Wednesday April 23, 2025
Que Minh Luu steps down as Netflix ANZ content director
Que Minh Luu, Netflix’s director of content for Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), has announced her departure after five years with the streaming giant.
Her exit comes at a critical moment for the local screen industry, which faces ongoing debate over content quotas and levies for streamers, while producers warn of diminishing commissioning and production levels.
In a statement to C21 Media, Minh Luu expressed pride in her tenure: “I’m incredibly proud of the past five years, setting up the team and slate and commissioning award-winning and loved shows. It’s been a privilege to help shape Australian stories on Netflix, and while I’m stepping aside, I’m excited to continue working as a creative consultant exclusively for Netflix.”
Her departure marks a pivotal change in Netflix’s ANZ content strategy, with Luu set to focus on local content in a consulting capacity.
Que Minh Luu, Netflix’s director of content for Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) who has since announced her departure from the role.
A champion for local
Luu was a foundational hire for Netflix’s ANZ operations, joining in June 2020 as Director, Local Originals (Australia) and quickly rising to the Director of Content ANZ role within seven months. She was the first creative appointment for Netflix’s Australian outpost, overseen by Deb Richards, Director, Production Policy, Asia Pacific.
Under her leadership, Netflix expanded its ANZ team and developed notable local productions, including Byron Baes, Heartbreak High, Boy Swallows Universe, Desert King, and Apple Cider Vinegar.
Minyoung Kim, Netflix’s VP of content for APAC, praised Luu’s contributions, saying, “Que is a hugely talented creative, and we’re grateful for the work she has done in launching our ANZ content team and building an impressive slate. We’re pleased to continue working with her as a creative consultant.”
Luu’s prior experience includes a significant role at the ABC, where she co-created The Heights and oversaw key productions such as Frayed, Harrow, and Diary of an Uber Driver.
Luu will reportedly stay as a creative consultant for Netflix projects for a yet-to-be-specified period.
Pictured: Que Minh Luu
Google unveils new AI development to evolve search for users and businesses
Google has unveiled key developments in its AI-driven innovations that can transform how consumers and businesses use its Search and YouTube offerings to discover, and engage with information and products.
Dan Taylor of the Vice President of Google Ads, told a roundtable that in his 20 years with the tech giant, he has seen and experienced different shifts that have impacted and shaped the industry.
“Each of these shifts has expanded what people can do with Google and has also led to great opportunities for businesses. I think we’re in the middle of one of those shifts right now with AI.”
Dan Taylor of the Vice President of Google Ads
AI-Powered Search
Google is bringing its AI innovation to infrastructure, research and scale to Google Ads, which the tech giant says helps them serve the right ad to the right person at the right time.
Taylor said early adopters of generative AI have reported that content generation is now up to four times faster and copywriting up to five times faster and called it a “real force multiplier for advertising”.
Google also announced that with the help of ImageN3, part of Gemini, advertisers now have the ability to use text prompts to generate images that contain people and faces across Performance Max, DemandGen, Display, and ad campaigns.
“This makes creating content and relevant advertising even easier for our customers.”
Evolving Consumer Behaviour
Taylor noted that consumers’ time spent online has become “predictably unpredictable and multimodal” as they multitask streaming with scrolling while searching and shopping.
“While these behaviours themselves aren’t new, consumers are acting on them in different ways thanks to new technology.”
He noted that traditional media and manual advertising tactics cannot keep up with the speed of consumers and that marketers need to reach consumers “across every possible moment of influence.”
Taylor said that Google is uniquely positioned to help marketers to reach consumers at scale. “We offer the business’s opportunity to connect with consumers across these different surfaces at different stages in their purchasing journey.”
YouTube’s Growing Influence
“Around the world, people are collectively watching more than one billion hours on average of YouTube content on their televisions,” Taylor said.
He noted that the interactivity of the platform and mix of content including short-form video, podcasts, and live streams, alongside sports, comedies, and talk shows.
YouTube Shorts has also proven to be a growing platform, according to Taylor. He said that it than doubled globally on connected televisions with viewers watching over one billion hours of content on their big screen daily.
Taylor added that ads were found to be viewed longer and are better liked, as they are seen as “more personally relevant than ads on other platforms.”
Search Innovations
Search is synonymous with Google and responds to consumer intent and anticipating intent earlier than ever in the consumer journey. The ways of searching has also evolved and the added layer of AI opens up new possibilities.
“We see more than five trillion searches on Google annually. Each day, 15% of the searches that we see on Google are new,” Taylor said.
New search innovations include AI Overviews, powered by Gemini. Taylor noted that people who use AI Overviews search more, are more satisfied with the results and visit a greater diversity of websites.
Google Lens is also helping people with searching and the fastest search type with usage reaching 20 billion visual search queries a month, according to the tech giant.
“The majority of these searches are incremental, and one in every four of these visual search queries done using Google Lens has a commercial intent, meaning they’re interested in a product or service when they’re doing this.”
Circle to Search is also a new feature within Google Lens where you can circle, highlight, or tap what you see without having to switch apps. Taylor noted that for advertisers, Circle to Search provides an opportunity to connect with users instantly when their curiosity is at its peak.
Google on its strong policies and rolling out AI-powered techniques
With all these innovations and developments in play, Mediaweek asked Taylor about what Google is doing to ensure ad personalisation remains both effective and ethical in light of rapid advancements of generative AI.
