care about most, and Half Dome’s expertise in media strategy will be pivotal in elevating our platform’s reach and impact. Together, we are poised to bring transformative ideas to the forefront of national conversation.”

The appointment is effective immediately.

Half Dome’s Amplify win comes off the back off it’s appointment to handle performance media and SEO for specialist insurance provider NTI. 

Half Dome will be responsible for managing all performance media, SEO and strategy, plus CRO and data analytics, in partnership with tech agency Digital Immersion.

See also: Half Dome wins NTI’s performance media and SEO account

DDB Melbourne has been appointed as the lead creative agency to ACCIONA Energía Australia.

Agencies were not involved in a traditional pitch, instead following an iterative and collaborative approach that reflects the company’s dedication to building partnerships that align with its sustainable and responsible approach to doing business.

“For us, sustainable business practice doesn’t just mean the development of renewable energy. We approached the selection of our creative agency with the same principles that guide our environmental, social, and governance commitments,” Caroline Pinter, general manager brand and marketing at ACCIONA Energía, said.

“Instead of traditional pitches, we engaged in collaborative working sessions to ensure we found the perfect fit in both values and capabilities, and to not have hours of creative talent spent on an idea that never sees the light of day.”

Hien Pham, brand and digital lead at ACCIONA Energía, added: “DDB Melbourne impressed us through a series of thoughtful conversations with the right people that showcased their deep understanding of our project and brand. Their team’s approach, unified under a strong creative leader, stood out throughout the process.”

“It is humbling to work with an organisation with the scale and impact of ACCIONA Energía. Collectively we are incredibly passionate about bringing the amazing work they already do to the masses,” Khia Croy, general manager at DDB Melbourne, said.

Psembi Kinstan, group executive creative director at DDB Melbourne, said: “As we continue to work with more clients in the sustainability sector, we are excited to use our commercial creativity to champion this critical work and partner with ACCIONA Energía on fame-driving innovation projects.

“There are some very, very exciting projects to be announced soon,” he added.

This appointment comes after the creative agency launched a new campaign positioning British Paints as the smart choice for house-proud Aussie DIYers.

The campaign uses dry, Aussie humour to prove that anyone can make a smart choice for their painting project when using British Paints.

See also: DDB Melbourne thinks ‘You’re better off with British Paints

M&C Saatchi has launched a new creative campaign for Big W in partnership with Mamamia as the retailer challenges the standard of fit for clothing.

Big W has overhauled its basics clothing range following an 18-month journey of extensive customer, industry and quality research.

The revamp developed by the creative agency features visuals that contrast poorly fitting clothes with BIG W’s basics well-fitting options on billboards across the country with a tongue-in-cheek slogan: “BIG W basics actually fit, unlike…”.

These billboards, along with BIG W’s first-ever content creator partnership with TikTok, embrace a humorous take on the challenge of things not fitting quite right, encouraging Aussies to head in store and try out one of BIG W’s new and improved basics.

“As one of Australia’s most trusted brands we are continuously listening to Aussie families ensuring we are doing all we can as a retailer to meet their needs,” said Vanessa Rowed, BIG W’s director of marketing.

“Rather than shying away from the pain points our customers are experiencing when it comes to clothes we have chosen to face them head on.”

“To celebrate that commitment we wanted to showcase that finding your fit or style doesn’t have to be difficult. Extending on the creative narrative we are also excited to have partnered with like minded media group Mamamia, with the aim to provide honest, relatable and helpful content for Australian women in particular.”

Scott Dettrick, M&C Saatchi executive creative director, said: “BIG W has gone back to the drawing board with its new range of basics clothing, with a focus on fit, and this campaign underscores that commitment.

“From the provocative outdoor, to the candid content partnership with Mamamia, this is not just about fashion – it’s about the real struggle of finding clothes that fit and how empowering clothes that fit well can be.”

The strategic collaboration between BIG W and Mamamia sees the brand integrated into the popular podcast network and the creation of a captivating social video series, ‘Dressing Room Dilemmas’.

Both are set to explore the challenges many women face when shopping for clothes and how BIG W’s new range of basics addresses these common concerns, empowering women to feel confident in their choices.

The four episode podcast, ‘Nothing to Wear’ with Leigh Campbell, will be available on all audio platforms from 4th September and the video series featured across BIG W and Mamamia platforms and social profiles from 2nd September. 

The new direction represents a bold step forward for the brand by listening to feedback of its customers, embracing diverse body types and championing the importance of feeling good in your clothes.

