VOZ will become Australia’s trading currency on Sunday 29 December 2024, following its introduction in January. TV network annual rate negotiations for CY25, which start in Q4 this year, will be based on VOZ Total TV data.

OzTAM CEO, Karen Halligan, described the milestone as “a gamechanger for the television industry.”

“It’s an extraordinary achievement that VOZ has been conceived, developed and built in Australia, delivering the clearest picture of viewing on all screen types ever,” Halligan added.

“VOZ as official currency also sets a great platform for the launch of our VOZ Streaming solution for enhanced, multi-network programmatic BVOD trading next year. OzTAM not only continues to move the industry forward, but we also now have the world’s best Total TV audience measurement system.”

The move follows industry consultation and collaboration across TV networks, Regional TAM, the Media Federation of Australia (MFA), Independent Media Agencies of Australia (IMAA), the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA), Nielsen, and third-party software suppliers.

Produced and delivered by Nielsen, VOZ delivers de-duplicated audience estimates across all linear TV and BVOD to produce a national picture of viewing, and introduces a currency for BVOD viewing – including co-viewing on connected TVs – for the first time. 

AANA CEO, Josh Faulks, said: “In a tough economic climate, it is no surprise advertisers are looking for more accurate audience measurement to ensure their marketing investment is delivering results. Congratulations to OzTAM on their herculean effort in bringing the industry together to achieve a step change in audience measurement for TV through VOZ.”

OzTAM is currently in exploratory discussions with data partners to further enhance VOZ audience measurement. The industry body will now conduct an industry education and training program to ensure a smooth transition to VOZ as trading currency.

MFA CEO, Sophie Madden, said VOZ “represents a quantum shift in total TV audience data capability and is a remarkable achievement.”

“Overcoming the complexity and technical challenges to bring this to market has been no small feat, made possible through the substantial investment by broadcasters, third party software suppliers, and MFA members collaborating on an industry solution for all clients.

“Industry education and training is the next crucial step to ensure a successful rollout and we will continue to partner with OzTAM until this goal is met.”

IMAA CEO, Sam Buchanan, added: “On behalf of the IMAA and our members, we welcome the launch of VOZ as currency in the market and the advancements that VOZ will provide, including the growth in BVOD viewing. We would like to congratulate OzTAM on its collaborative industry approach in bringing VOZ to fruition.”

–

Top image: Alicia Olson-Keating (Nielsen), Sam Buchanan (IMAA), Donna Lennox (Regional TAM), Karen Halligan (OzTAM), and Sophie Madden (MFA)

Prime Video, the NBA, and the WNBA have entered an 11-year media rights agreement, beginning with the 2025-26 NBA season. 

In the deal, Prime Video will present exclusive global coverage of 66 regular-season NBA games, including an opening week doubleheader, a new Black Friday NBA game, and all games from the Knockout Rounds of the Emirates NBA Cup, including the in-season tournament’s Semifinals and Finals.

The agreement also gives Prime Video exclusive WNBA postseason games for the first time, including one first-round series each year, plus seven semifinal series and three WNBA Finals over the course of the 11-year deal. 

Prime Video acquires the rights to exclusive coverage of every game of the postseason SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament, first and second-round playoff games, and Conference Finals in six of the 11 years of the deal. 

Prime Video Channels will also be the strategic partner and third-party global channels store destination for NBA League Pass, the NBA’s subscription service for streaming live and on-demand games, in the U.S. and internationally. 

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the digital opportunities with Amazon “align perfectly with the global interest in the NBA.”

“Prime Video’s massive subscriber base will dramatically expand our ability to reach our fans in new and innovative ways,” he said.

While Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, said: “NBA and WNBA basketball will serve as yet another cornerstone of the robust sports business our Prime Video team has built in just the last six years.

“When combined with our original films and shows; partner streaming services; licensed content; and rent or buy titles – our sports offering is a major driver of Prime Video’s evolution into a genuine one-stop shop for everything our customers want in video.”

Prime Video will present live NBA pregame, postgame, and halftime shows as part of its coverage.

The international live game package rights extend worldwide, with the exception of Greater China, Poland, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands, with rights in Canada beginning in the 2026-27 NBA season.

The deal marks another sports broadcast rights acquisition for the streamer, following acquiring rights for the 2024 MLC season earlier this month, as well as being the exclusive home to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in June. 

Speaking to Mediawek in May, head of Prime Video Australia and New Zealand Hushidar Kharas spoke about its outlook on securing audiences for the tournament, amidst free-to-air network lobbying earlier this year to keep sports free. 

“I don’t think we’re dragging anyone away,” he said.

“I think it’s a rich media landscape, it’s dynamic, and people can watch things in different places at different times.

“Our worldview or mindset is never that we want to be the only service, we want to be part of a bouquet of services that customers use, and we want to provide value back to them.”

In early July, the Prominence and Anti-Siphoning bill was passed without amendment by the Senate, meaning subscription streamers, such as Prime Video, Netflix, and Foxtel’s Kayo could now outbid free-to-air networks for digital streaming rights for Australian sporting events.

This means that while streaming services, as well as subscription TV, cannot buy the free broadcast (aerial delivered) rights until a free-to-air broadcaster, such as Nine, Seven, or 10, has acquired them, they are not stopped from bidding on the streaming rights that free-to-air broadcasters currently have on their respective BVOD services (9Now, 7Plus, 10 Play or SBS On Demand).

See also: Streamers can now outbid free-to-air networks for digital sports streaming rights

The stars who will be battling it out for a win at the 35th Australian Commercial Radio & Audio (ACRA) Awards have been revealed.

The 2024 ACRA Awards are organised by Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) and will be held at The Star in Sydney on Saturday 12 October.

ACRA Awards 2024 by the numbers:
• 1,150 entries
• 361 finalists
• 71 awards
• 4 hours of ACRA winners’ names being read out

One of the most prominent ACRA nominees is ARN’s The Kyle and Jackie O Show with appearances in at least seven different categories. Jackie Henderson is also nominated for Individual Radio Talent of the Year.

Other ACRA-nominated names that pop up often include ARN’s Christian O’Connell, and Nine Radio’s Ben Fordham, Chris O’Keefe, and Ray Hadley.

Regular ACRA winner Neil Mitchell is nominated for his last year as a Nine Radio host. His podcast Neil Mitchell Asks Why? is also nominated.

Former KIIS FM Melbourne breakfast hosts Jase and Lauren were at last year’s ACRA awards with ARN. They have been nominated for their new radio home and will have to remember this year to sit on the Nova tables.

At one stage, it looked like all the Triple M ACRA nominees might be sitting at the ARN tables this year, but they have managed to keep their home as part of SCA.

ACRA Stations of the Year see one station from each metro market selected as a nominee – 2GB, B105, Gold 104.3, and Triple M Adelaide. There is no representation from Perth though.

Snubbed or they didn’t enter

There seems to be no ACRA finalists for at least two of the biggest breakfast shows in their respective markets – Melbourne’s 3AW with Ross and Russ, and Adelaide’s Fiveaa with David and Will.

There are not many finalists for the SEN network, but it does score mentions for former winner Gerrard Whateley and its coverage of the 2023 AFL Grand Final.

Nova had a lock on the metro ACRA Sales Team of the Year – Adelaide or Perth.

The ACRA Marketing Team of the Year is a three-way FM race between ARN, Nova and SCA.

Tickets for the ACRA Awards will go on sale in early September via the 2024 ACRA Awards page at www.acras.com.au.

Jonesy and Amanda with their 2023 ACRA trophy. Top: Jackie O and her KIIS team were also winners in 2023

See also:
2023 ACRA Awards: Jonesy & Amanda win big while Kyle Sandilands Talent of the Year

Complete list of ACRA finalists:

Category Finalists are denoted with the following letters:
Country = C | Provincial = P | Non-Metropolitan = NM | Metropolitan = M

Entertainment and talent ACRA finalists

Best on air team (Metro, Provincial, Country)

Carrie & Tommy; Carrie Bickmore, Tommy Little, 3FOX, Melbourne, VIC, SCA, M
Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie; Ryan Fitzgerald, Michael Wipfli, Kate Ritchie, Nova 96.9 Sydney, NSW, NOVA Entertainment M
Jase & Lauren, Jason Hawkins Lauren Phillips, Clint Stanaway, Nova 100, Melbourne, VIC, NOVA Entertainment M
Jonesy & Amanda; Brendan Jones, Amanda Keller, WSFM, Sydney, NSW, ARN, M
The Christian O’Connell Show; Christian O’Connell, Jack Post, Patrina Jones, Gold 104.3, Melbourne, VIC, ARN M
The Kyle & Jackie O Show; Kyle Sandilands, Jackie Henderson, KIIS 1065, Sydney, NSW, ARN M
Dan & Christie; Dan Taylor, Christie Hayes, HIT 100.9, Hobart, TAS, SCA P
Galey & Emily Jade; Paul Gale, Emily Jade O’Keeffe, 1029 Hot Tomato, Gold Coast, QLD, ARN P
Flan, Ali & Spida; Sean Flanagan, Ali Plath, Spida Everitt, 92.5 Triple M Gold, Gold Coast, QLD, SCA P
Moyra & Big Trev; Moyra Major, Trevor Butler, 1029 Hot Tomato, Gold Coast, NSW, ARN P
Tanya & Steve; Tanya Wilks, Steve Grahame, 102.9 Triple M Newcastle / Tanya & Steve, Newcastle, NSW, SCA P
Adam & Issy; Adam Davison, Isabella Roldán, Chilli FM, Launceston, TAS, ARN C
Brad & Hutzy; Patrick Hutley, Brad Blissett, Power Fm Bega, Bega, NSW, ARN C
Brooke & Bob; Brooke Humble, Bob Lawry, Magic 93.1, Berri, SA, ARN C
Mixx Brekky with Jimmy & Lippi; James Thwaites, Matt Lipiarski, Mixx FM Colac, VIC, ACE Radio Broadcasters C
Nick & Josh for Breakfast; Josh Arthur, Nicholas Feain, Triple M Goulburn Valley, Shepparton, VIC, SCA C

SCA’s Carrie & Tommy

Individual talent of the year (Metro, Provincial, Country)

Ben Fordham, 2GB, Sydney, NSW, Nine Radio M
Christian O’Connell; Gold 104.3, Melbourne, VIC, ARN M
Fifi Box; 3FOX, Melbourne, VIC, SCA M
Jackie Henderson; KIIS 1065, Sydney, NSW, ARN M
Kate Ritchie; Nova 96.9, Sydney, NSW, NOVA Entertainment M
“Ugly” Phil O’Neil; WSFM, Sydney, NSW, ARN M
Ray Hadley: 2GB, Sydney, NSW, Nine Radio M
Ricki-Lee Coulter; Nova Network, Sydney, NSW, NOVA Entertainment M
Ellie Angel-Mobbs; Hit 104.7, Canberra, ACT, ARN/SCA P
Jess Farchione; HIT106.9 (HIT NSW), Newcastle, NSW, SCA P
Katie Woolf; Mix 104.9, Darwin, NT, ARN P
Matt Baseley, Star 104,5, Central Coast, NSW, NOVA Entertainment P
Marty Haynes, i98FM, Wollongong, NSW, WIN Network P
Nigel Johnson, Mix 106.3, Canberra, ACT, ARN/SCA P
Courtney McIntyre, Mixx FM Hamilton, VIC, ACE Radio Broadcasters C
Lachi Rooke, Coast FM, Warrnambool, VIC, ACE Radio Broadcasters C
Michael Moffett; Triple M Coffs Coast, Coffs Harbour, NSW, SCA C
Simon Gale; SNOW FM, Snowy Mountains, NSW, Capital Radio Network C

