Publicis Groupe ANZ has acquired full-service media agency Atomic 212°.

The agency, launched in 2008, has grown to become the largest independent media agency in Australia, earning recognition at both local and international awards.

Michael Rebelo, CEO of Publicis Groupe ANZ, said: “Our media practice in ANZ has been on an incredible trajectory, experiencing growth and momentum across all metrics. The acquisition of Atomic 212° presents a unique opportunity to bring Australia’s most progressive independent media agency into our fold, further strengthening and scaling our media capabilities.

“Atomic 212° is globally recognised for its world-class expertise. For over 15 years, it has consistently delivered growth to clients by leveraging marketing technology and data in media. By adding Atomic 212° to our market-leading roster of agency businesses, we solidify our position as the only group in ANZ capable of offering truly comprehensive end-to-end marketing transformation solutions to our clients.”

Atomic 212° is led by chairman Barry O’Brien OAM, chief digital officer James Dixon and CEO Rory Heffernan. It has offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Darwin and Adelaide.

O’Brien said: “From our first meeting, the Publicis Groupe offering and their continuous encouragement to help our business grow was the compelling factor in making this decision. The way the Groupe’s connected platform proposition flows through the organisation, its leadership, its people and its clients is truly powerful.

“We have grown Atomic 212° into a world-class media operation, but we recognise that the complexity of marketing requires holistic services for our clients. By joining the global best in this regard, we are confident that we can offer our staff and clients an even better experience moving into the future.”

Heffernan added: “We continue to provide our clients with an exceptional suite of products and capabilities, with industry-leading talent delivering across media, research, technology and analytics. We’re incredibly proud to see our capabilities recognised on the global stage, and excited to join Publicis Groupe ANZ at a time when their connected model is delivering such strong results.

“Our team and clients will be able to enjoy the best of both worlds, as we continue to focus on delivering on our ‘Smarter, Faster, Accountable’ brand promise, while leveraging the Groupe’s broader benefits in growth, creativity and capability.”

The acquisition comes as Publicis Groupe ANZ’s media agencies continue to record strong performances. The agencies consist of Spark Foundry in Australia and New Zealand, Zenith Australia, Starcom Australia and MBM New Zealand.

According to the latest full year COMvergence Barometer report, in Australia they have collectively dominated in new business momentum – taking the #1 spot in both gross and net new business success in 2023. Also, in the 2023 RECMA report, the Groupe’s media brands collectively moved up to #3 in Australia for the very first time. While in New Zealand, it maintained its #2 position.

Over the last year, the agency has had a series of client wins and retentions, including BlueScope, Great Wall Motor, BMW Australia and New Zealand, Bupa, the Northern Territory Government, Tourism Northern Territory, Northern Territory Major Events Company, Darrell Lea, Victoria University, My Muscle Chef, Vet Partners, Adyen, UKG, and most recently Chargrill Charlie’s.

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Top image: Atomic 212 leadership (L-R): Barry O’Brien, Chairman & Partner; James Dixon, Chief Data Officer & Partner; Lorraine Woods, Chief Investment & Trading Officer; Rory Heffernan, CEO; Ashleigh Carter, GM Sydney; Tom Sheppard, GM Media Technology.

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Australia’s major banks have escalated their calls for social media giant Meta to take responsibility for its role in enabling scams, accusing the company of failing to act on flagged fraudulent activity. In submissions to a parliamentary inquiry into the federal government’s proposed anti-scam laws, both Commonwealth Bank (CBA) and Westpac presented damning evidence of scams flourishing on Facebook, despite repeated reports to the platform.

This comes as Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg revealed the social media company would scale back its “censorship” and remove most of its “fact-checkers” and replace them with a community notes function, similar to that on offer on rival platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

The proposed legislation, known as the Scams Prevention Framework Bill, would introduce fines of up to $50 million for banks, telcos, and social media companies that fail to take sufficient action to prevent scams. However, tech industry lobby group DIGI has argued that banks should bear full responsibility for reimbursing victims who collectively lose billions of dollars each year to scams.

Banks push back on tech giants

Carolyn McCann, Westpac’s customer and corporate services group executive, criticised Meta and other tech giants for shirking their responsibilities. Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, she said, “It’s extraordinary that foreign tech companies are trying to claim they have no role to play. More than 50 per cent of scams start on these platforms. Banks are doing their bit, telcos are doing their bit. Why should social media giants be any different?”

McCann also revealed to The SMH that she had written to Meta’s Australian managing director, Will Easton, last year about hundreds of scams on Facebook. Despite flagging them repeatedly, many fraudulent pages and posts remained active.