He said: “We are excited about the opportunity to improve ads personalisation in the generative AI age. Being able to generate creative or to predict intent in a way that helps connect the consumer to a business that satisfies their need more quickly is something we think is going to be a force multiplier for businesses and a key benefit to consumers as well.
“In terms of protecting consumer privacy, Google has the strictest policies on privacy in the industry. We never sell people’s personal information. We don’t show personalised ads based on sensitive information, and we also prohibit ad personalisation for consumers under 18 or on made-for-kids content.
“We have very strong policies that are in place overall on personalisation, and they certainly apply to any of the new AI-powered techniques that we’re rolling out.”
From pocket to prime time: YouTube’s takeover of the lounge room
Five years ago, connected TV (CTV) made up less than 8% of VA Media’s YouTube viewership. Today, it’s 47%, with nearly half of all viewing across the company’s 20+ owned and operated channels.
The privately-owned business has a number of shareholders and 2024 saw them celebrate their most successful year yet in terms of views and revenue.
Former music industry executive Mark Ashbridge is the CEO and Ed St John, the well-known journalist-turned-music exec, is the vice chairman.
For the Australian-born Ashbridge, the shift marks a fundamental change in the way audiences consume video content, and where advertisers need to be looking.
“People are now sitting in the family room and choosing YouTube,” Ashbridge tells Mediaweek. “You’re not on the bus anymore, not on mobile or in transit. You’re in the lounge, watching longer-form content for longer durations.”
It’s a change the numbers back up.
In 2024 alone, YouTube users streamed more than one billion hours of content each day on TV screens globally, according to Kurt Wilms, YouTube’s Senior Director of Product Management for TV. And while sports and kids content remain key genres, a surprising star has emerged in podcasts.
Viewers clocked over 400 million hours of podcast content monthly via CTV, often treating it like a new generation of late-night talk shows.
VA Media CEO Mark Ashbridge
From YouTube managers to media owners
VA Media has quietly become one of the largest Australian players in the YouTube ecosystem, despite being more widely known in the US than at home.
“We started off as a company that helped businesses run their YouTube channels,” says Ashbridge. “Just a few guys in an office, uploading content for companies like Cartoon Network.”
That humble beginning has evolved into a full-scale digital media business. VA Media now operates more than 20 channels, licensing genre content like long-form movies, true crime, and documentaries from global distributors including Banijay and All3Media.
“That transition has meant that more than 75% of our business today comes from owned and operated channels,” Ashbridge explains. “It’s been hugely successful.”
VA’s content is curated for international audiences, not just Australian viewers, with its top-performing markets spanning the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and Europe. And while the company maintains service partnerships, it has firmly positioned itself as a global content network, powered by YouTube.
VA Media’s suite of YouTube channels
A new media model… with Google selling the ads
While most local media companies rely on domestic sales teams and deep brand relationships, VA Media leans into its role as a YouTube enterprise partner. That means Google handles all ad sales across its channels.
“We focus on buying, curating, and building brands. Google sells the ads,” says Ashbridge. “That’s what makes this model scalable and focused.”
It’s a playbook that’s being picked up by major global studios too. ITV, Banijay, Sony and others now have bespoke YouTube strategies, a far cry from five years ago when most traditional media saw the platform as a dumping ground for leftover content.
Shorts, subscriptions and strategy shifts
The broader shift, says Ashbridge, is that YouTube is no longer just a creator platform. It’’s evolving into a streaming destination in its own right, increasingly resembling the major subscription video on demand (SVOD) players.
Audiences can now subscribe to YouTube’s Movies & TV service, buy or rent content directly, or watch premium films for free with ads. Meanwhile, YouTube Shorts, vertical video content that mimics the TikTok format, is exploding in popularity.
“We’re seeing Shorts grow significantly. It’s clearly YouTube’s response to TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook,” Ashbridge says. “But on the other end, it’s also walking towards the streamers, offering subscriptions, buying content, building CTV.”
It’s this dual evolution: mobile and long-form, creator and premium, ad-supported and subscription, that’s positioning YouTube as a major threat to incumbents like Netflix, who are now trialling tiered ad models to keep up.
What this means for advertisers
Ashbridge’s message to advertisers is simple: YouTube is now a TV platform, not just a digital one. Brands that still silo YouTube as a mobile or digital-only buy may be missing out on the most engaged, high-attention audience in the living room.
“There’s real engagement, real data, and real revenue on the platform now,” says Ashbridge. “And you don’t get that level of insight from traditional distribution models.”
With Google’s global sales infrastructure and YouTube’s reach into nearly every connected household, advertisers have an opportunity to target audiences at scale, but with the precision and feedback loops that broadcast TV simply can’t offer.
As YouTube continues to reshape the media landscape from both ends, short-form mobile to long-form CTV, companies like VA Media are proving that it’s not just a platform, but a foundation for building next-generation media businesses.
Telstra reminds moviegoers to put their phones on silent in new campaign via Bear Meets Eagle On Fire and +61
Telstra has created a cinema campaign to remind moviegoers to put their phones on silent, developed by Bear Meets Eagle On Fire and +61.
The series of silent short films – Mirror Mirror, Four-Legged Friend and Magnetic Boy – are directed by FINCH’s Dougal Wilson in his first Australian production and commercial project since 2018.
“So much care and craft has gone into these, I can’t wait to see them before some animated film my kids make me watch,” Brent Smart, CMO of Telstra, said.
Micah Walker, founder and chief creative officer of Bear Meets Eagle On Fire, said: “This is such a simple, fun idea and getting to work with Dougal again has just made that even better. We couldn’t be happier with how they’ve come to life.”