Young Ben Fordham at the ACRA Awards back in 2017

Best program/content director (Metro & Non Metro)

Jack Ball; B105, Brisbane, QLD, SCA M
Luke Davis; 2GB, Sydney, NSW, Nine Radio M Mike Byrne; 101.7 WSFM, Sydney, NSW, ARN M
Sue Carter; Gold104.3, Melbourne, VIC, ARN M Tony Aldridge; KIIS1065, Sydney, NSW, ARN M
Ben Erbsland; 91.9 SEA FM & 92.7 MIX FM; Sunshine Coast, QLD, Great Southern Land Media
NM Brendon ‘Whippy’ Dangar; 1029 Hot Tomato, Gold Coast, QLD, ARN NM
Drew Chapman; River 94.9, Ipswich, QLD, ARN NM
Jaben Ryan; i98FM, Wollongong, NSW, WIN Network NM
Shayne Sinclair; Star 104.5, Central Coast, NSW, NOVA Entertainment NM

2GB Continuous Call team in Las Vegas – 2GB content director Luke Davis (left) with Mark Riddell, Mark Levy, Darryl Brohman and Josh Morris

Best networked show

Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie; Nova 96.9 Sydney, NSW, NOVA Entertainment M
Jess & Ducko; Hit106.9 Newcastle (HIT NSW), Newcastle, NSW, SCA P
The Jimmy & Nath Show; The Hit Network, Sydney, NSW, SCA M
The Kyle & Jackie O Hour of Power; KIIS Network, Sydney, NSW, ARN M
Ricki-Lee, Tim & Joel; Nova Network, Sydney, NSW, NOVA Entertainment M
The Christian O’Connell Show; Gold 104.3, Melbourne, VIC, ARN M

Nova Sydney trio: Fitzy, Wippa and Kate

Best music host (Metro, Provincial, Country)

Brad Wood; B105 Brisbane, Brisbane, QLD, SCA, M
Craig “Huggy” Huggins; GOLD104.3, Melbourne, VIC, ARN M
Dave Williams; Triple M Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, SCA M
Tim Lee; 101.9 The Fox, Melbourne, VIC, SCA M
“Ugly” Phil O’Neil; WSFM, Sydney, NSW, ARN M
Cam Hilder; i98FM, Wollongong, NSW, WIN Network P
David ‘Christo’ Christopher; 1029 Hot Tomato, Gold Coast, QLD, ARN P
Guy Mylecharane; Triple M Regional Network, Albury, NSW, SCA P
Meg Alexander; Star 104.5, Central Coast, NSW, NOVA Entertainment P
Sarah Farley-Adams; 102.9 Triple M Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, SCA P
Courtney McIntyre; Mixx FM Hamilton, VIC, ACE Radio Broadcasters C
Matt Hobbs; 3NE Wangaratta, VIC, ACE Radio Broadcasters C
Midge McCallum; Midge McCallum,96.1 SAFM Limestone Coast, Mount Gambier, SA, SCA C
Sarah Grigg; Mixx FM Swan Hill, VIC, ACE Radio Broadcasters C
Tyson Witham; Edge FM Wangaratta, VIC, ACE Radio Broadcasters C

Craig Huggins on air at Gold 104.3

Best new talent on air – radio (Metro, Provincial, Country)

Andrew ‘Hayesy’ Hayes; Nova 919, Adelaide, SA, NOVA Entertainment M
Chris O’Keefe; 2GB, Sydney, NSW, Nine Radio M
Jacqui Felgate; 3AW, Melbourne, VIC, Nine Radio M
Mary Argall; Gold 104.3, Richmond, VIC, ARN M
Damian Martin; SEN Spirit’s 621AM, Bunbury, WA, Sports Entertainment Network P
Jacob Brown; hit101.9 Fraser Coast, Fraser Coast, QLD, SCA P
Karen “Kaz” McMullen; 107.3 Triple M, Hobart, TAS, SCA P
Thomas Watkin; Power100, Townsville, QLD, ARN P
Tubes Taylor; Hobart, TAS, SCA P
Connor Mallis; Goldfields Hit 97.9, Bunbury, WA, SCA C
Jodi Howard; Triple M Dubbo, NSW, SCA C
Krystal Roker; 98.1 Power FM, Muswellbrook, NSW, ARN C
Nicholas Groer; Chilli North East, Launceston, TAS, ARN C
Ryan Hickey; Mixx FM Colac, VIC, ACE Radio Broadcasters C
Tabatha Goodier; Magic 93.1, Berri, SA, ARN C

Jodie and Hayesy at Nova Adelaide

Best new talent off air – audio (Metro & Non Metro)

Ella Kanna; KIIS 1065, Sydney, NSW, ARN M
Louisa Senteleky; KIIS 1065, Sydney, NSW, ARN M
Rachel Kemp; NOVA Entertainment, Pyrmont, NSW, NOVA Entertainment M
Sienna Williams; 2GB, Sydney, NSW, Nine Radio M
Amy Lawrie; Ipswich, QLD, ARN NM
Jacob Creech; Hit 104.7 / Mix 106.3, Canberra, ACT, ARN/SCA NM
Jana Grose; 1029 Hot Tomato, Gold Coast, QLD, ARN NM
Keeley Gay; Hit 104.7 / Mix 106.3, Canberra, ACT, ARN/SCA NM
Leesa Singleton; HIT and Triple M Darling Downs; Toowoomba, QLD, SCA NM
Tanner Clark; Hit 104.7 / Mix 106.3, Canberra, ACT, ARN/SCA NM

Station of the year (Metro & Non-Metro)

2GB; Sydney, NSW, Nine Radio M
B105; Brisbane, QLD, SCA M
Gold104.3; Gold104.3, Melbourne, VIC, ARN M KIIS 1065; KIIS 1065, NSW, ARN M
Triple M Adelaide; Adelaide, SA, SCA M
1029 Hot Tomato; Gold Coast, QLD, ARN NM
102.9 Triple M Newcastle; NSW, SCA NM
Townsville’s 102.3 Triple M; QLD, SCA NM
amplifyCBR; Mix 106.3, Canberra, ACT, ARN/SCA NM

Inside 2GB’s Paris 2024 studio

Best comedy segment (Metro & Non Metro)

Aussie We Didn’t Start The Fire; Ben Harvey, Liam Stapleton, Belle Jackson, Nova 100, Melbourne, VIC, NOVA Entertainment M
Radio Producer’s Worst Nightmare; Brendan Jones, Amanda Keller, Megan Smith, Jenna Benson, WSFM, Sydney, NSW, ARN M
The Return Of…..; The Kyle and Jackie O Show, Mark del Villar, KIIS 106.5, Sydney, NSW, ARN M
The Roast of Tommy Little; Carrie Bickmore, Tommy Little, Pippa Burgess-Nelson, Elijah Pangalos, Josh O’Loughlin, 3FOX, Melbourne, VIC, SCA M
What Do All Men Like?; Marty Sheargold, Triple M 105.1, Melbourne, VIC, SCA M
Hans The Aldi Mole; Sam Archie Arenson, Henry Bretz, Power100, Townsville, QLD, ARN NM
Lyndal & Crammy’s Everyday Documentary; Lyndal Rogers, Ryan Cram, Michael Caruana, Wollongong, NSW, ARN NM
Netflix Law Enforcement Officers; Sam Archie Arenson, Henry Bretz, Power100, Townsville, QLD, ARN NM
So Stale! Songs To Play To Let Them Know It’s Over; Matt Baseley, Star 104.5, Central Coast, NSW, NOVA Entertainment, NM
The Swear Jar; Adam Davison, Isabella Roldán, Chilli FM, Launceston, TAS, ARN NM
Thomas Foods Sexy Ad; Craig Pitman, Murray Bridge, SA, ARN NM

Nova 100’s Ben, Liam & Belle

Sales and marketing ACRA finalists

Sales team of the year

Adelaide Direct Sales Team; NOVA Entertainment, Pyrmont, NSW, NOVA Entertainment
Perth Commercial Team; NOVA Entertainment, WA, NOVA Entertainment
Bundaberg Broadcasters; Bundaberg, QLD, ARN
949 Sales Team; Ipswich, QLD, ARN
SCA Orange; Orange, NSW, SCA

Salesperson of the year (Metro & Non Metro)

Isabela Lorimer; Sydney, NSW, ARN M
James Fisk; 2Day FM, Sydney, NSW, SCA M
Matthew Leadbeater; Brisbane, QLD, ARN M
Michael Fitzgerald; NSW, NOVA Entertainment M
Pat Carpenter; NSW, NOVA Entertainment M
Amy Lawrie; River 949, QLD, ARN NM
Kira Colledge, River 949, Ipswich, QLD, ARN NM
Leigh Irwin; Hot Tomato, NSW, ARN NM
Mia Garthon; 91.9 SEA FM & 92.7 MIX FM, QLD, Great Southern Land Media NM
Tammy Bagrie; Hit 104.7 / Mix 106.3, Canberra, ACT, ARN/SCA NM

Most creative sales solution

Archibold by Aland; Lauren Montgomery, Alice Worthy, Star 104.5, Central Coast, NSW, NOVA Entertainment
Cabot’s Sizzling Deck; Gabriella Karipidis, Sophie Hudson, Aaron Joseph, VIC, SCA
Hit 104.7 Skyfire Gin; Hit 104.7 Team; Hit 104.7, Canberra, ACT, ARN/SCA
Lyndal & Crammy’s Ride On Race; Drive with Lyndal & Crammy, 96.5 Wave FM, Wollongong, NSW, ARN
Menulog; CREATE, NOVA Entertainment, Pyrmont, NSW, NOVA Entertainment
The Nissan 1% Sale; James Thwaites, Matt Lipiarski, 3CS and Mixx FM, Colac, VIC, ACE Radio Broadcasters
Show Us Your Colours; The Christian O’Connell Show, Gold 104.3, Melbourne, VIC, ARN
Will & Woody’s Can You Hear It? Live!; Will McMahon, Woody Whitelaw, Promotions, Sydney Agency Sales, Campaign Design & Delivery, KIIS Network, Melbourne, VIC, ARN
Zooper Dooper Mission Space Freeze; Cam Busby, Sophie Hudson, Aaron Joseph, Melbourne, VIC, SCA

Promotions director of the year (Metro & Non-Metro)

Annette George; 101.7 WSFM, Sydney, NSW, ARN M
Josh O’Loughlin; Hit Network, Melbourne, VIC, SCA M
Kerry Gregory; Will & Woody, KIIS Network, Melbourne, VIC, ARN M
Krystal Sanders; KIIS 1065, Sydney, NSW, ARN M
Tarlia Hill; Mix102.3, Adelaide, SA, ARN M
Amelia Cutmore; HIT and TRIPLE M Darling Downs, Toowoomba, QLD, SCA NM
Ben Lemberg; River 949, Ipswich, QLD, ARN NM
Brittany Gray; i98FM, Wollongong, NSW, WIN Network NM
Lauren Montgomery; Star 104.5, Central Coast, NSW, NOVA Entertainment NM Zak Davies; Hit 104.7 / Mix 106.3, Canberra, ACT, ARN/SCA NM

