After a round of redundancies on Tuesday, Seven West Media is reportedly losing three senior executives. 

Chief revenue officer, Kurt Burnette, chief marketing officer, Melissa Hopkins, and head of sport and managing director of Seven Melbourne, Lewis Martin are all exiting the business according to the Australian Financial Review. 

This week’s redundancies saw the company axe up to 150 jobs after the network flagged further cost-cutting exercises in February, by then-CFO Jeff Howard and former CEO James Warburton. Howard stepped up to the CEO role of Seven West Media after Warburton officially left the post on April 18.

This week’s redundancies are not limited to any one division, with journalists from the television and print divisions, sales and marketing roles, as well as printing roles to be cut.

Mediaweek has contacted Seven for comment. 

See also: Kurt Burnette and Seven sales team challenge TV narrative, comment on recent headlines

Lewis Martin said: “I have loved everything about my time at Seven and in the media, primarily the wonderful people I have worked with, and competed against.”

Burnette joined Seven in 1990, with Martin joining not long after in 1994. Hopkins joined Seven last May, moving over from her previous role as CMO of Optus. 

The redundancies come days after Seven journalist Robert Ovadia was sacked by the network after an internal investigation was conducted into allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

In an interview with The Australian, the Sydney-based crime reporter confirmed he had been fired after 23 years with the network.

“Yes I’ve been sacked and there will be more to say about that in the appropriate forum at the appropriate time,” Ovadia told The Australian.

See also: Seven reporter Robert Ovadia ‘sacked’ after allegations of inappropriate behaviour

Other recent exits include Craig McPherson, who stepped down after Seven’s Spotlight program became embroiled in Bruce Lehrmann‘s failed defamation battle against 10 and Lisa Wilkinson. Replacing him in April was Anthony De Ceglie, appointed Seven West Media’s new director of news and current affairs.

In the wake of ex-Spotlight producer Taylor Auerbach‘s evidence, EP Mark Llewellyn also left the network.

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Top image: Kurt Burnette, Melissa Hopkins, and Lewis Martin

Foxtel has seen another senior staff member call time on their career. This time it is group general manager factual Jim Buchan.

Just two months ago we learnt of the departure of Foxtel Group chief content & commercial officer Amanda Laing. One of her unenviable duties, before she departs, is to farewell others heading out the door before Laing does.

The current loss rate doesn’t match the people overboard of a couple of years ago when we reported on the departure of The Magnificent Seven. And doesn’t do the teams still working for the Foxtel Group to make asides like “will the last one out turn out the lights”. But gee, they have lost some talent over the recent journey.

See also:
Colleagues farewell The Magnificent Seven after major Foxtel restructure

Foxtel executive shuffle: New operating model impacts Kayo, Binge, Foxtel Media

Jim Buchan and his The Good Cop colleagues in the winner’s room at 2019 Logies. Top: Buchan enjoying the breeze on the Beach at Cannes in 2022. Might be a few less trips to the south of France on the immediate horizon.

Amanda Laing on Jim Buchan

It was Amanda Laing who explained to colleagues this week about Buchan’s departure.

I’m writing to let you know that after a remarkable 23 years at Foxtel, Jim Buchan has decided it’s time to hang up his boots and seek a new career challenge.

Jim’s immense contribution to Foxtel over his long career here is difficult to summarise.  He has led numerous channel launches, identified and acquired tens of thousands of hours of international programming from every part of the globe and commissioned ground-breaking local series.  His acclaimed local commissions include Kings Cross ER, Ron Iddles: The Good Cop, Crimes That Shook Australia, Mega Truckers, Aussie Pickers, Pawn Stars Australia, The Battle of Long Tan, four series of Coast Australia, The Pacific in the wake of Captain Cook and Aussie Inventions That Changed the World.

Jim’s many channel launches, pivots and rebrands include the launch of the world’s first true crime channel, Crime + Investigation in 2005 as well as the Bio channel which ran for 14 years. More recently, of course, he launched the Docos and Real Life channels which, in typical Jim style, identified and programmed content which was wildly popular with our customers.

He has been a true warrior for Foxtel – hunting for great stories, driving hard bargains with suppliers and curating unmissable channels our audiences love.  He’s successfully fused an encyclopaedic knowledge of the factual genre with a profound understanding of what our customers crave.

Along the way, Jim has worked with, mentored, driven and celebrated with many people from across the business. His hilarious and self-deprecating sense of humour, his candour, honesty, warmth and laughter are the stuff of legend. I know he has many close friendships here at Foxtel that will continue long into the future.

Please join me in congratulating Jim on all that he has achieved and thanking him for everything he has done for the business.

Jim Buchan with Foxtel programming colleague Fleur Fahey

Jim Buchan led six Foxtel channel brand launches

Jim Buchan sent these comments to staff and later posted some of it on his social media accounts:

It’s time for me to “call time” on my fantastic career at Foxtel.

After a remarkable 23-and-a-half-year journey, this experience has been nothing short of amazing, filled with unforgettable moments, outstanding teams, and incredible achievements.

I am immensely proud of the accomplishments we’ve all achieved together, from pioneering channel launches to ground-breaking content creation. Our collective efforts have not only shaped the media landscape but also left an indelible mark on the industry.

Throughout the years, I’ve had the honour of leading six channel brand launches, countless content acquisitions and local commissions, always alongside exceptional colleagues and partners. Some of my most cherished accomplishments include launching the world’s first 24-hour true crime channel, Crime + Investigation, back in 2005, where TV Logie Awards were won for groundbreaking local commissions: Kings Cross ER: St Vincent’s Hospital and Ron Iddles: The Good Cop.

Jim Buchan

Commissioning long-lasting series franchises that have withstood the test of time in Crime Investigation Australia and Crimes That Shook Australia, all of which now also appear on the free-to-air TV network broadcasters.