Wilson said: “It was a delight to work with Micah and his team and Telstra on such a fun project.
“I loved these ideas and crafting them with my wonderful production team and crew was a hugely enjoyable experience.”
Credits
Client: Telstra
Chief Marketing Officer: Brent Smart
Head of Brand and Sponsorship: Alita McMenamin
Head of Creative Excellence: Anna Jackson
Senior Brand Manager: Dene Mackenzie
Media & Marketing Operations Lead: Paula Marreiros
Product Management – Senior Specialist: Olivia Cortes
Creative Agency: Bear Meets Eagle On Fire with +61
Production Company: FINCH
Director: Dougal Wilson
Executive Producer: Nick Simkins
Producer: Cath Anderson
Director of Photography: Jeremy Rouse
Production Designer: Neville Stevenson
Costume Stylist: Joanna Mae Park
Casting: Byrne Creative and Mackintosh Casting
Special Effects: MEG SFX
Editorial: ARC
Editor: Elise Butt
Post Production: ALT VFX
VFX Supervisor: Dave Edwards
VFX Senior Producer: Celeste Fairlie
Executive Producer: Tyrone Estephan
Media Agency: OMD Australia
First Look: Succession creator Jesse Armstrong returns to TV with Mountainhead
HBO has unveiled the official teaser for its upcoming original film Mountainhead, written, directed, and executive produced by seven-time Emmy winner and Oscar nominee Jesse Armstrong, the creative force behind Succession.
The movie will premiere Sunday June 1, 2025 exclusively on Max, and marks Armstrong’s highly-anticipated return to TV following the critically-acclaimed finale of Succession.
Mountainhead marks Armstrong’s feature directorial debut and stars Steve Carell as Randall, Jason Schwartzman as Hugo Van Yalk (nicknamed “Souper”), Cory Michael Smith as Venis, and Ramy Youssef as Jeff.
Additional cast members include Hadley Robinson as Hester, Andy Daly as Casper, Ali Kinkade as Berry, Daniel Oreskes as Dr. Phipps, David Thompson as Leo, Amie MacKenzie as Janine, and Ava Kostia as Paula.
Set against the backdrop of a rolling international crisis, the film follows a group of billionaire friends gathering at an alpine retreat.
Tensions escalate as news of global unrest unfolds, with the group confronting the implications of their tech empire’s influence. The first-look hints at a gripping psychological drama layered with Armstrong’s signature wit and tension
Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President of HBO Programming, described Mountainhead as a “bold examination of modern greed, power, and male ambition”.
TV Ratings at Easter 2025: Sport takes the spotlight
Good Friday 18 April
Total People TV Ratings
Nine’s 9News recorded a total TV national reach of 1,949,000, a total TV national audience of 1,218,000 and a BVOD audience of 96,000.
Seven’s Seven News recorded a total TV national reach of 1,857,000, a total TV national audience of 1,123,000 and a BVOD audience of 58,000.
Nine’s Friday Night NRL Live recorded a total TV national reach of 1,309,000, a total TV national audience of 577,000 and a BVOD audience of 73,000.
Seven’s AFL: Friday Afternoon Football recorded a total TV national reach of 1,306,000, a total TV national audience of 438,000 and a BVOD audience of 24,000.
Nine’s A Current Affair recorded a total TV national reach of 1,302,000, a total TV national audience of 798,000 and a BVOD audience of 67,000.
Total People 18 April 2025.
People 25-54
Nine’s 9News:
• Total TV national reach: 578,000
• National Audience: 350,000
• BVOD Audience: 49,000
Seven’s Seven News:
• Total TV national reach: 469,000
• National Audience: 266,000
• BVOD Audience: 28,000
Nine’s Friday Night NRL Live:
• Total TV national reach: 432,000
• National Audience: 206,000
• BVOD Audience: 42,000
Seven’s AFL: Friday Afternoon Football:
• Total TV national reach: 412,000
• National Audience: 155,000
• BVOD Audience: 14,000
Nine’s A Current Affair:
• Total TV national reach: 386,000
• National Audience: 219,000
• BVOD Audience: 35,000
People 25-54 18 April 2025.
People 16-39
Nine’s 9News:
• Total TV national reach: 244,000
• National Audience: 141,000
• BVOD Audience: 25,000
Nine’s Friday Night NRL Live:
• Total TV national reach: 213,000
• National Audience: 105,000
• BVOD Audience: 26,000
Seven’s Seven News:
• Total TV national reach: 186,000
• National Audience: 93,000
• BVOD Audience: 14,000
Nine’s Good Friday NRL Live:
• Total TV national reach: 171,000
• National Audience: 82,000
• BVOD Audience: 22,000
Seven’s AFL: Friday Afternoon Football:
• Total TV national reach: 169,000
• National Audience: 62,000
• BVOD Audience: 9,000
People 16-39 18 April 2025.
Grocery Shoppers 18+ TV Ratings
Nine’s 9News:
• Total TV national reach: 1,514,000
• National Audience: 956,000
• BVOD Audience: 77,000
Seven’s Seven News:
• Total TV national reach: 1,452,000
• National Audience: 885,000
• BVOD Audience: 46,000
Nine’s A Current Affair:
• Total TV national reach: 1,014,000
• National Audience: 628,000
• BVOD Audience: 54,000
Seven’s AFL: Friday Afternoon Football:
• Total TV national reach: 996,000
• National Audience: 332,000
• BVOD Audience: 18,000
Nine’s Friday Night NRL Live:
• Total TV national reach: 991,000
• National Audience: 429,000
• BVOD Audience: 57,000
Grocery Shoppers (18+) 18 April 2025.