Most creative station promotion (Metro & Non Metro)

92.9 Triple M’s Drive Thru Santa; 92.9 Triple M Content Team, Perth, WA, SCA M
Cash Cock; The Kyle & Jackie O Show, KIIS 1065, Sydney, NSW, ARN M
Fifi, Fev & Nick’s Car Lotto; Fifi, Fev & Nick, 101.9 Fox, Melbourne, VIC, SCA M
Fifi, Fev & Nick’s – Boxy’s Big Night – Viva Box Vegas; Fifi, Fev & Nick, 101.9 Fox, Melbourne, VIC, SCA M
Golden Holden; The Christian O’Connell Show, Gold 104.3, Melbourne, VIC, ARN M
Jimmy & Nath’s Left Lieutenants; Jimmy & Nath, The Hit Network, Sydney, NSW, SCA M
Will & Woody Trapped; Will & Woody, Melbourne, VIC, ARN M
1029 Hot Tomato’s $60k No Say Wedding!; 1029 Hot Tomato, Gold Coast, QLD,ARN NM
7hofm’s School Of The Year; 7hofm Content And Promotions Teams, 101.7 7HOFM, Hobart, TAS, ARN NM
Allan & Carly’s Exmouth Eclipse Trip; Allan & Carly, Hit WA, SCA NM
Hostage Hungry Jacks Sign; Power100, Townsville, QLD, ARN NM
Lyndal & Crammy’s Origin or Bust; Lyndal & Crammy, 96.5 Wave FM, Wollongong, NSW, ARN NM
Lyndal & Crammy present Taylor Thrift; Lyndal & Crammy, 96.5 Wave FM, Wollongong, NSW, ARN NM

Fox FM’s Fifi, Fev and Nick

Marketing team of the year

ARN Marketing Team; ARN Marketing Team, Sydney, NSW, ARN
NOVA Marketing: NOVA Entertainment, National, NSW, NOVA Entertainment
SCA Marketing; SCA Marketing, Melbourne, VIC, SCA

Best marketing campaign

i98’s The Sounds That Shape Us; i98FM, Wollongong, NSW, WIN Network
Smooth FM – Together in Music; Smooth FM, NOVA Marketing, NSW, NOVA Entertainment
Triple M Sydney Mick & MG in the Morning; SCA Marketing Team, Sydney, NSW, SCA
10 Years of Kyle & Jackie O; KIIS1065, Sydney, NSW, ARN

Podcasts and digital ACRA finalists

Podcast host/s of the year

Amanda Keller; Double A Chattery, Sydney, NSW, ARN
Amelia Oberhardt; Secrets We Keep: Shame, Lies and Family, Brisbane, QLD, SCA
Ant Middleton; Head Game, Nova Podcasts, Sydney, NSW, NOVA Entertainment
Brittany Hockley & Laura Byrne; Life Uncut, ARN / iHeart, Sydney, NSW, ARN
Christian McEwan; The Dragons Den i98FM, NSW, WIN Network
Hamish Blake & Andy Lee; The Hamish & Andy Podcast; LiSTNR, Melbourne, VIC, SCA

LiSTNR’s Hamish and Andy

Best podcast by a radio show

Elly & Taz; Sunshine Coast, QLD, Great Southern Land Media
The Kyle & Jackie O Show, KIIS 1065, Sydney, NSW, ARN
Neil Mitchell Asks Why?; 9Podcasts, Melbourne, VIC, Nine Radio
The Reporter: True Stories; 6PR Mornings, 6PR, Perth, WA, Nine Radio
Triple M’s Marty Sheargold Show; Triple M 105.1, Melbourne, VIC, SCA

3AW’s former morning host Neil Mitchell

Podcast of the year

Crime Insiders; Jennifer Goggin, Holly Mitchell, Ed Gooden, Linc Kelly, LiSTNR, NSW, SCA
The Hamish & Andy Podcast; Hamish Blake, Andy Lee, LiSTNR, VIC, SCA
Hannah’s Story; 9Podcasts, Queensland, VIC, Nine Radio
It’s A Lot Podcast with Abbie Chatfield; Abbie Chatfield, Lem Zakharia, Oscar Gordon, Amy Code, Julia Toomey, LiSTNR, NSW, SCA
Secrets We Keep: Shame, Lies and Family; Amelia Oberhardt, Ellen Leabeater, Jake Morcom, Nial Fernandes, LiSTNR, QLD, SCA

Abbie Chatfield

Best new talent – podcast

Brittney Saunders, Nova Podcasts, Sydney, NSW, NOVA Entertainment
Eliza and Liberty Paschke, 9Podcasts, Melbourne, VIC, Nine Radio
Joey Watson; LiSTNR, Sydney, NSW, SCA
Tony Armstrong, iHeart, Melbourne, VIC, ARN

Most innovative DAB format

amplifyCBR | Club Lime Radio; Canberra, ACT, ARN/SCA
iHeartTrivia; iHeartRadio Team, National, NSW, ARN
NIGE!; amplifyCBR Team, Canberra, NSW, ARN/SCA
TikTok Trending; iHeartRadio Team, National, NSW, ARN
Triple M Country; SCA DAB+ Team, Triple M Country, Sydney, NSW, SCA

Production ACRA finalists

Best radio show producer (Metro & Non-Metro)

Ashleigh Smith; B105, Brisbane, QLD, SCA M
Cornelius Mendez; 4MMM / 104.5 Triple M, Brisbane, QLD, SCA M
Georgie Nichols; Nova Network, Sydney, NSW, NOVA Entertainment M
Lauren Saylor; Smooth Network, Melbourne, VIC, NOVA Entertainment M
Liam McGuire; 2GB, Sydney, NSW, Nine Radio, M
Haylee Potts; Mix 106.3, Canberra, ACT, ARN/SCA NM
Krystal Gordon; Mix 104.9/8 Mix, Darwin, NT, ARN NM
Monique Cremona; 1029 Hot Tomato, Gold Coast, QLD, ARN NM
Rebekah Lambert; 102.3 Triple M, Townsville, QLD, SCA
NM Shelby Brady; Hit WA, SCA NM

Best podcast producer

Jaben Ryan; The Dragons Den i98FM; Wollongong, NSW, WIN Network
Jay Gasser; iHeart, Sydney, NSW, ARN
Jess Lodge; Hannah’s Story, 9Podcasts, Brisbane, QLD, Nine Radio
Matt Nikolic; LiSTNR, Melbourne, VIC, SCA
Matty White; Road to Paris, 9Podcasts, Brisbane, QLD, Nine Radio
Sam Stove; Cars That Made Australia, 9Podcasts, Sydney, NSW, Nine Radio

Best imaging producer (Metro & Non Metro)

Ben Ryan; KIIS Network, Brisbane, QLD, ARN M
Brad Leask; Nova Network, Melbourne, VIC, NOVA Entertainment M
Daniel Ross Pearson; Nova Entertainment, Sydney, NSW, NOVA Entertainment M
David Konsky; Hit Network, Melbourne, VIC, SCA M
Digby Gillings; 104.5 Triple M, Brisbane, QLD, SCA M
Dan King; Krock 95.5, Geelong, VIC, Grant Broadcasters, NM
Glen Brearley; 1029 Hot Tomato, Gold Coast, QLD, ARN NM
Hayes Siilbek; i98FM, Wollongong, NSW, WIN Network NM
Mark ‘Doogie’ Brewer; 102.9 Triple M & Hit 106.9, Newcastle, NSW, SCA NM
Matt Innes; Gold Coast, QLD, SCA NM
Troy McInnes; Cairns, QLD, ARN NM

Digital team of the year

ARN Creative Production; Sydney, NSW, ARN
Jenna Benson, Brendan Jones, Amanda Keller; WSFM, Sydney, NSW, ARN
Listnr Newsroom; Sarah Bol, Caitlin Duan, Tricia Mifsud, Chris Spyrou, Melbourne / Sydney, VIC, SCA
Sian Henshaw, Lewis Haskew, Jacob Creech & Sammy Rose; Hit 104.7 / Mix 106.3, Canberra, ACT, ARN/SCA

Best digital content creator

Azzan Schuster; 101.9 The Fox, Melbourne, VIC, SCA
Curtis Figon; Triple M, Sydney, NSW, SCA
Elijah Pangalos; Hit Network, Melbourne, VIC, SCA
Jenna Benson; Sydney, NSW, ARN
Joshua Fox; KIIS 1065, Sydney, NSW, ARN
Marcel Marais; LiSTNR Sport – The Howie Games, Melbourne, VIC, SCA

Best innovation in engineering

LiSTNR One; Adam Butler, Phil Elzerman, Ryland Sandison, Brett Kelly, Sydney, NSW, SCA
Platform AI; SCA Skunkworks Team, Sydney, NSW, SCA
Project Grande – ARN Regional; Brad Hambleton, Greg Hateley, Canberra, ACT, ARN
SEN Stadium & SEN Sync; Ricky D’Amelio, SEN 1116, Melbourne, VIC, Sports Entertainment Network

Best station produced commercial – single (Metro & Non Metro)

AFL ‘Feel It’; Paul Corbett, Chris Gates, Brendan Tacey, SCA, M
Dave Benson Caravans; Sean Braithwaite, SCA, M
Fisiocrem; Nikki Price, Jamie Lechner, Nine Radio M
Height 4 Hire – Allan Langer The Musical; Tony Byrne, Andrew Fritsch, SCA M
Lions with Laser Vision; CREATE, Garry Dean, Drew Barrett, NOVA Entertainment, M
Ace Building Co; Chloe Burgess-Jones, David Horspool, SCA NM
New England Shade Sails; Nikki Kenwrick, Joey Moore, Scott Illingworth, Tom Bourne, Super Radio Network NM
Outdoor Elegance; Cameron Horn, SCA NM
The Pump House; Selina Hynes, Matt Cancian, Great Southern Land Media NM
Xtreme Car Audio; Anthony Badolato, Geoff Bickerton, CADA, ARN N

Best station produced commercial – campaign (Metro & Non Metro)

AFL ‘Feel It’; Paul Corbett, Chris Gates, Brendan Tacey, MMM / HIT, Melbourne, VIC, SCA M
Dorsogna – Good Onya, CREATE, Garry Dean, Drew Barrett, NOVA Entertainment M
Scholastic ‘Pages’; Ryan Andrews, Ray Peters, KIIS Network, Melbourne, VIC, ARN M
Unique Homestyle Foods, CREATE, Darren Russell, Eddie Bye, NOVA Entertainment M
Yellow Couriers – Yelloooooooooooooooo; Tony Byrne, Andrew Fritsch, 4MMM, Brisbane, QLD, SCA M
Avoiding Hackers; Robbie Goodwin, Kelcie Toet, Mark Stevens, TRFM, Traralgon, VIC, ACE Radio Broadcasters NM
Farrago Interiors; Selina Hynes, Matt Cancian, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Great Southern Land Media NM
Grow Up, Be An Adult!; Ben Monaghan, Michael Pritchard, Hit Southwest / 95.7, Bunbury, WA, SCA NM
Sleep Clinic; Cassie Aldridge, Mark Stevens, 2AY Albury, ACE Radio Broadcasters NM
Soft Croc; Mike Harvey, ARN NM