Representing the launch of a Biography channel (Bio) that ran for 14 years was wonderful.

In 2012, I had the privilege of leading the launch of A&E, a channel that would go on to produce several first-of-their-kind male-skewing local reality series, including Mega Truckers, Aussie Pickers, Pawn Stars Australia and Demolition Man series that were also seen by international audiences.

More recent highlights include my team launching (Fox) Docos and Real Life channels that have been the “icing on the cake,” as I‘ve witnessed these resonate with our subscribers in ways I could only dream of.

Aside from True Crime, my passion has always been aligned to The History Channel, where we realised acclaimed local commissions like The Battle of Long Tan, four series of Coast Australia, The Pacific in the Wake of Captain Cook with Sam Neill, and Aussie Inventions That Changed the World, to name a few.

Throughout my time at Foxtel, learning to master content curation in order to capture our audience’s attention through key acquisitions has brought me immense joy and satisfaction. Developing key industry contacts involved in great collaborations, to meeting great talent, and forming lifelong relationships and friendships have all been a wonderful adventure that I will treasure.

As I reflect on my time at Foxtel, I am eternally grateful for the exceptional individuals I have had the pleasure of working alongside. I extend my deepest appreciation to all of you.

So here ends a special time for me. It’s now time for new challenges.

Opening the Jim Buchan photo album

Accepting the TV Week Logie for Kings Cros ER

With the exec producer of King Cross ER, Jon McAvoy

Buchan with Ron Iddles and Sam Neill

Logies night 2018: Buchan with colleagues that include Hannah Barnes, Stephen Baldwin and Duane Hatherley

Toyota has handed its retail and value chain communications portfolio to Publicis-owned full-service agency, Saatchi & Saatchi. 

Mediaweek understands the win for Saatchi & Saatchi was driven by a global consolidation of marketing with Publicis, brought about from the US. 

In a comment to Mediaweek, Michael Rebelo, Publicis Groupe ANZ CEO said: “Toyota has been a valued partner for over 40 years, and we are honoured to have this opportunity to build upon our enduring relationship.

“In bringing together our expertise in marketing transformation and Toyota’s focus on innovation, we’re excited to extend the power of our connected capabilities across creative, content and data to drive Toyota’s Retail and Value Chain business.”

In February, creative innovation studio R/GA retained Toyota Motor Corporation Australia’s digital marketing business after the account was put to pitch. 

At the time, a spokesperson from Toyota Motor Corporation Australia said, “The automotive industry is at the cusp of a remarkable transformation, calling for solutions that prioritise customers’ individual experiences.

“As we navigate this evolving landscape with new and used vehicles, services, and communications, we recognise the importance of staying ahead.

“This makes R/GA the ideal partner to leverage our brand strengths that will maximise both value for individual customers and Toyota’s value chain.”

In 2021, Toyota appointed Spark Foundry as its media agency of record for Toyota and Lexus. That same year, the auto giant appointed creative independent Hero for select product portfolios. It is understood the agency’s relationship remains unaffected by the latest. 

Mediaweek has reached out to Toyota.

See also:
R/GA retains Toyota account following competitive pitch
Racing Toyotas, sexual sauce ads, and child safety concerns: Ad Standards’ latest rulings

Tiff Ng, founder of The Social Story, has told Mediaweek that media professionals need to do more than just pay lip service to important issues, particularly when communicating stories about impact.

Ng took home the win for Changemaker at Mediaweek‘s 2024 Next of the Best Awards.

Mediaweek caught up with Ng to speak about what necessary transformation she thinks the industry needs to go through, what is exciting her about social media right now and pushing for greater ethics in daily practices.

The awards have been judged by an all-star line-up, what does it mean to you to be recognised by this group?

Getting this recognition from such an esteemed jury feels like the industry is acknowledging its hunger for change.

When I left the corporate world seven years ago to start my own company, I was determined to create spaces for women of colour like myself who wanted to find greater purpose in the work that they do. I’ve spent the years predominantly in the social enterprise and remote work spaces talking to other like-minded people about their frustrations with marketing and what we need to do to change this.

The Social Story is a culmination of these learnings, with a core goal of developing ethical storytelling standards that can be used across our whole industry. But it has often felt like the change needed was so much bigger than what I was capable of alone.

To be acknowledged by the top tier of the media industry, it feels like the principles I stand for are validated. It gives me great belief that we, as an industry, can achieve a more inclusive, diverse and purpose-driven environment. And I couldn’t ask for more than that!

What necessary transformation do you think the industry needs to go through?

Every media professional and the industry as a whole needs to recognise the power that they hold. We not only reflect the world as it is, but we also create the aspiration of where we believe it should go. No one should take that responsibility lightly.

Particularly when communicating stories about impact, we need to do more than simply pay lip service to important issues. This is an opportunity to be bold, make the organisational changes required to authentically champion sustainability and inclusivity and communicate this impact in ways that can positively affect our audiences.

That means responsible reporting, pushing for greater ethics in our daily practices and prioritising the needs of every media professional so they feel empowered to show up authentically through their work.

What do you think the future looks like for social media in the industry?

We need to change the way we look at success on social to future-proof against regulatory changes to the social landscape. Changes such as TikTok bans to Facebook changing access to news content will have flow-on effects to the way we conduct ourselves as social media professionals. Also, with the incoming greenwashing laws in Australia and abroad, there will be greater scrutiny of the type of content we share. But that should not be feared if we’re doing it right.

Authenticity, good storytelling and a commitment to ethical practices can always carry us through such changes. And in the battle for eyeballs, building lasting relationships with your audience will be ever more important. That means a greater focus on organic engagement and how to create content that audiences want to hear and share. That means bringing forth human stories – whether that be with diverse UGC creators or showing up as business owners on social. It also means showcasing the values of a business to the growing number of consumers who want to buy from brands that share their own.