Saturday 19 April
Total People TV Ratings
Seven’s Seven News recorded a total TV national reach of 1,550,000, a total TV national audience of 966,000 and a BVOD audience of 46,000.
Nine’s 9News recorded a total TV national reach of 1,511,000, a total TV national audience of 904,000 and a BVOD audience of 62,000.
Seven’s The Americas recorded a total TV national reach of 1,082,000, a total TV national audience of 462,000 and a BVOD audience of 24,000.
Nine’s A Current Affair recorded a total TV national reach of 1,067,000, a total TV national audience of 633,000 and a BVOD audience of 43,000.
Seven’s Twister recorded a total TV national reach of 996,000, a total TV national audience of 222,000 and a BVOD audience of 12,000.
Total People 19 April 2025.
People 25-54
Nine’s 9News:
• Total TV national reach: 399,000
• National Audience: 225,000
• BVOD Audience: 30,000
Seven’s Seven News:
• Total TV national reach: 360,000
• National Audience: 209,000
• BVOD Audience: 22,000
Nine’s Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory:
• Total TV national reach: 292,000
• National Audience: 83,000
• BVOD Audience: 7,000
Seven’s Twister:
• Total TV national reach: 290,000
• National Audience: 76,000
• BVOD Audience: 6,000
Nine’s A Current Affair:
• Total TV national reach: 276,000
• National Audience: 157,000
• BVOD Audience: 21,000
People 25-54 19 April 2025.
People 16-39
Nine’s 9News:
• Total TV national reach: 155,000
• National Audience: 87,000
• BVOD Audience: 14,000
Nine’s Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory:
• Total TV national reach: 127,000
• National Audience: 37,000
• BVOD Audience: 4,000
Seven’s Seven News:
• Total TV national reach: 121,000
• National Audience: 70,000
• BVOD Audience: 10,000
Nine’s A Current Affair:
• Total TV national reach: 114,000
• National Audience: 62,000
• BVOD Audience: 10,000
Seven’s M- Twister:
• Total TV national reach: 100,000
• National Audience: 23,000
• BVOD Audience: 3,000
People 16-39 19 April 2025.
Grocery Shoppers 18+ TV Ratings
Seven’s Seven News:
• Total TV national reach: 1,226,000
• National Audience: 770,000
• BVOD Audience: 37,000
Nine’s 9News:
• Total TV national reach: 1,192,000
• National Audience: 718,000
• BVOD Audience: 50,000
Seven’s The Americas:
• Total TV national reach: 848,000
• National Audience: 364,000
• BVOD Audience: 19,000
Nine’s A Current Affair:
• Total TV national reach: 846,000
• National Audience: 511,000
• BVOD Audience: 35,000
Seven’s M- Twister:
• Total TV national reach: 796,000
• National Audience: 178,000
• BVOD Audience: 9,000
Grocery Shoppers (18+) 19 April 2025.
Easter Sunday 20 April
Total People TV Ratings
Seven’s Seven News recorded a total TV national reach of 1,934,000, a total TV national audience of 1,225,000 and a BVOD audience of 65,000.
Nine’s 9News recorded a total TV national reach of 1,872,000, a total TV national audience of 1,163,000 and a BVOD audience of 90,000.
Nine’s 60 Minutes recorded a total TV national reach of 1,566,000, a total TV national audience of 749,000 and a BVOD audience of 61,000.
Seven’s AFL: Sunday Night Football recorded a total TV national reach of 1,430,000, a total TV national audience of 359,000 and a BVOD audience of 23,000.
Seven’s AFL: Sunday Afternoon Football recorded a total TV national reach of 1,191,000, a total TV national audience of 417,000 and a BVOD audience of 22,000.
Total People 20 April 2025.
People 25-54
Nine’s 9News:
• Total TV national reach: 538,000
• National Audience: 312,000
• BVOD Audience: 45,000
Seven’s Seven News:
• Total TV national reach: 498,000
• National Audience: 283,000
• BVOD Audience: 32,000
Seven’s AFL: Sunday Night Football:
• Total TV national reach: 453,000
• National Audience: 125,000
• BVOD Audience: 13,000
Nine’s 60 Minutes:
• Total TV national reach: 434,000
• National Audience: 214,000
• BVOD Audience: 31,000
Seven’s AFL: Sunday Afternoon Football:
• Total TV national reach: 350,000
• National Audience: 122,000
• BVOD Audience: 12,000
People 25-54 20 April 2025.
People 16-39
Nine’s 9News:
• Total TV national reach: 206,000
• National Audience: 113,000
• BVOD Audience: 22,000
Seven’s Seven News:
• Total TV national reach: 198,000
• National Audience: 106,000
• BVOD Audience: 15,000
Seven’s AFL: Sunday Night Football:
• Total TV national reach: 192,000
• National Audience: 57,000
• BVOD Audience: 8,000
Seven’s AFL: Sunday Afternoon Football:
• Total TV national reach: 150,000
• National Audience: 55,000
• BVOD Audience: 7,000
Nine’s 60 Minutes:
• Total TV national reach: 138,000
• National Audience: 67,000
• BVOD Audience: 15,000
People 16-39 20 April 2025.