Talk, news, and sport ACRA finalists

Brian White award for excellence in journalism

Ben Fordham; 2GB, Sydney, NSW, Nine Radio
Clinton Maynard; 2GB, Sydney, NSW, Nine Radio
Katie Woolf; Mix 104.9 Darwin, Darwin, NT, ARN
Tara Cassidy; B105 and Triple M Brisbane, Brisbane, QLD, SCA Zac de Silva; 2GB, Sydney, NSW, Nine Radio

The Glenn Daniel Award – best news presenter FM (Metro & Non Metro)

Ash Gardner; Nova 100 Melbourne, VIC, NOVA Entertainment M
Heidi Tiltins; Smooth FM Network, Sydney, NSW, NOVA Entertainment M
Maham Kashany; Smooth FM 95.3, Sydney, NSW, NOVA Entertainment M
Matt McDonald; Hot Tomato, Gold Coast, QLD, ARN M
Patrina Jones; Gold 104.3, Melbourne, VIC, ARN M
Caitlin Unger; Triple M Central Coast, Gosford, NSW, SCA NM Kate Rice; Mix 106.3, Canberra, ACT, ARN/SCA NM
Lucy Rees; 1029 Hot Tomato, Gold Coast, QLD, ARN NM
Rod McLeod; Triple M Gold, Gold Coast, QLD, SCA NM
Toni Thompson; River 949, Ipswich, QLD, ARN NM

Nova’s Ash Gardner

Best news presenter AM (Metro & Non Metro)

Amy Drew; SEN, Brisbane, QLD, Sports Entertainment Network M
David Armstrong; 3AW, Melbourne, VIC, Nine Radio M
Gail Watson; 3AW, Melbourne, VIC, Nine Radio M
Mel Usher; FIVEAA, Adelaide, SA, NOVA Entertainment M
Rhiannon Soliman-Marron; 2GB, Sydney, NSW, Nine Radio M
Daniel McCray; Triple M Darling Downs 864, Toowoomba, QLD, SCA NM
Emma Clark; 3WM, Horsham, VIC, ACE Radio Broadcasters NM
Kris Seabert; 3CS, Colac, VIC, ACE Radio Broadcasters NM
Sheree Coleman; Triple M Wagga Wagga, NSW, SCA NM

Best news event coverage

Alice Springs Chaos; Katie Woolf, Krystal Gordon, MIX 104.9, Darwin, NT, ARN
Bondi Attacks; Ben Fordham, Mark Levy, Will Bottom, 2GB Sydney, NSW, Nine Radio
Hunter Valley Bus Tragedy; David Dollin, Dan Flegg, Hamish Finlay, Isabel Everett, Tanya Wilks, Steve Grahame, Jerre Succar, Triple M Newcastle, NSW, SCA
Sydney Car Pursuit; Ray Hadley, 2GB, Sydney, NSW, Nine Radio
Tropical Cyclone Kirrily; Townsville’s 102.3 Triple M, Townsville, QLD, SCA
Westfield Bondi Attack; ARN News, Sydney, NSW, ARN

Best local news team – country

92.5 MMM Gold / 90.9 Sea FM; Rod McLeod, Rosie O’Brien, Courtney Thomas, Gold Coast, Gold Coast, QLD, SCA
i98 News Team; Emma Smith, Ashleigh Wright, Renee Criddle, i98FM, Wollongong, NSW, WIN Network
Triple M Newcastle; David Dollin, Dan Flegg, Saskia Channing, Triple M Newcastle, NSW, SCA
WA Local News – South West; Adam Hemmings, Paige Busher, Ashleigh Ramos, Breanna Redhead, Hit 95.7 Bunbury, WA, SCA

Best current affairs presenter

Ben Fordham; 2GB, Sydney, NSW, Nine Radio
Chris O’Keefe; 2GB, Sydney, NSW, Nine Radio
Neil Mitchell; 3AW, Melbourne, VIC, Nine Radio
Ray Hadley; 2GB, Sydney, NSW, Nine Radio
Katie Woolf; Mix 104.9, Darwin, NT, ARN

Best sports presenter (Metro & Non-Metro)

Anthony Hudson; 3AW, Melbourne, VIC, Nine Radio M
Ben ‘Dobbo’ Dobbin; 4MMM / 104.5 Triple M Brisbane, Brisbane, QLD, SCA M
David Morrow; 2GB, Sydney, NSW, Nine Radio M
Gerard Whateley; SEN 1116am, Melbourne, VIC, Sports Entertainment Network M
Mark Levy; 2GB, Sydney, NSW, Nine Radio M
Shane McInnes; 3AW, Melbourne, VIC, Nine Radio M
Adam Jansen; Raiders On Mix, Mix 106.3, Canberra, ACT, ARN/SCA NM
Annabelle Brett; Triple M Townsville, Townsville, QLD, SCA NM
Chris Coleman; Raiders On Mix, Mix 106.3, Canberra, ACT, ARN/SCA NM
Elliott Lovejoy; Triple M Townsville, Townsville, QLD, SCA NM
Gus MacLeod; 2AY, Albury, NSW, ACE Radio Broadcasters NM

Best sports event coverage (Metro & Non-Metro)

2023 AFL Grand Final; Joel Brooks, Gerard Whateley, Kane Cornes, Gerard Healy, SEN 1116am, Melbourne, VIC, Sports Entertainment Network M
2023 NRL Grand Final – “Panthers Miracle Comeback”; The Continuous Call Team, Ray Hadley, Mark Levy, Darryl Brohman, Mark Riddell, Sydney, NSW, Nine Radio M
FIFA Women’s World Cup; Ben Palmer, Jordan Kounelis, SEN 1116am, Melbourne, VIC, Sports Entertainment Network M
Triple M NRL Live In Las Vegas; Dan Ginnane, Ben Dobbin, James Graham, Wade Graham, Andrew Renfrew, Charlie White, Triple M 104.9, Sydney, NSW, SCA M
Triple M Rocks Footy – 2023 AFL Grand Final; Triple M Footy AFL team, Melbourne, VIC, SCA M
2023 AFL Grand Final; K Rock Football Commentary Team, K Rock 95.5, Geelong, VIC, Grant Broadcasters, NM
Raiders On Mix | Inaugural Canberra Raiders NRLW Match; Chris Coleman, Phil Small, Adam Jansen, Nick Risteski & Sammy Rose, Mix 106.7, Canberra, ACT, ARN/SCA, NM
Raiders On Mix | Jack Wighton Game; Chris Coleman, Phil Small, Adam Jansen, Nick Risteski & Sammy Rose, Mix 106.3, Canberra, ACT, ARN/SCA, NM
Triple M Newcastle NRL – Knights v Raiders Semi Final; Jim Callinan, Michael Hagan, Marc Glanville, Andrew Ryan, Jeremy Ryan, Triple M Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, SCA NM

Best documentary – audio

Bondi Junction Attacks; 2GB Sydney, 2GB Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Nine Radio
Hannah’s Story; 9Podcasts Team; 9Podcasts, Brisbane, QLD, Nine Radio
Pricey’s Final Tour of Duty in PNG; Townsville’s 102.3 Triple M, Townsville’s 102.3 Triple M, Townsville, QLD, SCA
Secrets We Keep: Nest of Traitors; Joey Watson, Jake Morcom, Ellen Leabeater, Nial Fernandes, Clair Weaver, LiSTNR SCA
Secrets We Keep: Shame, Lies and Family; Amelia Oberhardt, Ellen Leabeater, Jake Morcom, Nial Fernandes, LISTNR SCA

Best community campaign (Metro, Provincial, Country)

ACTIV; CREATE, NSW, NOVA Entertainment M
Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie’s Backyard Cricket; ; Ryan Fitzgerald, Michael Wipfli, Kate Ritchie, Nova 96.9, Sydney, NSW, NOVA Entertainment M
FIVEAA Radiothon; The FIVEAA Product Team, FIVEAA, Adelaide, SA, NOVA Entertainment M
Gifts For Kids; The Christian O’Connell Show, Gold 104.3, Melbourne, VIC, ARN M
P!nk meets Lillian; B105 Brisbane, Brisbane, QLD, SCA M
150 FREE ROOMS; Star 102.7 & 4CA Promotions and Content Team, Cairns, QLD, ARN P
Galey to the Rescue – Working it for Wellsy; Paul Gale, Emily Jade O’Keeffe, 1029 Hot Tomato, Gold Coast, QLD, ARN P Give Me 5; Mix 106.3 Team, Mix 106.3, Canberra, ACT, ARN/SCA P
i98FM Illawarra Convoy; i98FM Illawarra Convoy Team, i98FM, Wollongong, NSW, WIN Network P
Pack the Bus; Mix 106.3 Team, Mix 106.3, Canberra, ACT, ARN/SCA P
A Better Christmas; Keely, Basso, Hannah, Chris, Jenny, Mal, 2MG & Real FM, Mudgee, NSW, Super Radio Network C
Christmas by the Lake; 3CS & Mixx FM Team, 3CS and Mixx FM Colac, Colac, VIC, ACE Radio Broadcasters C
Halloween – Lion’s Club Wangaratta; Owen Godenzi, Tyson Witham, Edge FM Wangaratta, Wangaratta, VIC, ACE Radio Broadcasters C
RAAF to Robbo; Daniel Hilliard, Leisha Brodyk, Mix 104.9FM, Darwin, NT, ARN C
Share On Eyre; Mr Darren Allard, Magic 899, Port Lincoln, SA, ARN C

Best talk presenter (Metro & Non-Metro)

Ben Fordham; 2GB, Sydney, NSW, Nine Radio M
Chris O’Keefe; 2GB, Sydney, NSW, Nine Radio M
Neil Mitchell; 3AW, Melbourne, VIC, Nine Radio M
Ray Hadley; 2GB, Sydney, NSW, Nine Radio M
Tom Elliott; 3AW, Melbourne, VIC, Nine Radio M
Aaron Stevens; 4RO, Rockhampton, QLD, ARN NM
Graeme Day; 2ST, Bowral, NSW, ARN NM
Katie Woolf; Mix 104.9, Darwin, NT, ARN NM
Michael Moffett; Triple M Coffs Coast, Coffs Harbour, NSW, SCA NM
Tom Canfell; 4RO, Rockhampton, QLD, ARN NM

Music ACRA finalists

Best music feature

10 From 40; “Ugly” Phil O’Neil, Samantha Clarke, WSFM, Sydney, NSW, ARN
Aus Music Month; Samantha Clarke, Brett Nossiter, iHeartRadio, Sydney, NSW, ARN
Jessica Mauboy’s Love Song Dedications; Mitch Churi, Grace Garde, KIIS Network, Sydney, NSW, ARN
The Police Diaries; Shayne Brian, LAFM/7SD, Launceston, Tas, ARN
Smallzy On Tour with Taylor Swift Live from the MCG; Kent ‘Smallzy’ Small, Zach La Cava, Nova Network, Sydney, NSW, NOVA Entertainment
Tay Tay All Day; Fox Content, 2DayFM Content, THE FOX & 2DAYFM, Sydney, NSW, SCA
Taylor Swift Triple M Versions; Andrew Very, David Konsky, Kalun Townsend, Triple M Network, Sydney, NSW, SCA