Prioritising relationships over vanity metrics – like follower counts – and ensuring that social is just a tool to inspire further action offline. When we all recognise the role that social plays in building these relationships and have the right tools to understand how to maximise success, that’s when we can future-proof against any further changes in regulation.

What excites you about social media in the industry right now?

In many ways, social media has democratised the content we consume and create. We are already seeing more diverse narratives and self-determined creators who are able to share their authentic stories on these platforms. Organisations like Missing Perspectives have done a particularly good job at challenging media narratives and amplifying voices we don’t usually hear in global news.

I want to see more individuals empowered to tell their stories in responsible ways through social. Whether it’s larger brands elevating their voices or tech companies recognising the importance of such creators, the more diverse the media is on the platform, the better.

Being Next of The Best – What can the industry expect next from you?

This is just the first chapter for us at The Social Story. This recognition has only fuelled us to continue making change for our social enterprise community and the media industry.

We’re working with our partners and community organisations to bolster our standards of ethical storytelling. We’ll continue to co-author with our clients great narratives and effective social content to take their brands closer to their audience. And I invite you to join us.

My hope is that these standards can be rolled out across the industry so that every social media professional is considering how each piece of content is sustainable, accessible, diverse and contributes positively to the wider conversation.

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Top image: Tiff Ng

Airtasker is moving ahead with a $6m media partnership with oOh!media to ramp up investment and brand awareness across Australia.

The terms of the partnership provide Airtasker with $6m in oOh!media inventory in exchange for a 2-year $5m convertible note with a 5.8% coupon rate – listed as the Note.

At maturity, Airtasker has the option to convert the outstanding Note and coupon into ordinary shares at a 10% discount to Airtasker’s 30-trading day volume-weighted average share price or repay the outstanding Note and coupon in cash.

The partnership will enable Airtasker to scale in a capital-efficient way through access to oOh!media’s over 35,000 sites across Australia including billboards, street furniture, airports, office towers and retail centres.

Commenting on the partnership, oOh!media’s chief strategy and transformation officer, Andrew Every said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Airtasker. This collaboration allows Airtasker to leverage the strength of our unrivalled network and sophisticated data techniques to support its mission of driving growth in their trusted community platform.”

In the quarter ending 31 March 2024, Airtasker reported positive free cash flow of $2.5m and $19.7m in cash and term deposits on the balance sheet with zero debt.

Airtasker CEO Tim Fung said the company was excited to be partnering with oOh!media in Australia and building on the momentum of their media partnership strategy.

“We believe outdoor media is incredibly impactful because of its unmissable nature in a media landscape which is becoming increasingly crowded,” he said.

“Outdoor media also presents some incredibly exciting innovation opportunities for Airtasker with new digital formats and contextually relevant locations enabling us to reach Airtasker customers at the right time and place for when they need something done – like offering furniture assembly or tech installation services in key retail locations.

“We’ve already seen some incredible results with our $6.7m Channel 4 media partnership in the UK delivering 49% growth in posted tasks in the third quarter of FY24, after launching a little over 6 months ago – so we’re super excited to be building on that momentum with oOh!media in Australia!”

Off the back of the Airtasker partnership, oOh!media announced today it is launching a trial to assess the impact of reduced energy consumption across its large-format digital network.

oOh!media say the trial is part of an ongoing commitment to lead the Out of Home industry to a more sustainable future.

Beginning on 2 July, the first phase will see a blackout of 70 large format LED sites across Australia between 1am to 4am each day for a period of six months. It follows an initial month-long test at one of oOh!’s sites in Sydney’s inner west, which showed an estimated energy saving of 6% if the site was blacked out during these hours.

While oOh! is accelerating its move towards renewable energy, the company is also reducing power consumption by investing in LED technology, which enables sites to consume less power when blacked out.

oOh! will bring additional sites into the program over time, and money saved on electricity will be ploughed back into oOh!’s transition to renewable energy across the network.

MOVE 1.5 data shows a minimal audience reach of 1% to 2% between the hours of 1am and 4am and oOh! clients will be unable to book these trial sites during the power down hours.

Sarah Young, group director of environmental, social and governance (ESG) at oOh! said: “We are continually exploring ways to advance our sustainability agenda through innovation. This large format digital trial, the first of its scale for oOh!, will provide valuable insights and learnings on how we can transition the digital network to reduced and renewable power sources.

“This initiative is a key part of our broader ESG strategy and reinforces our commitment to creating a more sustainable business. We are excited to see the outcomes of this trial and its potential impacts.”

Sales lead and founding member of Snap ANZ, Matt Coote, is leaving his role in the coming months after eight years, marking the second recent sales team departure from the social media company.

Coote’s move was driven by a personal decision to relocate to Newcastle after having his second child.

It is further understood that while the platform has restructured its local agency team, Coote’s role was unaffected by the changes, and the business is currently looking to replace his position.

In a statement to Mediaweek, Tony Keusgen, Snap’s MD of Australia and New Zealand, said: “During his eight years at Snap, Matt has played an enormously important role both in driving our revenue ambitions as well as building our team culture in Australia.

“I am so grateful to Matt for his enormous contributions to our business and am thankful he will stay on with Snap for the next couple of months while we recruit for the new Head of Sales ANZ. I wish Matt all the best in this next phase as he takes more time to spend with his family.”

Ellie Rogers left the business in May after a year in the ANZ sales director role.

Rogers previously told Mediaweek she left Snap Inc. to focus on building her consulting business from Byron Bay, where she lives with her family.

Rogers joined the company last year after spending the previous nine years at Meta as industry director ANZ. She has also held positions at Carat, Profero, and Ikon Communications.

“I’ve had the most amazing experience building and leading incredible sales teams over the last 20 years, including at Meta for nine years and Snapchat over the last 12 months,” she said.