QMS is partnering with SXSW Sydney 2024, the week-long “festival of festivals”, for the second year running.

This year, QMS is the presenting partner of SXSW Sydney’s advertising and marketing track.

Geared towards agencies and organisations that want to strengthen connections with their communities and clients, this programming features effective approaches to brand strategy as well as novel methods of engaging audiences through traditional, digital and experiential marketing practices.

This year will see SXSW Sydney back in Darling Harbour from 14 to 20 October with over 100,000 people expected to visit the precinct as it hosts over 1,000 events and experiences.

QMS chief marketing officer, Tennille Burt, said: “We are delighted to be back at SXSW Sydney. This partnership represents a unique opportunity to engage with creative minds from around the globe, explore the future of advertising and marketing, and contribute to the dynamic conversations and inspiring new ideas that will influence the future of our industry.

“In the coming weeks, SXSW Sydney’s own marketing campaign will take over our digital out of home network – including the City of Sydney – building even further awareness of the festival and its boundary-pushing program. This year’s SXSW Sydney will be bigger and bolder than ever, and we can’t wait to see you there.”

SXSW Sydney managing director, Colin Daniels, said: “We are thrilled to welcome back QMS in 2024 as the presenting partner of the Advertising and Marketing conference track. Renowned for pioneering the digital era of Australia’s out-of-home industry, QMS is the ideal partner to help us bring cutting-edge ideas and thought-provoking conversations to the SXSW Sydney Conference.”

In August, SXSW Sydney unveiled a new round of speakers and sessions and expanded professional development and networking opportunities for its 2024 program.

As one of the latest program additions, Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios will discuss his passage from sport to business through investments in early-stage startups and what he and other professional athletes look for when seeking to invest. In addition to his tennis career, he now has significant interests in various startups all over the world and is a noted sports commentator.

See also: Nick Kyrgios, Devika Bulchandani and Lucy Lawless: SXSW Sydney unveils new round of speakers, sessions and networking opportunities

It’s Friday has launched a new campaign for Colonial First State to get more Australians involved with their superannuation after research by the institution found that 51% of Australians admitted that autopilot is their current approach to their super.

The independent creative agency’s campaign launches across film, outdoor, radio, social and digital and depicts a range of ordinary Australians going about their daily lives, busy with work and family.
 
What they don’t realise is that they’re hurtling across an unpromising landscape on a train – a metaphor for the decidedly average retirement their super’s headed to on autopilot. Colonial First State serves as a way off the train toward a more prosperous retirement.

“Being on autopilot with your super is an easy trap to fall into. The industry has conditioned Aussies to set and forget,” Josh Grace, group executive, customer office at Colonial First State, said.

“But paying high fees or enduring poor performance can have a major impact on your retirement savings. In fact, they might be shocked at just how average their recent performance has been.

“With this campaign, we want to get people off autopilot and realise that it’s easier than they think to defy average simply by switching to Colonial First State. It’s one reason why CFS customers have amongst the highest confidence and preparedness for retirement.”
 
Vince Lagana, CCO of It’s Friday, added: “It’s eye-opening that so many Australians don’t know what their super is doing, or where it’s heading, but it shows just how common being on autopilot is.
 
“This powerful creative insight formed the basis of a simple and relatable message highlighting how Colonial First State gives Australians ways to switch off autopilot so they can easily take control of their super and avoid an average retirement.” 

Credits

Client: Colonial First State
Group Executive – Customer Office – Josh Grace
Executive Director – Brand and Customer Acquisition – Kate Bevan
Senior Manager – Brand – Caitlin Shennan
Senior Manager – Brand – Catherine Versace

Creative Agency: It’s Friday
Production Company: Finch
Director – Stephen Carroll
Managing Director – Corey Esse
Executive Producer – Loren Bradley
Producer – Caroline David
DOP – Jeremy Rouse
Production Designer – Lucinda Thomson
Casting: Nick Hamon Casting

Post Production: The Editors
Offline Editor – Bernard Garry
Online Editor – Eugene Richards
Colourist – Ben Eagleton
Producer – Rita Gagliardi

3D/VFX: Alt.vfx

Music & Sound: MassiveMusic
Composer – Ben Lam
Sound Design – Myles Lowe
Production – Luci Roe

Key Visual Production: Louis & Co + Electric Art
Photography – Matt Baker
Photography Production: Luke Della Santa
Post Production: Will MacKinnon
Retoucher – Inness Robins

To launch XXXX Ultra, the new Ultra zero carb* beer within the Lion portfolio, the latest campaign reminds Aussies that beer is the only Zero Carb* drink worth giving a XXXX about.