Grocery Shoppers 18+ TV Ratings
Seven’s Seven News:
• Total TV national reach: 1,514,000
• National Audience: 973,000
• BVOD Audience: 52,000
Nine’s 9News:
• Total TV national reach: 1,458,000
• National Audience: 912,000
• BVOD Audience: 72,000
Nine’s 60 Minutes:
• Total TV national reach: 1,264,000
• National Audience: 609,000
• BVOD Audience: 49,000
Seven’s AFL: Sunday Night Football:
• Total TV national reach: 1,108,000
• National Audience: 274,000
• BVOD Audience: 17,000
Seven’s AFL: Sunday Afternoon Football:
• Total TV national reach: 903,000
• National Audience: 317,000
• BVOD Audience: 17,000
Grocery Shoppers (18+) 20 April 2025.
Easter Monday 21 April
Total People TV Ratings
Seven’s Seven News recorded a total TV national reach of 2,785,000, a total TV national audience of 1,699,000 and a BVOD audience of 107,000.
Nine’s 9News recorded a total TV national reach of 2,277,000, a total TV national audience of 1,392,000 and a BVOD audience of 114,000.
Nine’s Travel Guides recorded a total TV national reach of 1,830,000, a total TV national audience of 892,000 and a BVOD audience of 76,000.
Seven’s Farmer Wants A Wife recorded a total TV national reach of 1,768,000, a total TV national audience of 941,000 and a BVOD audience of 99,000.
Nine’s A Current Affair recorded a total TV national reach of 1,644,000, a total TV national audience of 931,000 and a BVOD audience of 77,000.
Total People 21 April 2025.
People 25-54
Seven’s Seven News:
• Total TV national reach: 804,000
• National Audience: 461,000
• BVOD Audience: 56,000
Nine’s 9News:
• Total TV national reach: 726,000
• National Audience: 420,000
• BVOD Audience: 58,000
Nine’s Travel Guides:
• Total TV national reach: 682,000
• National Audience: 352,000
• BVOD Audience: 42,000
Seven’s Farmer Wants A Wife:
• Total TV national reach: 559,000
• National Audience: 270,000
• BVOD Audience: 52,000
Nine’s A Current Affair:
• Total TV national reach: 532,000
• National Audience: 287,000
• BVOD Audience: 41,000
People 25-54 21 April 2025.
People 16-39
Seven’s Seven News:
• Total TV national reach: 314,000
• National Audience: 181,000
• BVOD Audience: 29,000
Nine’s 9News:
• Total TV national reach: 293,000
• National Audience: 166,000
• BVOD Audience: 28,000
Nine’s Travel Guides:
• Total TV national reach: 262,000
• National Audience: 121,000
• BVOD Audience: 20,000
Seven’s Home And Away:
• Total TV national reach: 243,000
• National Audience: 154,000
• BVOD Audience: 44,000
Seven’s Farmer Wants A Wife:
• Total TV national reach: 240,000
• National Audience: 120,000
• BVOD Audience: 29,000
People 16-39 21 April 2025.
Grocery Shoppers 18+ TV Ratings
Seven’s Seven News:
• Total TV national reach: 2,152,000
• National Audience: 1,315,000
• BVOD Audience: 85,000
Nine’s 9News:
• Total TV national reach: 1,795,000
• National Audience: 1,104,000
• BVOD Audience: 92,000
Nine’s Travel Guides:
• Total TV national reach: 1,404,000
• National Audience: 692,000
• BVOD Audience: 62,000
Seven’s Farmer Wants A Wife:
• Total TV national reach: 1,387,000
• National Audience: 739,000
• BVOD Audience: 79,000
Nine’s A Current Affair:
• Total TV national reach: 1,277,000
• National Audience: 732,000
• BVOD Audience: 62,000
Grocery Shoppers (18+) 21 April 2025.
Data © OzTAM and Regional TAM 2025. 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.
The Atticism strengthens local operations with Australian managing director
The Atticism has appointed Maven PR Founder Sophie Muir as Managing Director for the hospitality and urban lifestyle PR agency.
Muir will take on the day-to-day operations of The Atticism from the agency’s Sydney office, while Renae Smith, founder and CEO of The Atticism, will continue to lead global strategy and direction from The Atticism’s London base.
While The Atticism and Maven PR will continue to operate as independent entities, the collaboration will allow for shared resources, team expansion and a deepened commitment to delivering world-class PR and brand development across international markets.
“This is a really exciting moment for The Atticism,” Smith said. “Sophie brings over a decade of experience, a strong reputation in the industry, and a shared passion for strategic, results-driven PR. Her on the ground leadership means our clients and team in Australia have consistent, high-level support while we continue to grow globally.”
Renae Smith
Muir will oversee The Atticism’s Australian operations while continuing to lead Maven PR. She brings with her a reputation for executing bold, impactful campaigns and driving client success across lifestyle, hospitality, tech and consumer brands.
Muir said: “I’ve long admired what Renae has built with The Atticism. It’s an honour to step into this role and lead such a respected agency in Australia. I look forward to working closely with Renae and the team as we build on the legacy she’s created and explore new opportunities for collaboration between the two agencies.”
The Atticism is poised for continued innovation, seamless transcontinental operations, and long-term success in both the Australian and international markets for clients like Mr Roses, PlanRadar, Aus Property Professionals, Canterbury Leagues Club and Sports Plus among the brands the new joint team will be managing PR for in Australia, joining Maven’s roster of food and beverage clients including Heineken, Pinnacle Drinks and Spirits Platform among the agency’s portfolio.