“With such diverse experience, across planning and the full media mix, I’m looking forward to consulting to a range of businesses to drive growth and transformation.”

Rogers further noted that she will continue her supporting UnLtd in her role on the board. “So if you are ever in Byron and fancy a cuppa – Mood Tea of course – hit me up.”

Keusgen thanked Rogers for her commitment and contribution to the role.

“In order to better support the needs of our agency partners, we’ve restructured our local agency team and Ellie Rogers, who was our agency director, will be leaving Snap,” he said.

“We plan to further grow our mid-level team across both agency and sales, to best service demand from this critically important sector. I would like to extend our gratitude to Ellie for the contribution she has made to our business during her time with us.”

Mediaweek has reached out to Snap for further comment regarding Coote’s departure.

See also: Ellie Rogers leaves Snap after a year as ANZ agency lead

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has found that sports streaming service Kayo, provided by Foxtel’s Hubbl, breached gambling advertising rules by presenting gambling ads during live sports events outside of allowed times.

The ACMA investigated Hubbl following complaints from viewers relating to live streams of a number of sporting events on Kayo.

Gambling advertisements are not allowed to be shown by online content providers during live sports events between 5 am and 8:30 pm, including in the five minutes before and after the event.

The ACMA’s investigations identified 16 different gambling advertisements were provided outside the allowed times across a total of 267 live sports events.

ACMA Authority member Carolyn Lidgerwood said the scale of the error as well as Hubbl’s failure to identify a system bug affecting the playout of gambling ads across a large number of live sport events was concerning.

“Online streaming services as well as broadcasters all have a responsibility to put robust systems in place so that they adhere to these long-standing gambling advertising rules,” she said.

“The rules are there to reduce viewer exposure to gambling ads, particularly for impressionable young audiences and those vulnerable to gambling harms. In this case, Hubbl has let those viewers down.”

A Foxtel Group spokesperson told Mediaweek: “The issue was caused by a system coding error that affected viewers using Kayo Sports iOS applications and it was rectified as soon as Hubbl became aware of the issue. We are pleased to have worked collaboratively with the ACMA throughout its investigation and will continue to do so in respect of the ACMA’s remedial direction.”

The ACMA has issued Hubbl with a remedial direction requiring it to arrange an external audit of its technical systems and processes, including the measures that it has implemented subsequent to the breaches.

ACMA states if Hubbl fails to comply with the terms of the remedial direction it may be ordered by the Federal Court to pay penalties of up to $626,000 per day.

Foxtel has unveiled a line-up of new channels being added to iQ set-top boxes. In addition, documentary app DocPlay will be joining Foxtel’s suite of apps, in addition to becoming a channel.

Foxtel will be launching a collection of seven new and refreshed linear channels in the coming months, including: 

• British (ch.118): Featuring shows like Vera, London Kills, Madam Blanc Mysteries, Whitstable Pearl, Miss Scarlett and the Duke, and Agatha Christie’s Marple, the British channel offers a mix of content including entertainment, factual, children’s and lifestyle. It launches 1 August.

• Real History (ch.130): Through affirming accounts of the past, Real History takes viewers on a journey back in time, uncovering the events that have shaped and continue to shape the world with a focus on content touching on military, ancient, modern, topical, and tabloid history. It launches 1 August.

• Real Crime (ch.135): Launches 1 August.

• Famous (ch.115): Famous will be the source for true stories of some of the most accomplished personalities of the past and present. It launches 1 August.

• Travel (ch.129): Travel will be Foxtel’s go-to destination to transport viewers to places near and far. It launches 15 August.

• DocPlay (ch.119): The documentary channel launches on 3 September.

• Fashion TV (ch.151): The channel presents the latest fashion, beauty and lifestyle trends from an insider’s view with designers, models and professionals. It launches on 6 August.

Foxtel will also be integrating the DocPlay app into iQ set-top boxes from 25 June.

Stephanie Quinn, director of content partnerships – Foxtel Group, said: “Over the past decade, the content distribution model has changed, reinforcing the need for our business to remain dynamic and focussed on what’s best for our customers. The addition of these new channels, as well as the DocPlay app, reflect the changing marketplace and gives us the freedom to make content acquisition decisions that best reflect our customers viewing preferences.

“We’re proud to offer our customers a diverse mix of premium content. These new channels and integrated app will provide customers with uninterrupted access to some of their favourite shows and titles across popular genres including drama, history, documentaries, and true crime.”

News Corp has named Harvey Norman, Woolworths, Omega, and Stan Sport as key commercial supporters of its Paris 2024 Olympic coverage, with Harvey Norman continuing its support through the Paralympic Games.

ASICS is also onboard and will be dressing the 45 editorial team members on the ground in Paris.

Managing director, client partnerships, Lou Barrett said: “At News, we are able to help our partners stand out in a traditionally cluttered Olympic and Paralympic environment. Not only will they be able to connect with audiences in the lead-up to the Games and during the action, but they will stay with us long afterwards when our experts tell the stories that go beyond the live events.

“The time difference between Paris and Australia means our audience will wake up and check our news sites straight away to see all the action they missed overnight which is a significant benefit to our partners. We have created tailor-made solutions giving clients much more meaningful integration, ensuring unrivalled visibility, reach and engagement.”

As an official team partner for both the Australian Olympic Committee and Paralympics Australia, the entire business will be coming together bringing all news, features, analysis, opinion, results and images under one umbrella.

Coverage will be across News’ metropolitan and regional mastheads, CODE Sports, The Australian, news.com.au and kidsnews.com.au. The coverage will also be extended to prestige and lifestyle titles including Vogue Australia, GQ Australia, delicious., Body+Soul and Escape. 