One example highlighted by Westpac was an investment scam page reported to Meta in October, which was still live months later. Westpac and CBA also shared screenshots of Facebook pages offering to “buy or sell bank accounts” for illegal money-muling purposes. Westpac accused Meta of allowing “fraudulent behaviour … to run rampant across its platform,” while CBA demanded that Meta “do more to help prevent scams and money laundering.”

A broader responsibility

The inquiry, which will hear from groups including the Australian Banking Association (ABA), DIGI, and consumer advocacy group Choice, is exploring how to allocate responsibility for scams among banks, telcos, and digital platforms.

ABA CEO Anna Bligh called for urgent action from social media companies. “Enough is enough,” she said. “If digital platforms are serious about protecting Australians, they should be doing more to ensure people aren’t being exposed to scams in the first place.”

Bligh emphasised that banks and telcos are already investing heavily in fraud prevention and scam mitigation, while platforms like Facebook continue to fall short. “Meta’s world-leading technology allows for hyper-targeted advertising, yet it refuses to apply the same rigour to identify and remove scams,” she added.

The cost of scams

In 2024 alone, the National Anti-Scam Centre, run by the ACCC, reported almost 250,000 scams, costing Australians $3.2 billion. Email, text messages, and phone calls were the top contact methods, but social media played a significant role in enabling these schemes.

While tech giants maintain they are not as central to scams as banks or telcos, the banks argue that platforms like Facebook are integral to the ecosystem of fraud. The Albanese government’s reforms aim to create an economy-wide approach to tackling the issue, placing proportional liability on all industries involved.

The parliamentary committee is expected to hand down its report on the proposed anti-scam laws next week. As the debate continues, the pressure is mounting on Meta and other tech companies to step up and play an active role in preventing scams. With billions of dollars and consumer trust at stake, the outcome of the inquiry could reshape the responsibilities of digital platforms in Australia.

Mediaweek has reached out to Meta for comment.

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Channel Nine stars have taken to social media to throw their support behind axed Today host Alex Cullen.

Cullen was dropped as a presenter on Today last Friday, following revelations he accepted a $50,000 gift from The Block millionaire Adrian Portelli.

The father-of-three eventually broke his silence on Sunday, taking to Instagram to share a heartfelt message alongside a photo with his three-year-old son, Max.

Cullen wrote: “This has been an incredibly tough time. Thank you to everyone who has reached out – it means the world to me and my family. I’ll miss my Today colleagues and wish them all the best. Here’s to what’s next.”

His fellow Channel Nine colleagues were quick to jump online and comment on Cullen’s message.

Today Extra host David Campbell wrote: “It has been an honour and a pleasure to sit with you, nerd out and compare Biden impersonations. Yours was better. Love to you and the family.” Today newsreader Jayne Azzopardi wrote: “We’ll miss you too, Alex. Big love to your family”.

Entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins also jumped on to write: “Stay well Mate … love to all”, while Cullen’s fellow Today host Sarah Abo left three heart emojis.

While Cullen received warm support from former colleagues, many commenters aimed at Channel Nine, slamming the network and pledging to boycott Today.

One user wrote: “The Today show crew should be on strike over this ridiculous decision… I won’t be turning into 9 switching to 7… all the best in the future.”

While another added: “A stupid decision by channel 9 and once again talent like you gets taken away.”

In a written statement provided to Mediaweek Nine confirmed it “has agreed with Cullen that he will finish with the network following a review into a recent incident.”

The network also provided background on the policies which Cullen breached:

• Broadcast journalists and on air talent are required to adhere to a number of policies and procedures with respect to third-party commercial arrangements.

• Nine conducts regular training regarding these policies and procedures, however we will be using this opportunity to remind our team members of their obligations.

Portelli has since donated the $50,000 to charity.

Pictured: Alex Cullen

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After more than a decade on air, Married At First Sight producers have noticed an unexpected trend: a rise in male fans openly embracing the show. While ratings have held steady across demographics (see OzTAM table below), producers told Mediaweek they’ve observed more men discussing the series without hesitation.

Executive producer John Walsh explained the shift happened naturally. “Initially, it was very heavily skewed towards women, then it became a guilty pleasure for men, and now it’s just a straight-out pleasure,” Walsh said.

Clinical psychologist John Aiken attributed the change to the show’s universal themes. “MAFS is about relationships, and that’s something everyone can relate to,” he said.

One surprising superfan is Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs General Manager Phil ‘Gus’ Gould, whom Walsh called “one of the biggest fans of the show.”