Top image: Sophie Muir
‘Vulnerability is a superpower’: dentsu QLD’s Emily Cook on her Next of the Best award
At dentsu QLD, vulnerability isn’t just welcomed – it’s fundamental.
For general manager Emily Cook, leading with openness isn’t a ‘nice-to-have’, it’s a business imperative. As she puts it, creating meaningful culture starts with leaders showing up as their full selves, and giving others permission to do the same.
It’s been 12 months since Cook won the Culture category in Mediaweek’s Next of The Best awards, and with this year’s event just around the corner, we sat down with Cook, to find out how she views herself as a culture leader.
Listen to Emily chat to Mediaweek’s Natasha Lee here:
‘Fluffy engagement metric’
“I was privileged to win the Culture category at Next of the Best last year, and I have to say it was an excellent night. I had an awesome time , it was also just a really nice night to connect across the industry.
“What I loved most was that everyone had the opportunity to be heard, to give a speech, and to thank the people who support them. Because let’s be real, most of us are a product of the people and environment around us.
“If someone has tapped you on the shoulder and said, “You should enter,” that means they see you. So own it. You’ve got a story worth sharing.”
For Cook the culture award was important as she is always quick to challenge the idea that culture is soft or secondary in agency life.
“For me, and I think it can be perceived as this fluffy engagement metric, but for me it powers everything and it’s at the heart of what we do,” she says.
“We talk about connecting and engaging our people first and foremost. What that does is it drives business results for our partners, whether that’s client or media, and then really translates in how we can support and engage the industry as well.”
She sees culture as a “lynchpin” to agency growth, where psychological safety, trust and connection fuel performance and create stronger outcomes for clients and teams alike.
Chris Ernst and Emily Cook
Leading from the front – no filter
Cook believes vulnerability has to start at the top. That’s why she openly shares her own personal story, including her experiences with sobriety, embryo freezing, and mental health support.
“You can’t expect that of your people and then not show up as who you are,” she says. “You want to normalise those conversations… how am I going to really drive authentic conversations with my people if I’m not being me and opening up a pathway for conversation as well?”
She adds that understanding lived experience is key to building trust: “That may mean how I receive feedback, how I lead my team, how I’d like to engage and connect, how I want to have time to myself. All of these things are really important to know in my professional life, and they help shape those individuals I work with too.”
Enter now: You can enter Next of the Best Awards here
Connection creates resilience
Cook sees firsthand the power of teams that truly understand each other – not just professionally, but personally. At dentsu Qld, her 73-person team shows up with empathy, and supports each other through the highs and lows.
“The power of just giving so much to each other, understanding that, knowing what those fears are, what potentially could be something that’s really tough that someone has navigated – being really aware of it is so important,” she says.
“We’ll fight day in, day out to support, connect and alleviate any pressure that sits behind that. I think that allows for the connectedness of the agency.”
Purpose sets the tone
dentsu QLD’s people-first approach isn’t accidental, it’s strategic.
Cook credits managing director Chris Ernst with fostering a purpose-led culture, and says her role is about unlocking that purpose for every individual in the business.
“In my role, my focus is really making sure that we can unlock the power of that and really give purpose to our people, and really help set them up for success in their roles as well,” she says.
When purpose and trust align, real conversations happen – about growth, stretch goals and career development. “If I have this intimacy, connection, psychological safety… I’m having really good conversations, meaningful conversations about how I would like to work in this industry and where I want to go.”
dentsu QLD’s managing director Chris Ernst
Creating space
One of the most powerful aspects of Cook’s leadership philosophy is her commitment to making vulnerability safe. That means creating an environment where people feel they can speak up without fear.
“For me, it’s really being able to create the space that you can put your hand up and say, ‘I’m not okay. I’m navigating this in my life and I just want to let you know that’s where I’m at,’” she says.
“Then it’s about saying, ‘Thank you for letting me know. Let’s see what we can do to support and navigate this together.’”
She adds, “It’s not just about manager and direct report – it’s building a connection and understanding of what that is. No matter how senior or junior you are, we are all people first and foremost, and it’s treating everyone as people and having that empathetic nature to what we do.”
Vulnerability as leadership currency
For Cook, vulnerability isn’t weakness – it’s influence. It’s the ability to create trust, deepen relationships and drive performance by leading with humanity.
It’s also what sets people leaders apart in today’s evolving industry landscape: those who can truly connect, empathise, and create space for others are shaping agency culture – and the future of leadership.
Next of the Best 2025 is now open for entries. You can apply here. You can also buy tickets for the Next of the Best Awards night on Friday 13 June at W Sydney.
Box Office: A Minecraft Movie continues its reign over the long weekend
This weekend, the Australian box office grossed $12,583,798, down -24% from last weekend’s $16,589,344.
1. A Minecraft Movie
For a third consecutive week, A Minecraft Movie has bagged the top spot at the Australian Box Office. The long weekend saw the film earn $5,971,259 across 684 screens, a drop of -43% from last week where the adventure-comedy earned $10,415,354.
Synopsis: A portal pulls four misfits into the Overworld, a land made of cubes shaped by imagination. To return home, they must learn the terrain and complete a quest with a crafter named Steve. The film stars Jason Momoa, Jack Black, Danielle Brooks and Emma Myers and is based on the 2011 video game Minecraft by Mojang Studios.
Total Australian Box Office gross to date: $37,087,713
2. Sinners
Sinners makes its debut at the Australian box office, generating $1,340,786 across 281 screens. The American Southern Gothic supernatural horror film written, co-produced, and directed by Ryan Coogler and stars Michael B. Jordan who previously worked with Coogler in Black Panther and Creed. Also starring in the film is Hailee Steinfeld and Miles Caton.