National deputy sports editor and sports commercial editor, Tim Morrissey said: “Our coverage at News goes beyond sport and beyond the headlines. We are also able to give our audiences insider knowledge and behind-the-scenes stories from Parisian life, covering the best in fashion, art and entertainment, along with where to stay and eat.

“This is the first time sport and luxury will intersect on a truly global scale and offers brands an unprecedented opportunity to capitalise. Our titles will be the premium lifestyle destination for Paris 2024.”

With one month to go until the Opening Ceremony of Paris 2024, Nine has revealed the team of journalists it will be sending to the Olympic Games.

The team features journalists who have covered a combined 29 Olympic and Paralympic Games and share 60 major awards between them. Nine say the “strength of its news brands – The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Brisbane Times and WAtoday – will ensure Paris 2024 will be covered like no previous Olympic Games.”

A Paris 2024 hub will be available across the mastheads’ digital sites and apps, giving readers access to the full range of Olympics data, including a live medal tally plus searchable competition schedules and results.

The team of 18 includes the Herald and Age chief reporters Jordan Baker and Chip Le Grand, Europe correspondent Rob Harris, sport editors Chloe Saltau and Ian Fuge, and Eddie Jim, the reigning Walkley Award-winning portrait photographer of the year.

The full list includes Ian Fuge (Editor); Chloe Saltau (Editor); Megan Levy (Digital Producer); Eddie Jim (Photographer); Rob Harris (News, general sport, cycling); Jordan Baker (News, rowing, canoeing); Marta Pascual Juanola (News, general sport); Konrad Marshall (sport colour); Michael Gleeson (Athletics); Chip Le Grand (Swimming, sport politics); Greg Baum (Sport colour); Emma Kemp (Swimming, football); Tom Decent (Swimming, athletics); Andrew Webster (Sports columnist); Michael Chammas (General sport, rugby sevens, basketball); and Chris Paine (Head of Premium Content).

Luke Mcllveen, executive editor of The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Brisbane Times and, WAtoday said that “The likes of Greg Baum, Andrew Webster, Emma Kemp, Jordan Baker, Michael Gleeson and Michael Chammas will deliver in-depth coverage and breaking news to our millions of readers online and in print in a way that hasn’t been seen before. The team is excited to hit the ground running in one of the world’s most beautiful cities.”

Joining the metro masthead contingent will be The Australian Financial Review [afr.com], who will be sending Zoe Samios, business of sport correspondent, and Europe correspondent Hans van Leeuwen.

Thrive PR and Communications has appointed Liliana Molina as its business director in Queensland, to drive local client growth and the agency’s Olympic strategy.

Molina, a former News Corp national PR and talent relations manager, will lead the Brisbane and Gold Coast teams supported by associate director Amanda Gormley, and will report to Thrive’s national executive, Snezna Kerekovic.

She brings more than twenty years of experience in regional and metropolitan newspapers and media publicity, as well as in-depth knowledge of the local market and an extensive network across business, news, politics and sport.

Prior to working in public relations, Molina was a journalist at the Bundaberg News-Mail and Queensland Business Review before becoming The Courier Mail’s first female resources reporter. She went on to report on Australia’s leading enterprise organisations and private businesses, working her way into senior newsroom positions, including deputy chief of staff, assistant editor and partnerships editor. 

She has extensive experience in digital media having worked through the digital transformation of mastheads at News Corp Australia.

Molina joins Thrive from News Corp Australia where she most recently held the role of national PR and talent manager working with editors and marketing teams across titles including The Australian, Vogue, GQ, V Weekend, Sydney Weekend, Q Weekend, WISH, Body & Soul, Escape, The Herald Sun, The Daily Telegraph and key sports brands including SuperCoach and Code Sports.

She will play a key role in driving Thrive’s Olympic strategy in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics. Molina will strengthen the delivery of integrated PR, content and social services to Thrive’s client portfolio and mentor local teams.
 
Kerekovic said: “We are thrilled to officially welcome Liliana to the Thrive family, although she is no stranger to Thrive. Lil’s extensive and deep-rooted experience in the Queensland market and her network and experience in sport, align with the strategic vision for Thrive Queensland and our ambitious growth goals.
 
“Her knowledge of national media, digital communications and the local market is second to none. Our clients and teams are excited to see the impact she will make both locally and across the agency network.”
 
Molina said: “I am beyond thrilled to be joining Thrive. I have had the pleasure of working with Thrive for two years client-side, seeing the professionalism, the pursuit of excellence and genuine passion in all that they do.
 
“I have made this decision with confidence knowing there is no other agency I would have made that leap for As a proud Queenslander, the opportunity to take Thrive Queensland to new heights and contribute to the agency’s exceptional work in sport, travel and beyond, is an opportunity that excites me.”

Kerekovic added: “Liliana’s arrival marks an exciting new chapter for Thrive in Queensland. With an impressive number of recent local appointments, promotions and client growth, we have never been in a stronger position in this incredibly important market for our agency.”
 
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Top image: Liliana Molina

Commercial mix modelling (CMM) platform Prophet has appointed Hamish Mogan to the role of COO and VP of marketing science.

Mogan will be the company’s first COO since launching its commercial-mix modelling platform earlier in March, and is in the process of onboarding a number of customers across multiple industries.

He joins Prophet after five years at Meta’s Facebook, where he headed up Marketing Science for the Retail and e-Commerce sectors across Australia and New Zealand. He has also held leading Data Science and Analytics roles at companies such as Sportsbet, EY, and Les Mills.

Mogan said: “I did a significant amount of due diligence on Prophet prior to joining. I needed to ensure that this was much more than just another MMM platform. It needed to be a true decision-engine – and it is.

“Prophet is a system that helps CMOs in what is one of the hardest and most challenging jobs in the world right now. Prophet provides CMOs and organisations with the ability to design experiments, measure strategies, optimise and predict outcomes, enabling them to hit both their marketing and business objectives.”