The Gudinski – Australian music champion

Brett ‘Nozz’ Nossiter, iHeartAustralia, Sydney, NSW, ARN
Great Ocean Odes; Chris Holland, Krock 95.5, Geelong, VIC, Grant Broadcasters
The Maddy Rowe Aus Music Show; Maddy Rowe, Jodie Williams, David Lennon, Brisbane, QLD, NOVA Entertainment,
Triple M Homegrown with Matty O; Matthew O’Gorman; Kalun Townsend; Andrew Very; Shaun Gough; Julia Di Gregorio, Triple M Melbourne, VIC, SCA

Music director of the year

Brad McNicol; KIIS 1065, Sydney, NSW, ARN
Dan Hill; B105; Brisbane, QLD, SCA
Gemma Maddox; Club Lime Radio, Canberra, ACT, ARN/SCA
Jake Powell; CADA, Marsfield, NSW, ARN
Kiri Martin; The FOX, Melbourne, VIC, SCA
Scott Baker-Smith; Nova Network, Melbourne, VIC, NOVA Entertainment
Simon Dawson; 1029 Hot Tomato, Gold Coast, QLD, ARN

Special ACRA

Diversity and inclusion award

Diversity & Inclusion at SCA; SCA, National, NSW
Everyone Belongs; ARN, Sydney, NSW,
Sound Future: NOVA Entertainment, Sydney, NSW
Radio Internship Program; Nine Radio, NSW

After his debut on Network 10’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in March, Robert Irwin described his 2024 Gold Logie nomination as a “dream come true” to Mediaweek.

Nominated alongside his I’m A Celeb co-host Julia Morris, one can only imagine where he was when he got the big news.

“I was at home, but I was actually in my backyard cleaning my chicken coop,” he said. 

“I was covered in chicken poop and I got this call and they said something about a Logie, I straight away said, ‘you’ve got the wrong guy.’

“Once I realised it was for real, I just ran inside and told my family, it was such a beautiful moment, but really the first person I called was Julia.”

This year’s Logies marks Morris’ second Gold Logie nomination after being nominated for the first time in 2022, also for I’m a Celeb.

“I wish I was in the coop [like Robert] but I was just happy to be in the loop,” she joked.

“Seriously though, we’ve been having so much fun because we get to have this experience together.

“I’ve been nominated before and it can feel a bit lonely because you’re standing next to the people your competing with, but standing next to Robert, there’s no competition.

“I think Robert’s gonna take it.”

In March, Irwin was named Australia’s most popular broadcast personality in the Australian Talent Index’s 2024 Top Talent Report, before he even appeared on I’m A Celeb. 

Irwin, a relative newcomer to Aussie screens, took out the top broadcast talent spot, eclipsing the last report’s winner – comedian and TV personality Hamish Blake – in his debut appearance on the list.

Alongside his top broadcast position, Irwin was also voted number one broadcast talent by women and was considered the celebrity who gives the most back to the community, according to the Index. 

Irwin also took home the award for On-Screen Content – Talent at Mediaweek‘s Next of the Best Awards in June.

See also: Robert Irwin: I’m A Celebrity experience ‘exceeded all expectations’

“I feel so honoured to have gotten to step into this,” Irwin said.

“To represent a show that’s pumping out so much positivity and entertainment with this little thread [for the audience] maybe learning a little bit about conservation, that is so meaningful.”

Morris said the newest season of I’m A Celeb has allowed “new, important voices come to the front.”

“What you aren’t necessarily hearing in television these days is an incredibly experienced person in their early 20s and that voice projecting through, suggesting things that to do that are popular on TikTok or something.

“Having these two streams side by side of an older generation and younger generation representation, it allows us to deliver this comedy into Australian homes where parents can feel confident they can sit down with their kids and have a decent moment while cacking together.

“There’s just not many shows that allow that.”

The 64th annual TV Week Logie Award ceremony will be held on 18 August at The Star, Sydney. 

Men’s digital healthcare provider Pilot has unveiled its latest TVC, created in-house and fronted by Olympic swimmer James Magnussen to promote its sexual performance treatment: Go Hard, Come Second.

With the Olympics starting tomorrow, Pilot is angling away from the usual gold-touting rhetoric with a cheeky double entendre that suggests sometimes, coming second is best.

The ad features Magnussen by the pool, sharing how great it feels to come second. After a few bedroom references, it becomes clear what the London 2012 silver medalist is talking about.

See also: News Corp unites business to form 2024 Olympics team

Credits:
Tom Scarcella – Creative Lead
David Sullivan – Copy / Director
Abel Robinson – Integrated Producer
Elliot Toms – DOP
Aaron Liu – Online/Offline Editor
Joanna Go – Design
Isobel Stone – Brand Media
Julia Herbert – Copy / Socials
Josiah Atkins – AC
Alan Fraser- Gaffer
Richard Hawkings – LX
Charles Grey – LX
Dante Florez – Sound Recordist
Vanessa Timmins – Art Director
Andrew Hainsworth – Wardrobe
Eliza Sensei – HMUA
Max Ravier – Colour
James Martell – Sound design and Mix
David Quan – Growth Lead
Lauren Gates – Lifecycle Marketing
Carly Dineen-Griffin – Head of Growth

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Top image: James Magnussen

Ahead of the Paris Olympic Games 2024, 9Now has revamped its experience for users, with Olympic coverage that will feature replays, highlights and more. 

The updated platform will feature live coverage of all 45 official Olympic sports, a library of Olympic documentaries, sports explainers, and athlete profiles.

During live competition, a range of event highlights will be available, including race replays, full match replays, and session replays. 

Viewers can also catch up on the previous day’s events with the Daily Highlights Show, hosted by Sam McClure, available at 9am AEST each day. Daily Top 10 Moments and Daily Team Australia Highlights will be available every morning following the day’s play. 

The 9Network’s hosting team of Allison Langdon, James Bracey, Todd Woodbridge, Leila McKinnon, Dylan Alcott, Eddie McGuire, Sarah Abo and Karl Stefanovic will call the Trocadero home as they guide viewers through two weeks of competition. 

Hamish Turner, director of programming and 9Now said: “We’re thrilled with 9Now’s fresh look and feel ahead of Paris 2024, with every medal and every moment available to all Australians live and free. Viewers will enjoy an immersive Olympic experience that gives them everything they want in one destination.”

9Now’s Olympic revamp comes as journalists are preparing to strike from tomorrow, when the Olympics kicks off, and Nine CEO Mike Sneesby says the company’s eight-year bet on the Olympic and Paralympic Games is paying off.

In his first media interview since chairman Peter Costello resigned after an altercation with a News Corp journalist, he said the network will bank $135 million in advertising revenue for the upcoming Paris Olympics, and insists it will turn a profit.

Sneesby said Nine is sending far fewer people to Paris to produce 16 times more footage than it did in 2012 at the London Olympics, when Nine last held the broadcast rights. 

Nine spent $305 million to acquire the Olympic rights from Seven, and have broadcasting rights from Paris in 2024 through to Brisbane in 2032.

See also: Nine will bank $135 million in ad revenue for Paris Olympics: Mike Sneesby

In a bid to bring Australian Asahi Super Dry drinkers closer to modern Japan, the brew brand, along with creative agency The Monkeys (part of Accenture Song) and interactive technology company Nakatomi, has built a Japanese-style claw machine to promote the Japanese rice lager.

 The Asahi ‘Skill’ Tester, featured on a 24-hour Twitch livestream, can be controlled remotely from anywhere in Australia via a smartphone. It uses an array of sensors and back-end technology to translate smartphone inputs into claw movements, detect prizes, and notify fulfilment networks for prize dispatch.

This initiative pays homage to the popularity of skill tester machines in Japan, which are a favourite pastime enjoyed by millions of professionals, retirees, gamers, and university students.

“I’d love to see our creators take away a message of inspiration to create more content that brings them joy and love and brings other people in as well and inspires other people to do the same,” Brooke Blurton told Mediaweek following her speaking session at Instagram’s First Nations Creators Program, at Meta HQ in Sydney.

For the first time in the program’s four years, Meta, in collaboration with Screen Australia, has opened its doors to the media to share a behind-the-scenes look at the exciting work, inspiration and collaboration happening in the program.

The program provides in-person training, practical workshops, mentoring, career connections, equipment and content funding for the participating emerging digital creators.

Blurton said: “I love hearing the celebrations and the good and great things that all of our creators are doing in the community.

“I’m so excited for them. I’ve followed many of these creators for a long time and have been inspired by their work. Being in a room [with them] is very inspiring and motivating, but I also feel very supported, and I’m hoping that they feel the same way,” she added.

In her session, Blurton shared with the participants the ups and downs of her journey, how she harnessed her identity and personal brand for business opportunities and the power of authenticity.

Blurton rose to fame on season six of The Bachelor Australia. She later fronted her season of The Bachelorette Australia and was the first Indigenous and bisexual lead.

But behind the glamour of reality TV fame, she has faced unimaginable challenges, including the loss of her mother to suicide and witnessing the devastating impact of substance abuse within her family, which she shared in her memoir Big Love: Reclaiming myself, my people, my country.

While reality TV helped launch her career as a content creator, she has worked hard to keep the momentum going with brand partnerships, book deals, and a successful podcast, First Things First, alongside Matty Mills.

Blurton said: “I love the fact that I’ve got to meet everyone here today and I guess that they’ve learned from me or that I’ve passed on a little bit of knowledge to them in any way.

“I always get really sentimental about that sort of stuff. I feel like content [creating] can be very isolating, but it’s also can be very inspiring.”

Blurton also revealed that amid the success of deals and partnerships with brands such as Lancôme and Garnier, she has kept a strong stance against doing brand deals with alcohol brands.

“Choosing not to support alcohol brands has been something that I have had because of youth work.

She explained: “When you’re working as a youth worker, you are role modelling. Being a good role model and promoting alcohol or drugs is not ideal. Promoting that to young people, promoting that to my audience, isn’t appropriate for me, and it doesn’t align with my values.

“As much as it’s great getting the bag, and I fully support people getting the bag, if it doesn’t align with me, and it’s something that I don’t stand for, I don’t think it’s worth it.

“The First Nations community have experienced quite a lot through alcohol and substance abuse, through colonisation, and it’s something that I don’t want to support,” she added.

Blurton noted that remaining true to her values and being authentic have been key to landing brand and deals, something she hoped the program’s participants picked up on in her session.

“Being real, being authentically you is important; if a brand doesn’t like that, it’s a brand you probably don’t want to work with.”

Looking ahead, Blurton shared that she is working on a children’s fiction book with fellow First Nations writer Melanie Saward and is in the process of completing acting school.

“Hopefully, I can go into more writing, producing and acting.

“That’s what I would love to do: create more stories, more content, and more films just around our First Nations communities that we probably don’t get to see all the time. And just being a hopeless romantic as always,” she added.