Synopsis: Michael B. Jordan stars as twin brothers, Smoke and Stack, former soldiers who bootleg. Set in the deep South in 1932, the twins return to the Mississippi Delta with money and Irish beer to open a juke joint bought from a man and enlist their cousin Sammie to help. However, trouble follows when they face a force beyond the natural world.
Total Australian Box Office gross to date: $1,340,786
3. Dog Man
The children’s animated film holds its ranking in third place after three weeks at the box office. The long weekend saw the Dreamworks production make $912, 295 across 335 screens, representing a -18% drop in earnings in comparison to last week.
Synopsis: A police officer and his police dog are injured in the line of duty, a surgery combines them into one being, creating Dog Man. As Dog Man adapts to this new form, he must stop Petey the Cat from creating a clone and committing crimes. Dog Man features the voices of Pete Davidson, Lil Rel Howery, Isla Fisher, and Ricky Gervais.
Total Australian Box Office gross to date: $912,295
4. The Amateur
The Rami Malek made generated $803,350 across 289 screens over the long weekend, a drop of -36% from last weekend’s debut earnings. The vigilante action spy film also stars Rachel Brosnahan, Caitríona Balfe and Laurence Fishburne and is based on the 1981 novel of the same name by Robert Littell.
Synopsis: Charlie Heller, a CIA decoder, faces a turning point when his wife dies in a terrorist attack in London. When his supervisors choose not to act, he uses his skills and begins a mission across the globe to find those behind the attack.
Total Australian Box Office gross to date: $803,350
5. Warfare
Warfare, written and directed by Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland, follows the real life experiences of Mendoza who served as a U.S. Navy SEAL during the Iraq War and centres on his platoon’s experience on November 19, 2006 in the wake of the Battle of Ramadi. The film’s material is exclusively taken from the testimonies of the platoon members, and is presented in real time beginning from the main title to maintain historical accuracy. Warfare features a star studded cast: D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Will Poulter, Cosmo Jarvis, Kit Connor, Michael Gandolfini, Noah Centineo, Joseph Quinn and Charles Melton.
Synopsis: The war film follows a platoon of Navy SEALs stationed in the home of an Iraqi family, observing the movement of US forces through territory held by fighters. The story unfolds in real time, drawn from the memory of those who experienced it.
Total Australian Box Office gross to date: $1,340,786
Top six to ten
6. Drop
7. Disney’s Snow White
8. The King of Kings
9. Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh
10. The Chosen: Last Supper (S5 Part 1)
The Colony Group acquires Orange Digital
The Colony Group has acquired digital agency, Orange Digital.
The acquisition adds 15 highly specialised digital experts to The Group, including a head of technology, Thierry Ruiz and senior digital strategist, Rob Aldecoa, solidifying Colony’s strength in strategy across the group.
The new milestone takes Colony Group to 82 team members, becoming the largest strategic and creative agency group in the South Pacific Region.
Colony Group’s Managing Director, Matt McCarthy said of the acquisition: “This acquisition marks a key milestone in The Colony Group’s growth, with direct access to digital specialists, expands the agency’s capabilities to include performance marketing including website, app, and bespoke builds.”
“This enables us to better optimise growth for our clients through the full customer journey.”
Orange Digital will continue to expand its footprint in the South Pacific region and will become the specialised digital partner alongside Creative Outpost, strengthening its full-service creative capabilities in Australia, offering strategy, creative, media and now an enriched digital offer.
“Digital solutions are an integral part of customers’ daily interactions, and we’re excited to enhance those brand experiences through every touchpoint,” said Jeremy Bews, Agency Director Creative Outpost.
‘It’s an exciting time’
For the past 15 years Orange has been delivering high end digital customer experiences to some of Australia’s favourite brands, including Singer and Super Cheap Auto.
“This is an exciting time for our clients and team members as the acquisition of Orange by Colony unlocks the potential of our business giving us the ability to deliver a broader range of services with some of the best talent in Australia. It’s an exciting time and a ‘win-win’ for all,” said Alan Paul former Orange CEO.
Looking ahead, The Colony Group will continue investing in the Australian market, in its strategic, creative, digital, production, media and social service capabilities, and positioning itself for continued success.
Top image: Matt McCarthy, Rob Aldecoa, Katelyn McCarthy, Carla Steadman, Alan Paul, Jeremy Bews
R/GA appoints Chief Technology Officer for APAC
Guill Rodas has been appointed as R/GA Chief Technology Officer for APAC.
He will work alongside Ben Miles, Chief Design Officer, APAC, to shape brand experiences for the intelligence era. He will also unify the agency’s technology practice across Southeast Asia, North Asia, and Australia, establishing a new model for tech-enabled creative innovation.
With the support of Nick Coronges, R/GA’s Global Chief Technology Officer, Guill will lead the development of an AI-native technology offering across the region.
Guill has helped organisations scale bespoke projects into reusable IP and frameworks, a critical capability as R/GA expands its AI-driven solutions.
He has over 15 years of experience in technology leadership, blending creativity with engineering. He began his career as a graphic designer and illustrator before moving into front-end development and later leading technology teams across multiple digital domains.
Most recently, Guill was Director and National Head of Front-End Engineering at Deloitte Digital, delivering digital solutions for major clients like Mecca, Toyota, and NAB. He has also held leadership roles at VERSA and Isobar, specialising in digital transformation, AI implementation, and emerging technology integration. His expertise spans web application development, MACH architecture, AI-first engineering, and conversational AI.