Mogan has found success in his career by providing an understanding of customers to the world of marketing science, mathematics, and modelling.

He added: “My focus on marketing science has allowed me to work on behalf of the advertiser to optimise their media. So, It’s not about getting organisations to spend one more dollar, but rather helping them to spend their entire organisational budget more efficiently and effectively.”

“I took this role with Prophet because my experience is built around getting in deep with customers. This means understanding what they’re trying to do, understanding what their objectives are, and then designing experiments, measurement strategies, and optimisation strategies to help them hit their goals, often in really challenging economic or competitive environments.”

Prophet is helmed by former Hyperloop global marketing lead Jordan Taylor-Bartels and former Ogilvy and VMLY&R Commerce CEO Sean Taylor. The company’s development team touts A-list talent from organisations including NASA, SpaceX, Linktree, WPP, Dentsu and Deloitte.

Jordan Taylor-Bartels, Prophet CEO and co-founder, said that in order to give the Australian and Global markets the truest form of commercial-mix-modelling, and therefore driving real decision-intelligence, bringing on exceptional customer understanding is key to further aligning the Prophet engine back to the customer. 

“Prophet is a sophisticated intelligence system that can answer a multitude of commercial and marketing conundrums in real time. By introducing Hamish and his experience directly into our Executive Team, Prophet can super-power its engine with direct customer understanding and empathy. Hamish unlocks a multitude of doors for Prophet to be even more effective.” 

Prophet’s integration of advanced mathematics has already attracted a $5 million seed investment from an impressive investor roster of industry professionals, seasoned entrepreneurs, and elite athletes.

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Top image: Hamish Mogan

Strategic brand and creative agency, Houston Group, has launched a new brand identity for PCYC NSW, a charity that empowers young people to reach their potential through community partnerships: Belong somewhere life changing.

The pro bono work was designed to bring to the forefront the charity’s unwavering belief in young people and its transformative impact through its nonprofit programs, out-of-school-hours care offering, and commercial sport and recreation activities.

PCYC NSW has a long-standing history, dating back to 1937, yet the brand has remained relatively static and unchanged, which has led to misconceptions about who PCYC NSW is for, and how it is funded.

The refreshed platform seeks to build a shared understanding of what PCYC NSW stands for, and increase its relevance among a more diverse audience. It was created after Houston identified the need to create a unifying story and clear brand architecture, supported by a flexible and contemporary design system.

Houston described the new brand’s new visual identity as “bold and unapologetic.” It retains equity in the established star asset, while increasing the vibrancy of the colour palette.

“As a business, we believe cause and purpose are fundamental and by supporting not–for–profits, we’re able to use our skills to help these incredible organisations continue their vital work,” said Houston Group CEO and founder, Stuart O’Brien.

“Growing up in Mount Druitt, I saw first–hand the work of PCYC, so the project is very personal to me. The ability to contemporise such a significant community brand is a really important opportunity; to modernise it in a way that allows kids to re-engage and connect with their local PCYC.”

“Being Australia’s pre-eminent youth charity, PCYC NSW wanted to stand out as a fresh, vibrant brand that genuinely represents the more than 60,000 youth members and at-risk youth that we serve each year,” added PCYC NSW CEO, Ben Hobby.

The revitalised PCYC NSW brand launches across all digital and social channels, and across their 66 clubs throughout NSW.

The work follows Houston’s May appointment of Alex Creamer as creative director and Michelle Teh as design director. Earlier this month, the group also announced the promotion of Gretel Maltabarow to managing director and Stacey Saunders to general manager.

See also:
Houston nabs Interbrand’s Alex Creamer and Nike’s Michelle Teh
Houston promotes Gretel Maltabarow and Stacey Saunders

Client: PCYC NSW
Michael Klein: Assistant marketing manager
Bree Godden​​​​: General manager fundraising and marketing
Ben Hobby: Chief executive officer

Agency: Houston Group
Stuart O’Brien: CEO & founder
Cate Patterson: Account manager
Alex Toohey: Executive creative director
Ticky Lan: Designer
Max Russell: Finished artist

Grand Pacific Entertainment & Advisory and GolfSpace Australia have partnered to launch a new brand platform, Elevate Your Game.

This platform aims to bring to life a comprehensive, always-on, direct-to-consumer and complete OSEP channel marketing and communications campaign. 

This campaign includes digital, social, performance, and loyalty campaign development, as well as outdoor advertising in partnership with JCDecaux. GolfSpace will also host free live events in collaboration with Golf Australia and some new national partners to be announced in the coming months.

Dean Dewhirst, CEO and founder of GolfSpace said: “Working with Francis Coady and Grand Pacific Entertainment & Advisory has been a game changer for our company. He is like having a seasoned navigator charting our marketing and consumer journey. Their deep-rooted understanding of audience behaviour, cultivated through years in the entertainment and advertising industry, extends seamlessly to our team, partners, and customer base.

“His CEO-level marketing and communications advisory brings a unique perspective that resonates with our audience, using the power of entertainment to drive engagement and loyalty. With Francis at the helm, GolfSpace doesn’t just sell golf experiences; we craft narratives that immerse our audience in a world of possibility.”

Francis Coady, CEO and founder Grand Pacific Entertainment & Advisory, said: “I am delighted to be working with such a passionate and focused team at GolfSpace. Dean Dewhirst and his team really understand the value of entertaining their customer base to build trust and real engagement over the long term.

“I am delighted to help them entertain growth in this premium sports and entertainment offering as they expand across the country in the coming years,” he added.
 
Coady launched Grand Pacific Entertainment & Advisory just over a year after exiting Havas Media Group as chief marketing and content officer.
 
His new venture is a marcomms advisory and content creation company focused on using entertainment and storytelling in the advertising and communications industry to connect brands to audiences.
 