See also: Keeping It Reel and Deadly: How Meta is bringing the industry to First Nation’s creators
See also: Manage parasocial relationships and the ‘cultural load’: ReachOut shares tips at Meta First Nations Creators Program

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Top image: Brooke Blurton and Kirsty Wilson

Britbox’s head of content and editorial, Sarah Kenny, is expanding her role to add programming and acquisition responsibilities for BBC Studios’ local channels to her existing BritBox responsibilities.

Kenny will dual report to Moira Hogan and Fiona Lang, general managers for BBC Studios Australia and New Zealand.

Lang said: “I’m delighted that Sarah will be combining editorial responsibilities for our channel portfolio with her existing BritBox role, allowing BBC Studios to take a holistic approach to content across these services.

BritBox has also acquired four new shows from BBC Studios with the streamer picking up Death in Paradise, Call The Midwife and Silent Witness when BBC First exits Foxtel and Binge on 31 July. 

BritBox will also premiere The Jetty – a new crime thriller starring Jenna Coleman set in a lakeside town where an arson, a missing persons cold case, and an illicit triangle are intertwined. The series is written and created by Cat Jones and produced by BBC Studios independent production label Firebired Pictures for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. 

“Death in Paradise, Call The Midwife and Silent Witness regularly topped the ratings for BBC First during their time on the channel and their move to BritBox, together with the premiere of The Jetty, is an important step in the evolution of our business as we pursue a truly integrated content strategy following BBC Studios acquisition of 100% of BritBox International earlier this year,” Lang added.

Kenny said the acquired shows have a “huge resonance with Australian audiences.”

“Together with other exciting new and exclusive titles like The Jetty, [it] will drive further growth for BritBox,” she said.

“We are also acquiring more of the most recent seasons of these titles as we build up our collections. I’m so pleased that BritBox will now be the premiere home of these iconic British dramas.”

Moira Hogan, EVP BritBox international and general manager Australia added: “As a specialty streaming service aiming to super-serve fans of quality British TV, we are thrilled to add this trio of much-loved BBC shows to our stable of premiere new releases.”

Cover-More Travel Insurance has refreshed its brand identity, developed with branding design agency Principals and brand voice studio, XXVI. The goal is to transform the perception of travel insurance from a necessary evil to an expression of a shared passion for travel.

The new identity aims to be witty, upbeat, and caring, anchored by the company’s more care, more cover for all brand platform. It emphasises ‘worry-less’ travel narrative, focused on best-case scenarios.

“Travel insurance can sometimes be seen as a ‘grudge purchase’, but we wanted to capture the feeling of celebration that comes with knowing you have a safety net to embolden your travels, not only with our policies but with extras such as our free travel assistance app,” said Cover-More group chief marketing officer, Chris Noble.  

“For us, it’s about showcasing the essence of travel as a joyful, inspiring and inclusive experience.”

Chris Noble

The update features a range of new colours, centred around a brighter and bolder shade of blue, along with a suite of brand assets including a revamped logo, graphic devices, illustrations, icons, and photography.

The refreshed brand identity is being launched through a campaign by creative agency Howatson+Company, which will roll out across TV, OOH, print, online, and social media in the coming weeks.

“In the years since the pandemic, our customers have embraced tourism with fresh vigour and a renewed passion and appetite to expand their horizons,” Noble continued.

“Whether that’s experiencing different cultures, catching up with loved ones or savouring new tastes, wanderlust is taking them all over the world – to parts known and not.” 

The rebrand follows Principals’ work in May on the brand and communications framework for the NSW digital birth certificate, a pilot program inviting parents and guardians across 227 early childhood education centres to trial the technology.

See also: Principals launches brand identity for NSW’s Digital Birth Certificate

Creative agency Thinkerbell has partnered with organisation Kumva & Kwibuka (Listen and Remember) to launch the Baho multimedia exhibition. The powerful project showcases the stories of survivors and families impacted by the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

The exhibition, opening Wednesday 31 July at 107 in Sydney’s Redfern, commemorates 30 years since over a million people were murdered during what is often referred to as ‘The Radio Genocide’.

The project was created by Thinkerbell creative Matias Reyes, inspired by his work with Kumva & Kwibuka and its story of ‘triumph over trauma’ and healing by educating the next generation.

“When my family and I met the storytellers at Kumva & Kwibuka and learnt about the brutal, long-term consequences of this genocide, we knew we wanted to do something meaningful to help spread their message at this important time,” said Reyes.

The exhibition aims to give audiences a new perspective on both the current global context and local communities in Australia.

The portraits, shot by photographer Martina Reyes, along with displayed artefacts, film interviews, and the Propaganda Machine installation, work together to tell inspiring stories of resilience and the destructive impact of hate speech in media.

“When we were approached with the idea of exhibiting the survivors’ stories we knew it was a special opportunity to deliver our message of empathy and compassion at a time when it seems like the world needs it the most,” said Kumva & Kwibuka co-founder and education manager, Dr Ari Lander.

The exhibition and artwork were partially funded by Thinkerbell’s Pot of Gold initiative, which helps realise powerful ideas.

“I was at the border of Rwanda in 1994 and witnessed firsthand the waves of displaced refugees exiting their country during this period,” said the agency’s co-founder and chief tinker, Adam Ferrier.

“When Matias approached Thinkerbell with his idea for this exhibition, I knew there was a lot we could learn from the Genocide Against the Tutsi, delivered through this project.”

See also: How Thinkerbell is building a new mindset with its latest campaign

GumGum has appointed Kerel Cooper as its chief marketing officer.

Cooper joins the global digital advertising platform from Group Black, where he served as president of advertising, driving the advancement of Black-owned media.

Before Group Black, he was CMO at LiveIntent, where he ascended through the ranks over seven years, including as VP of platform development.

Phil Schraeder, CEO of GumGum, said, “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Kerel as our new CMO, this is a game-changing moment for us at such a transformational time at GumGum.

“Kerel’s unparalleled expertise in ad tech is exactly what we need to skyrocket our growth. With his leadership, we’re set to revolutionise our mindset-first approach and turbocharge our ability to help our clients reach and support all audiences.”

As CMO, Cooper will be responsible for leading GumGum’s global marketing strategy, fostering brand and agency adoption of GumGum’s advertising solutions, and driving overall growth.

Cooper’s experience also includes his role as an adjunct professor at Kean University, where he teaches sports marketing and digital marketing strategies to undergraduate and graduate students. Additionally, he co-founded the Minority Report Podcast. 

“I’m excited to join GumGum and lead the marketing efforts for a company at the forefront of contextual intelligence and innovation in advertising,” Cooper said.

“GumGum’s unique approach aligns with my vision of creating meaningful and impactful connections for all audiences, everywhere.

“I look forward to contributing to the company’s continued success and growth while expanding global awareness of mindset-first advertising.”

GumGum appointed Niall Hogan as general manager of JAPAC in May. Hogan will lead a team of over 100, and his primary focus will be driving revenue growth while upholding GumGum’s reputation as a supplier of contextual, creative, and attention-based advertising solutions.

See also: GumGum appoints Niall Hogan as general manager JAPAC

–

Top image: Kerel Cooper

The AFL and TGI Sport have established Lumen8 Media – an agency that will “harness technology and creativity to redefine in-stadia digital signage and deliver fans unmissable moments.”

From 2025, Lumen8 Media will manage the commercial rights and sales program for AFL match day LED signage at both Marvel Stadium and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). 

Lumen8 Media will be led by Raefe Winstanley as CEO, as well as commercial media and signage specialist Natalia Cordeirio as commercial director. 

Winstanley said: “Whether watching from level 1 at Marvel Stadium, level 4 at the MCG, or from the couch at home, Lumen8 Media’s proposition and content will give fans, partners and brands the best fan experience for every moment.”

Stuart Fox, CEO of Melbourne Cricket Club – manager of the MCG, added: “We strive to deliver greatness for our members and fans on match days and are looking forward to working together with Lumen8 Media to enhance that experience even further.

“Our future scope will include the digitalisation of signage on all four levels of the MCG and several other initiatives to make sure the MCG remains truly world-class.”

The business said its values lie in the way fans engage with their favourite team, athlete, or artists. 

The new agency will upgrade and increase the signage footprint at both stadiums by installing LED signage on level 3 of Marvel Stadium and both level 2A and level 4 at MCG. This will result in the MCG having four levels of LED signage across the Shane Warne Stand.

“Marvel Stadium continues to evolve and enhance the fan experience to make it a true entertainment hub to enjoy all year round,” Scott Fitzgerald, general manager at Marvel Stadium, said.

“Working alongside Lumen8 Media will elevate the offering, whether in-stadia or watching along on a screen, to deliver elevated fan and audience engagement experience.”

“It’s so special and amazing that huge platforms like Meta are getting behind diversity in our industry,” founder of digital talent agency Day Management, Genevieve Day, told Mediaweek.

Speaking at the first day of Meta’s First Nations Creators Program, held at Sydney’s Meta headquarters, Day added: “It’s incredible to support young and emerging creators, as well as showing them how to succeed in this business. It’s great to also facilitate these conversations that can be a bit taboo and tricky sometimes – talking about the contracts, the money, and the nitty gritty.”

The program, now in its fourth iteration, is driven by Instagram Australia in partnership with Screen Australia’s First Nations Department. The initiative aims to foster Indigenous talent, providing practical and financial resources to support long-term career prospects for First Nations creators in social media and digital content creation.

Part of the program sees Meta introduce the participants to industry figures who can talk them through the business aspects of an online career, and give them practical tips, in a session called Keeping It Reel and Deadly.

Also on the lineup were Screen Australia’s Chloe Walker, and managing director of Hello Social, Sam Kelly.

Having been involved in the program in previous years, Kelly told Mediaweek the most “special part” for the Hello Social team was being able to work with previous participants in the agency’s campaigns.  

“One of the creators here, Sené Maluwapi (@senemaluwapi), actually walked for one of our clients, Kmart, at Fashion Week. We’ve provided grants and funding for some other creators and we’ve had some work on briefs for some of the world’s biggest brands. 

“I love seeing that they have followed the advice and worked the room, worked the connections and are making a good fist of it.”

As for his participation in the 2024 program, Kelly laughed, “When this opportunity came around to do it again this year, I was like, I have to be there.”

For Day, the program gives participants a “view of the ecosystem” – how to work with brands, agencies, talent management, and platforms. On top of the practical steps, she added that “safety is such a massive part of what we do, especially working with First Nations creators.”

“We want to make sure that they feel safe in brand alignment, they feel safe in how they’re engaging with the community, and making sure that they feel safe in what they’re producing and what they’re putting online.

“Unfortunately, there can be backlash, so it’s our role to make sure they’re aligning with the right people who are safe for their personal brand and for their community as well.”

Read more: Manage parasocial relationships and the ‘cultural load’: ReachOut shares tips at Meta First Nations Creators Program

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Top image: Genevieve Day and Sam Kelly

Youi has announced it will hand over the keys to its Brisbane Lions sponsorship to diehard Lions fan Scott Villiers, appointing him as ‘fan-sponsor’ for the upcoming Round 21 clash against St Kilda.

This move is the latest phase of the national insurer‘s campaign, Footy. Made by Fans, led by Youi’s in-house marketing team in partnership with M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment.

Youi’s Footy. Made by Fans campaign launched earlier this year, celebrating the unsung heroes of the game by giving footy fans a prominent role in creative partnership across TV, digital, contextual OOH, and audio.