“R/GA has always been at the forefront of combining creativity and technology to drive impact,” said Guill of his appointment.
“I’m excited to carry that forward, creating a more connected, future-ready technology practice that empowers our teams and clients across the region.”
Coronges added: “In our new independent model, R/GA is supercharging our technology capabilities to support client growth and accelerate our offerings. Guill will be a crucial leader as we chart this course in APAC and across the R/GA network.”
Top image: Guill Rodas
Election 2025
Political parties ramp up data-driven ad tactics as privacy loopholes widen
As Cam Wilson writes in Crikey, due to loopholes in the Privacy Act, political parties can collect and use personal information with almost no restrictions, and they’re using it to fuel hyper-targeted digital ad campaigns.
From commercial data sets and petition signatures to email interactions and doorknock notes, every voter touchpoint becomes a potential signal for segmentation.
Creators, not campaigns, are winning the youth vote online
Independent voices like Punters Politics, which boasts 400,000 Instagram followers, are proving that young Aussies are tuned in, just not through the usual channels.
While traditional media still plays a role, platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram are now fertile ground for issues-based content that cuts through with authenticity and reach.
Streaming
Netflix content boss Que Minh Luu exits role
But as David Knox writes in TV Tonight, she isn’t cutting ties completely.
Luu will continue working with the streamer as a creative consultant, helping shape its local storytelling output from behind the scenes.
Meghan Markle’s shelved Netflix project draws copyright heat
According to Eric Todisco on news.com.au, while the show never made it to screen, Elliott has alleged Pearl bore strong similarities to her own Pearl Power books.
The incident is just the latest in a number of copyright snags Markle has recently hit.
Legal
Nick McKenzie to take stand in Ben Robert-Smith’s retrial bid
At the heart of the matter is a secret recording and allegations of unethical behaviour that could shift the narrative around one of Australia’s most scrutinised defamation battles.
According to Stephen Rice in The Australian, Roberts-Smith’s legal team has also subpoenaed the ABC, seeking any communication between McKenzie and Media Watch following the program’s defence of the journalist in March.
Tech
US case against Google could redraw the digital ad map
As David McCabe reports in The Sydney Morning Herald, the government is pushing for remedies including the sale of Chrome, which it claims unfairly funnels users into Google’s search and ad ecosystem.
If the court orders structural changes, it could dramatically shift how search traffic, and by extension, ad dollars, are distributed across the internet.
Companies
Aussie Broadband takes price-first swing at mobile giants
Traditionally known for internet plans, the challenger telco is betting that cost-conscious consumers will make the switch if the value stacks up.
The pitch, writes Jenny Wiggins in The Australian Financial Review, includes stripped-back, price-led plans with a challenger brand edge.
Retail
Baby Bunting revamps retail game to drive conversion
As the nursery chain looks to reverse declining profits, Carrie LaFrenz reports in The Australian Financial Review that it’s rolling out revamped layouts to cut shopper indecision on big-ticket purchases like prams and car seats.
CEO Mark Teperson, who joined from Afterpay in 2023, says the stores aren’t going anywhere, but they need to evolve.
Brownes Dairy hits the market as $200m loan triggers sale
Restructuring firm McGrathNicol has been appointed to oversee the process, with significant interest expected in the $300 million-a-year operation.
As Simon Evans writes in The Australian Financial Review, its distribution footprint and established retail relationships make it a compelling acquisition for players eyeing deeper Australian market access.
Brands
ABC calls out ad spend claims
The national broadcaster clarified it has no financial arrangement with the outdoor advertising giant for news content distribution.
While marketing plays a role in boosting reach for major programs, the ABC says its promotional spend remains modest, representing just 2.5% of overall media company advertising budgets.
Virgin Australia tops punctuality charts despite March weather chaos
According to Robyn Ironside in The Daily Telegraph, the news comes just as owner Bain Capital eyes a public float.
Cyclone Alfred disrupted key east coast routes, forcing widespread cancellations across major carriers.
Social media
Masculinity content is reshaping young Aussie men
As Gemma Breen and Rhiannon Hobbins write for ABC News, according to fresh research from the Movember Institute of Men’s Health, 68% of Australian males aged 16–25 are tuning into masculinity creators.
Rather than vilifying the space, Movember’s Dr Zac Seidler says the opportunity lies in understanding it.
Film
Oscar voting rules tighten as Academy mandates full viewing
As Jake Coyle writes in The Age, the move addresses long-standing criticism that some Oscar voters have skipped key contenders, a flaw that could skew results and credibility in Hollywood’s biggest night.
Also on the agenda: regulation updates that acknowledge the evolving global film landscape.
‘Conclave’ finds new relevance as Vatican transition becomes global viewing event
As Adrian Horton writes in The Guardian, released last year, Edward Berger’s drama offered a stylised but surprisingly accurate peek behind the curtain of the centuries-old ritual, capturing both its mystique and internal manoeuvring.
Vale
Melbourne food journalist Bob Hart, 81, remembered for championing local cuisine
As a journalist and food writer, Hart spent nearly three decades spotlighting local restaurants and producers, carving out a niche with his passion for barb
According to Karen Grace Prince, Ian Royall and Jackie Epstein in The Herald Sun, Hart’s legacy includes a popular daily column for the Herald Sun, where his insightful commentary on the city’s food scene made waves in the 1990s and 2000s.