“He tweets about it all the time,” Walsh laughed, adding that Gould’s enthusiasm has encouraged other men to embrace their love for MAFS. “Men need permission to talk about the show, and someone like Gus gives them that permission.”

Walsh credits fans like Gould for encouraging men to be more open about their love for the show.
“The men need permission to talk about the show,” he said. “So if someone like Gus gives them that permission – that’s what happens. That’s why you find men more jumping on board.”

EndemolShine executive producer Alexandra Spurway agreed, noting men have likely always been fans but weren’t comfortable admitting it. “So many blokes would say, ‘Oh, I don’t watch MAFS,’ but somehow know every detail of every episode,” she said. “Their excuse used to be that their partner watched it, but now they’re confident to admit they’re also invested.”

Aiken, along with fellow relationship expert Mel Schilling, and clinical sexologist Alessandra Rampolla, will once again guide 20 couples as they take the plunge and say “I do” to a stranger when the 2025 season of MAFS kicks off on Monday, 27 January, at 7.30 pm on Nine and 9Now.

Pictured: MAFS 2025 cast and Phil ‘Gus’ Gould

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Alex Cullen has addressed his recent departure from Channel Nine, breaking his silence days after being dropped as a presenter on Today. The move followed revelations he accepted a $50,000 gift from The Block millionaire Adrian Portelli.

Cullen posted a heartfelt message on Instagram on Sunday, along with a photo of his three-year-old son, Max.

“This has been an incredibly tough time,” he wrote. “Thank you to everyone who has reached out – it means the world to me and my family. I’ll miss my Today colleagues and wish them all the best. Here’s to what’s next.”

Cullen has permanently stepped down on Friday following his acceptance of Portelli’s gift.

Today host Karl Stefanovic confirmed Cullen’s departure on-air, describing him as a “terrific fella” and praising his five years with the team. “We’re going to miss him terribly,” Stefanovic said, wishing Cullen and his family all the best.

The drama began after Portelli, eager to ditch his “Lambo Guy” label, offered the cash to the first TV journalist to call him “McLaren Man.” Cullen took the bait during a lighthearted exchange on Today with Stefanovic, only to face disciplinary action from Nine soon after.

The network immediately sidelined the host, releasing a statement to the media saying they were arranging for the money to be returned to Portelli, adding they were taking the matter “very seriously”.

The fallout from the gift saga saw Cullen absent from screens for a week, with Nine and Cullen finally reaching a mutual decision to part ways. The controversy has left viewers stunned and the Today family down a familiar face.

In a written statement provided to Mediaweek Nine confirmed it “has agreed with Cullen that he will finish with the network following a review into a recent incident.”

The network also provided background on the policies which Cullen breached:

• Broadcast journalists and on air talent are required to adhere to a number of policies and procedures with respect to third-party commercial arrangements.

• Nine conducts regular training regarding these policies and procedures, however we will be using this opportunity to remind our team members of their obligations.

Portelli has since donated the $50,000 to charity.

Pictured: Alex Cullen

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The 2025 AACTA Awards, presented by Foxtel Group, will see Russell Crowe take centre stage as host, promising a night packed with glamour and celebration. The event, set for Friday, 7 February at HOTA on the Gold Coast, will honour the best in Australian screen talent and feature some of the industry’s biggest names.

Crowe will present the inaugural AACTA Award for Outstanding Contribution to music legend Paul Kelly, whose work has left an indelible mark on Australian screen culture. Kelly will also perform his iconic How to Make Gravy, fresh off the success of the BINGE Original film inspired by the song.

Adding to the excitement, British pop superstar Robbie Williams will light up the stage with Angels. His biopic Better Man has secured a record-breaking 16 AACTA nominations, cementing its place as a festival highlight.

The ceremony’s guest list is a who’s who of Australian and international stars, including Henry Cavill, Kitty Flanagan, Guy Pearce, Teresa Palmer, Asher Keddie, and many more. The event will air live on Channel 10 at 7.30 pm AEDT, with an extended broadcast available on BINGE and Foxtel.

Damian Trewhella, AACTA CEO, said, “”his year’s AACTA Awards will be a spectacular celebration of Australian film and television, with Russell Crowe leading the charge and incredible musical performances from Paul Kelly and Robbie Williams. It’s an event not to be missed.”

AACTA Festival Highlights

The AACTA Awards are part of the five-day AACTA Festival, running from 5–9 February. The festival will feature exclusive panels, workshops, and events, including:

• In Conversation with George Miller and the Talk to Me directors.

• Teresa Palmer’s sneak peek of The Last Anniversary.