M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment (part of M&C Saatchi Group) leads content production and PR. Youi’s internal agency provides brand oversight, and the Brisbane Lions supports the partnership.

As part of his fan sponsor duties, Villiers will receive access to Youi’s usual gameday assets and custom branding with his name.

The new logotype will replace the insurer’s on the Lions’ matchday guernseys for the game against St Kilda and will also appear prominently throughout in-ground media, including Youi’s screens strategy across OTT, linear TV, and OOH.

Angela Greenwood and Scott Villiers

“Our Made by Fans platform is built on the idea that fans are the people that give footy its DNA, and what better way to truly recognise that influence than by giving a superfan like Scott an opportunity to represent Youi for this game,” said Youi Insurance chief marketing officer, Angela Greenwood.

“Handing over some of our sponsorship benefits has been an adventure in itself -– asking the AFL for permission to change a guernsey mid-season is no easy feat – but it’s important to us that footy fans can see themselves represented on the big stage.”

See also: NRL partner Youi launches platform, ‘Footy. Made by Fans.’

Credits:
Client: Youi Insurance in-house Marketing Team 
Partner: Brisbane Lions Football Club 
Creative, PR & Content Agency: M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment
Production: Redscope

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Top image: Scott Villiers 

Compiled by Tess Connery and James Manning

Media Heads remembers MH17: Search Among the Sunflowers

Media Heads is a production company run by audio veterans Dave Carter (ex-MCM, Crocmedia, SCA) and Peter Saxon (ex-Radiowise). The business specialises in the production of podcasts, audio, and video content.

In recent years, it has been working on projects for the Australian Federal Police. The latest production for the force is the podcast series Search Among the Sunflowers, the five-part series which commemorates the 10th anniversary of the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 on 17 July. The commercial passenger plane was shot down over eastern Ukraine in 2014, killing all 298 passengers and crew on board.

The AFP and other Australian agencies were heavily involved in the humanitarian mission to enter the crash site (in the middle of an active conflict zone) to retrieve, identify, and repatriate human remains, as well as the examination of evidence for the forensic investigation and eventual criminal prosecution.

Dave Carter told Mediaweek the 18-month project featured some heartbreaking interviews with Australian families who lost loved ones on board MH17. The podcast also features exclusive interviews with members of the AFP, the Dutch National Police, the Dutch Prosecution Service, and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), as well as former Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and the former head of the Australian Defence Force, Sir Angus Houston.

[Listen to Search Among the Sunflowers]

Football Australia and Ogilvy create AI and children’s book-inspired Matildas podcast

Football Australia has partnered with Ogilvy to unveil the Dream Team, an AI and children’s book inspired podcast series that will tell the story of the Matildas’ Paris 2024 campaign.

On 25 July, The Matildas will commence their Paris 2024 Olympic Games campaign against world ranked number four, Germany at 3am AEST. In fact, all of Australia’s three group stage matches during the Games kick-off at 3am AEST, making it a challenge for young fans, both new and old, to cheer on the Matildas.

However, through the Dream Team Storytime series, fans of all ages will be able to listen via AI, as Matildas’ captain Steph Catley tells the story of the match which occurred overnight.

Following every Australian match, Football Australia will release a new story – narrated with Catley’s own voice – on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, with short, animated clips to assist with the storytelling.

Cold Case Breakthrough: New podcast investigates Anthea Bradshaw murder

On 16 April 1994, Anthea Bradshaw married her high school sweetheart in a beautiful ceremony at Adelaide’s Tusmore Park Uniting Church. 96 days later, she was found murdered—strangled and stabbed—in Brunei, South East Asia. Three decades later, her death remains a mystery.

In Just Married: The Anthea Bradshaw Mystery, 9News senior reporter, Ben Avery, and the 9Podcasts team launch an investigation into her murder. The podcast delves into the circumstances of her death, uncovering evidence and exploring theories, forensics, and alibis that have stumped investigators for years.

Avery interviews Anthea’s family, friends, and former detectives to piece together her life and final moments. The podcast seeks to answer two crucial questions: Who wanted Anthea Bradshaw dead, and why?

[Listen to Just Married: The Anthea Bradshaw Mystery here]

Breaking the menopause taboo: Rage Against The Menopause

ARN’s iHeart has announced the new podcast hosted by Melbourne’s GOLD 104.3’s beloved Patrina “Pats” Jones. Known for her candid and engaging presence on The Christian O’Connell Show, Pats is bringing her signature openness to Rage Against The Menopause.

Pats, who has built a strong connection with her listeners by chatting about menopause openly on-air, has created this podcast to tackle the often-taboo topic head-on. Her mission is to change the narrative around menopause through humour, honesty, and valuable information, aiming to normalise these conversations for women.

Jones said: “We talk a lot about conception, pregnancy and birth but why not Perimenopause and Menopause? Hitting this stage, I’ve felt completely out of control at times, lacking information and totally unprepared. I’m out to change that. To build a community of support for other women. And as a legacy to my own daughter.

“My series is a no-holds barred discussion, helping to remove the stigma and show the power and strength that comes with menopause.”

[Listen to Rage Against The Menopause here]

Medical misogyny: Unpacking gender bias in healthcare with SBS News 

Is medical misogyny really a mystery? Why do we know more about some bodies than others? How do sex and gender influence our experiences in Australia’s health system?

SBS News journalist Catriona Stirrat explores medical misogyny and discrimination in the Australian health system in the new SBS News podcast, Hysterical. The series provides a health check on nuances of birth trauma, barriers on sexual and reproductive health, and patterns of delayed diagnoses. It delves into the medical challenges that women, trans and gender diverse people face every day, which may not be much of a mystery at all.

“I think the themes and experiences in this series will resonate with a lot of people. While we’re privileged in Australia with our health system, it’s clear there are certain communities that continue to feel dismissed or even discriminated against, and the current efforts to address this are offering hope in this space,” said Stirrat.

[Listen to Hysterical here]

By Erin Fraser, group manager – digital strategy, Bench Media

Seventeen years ago, at age 19, I took my first media job. Since then, the industry has evolved from traditional newspaper ads and TV buying to programmatic, digital out-of-home, and the boom of audio. It’s fast-paced, dynamic and workers across our industry have to be agile, adaptive and open-minded.

But, while the industry has embraced many changes in the last two decades, our attitude towards working parents remains stuck with outdated values that belong in the Dark Ages. This failure to evolve culturally alienates us and robs the media industry of talented women.

Eliminating bias and engendering inclusivity – Leaders take note

Like many women, I delayed starting a family to ensure my career would withstand the necessary maternity leave and financial strain.

Raising a child is a collaborative effort, however the negative career impacts of managing parenthood and a career are almost exclusively experienced by women. In 2024, more women are participating in the workforce than in decades past, but more importantly women are now often the primary earners in their households. So why do decisions about child-rearing significantly affect their professional growth and household economy and not their male counterparts?

Despite this, when I decided to embark on the journey of parenthood, I felt immense pressure to prove myself, despite 17 years in the industry. Trading my media job for full-time motherhood was never an option due to the rising cost of living and my love for work. But in order to prove myself when I returned to work, I took on extra hours and volunteered for additional projects to eliminate any doubts about my value as an employee. This led to burnout and feelings of failure at work and at home.

Fortunately, Bench Media offered ongoing flexible working arrangements and because of their support I am not only able to juggle the demands of motherhood and work, but at the end of the day feel like I am exceeding expectations on both sides of my life. However, this level of support is not an industry standard, and many parents still face numerous barriers when trying to balance their professional and caregiving roles. Change has to happen.

In my year of both being a parent and a career professional, one truth has remained constant: gendered expectations around parenting is a disservice to everyone. A woman’s professional value is often linked to their parenting status, while men are still seen primarily as the breadwinners. This outdated mindset hinders workplace evolution and does not reflect modern family realities.

One significant issue is subconscious employer bias. Young women are often viewed through the lens of potential motherhood, leading to assumptions about their future leave requirements, return, and focus. This bias can negatively impact a women’s salary negotiations and progression, as they are perceived as a risky investment, damaging their relationship with the company. I would confidently state this is not experienced by their male counterparts.

So, how can leaders eliminate bias and foster inclusivity in our industry?

Promote flexible work arrangements: Offer flexible work arrangements to accommodate the diverse needs of employees.

Challenge gendered assumptions: Work to change stereotypes that women will prioritise family over work and that men are primary providers.

Provide support systems: Implement comprehensive support systems for parents, including leave policies that encourage both parents to take time off and return-to-work programs that ease the transition.

Foster an inclusive culture: Create an inclusive culture where all employees feel valued and supported. Offer professional development opportunities and recognise the contributions of working parents.

Lead by example: Senior leaders should model inclusive behaviour and openly discuss their challenges and successes in balancing work and family life. This sets a positive example and encourages others to follow suit.

And where am I a year into returning to work? I’ve certainly learned a great deal about being a working parent. While I recognise my privilege in having a supportive family and work environment, it’s clear that there is still so much to do on an industry level to support all parents, whatever their gender.

By eliminating bias and fostering inclusivity, we can create a more equitable and representative workplace for everyone.

See also: ‘Greedy’ and ‘shitty’: Adland urged to stop making parental leave redundancies

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Top image: Erin Fraser

The Australian War Memorial has appointed Resolution Design, part of the M&C Saatchi Group, to design and produce compelling stories and immersive experiences set to open to the public in early 2026.

Resolution Design joins the Australian War Memorial’s collective of experiential designers. The production house will focus on delivering multimedia immersive experiences and cinema-style documentaries covering core aspects and experiences of life in war zones, spanning World War I, World War II, and the war in Afghanistan.

“The relationship with the Australian War Memorial has been 10 years in the making and with this project specifically, it’s been a privilege to learn more about people’s stories,” said Resolution Design digital innovator, creative producer and director, Jeffrey Jaffers.

“Ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances and how the human spirit prevails in times of conflict. Connecting people with these stories through our work with the Australian War Memorial is a privilege.” 

The Australian War Memorial is ranked among the top 10 free tourist attractions worldwide. The experiential design appointment furthers its primary mission to commemorate the sacrifice of Australians who have died in war or on operational service and those who have served the nation in times of conflict.

The Memorial is undergoing significant development, with additional buildings and galleries expected to be completed by 2028. The development project, which began in 2019, aims to expand the stories shared with future generations, highlighting the broader impact of war on the community and family networks of those on the front line.

In April, News Corp Australia published The Lost Letters from the Anzacs of Gallipoli in an eight-page special across its state and regional mastheads. The handwritten letters, sent home to family members and preserved by the Australian War Memorial for over 100 years, were transcribed for the special feature on ANZAC Day.

See also: News Corp publishes diggers’ Lost Letters for ANZAC Day

Taboola has introduced Taboola for Audience, an AI-powered technology that works to give publishers the ability to drive more traffic. 

2024 has seen changes to search engine and social media traffic, as well as ongoing uncertainty from the now-redundant cookie deprecation plans. Taboola for Audience will allow publishers to navigate changes affecting their referral traffic from search and social media, according to the company.

Select publisher sites using Taboola for Audience capabilities have reportedly seen nearly 10% more traffic. 

“Publishers are facing a new era in which sudden decisions by big tech and changes in consumer behaviour are making it harder to survive,” said Adam Singolda, CEO at Taboola. 