Thinkerbell’s newest work brings to life the idea that if you’re after a low-carb alternative, that doesn’t mean it can’t be great-tasting beer.

Sam Pulsford, marketing manager for XXXX, said, “Beer has always been at the heart of social gatherings, connecting people across generations. As more people become mindful of their lifestyle choices, we see a significant opportunity in the Ultra category. With XXXX Ultra Zero Carb* beer, we’re making a decision to offer a zero carb option that allows everyone to enjoy the experience without compromise!”

Jonny Rands, head tinker at Thinkerbell says, “Fancy a low carb vodka soda thingy after a great day outdoors Even Queensland’s finest eastern bearded dragon lizard disapproves. Because those alternatives don’t measure up to the rich history of beer. Now there’s a beer way to ditch the carbs.”

The work is now live nationally across digital, social, OOH and radio. XXXX Ultra Zero Carb is now available nationwide in major liquor retailers.

In August, Bupa launched its latest campaign also with Thinkerbell, building on the health insurer‘s role as the Official Healthcare Partner of the Australian Paralympic Team to demonstrate a commitment to inclusive and accessible healthcare that extends beyond the games.

Featuring Bupa Ambassadors and Australian Paralympians Ben Popham OAM, Curtis McGrath OAM, and Shae Graham, the work aims to address this pattern by shifting attention from Paris to life beyond the games, back home in Australia.

See also: Bupa unveils ‘beyond the games’ Paralympics campaign via Thinkerbell

Credits:

Client: LION
Agency: Thinkerbell
Media: UM
Shopper: VMLY&R
Digital Agency: Affinity
Director: Matt Eastwood
Production House: Hooves
Post and online: John Holmes
Sound: Rumble
Stills Photographer: Ryan Creevey
Stills Production: Thinkerbell

Thursday 29 August 2024: VOZ Total TV Ratings Overnight Top 30 – Programs ranked on reach

Total People TV Ratings

Nine’s NRL – Cowboys v Storm recorded a total TV national reach of 1,640,000, a total TV national audience of 621,000, and a BVOD audience of 70,000.

Nine’s 9News recorded a total TV national reach of 1,820,000, a total TV national audience of 1,069,000, and a BVOD audience of 90,000.

Seven News recorded a total TV national reach of 2,053,000, a total TV national audience of 1,299,000, and a BVOD audience of 64,000.

Nine’s Paralympics 2024 – Opening Ceremony recorded a total TV national reach of 739,000, a total TV national audience of 112,000, and a BVOD audience of 12,000.

Nine’s Paralympics 2024 – D1 – Night recorded a total TV national reach of 982,000, a total TV national audience of 273,000, and a BVOD audience of 17,000.

10’s airing of Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly recorded a total TV national reach of 860,000, a total TV national audience of 339,000, and a BVOD audience of 11,000.

People 25-54

Nine’s NRL – Cowboys v Storm:
• Total TV nation reach: 587,000
• National Audience: 223,000
• BVOD Audience: 42,000

Seven’s Seven News:
• Total TV nation reach: 542,000
• National Audience: 311,000
• BVOD Audience: 33,000

10’s Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly:
• Total TV nation reach: 274,000
• National Audience: 97,000 
• BVOD Audience: 6,000

People 16-39

Nine’s NRL – Cowboys v Storm:
• Total TV nation reach: 270,000
• National Audience: 105,000
• BVOD Audience: 26,000

Seven’s Seven News:
• Total TV nation reach: 195,000
• National Audience: 111,000
• BVOD Audience: 17,000

10’s Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly:
• Total TV nation reach: 110,000
• National Audience: 34,000 
• BVOD Audience: 3,000

Grocery Shoppers 18+ 

Nine’s NRL – Cowboys v Storm:
• Total TV nation reach: 1,250,000
• National Audience: 470,000
• BVOD Audience: 54,000

Seven’s Seven News:
• Total TV nation reach: 1,651,000
• National Audience: 1,060,000
• BVOD Audience: 52,000

10’s Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly:
• Total TV nation reach: 689,000
• National Audience: 276,000 
• BVOD Audience: 9,000

Data © OzTAM and Regional TAM 2024. Not to be reproduced, published or communicated (electronically or in hard copy) in whole or in part, without prior written consent of OzTAM and Regional TAM.