• A celebration of How to Make Gravy featuring Paul Kelly, Meg Washington, and Brendan Maclean.

• Robbie Williams biopic deep dive with director Michael Gracey.

For industry hopefuls, the Screen Careers Expo will return on 8 February, offering a gateway into the entertainment world.

Upcoming Key Dates:

• AACTA Awards Industry Gala: 5 February 2025

• AACTA Awards Ceremony: 7 February 2025

• AACTA Festival: 5–9 February 2025

Tickets are on sale now for both the awards and the festival. Visit aactafestival.com for more information.

Pictured: Russell Crowe

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The Emmy®-winning The White Lotus is back for its highly anticipated third season, premiering on the 17 of February on BINGE.

This time, Mike White’s sharp social satire unfolds at a luxurious Thai resort, capturing the chaos, secrets, and scandals of guests and staff over one week.

Season 3 boasts a star-studded ensemble, including Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, Lalisa Manobal, Walton Goggins, Parker Posey, Jason Isaacs, and Natasha Rothwell.

The first season, set in Hawaii, won 10 Emmys® in 2021, while the Sicily-based second season followed with 23 nominations and five wins, including Outstanding Drama Series.

Catch up on seasons 1 and 2 now streaming on BINGE, and get ready for the next chapter of indulgence, intrigue, and dysfunction.

The White Lotus Season 3 premieres 17 February on BINGE and Showcase.

Pictured: The White Lotus

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For years, TikTok has been the darling of social media managers, offering brands an unparalleled way to connect with audiences through snappy, engaging short-form videos. However, with the future of TikTok up in the air in the United States, many brands are rethinking their digital strategies.

Closer to home in Australia, we’re seeing a shift in focus towards YouTube – and it’s easy to understand why.

Here’s what’s driving the move and why it might be the perfect time for Australian brands to embrace YouTube.

The TikTok Ban: A Catalyst for Change

The proposed ban of TikTok in the US has sparked global conversations about the platform’s future. While there’s no imminent ban in Australia, the uncertainty around TikTok’s stability is prompting brands to diversify their social media presence.

It’s a reminder that platforms rise and fall, and relying too heavily on one channel can be risky.

Why YouTube Is the Next Logical Step

Remember when YouTube was in fashion about 10 years ago? It was the go-to place for content creators and marketers alike – and then we all kind of forgot about it! But YouTube has quietly evolved, stepping up its game and proving it’s not just the domain of vlogs and unboxing (although my kids would argue otherwise, they love to watch toy unboxings!).

YouTube’s comeback is fuelled by features like Shorts, which directly competes with TikTok’s short-form video format.

Here’s why brands are flocking to YouTube.

YouTube is owned by Google, one of the most trusted tech giants globally. With a 17-year history, YouTube has proven its staying power, giving brands confidence in its reliability and longevity.

Unlike TikTok, which primarily focuses on short-form video, YouTube offers a variety of content formats: long-form videos, livestreams, and Shorts. This flexibility allows brands to experiment with storytelling styles and cater to different audience preferences.

YouTube boasts over 2.5 billion monthly active users globally, with a substantial share in Australia. Its diverse user base spans all age groups, making it ideal for brands looking to reach a wider audience beyond Gen Z.

One of the best things about YouTube Shorts is how easy it is to repurpose content from TikTok and Instagram Reels. If you’ve already nailed it on those platforms, why wouldn’t you share the same great content on YouTube? It’s a no-brainer for maximising reach and engagement.

For marketers, YouTube’s robust analytics and monetisation tools are a dream. The platform provides in-depth insights into audience demographics and behaviour, helping brands refine their strategies.

Plus, its ad options, including skippable and non-skippable ads, open up additional revenue streams.

How Australian Brands Can Leverage YouTube.

 As Australian brands rethink their strategies, YouTube offers a wealth of opportunities to grow and engage.

Here’s how to make the most of it:

Invest in YouTube Shorts.

Shorts are YouTube’s answer to TikTok, and they’re gaining traction fast. By creating punchy, engaging content, Australian brands can tap into the short-form video trend while benefiting from YouTube’s stability.

Create Evergreen Content.

YouTube’s searchability makes it an excellent platform for evergreen content. Tutorials, product reviews, and behind-the-scenes videos can continue driving views long after they’re published. 

Build a Community.

YouTube fosters strong community engagement through comments, live chats, and subscriber interactions. Brands can use these tools to deepen relationships with their audience and encourage loyalty.

The Road Ahead

While TikTok remains a powerful tool for now, its uncertain future highlights the importance of a diversified social media strategy. For Australian brands, YouTube offers a proven, adaptable, and trusted platform that’s well-equipped to support growth in a changing social media landscape.