“Today, publishers need the right technologies to adapt to these changes and to find, grow, and keep audiences. Taboola for Audience gives publishers a single solution, with AI built from years of our successful publisher relationships to thrive in this new era.” 

Taboola for Audience is an offering that gives publishers the technology to attract and retain readers through personalisation and insights, sourced from Taboola’s nearly 600 million daily active users, and distribution including across top mobile device manufacturers. 

The tool combines AI-powered personalisation capabilities into a single, unified audience development platform, and includes: exclusive acquisition channels such as Android OEM relationships, news aggregators, and personalised notifications; reader experience personalisation that enables editorial teams to combine editorial voice and AI across the site; and actionable audience insights that editorial and commercial teams can learn from in real-time to inform content strategies. 

One of the publishers using the tool is The Independent.

“Taboola has been a true strategic partner in helping us grow,” said Christian Broughton, CEO, The Independent. 

“There’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach to audience engagement, and Taboola’s ability to power key areas of our homepage, recirculation from within articles, and other sections of our site, their huge amounts of readership data that provide actionable insights, and their valued partnership in working side-by-side with our own editorial team are the unique building blocks in our shared success.”

See also: Taboola inks global deal with Apple to power native advertising

delicious. and Harvey Norman have partnered for the sixth consecutive year to present the 2024 delicious. Harvey Norman Produce Awards.

For the past 19 years, the Produce Awards have set the standard for local produce and focused on the country’s best producers who grow, cultivate, harvest, and catch the produce supplied to Australia’s leading chefs and hospitality venues.

Krysia Bonkowski, editor-in-chief of delicious., said: “There is no other program like the delicious. Harvey Norman Produce Awards. For the past 19 years, it’s shone a light on the unsung heroes of the Australian food industry, and each year it continues to unearth new producers who are pushing that bar ever higher.

“None of this would be possible without the dedication and stewardship of our naming rights partner Harvey Norman, Gerry Harvey and our stellar line-up of state and national judges. The high calibre of this year’s entrants is proof that the future of Australia’s food industry is in safe hands.”

Harvey, the executive chairman of Harvey Norman, said: “Harvey Norman is proud to be naming rights partner of the delicious. Produce Awards as it celebrates 19 successful years.

“As the awards nears its 20th anniversary, we can applaud the Australian food production industry for continuing to nurture and develop new, world-class talent. Every year builds on the success of the year prior.

“Congratulations to all the nominees, and thank you to Krysia, the delicious. editorial team and the extraordinary judging panel of chefs – this year’s line-up is exceptional.”

A national judging panel comprising some of Australia’s most renowned chefs – Alla Wolf-Tasker, Andrew McConnell, Danielle Alvarez, Jo Barrett, Josh Niland, Karena Armstrong, Lennox Hastie, Matt Moran, Matt Stone and Peter Gilmore – will decide the ultimate 2024 trophy winners and producer of the year.

The winners will be announced on Thursday 22 August, and celebrated later that same day at the delicious. Harvey Norman Produce Awards event at Chiswick, Sydney.

Event partners include QT Hotels & Resorts, Alex and Trahanas, Printhie Wines and Birds of Isle.

See also: In Pictures: delicious. Harvey Norman Produce Awards 2023

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Top image: Krysia Bonkowski

The IMAA has revealed the agencies that have submitted teams to participate in the industry body’s inaugural Pitch-Chella initiative.

Pitch-Chella, sponsored by Audience360 and supported by Meta, is an industry program designed to support and nurture emerging independent media agency talent, encourage collaboration, and enhance pitching skills.

The event will see 21 teams from the participating IMAA member agencies pitch for campaigns for two national charities: the Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN), and the Waves of Wellness Foundation (WOW).

Participating agencies include Affinity, Apparent, Assembled Media, BCM, Enigma, Equality Media + Marketing, Half Dome, Hatched, Impetus Media, Murmur, O Agency, Pearman, Sanctuary Media Group, Slingshot, Sweeney Advertising, TFM Digital, The Media Store, The Pistol, Wahoo, Waples, and Yango.

As part of the two-month virtual program, teams will prepare written pitches for either the NTIBN’s ‘Buy Blak’ campaign or WOW’s annual ‘Ducktober’ fundraising event.

NTIBN is an Indigenous-owned business growth and advocacy service, advocating for Indigenous businesses in the Northern Territory.

The WOW Foundation provides innovative programs to support mental health recovery by using surf therapy to help improve mental health and well-being.
 
Ducktober, held during Mental Health Awareness Month in October, aims to raise funds by challenging participants to take a daily ‘duck’ in cold water to improve their mental health. WOW is hoping to raise $250,000 via a national campaign to help promote the initiative and broader mental health awareness.

The written briefs will be reviewed by a panel of marketing professionals who are looking for innovative, intelligent, and creative applications. Pitches will be scored on their industry relevance, objectives, insight and strategy, idea and execution, and effectiveness.

Judges include gold sponsor Audience360’s managing director, Jenny Parkes, TrinityP3 business director and global media lead, Steven Wright, Kennards Hire general manager marketing and customer experience, Manelle Mehri, Tumbleturn Media managing partner Jen Davidson, Orand founder, Adam Hickey, and Sparrow’s Nest Consulting’s Greg Graham.

Shortlisted finalists will be announced on 26 August, before they present a virtual pitch to the judging panel on 30 August. Pitch-Chella will culminate with the official winner announcement at a closing party at Sydney’s Beresford Hotel on 18 September.

IMAA leadership team member and Hatched chairman, Mike Wilson, said the organisation was overwhelmed with the response to the inaugural event.

“It’s wonderful to see so many budding indie media agency professionals keen to participate in this great event – it really demonstrates the passion, enthusiasm, and commitment to growth from our up-and-coming talent,” he said.

“We’re excited to see what our teams come up with for our two selected charities.

“Both organisations are incredibly worthy causes – the Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network has been at the forefront of Aboriginal economic development, particularly in the Northern Territory, for many years, while the Waves of Wellness Foundation is leading the way with its innovative approach to mental health awareness and recovery. We’re excited to have our teams bring their creativity, innovation and deep understanding of consumer behaviour to their campaigns.”

The Pitch-Chella initiative was spearheaded by a steering committee of independent agency leaders including Mike Wilson (Hatched), Jessica Bray (Audience Precision), Jac Ely (Apparent), Lisa Blackshaw (Edge), Taylor Fielding (TFM Digital), and the IMAA team.

National Indigenous Television (NITV) will provide coverage of the 24th annual Garma Festival, taking place 2-5 August in Gulkula, northeast Arnhem Land, NT.

Coverage will also feature across the SBS network and will provide viewers access to the celebration of the cultural, artistic, and ceremonial traditions of the Yolŋu people across the four-day event.

This year, Australia’s largest political Indigenous gathering is taking place ahead of an impending federal election and upcoming state and territory elections, and is the first major political forum focused on Indigenous affairs since the Referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

“We can’t wait to be back on the ground at Gulkula, red dirt between our toes, on the beautiful and sacred land of the Yolŋu people,” said Tanya Denning-Orman, a Birri and Guugu Yimidhirr woman and director of Indigenous content at SBS.

“NITV is proud to partner with the Yothu Yindi Foundation to continue bringing Garma to mob across the continent, as we’ve been doing for more than a decade. Through our coverage across the SBS network, we’re connecting the oldest living continuous culture with the newest Australians, and are excited to continue exploring more ways to engage more Australians.”

Daily live coverage, updates, and highlights across NITV’s platforms will be presented by its Indigenous news and current affairs team including head of Indigenous news and current affairs, Natalie Ahmat, SBS national Indigenous affairs editor and host of The Point: Road Trip, John Paul Janke, NITV News presenter and senior producer, Michael Rennie, and more.

NITV and the SBS network’s coverage include:

NITV News: Nula
Friday 2 August at 3pm, LIVE on NITV, SBS and SBS On Demand

Garma Opening Ceremony
Friday 2 August at 4pm, LIVE on NITV, SBS and SBS On Demand

Garma Buŋgul
Friday 2 August at 9.10pm, Saturday 3 August at 10.50pm and Sunday 4 August at 10.10pm on NITV and SBS On Demand

NITV News: Garma
Monday 5 August at 6pm on NITV, SBS and SBS On Demand

Tuesday 23 July 2024: VOZ Total TV Ratings Overnight Top 30 – Programs ranked on reach

Total People TV Ratings

Nine’s Tipping Point Australia recorded a total TV national reach of 1,411,000, a total TV national audience of 724,000, and a BVOD audience of 55,000.

Nine’s A Current Affair recorded a total TV national reach of 1,451,000, a total TV national audience of 931,000, and a BVOD audience of 74,000.

Also on Seven, Home & Away recorded a total TV national reach of 1,262,000, a total TV national audience of 860,000, and a BVOD audience of 111,000.

10’s airing of Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly recorded a total TV national reach of 999,000, a total TV national audience of 434,000, and a BVOD audience of 15,000.

10’s airing of The Cheap Seats recorded a total TV national reach of 824,000, a total TV national audience of 448,000, and a BVOD audience of 15,000.

See also: TV Report 23 July 2024: The Hundred with Andy Lee gets into the Olympic spirit

People 25-54

Nine’s Tipping Point Australia:
• Total TV nation reach: 329,000
• National Audience: 169,000
• BVOD Audience: 27,000

Nine’s A Current Affair:
• Total TV nation reach: 431,000
• National Audience: 268,000
• BVOD Audience: 40,000

10’s Dog’s Behaving (Very) Badly:
• Total TV nation reach: 367,000
• National Audience: 149,000 
• BVOD Audience: 8,000

Seven’s Home & Away:
• Total TV nation reach: 401,000
• National Audience: 273,000
• BVOD Audience: 63,000

10’s The Cheap Seats:
• Total TV nation reach: 349,000
• National Audience: 205,000 
• BVOD Audience: 9,000

People 16-39

Nine’s Tipping Point Australia:
• Total TV nation reach: 119,000
• National Audience: 54,000
• BVOD Audience: 14,000

Nine’s A Current Affair:
• Total TV nation reach: 161,000
• National Audience: 94,000
• BVOD Audience: 21,000

10’s Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly:
• Total TV nation reach: 135,000
• National Audience: 58,000 
• BVOD Audience: 4,000

Seven’s Home & Away:
• Total TV nation reach: 170,000
• National Audience: 114,000
• BVOD Audience: 38,000

10’s The Cheap Seats:
• Total TV nation reach: 120,000
• National Audience: 70,000 
• BVOD Audience: 4,000

Grocery Shoppers 18+ TV Ratings

Nine’s Tipping Point Australia:
• Total TV nation reach: 1,113,000
• National Audience: 587,000
• BVOD Audience: 44,000

Nine’s A Current Affair:
• Total TV nation reach: 1,139,000
• National Audience: 735,000
• BVOD Audience: 59,000

10’s Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly:
• Total TV nation reach: 785,000
• National Audience: 339,000 
• BVOD Audience: 12,000

Seven’s Home & Away:
• Total TV nation reach: 980,000
• National Audience: 674,000
• BVOD Audience: 89,000

10’s The Cheap Seats:
• Total TV nation reach: 641,000
• National Audience: 347,000 
• BVOD Audience: 12,000

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.