See also: Francis Coady launches Grand Pacific Entertainment & Advisory
 
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Top image: Dean Dewhirst and Francis Coady

The Motor Traders’ Association (MTA) NSW has teamed up with B2B marketing consultancy I.M.A to launch an integrated awareness campaign aimed at driving student enrolments to its on-site training programs.

Under the new creative platform, Learn an Auto Trade in the Real World, the full-funnel campaign aims to showcase the diverse employment opportunities available within the automotive sector and training with MTA.

The campaign elements include digital, social, OOH (including bus transits), regional radio and programmatic audio.

Jake Cush, partner at I.M.A. said promising a new exciting pathway to automotive careers was necessary to get more young men and women excited about the myriad opportunities of a career in the automotive sector.

“We needed to position MTA as the slick, modern choice for training, so ‘Learn an Auto Trade in the Real World’ became the underlying message across all platforms, highlighting the 1:1 training approach MTA offers, plus outlining benefits both to employers as well as current and prospective auto apprentices.”

The OOH campaign targets transit routes around established automotive training locations, while the regional radio campaign specifically targets employers by focusing on authentic stories of the benefits of on-site training programs.

Cush continued: “This highly targeted messaging and media spend approach is all about building the appeal and attractiveness of a career in automotive, whatever the trainee’s ambition, from dealerships and servicing to pit stops and boardrooms.

Matt Connor, general manager, marketing of MTA NSW said: “The automotive industry is experiencing a skills shortage that has the propensity to impact the everyday Australians’ ability to have their vehicle repaired or maintained.

“As the peak body of automotive we see it as our responsibility to position the industry for the exciting, diverse and evolving opportunity that it is and provide a style of apprentice training that is centred around the individual rather than the institution. ‘Learn an Auto Trade in the Real World’ captures our key proposition and we are seeing our student numbers grow month on month.”

MTA’s recently launched Jobs Board – part of its overall automotive jobs strategy – has also enjoyed a refresh by I.M.A who were engaged to revitalise the site’s creative look and feel and TOV, including its messaging and positioning, now tailored for both apprentices and employers.

Cush added: “Early data indicates an upswell in site visits and enquiries and we are looking forward to the campaign increasing awareness of MTA training and resulting in sustained lead generation.”

Reborn has secured the creative and media account for Australian tax and accounting firm, ITP Accounting Professionals.

The independent agency will enhance the firm’s brand presence through campaigns for the EOFY and the upcoming Paris Olympics. ITP, which has been in business for over 50 years, handles over 200,000 tax returns annually and claims $1 billion in deductions.

Reborn’s remit will also include both media and creative services for ITP. The agency will manage the execution of integrated campaigns for the national office and provide marketing support for all franchisees.

The initial campaign will be launched across BVOD, Radio, DOOH, and Digital, aimed at reaching a diverse range of Australian businesses and individuals that will benefit from ITP’s tax services.

 “This partnership with ITP is a fantastic opportunity to show how our integrated approach can really make a difference,” David Easton, CEO and Founder of Reborn, added.

“By bringing strategy, creative, and media all under one roof, we can cut down on wastage and deliver more effective results. We’re excited to help ITP reach more Australians and reinforce their position in the industry.”

John Bailey, CEO and Owner of ITP, said: “We are excited to work with REBORN. Their ability to blend creativity with performance aligns perfectly with our mission to provide top-tier tax services to Australians.

“This collaboration marks a significant step forward in our efforts to reach and support more clients and our franchise businesses across the nation,” he added.

Reborn has already begun working on the account’s creative direction in preparation for their EOFY and Olympic Partnership campaigns, with the first media executions set to launch in Q3.

Last year, Easton marked the agency’s15-year anniversary which he called a special milestone, particularly as an independent agency.

“We’ve had to withstand the intense storms of the global economic crises, talent shortage, the pandemic… without a giant global network propping us up.

“There’s a long overdue website refresh in the works this year. As part of that, we’ll be launching our editorial platform FutureThinkers. Things have always moved at a rapid pace in our industry, but now more so than ever. It’s an exciting, terrifying time,” he said.

“With the dizzying amount of information out there to process, it’s hard for clients to know what they need to know. FutureThinkers is REBORN’s way of metabolising what’s happening in digital in a digestible format for brand managers and other marketing leaders,” Easton added.

See also: REBORN founder David Easton reflects on the agency’s growth and successes as it marks 15 years

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Top image: David Easton

Hatched has been reappointed as the media agency of record of vehicle parts, accessories, equipment, service and solutions provider, Bapcor.
 
Bapcor, which encompasses brands such as Autobarn, Autopro, Midas, ABS, and Opposite Lock, first appointed Hatched in 2017.

The independent media agency will continue to deliver all media services, including strategy, planning, buying and digital media.

Simon Davenport, Bapcor retail general manager – marketing, said: “It’s critical to ensure Bapcor is effectively engaging with existing and emerging audiences more effectively than our competitors. Hatched is the right partner to enable us to achieve this ambition.

“The agency’s strategic planning approach and tech solutions like HatchediD will allow Bapcor to optimise the consumer experience and, in turn, commercial returns through personalisation.”

Hatched’s identity solution, HatchediD, launched last year and will be utilised to help Bapcor better reach existing and new audiences, and drive engagement and effectiveness. It does this by taking Bapcor’s first-party data and enriching it through large-scale strategic data partnerships. This enriched data is then managed and leveraged with LiveRamp’s proprietary technology.

Rebecca den Braber, Hatched general manager, said: “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Simon and his team. Their collaborative spirit and clear vision continue to make for a highly rewarding partnership. We’re looking forward to driving even greater success in the coming months.”

Hatched’s reappointment comes after the agency recently welcomed the senior hires of Laura Comber as business director and Berlian Ayudya as strategy director to its Sydney team.

Comber brings more than a decade of media experience in Ireland to the role. Her most recent role was business director with PHD Ireland.

Ayudya steps into the role with Hatched Sydney after a five-year stint in the US with advertising and media agency, C+K.

Danni Dimitri, managing partner and head of strategy, said that the independent agency “hit the jackpot” with Comber and Ayudya.

See also: Hatched Sydney adds Laura Comber and Berlian Ayudya

Monday 24 June 2024: VOZ Total TV Ratings Overnight Top 30 – Programs ranked on reach

Total People TV Ratings

Nine’s Do You Want To Live Forever recorded a total TV national reach of 1,497,000, a total TV national audience of 676,000, and a BVOD audience of 62,000.

Nine’s A Current Affair recorded a total TV national reach of 1,637,000, a total TV national audience of 1,109,000, and a BVOD audience of 81,000.

Seven’s Dream Home recorded a total TV national reach of 1,436,000, a total TV national audience of 672,000, and a BVOD audience of 53,000.

Also on Seven, Home & Away recorded a total TV national reach of 1,299,000, a total TV national audience of 855,000, and a BVOD audience of 100,000.

10’s airing of MasterChef recorded a total TV national reach of 1,405,000, a total TV national audience of 684,000, and a BVOD audience of 61,000.

10’s airing of Have You Been Paying Attention? recorded a total TV national reach of 1,279,000, a total TV national audience of 793,000, and a BVOD audience of 39,000.

See Also: TV Report 24 June 2024: Vicky Cheng tests the MasterChef contestants’ memory

People 25-54

Nine’s Do You Want To Live Forever:
• Total TV nation reach: 477,000
• National Audience: 208,000
• BVOD Audience: 34,000

Nine’s A Current Affair:
• Total TV nation reach: 474,000
• National Audience: 288,000
• BVOD Audience: 43,000

10’s MasterChef:
• Total TV nation reach: 544,000
• National Audience: 254,000 
• BVOD Audience: 34,000

Seven’s Dream Home:
• Total TV nation reach: 472,000
• National Audience: 215,000
• BVOD Audience: 30,000

Seven’s Home & Away:
• Total TV nation reach: 420,000
• National Audience: 278,000
• BVOD Audience: 57,000

10’s Have You Been Paying Attention?
• Total TV nation reach: 527,000
• National Audience: 349,000
• BVOD Audience: 23,000

People 16-39

Nine’s Do You Want To Live Forever:
• Total TV nation reach: 201,000
• National Audience: 82,000
• BVOD Audience: 17,000

Nine’s A Current Affair:
• Total TV nation reach: 186,000
• National Audience: 105,000
• BVOD Audience: 22,000

10’s MasterChef:
• Total TV nation reach: 223,000
• National Audience: 93,000 
• BVOD Audience: 19,000

Seven’s Dream Home:
• Total TV nation reach: 172,000
• National Audience: 80,000
• BVOD Audience: 16,000

Seven’s Home & Away:
• Total TV nation reach: 168,000
• National Audience: 101,000
• BVOD Audience: 35,000

10’s Have You Been Paying Attention?
• Total TV nation reach: 217,000
• National Audience: 135,000
• BVOD Audience: 12,000

Grocery Shoppers 18+ TV Ratings

Nine’s Do You Want To Live Forever:
• Total TV nation reach: 1,164,000
• National Audience: 526,000
• BVOD Audience: 49,000

Nine’s A Current Affair:
• Total TV nation reach: 1,245,000
• National Audience: 862,000
• BVOD Audience: 64,000

10’s MasterChef:
• Total TV nation reach: 1,109,000
• National Audience: 541,000 
• BVOD Audience: 50,000

Seven’s Dream Home:
• Total TV nation reach: 1,111,000
• National Audience: 522,000
• BVOD Audience: 42,000

Seven’s Home & Away:
• Total TV nation reach: 1,016,000
• National Audience: 670,000
• BVOD Audience: 80,000

10’s Have You Been Paying Attention?
• Total TV nation reach: 1,010,000
• National Audience: 632,000
• BVOD Audience: 31,000

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.

TV Report 25 June 2024:

Nine TV Report

Paramedics

Nine’s evening began with Paramedics.

A terrified patient with a failing heart had Aaron and Laura on high alert. Chris and Sam met their oldest-ever patient and 104-year-old Nelly had terrible facial injuries after a fall.

A Current Affair

Over on A Current Affair, the program investigated a kids’ furniture company leaving a trail of angry parents out of pocket and the Governor-General’s mammoth pay rise attracts a mixed response from the public. 

Seven TV Report

Dream Home

On Seven, the final Dream Home house renovations were underway. Tensions at Punchbowl led to a showdown and at Belrose, a misplaced heater nearly set the house on fire.

Home & Away

Before Dream Home was Home & Away as Mackenzie struggled to forgive Mali while Irene and Leah clashed.

10 TV Report

The Project

The Project on 10 looked into Julian Assange being freed after a U.S. plea deal and spoke to Tech boss Meredith Whittaker fighting for data privacy. The desk also chatted with Pete Helliar.

MasterChef Australia

On 10’s MasterChef, the cooks were split into three teams, cooking street food in a traditional dai pai dong. They had to prepare a two-dish menu, using either a wok, steamer or deep fryer, catering for 120 locals.

The Cheap Seats

Taking a look at the week that was were The Cheap Seats hosts Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald as Mel Tracina, Georgie Tunny and comedian Luke McGregor joined in on the action.

ABC

7:30

The program looked into Greg Lynn being found guilty of murdering Carol Clay on a camping trip in 2020. Also, the program investigated proposed changes to the grocery code of conduct designed to shift the balance of power back to farmers.

SBS

Who Do You Think You Are?

Award-winning journalist and popular host of the ABC’s “Back Roads”, Heather Ewart, discovers a religious extremist and a shameful family secret.