As marketers, we know that trends evolve and platforms come and go. But one thing remains constant: the need to connect with audiences in authentic and meaningful ways. Whether it’s through a 10-second Short or a 10-minute tutorial, YouTube gives Australian brands the tools to do just that.

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Tooheys and creative agency Thinkerbell have launched Tooheys on Tour, aimed at bringing back Australian pubs and pub rock culture.

The tour celebrates the vibrant and strong nightlife and night-time economy, ensuring that pubs and live music remain a thriving part of the social fabric for years to come. The project is now live across social, OOH, earned and radio.

The first ‘Tooheys on Tour’ dates in 2025 will see the brand collaborate with the ARIA-nominated, and self-proclaimed Tooheys lovers, Dune Rats, adding three additional pub stops to their summer tour.

“We’ve been drinking Tooheys our whole adult lives,” Dune Rats’ Danny Beus said. “Nothing beats a Tooheys, before a gig with mates, onstage at a sweaty show or after load out with the crew.”

At the centre of the collaboration is a rock-inspired reimagining of Tooheys’ iconic jingle. The band will close each set with their rendition that celebrates the iconic Australian beer brand while embracing the power of live music.

In addition, Tooheys will be donating a $10k lump sum to the music industry’s charity organisation Support Act, which delivers crisis relief services to musicians, managers, crew and music workers across all genres who are unable to work due to ill health, injury, a mental health problem or some other crisis.

The ‘Tooheys On Tour’ collaboration will also be donating Dune Rats merchandise and featuring home-grown local bands, hand-picked by the Dunies, to support at each show.

Bands have gone into the running to support by posting a cover version of the iconic Tooheys jingle to their socials, tagging @DuneRats and @Tooheys (Facebook) or @tooheys_au (Instagram) (18+ and NSW bands only).

Sesh Moodley, executive creative tinker at Thinkerbell, said: “Back in 2022, there were over 5000 clubs across Australia – now there are only 3550. In a time when we’ve seen too many clubs and live music venues closing their doors, this project is about more than just celebrating a brand—it’s about shining a light on the spaces that bring us together and define Aussie culture.

“With Toohey’s on Tour we’re not just putting on a tour; we’re taking a stand for the pubs and clubs that keep the fire of live music alive in Australia.”

Karen Sterling-Levis, brand director – Core Beer, added: “We’ve always believed that pubs and live music are the beating heart of Australian culture. They bring people together, foster creativity, and create unforgettable moments.

“With ‘Tooheys on Tour,’ we’re proud to support the venues, artists, and communities that make this all possible. Partnering with Australian rock brands such as Dune Rats —true Tooheys fans who live and breathe Aussie music—allows us to celebrate this incredible legacy in a bold and exciting way. Together, we’re raising a glass to the pubs and music that unite us all!”

The ‘Tooheys on Tour’ dates are:

• 25 January: Entrance Leagues Club – Bateau Bay
• 31 January: Beach Road Hotel – Bondi Beach
• 1 February: Mona Vale Hotel – Mona Vale

Credits

Agency (creative and earned): Thinkerbell
Client: Tooheys, Lion
Talent: CEA, Dune Rats
Media agency: UM

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In a sweet collaboration, Prime Video and Black Star Pastry, famed for its Strawberry Watermelon cake, are marking the release of You’re Cordially Invited with a limited-edition wedding cake.

On Thursday the 30th of January, a Prime Video pop-up at Black Star Pastry’s Sydney CBD store will serve free slices of the exclusive Jasmine Grape Cake to the first 200 visitors from midday.

The Jasmine Grape Cake, crafted by Head Chef Arnaud Vodounou, reinvents the wedding cake with layers of chiffon, jasmine cream, and fresh green grapes. Vodounou describes it as “sophisticated and playful,” mirroring the film’s spirit.

Starring comedy legends Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell, You’re Cordially Invited follows the chaos when two weddings collide at the same venue. Expect laughs, surprises, and all the heart that inspired this delectable creation.

Don’t miss your chance to taste it!

Event Details

What: Prime Video Pop-Up at Black Star Pastry

When: Thursday, January 30, from midday (while stocks last)

Where: Black Star Pastry, The Galeries, 500 George St, Sydney

You’re Cordially Invited streams globally on Prime Video from January 30.

Fremantle has inked a three-year deal with Eureka Studios, the new venture from former Eureka Productions co-CEOs Chris Culvenor and Paul Franklin. The duo will now lead Eureka Studios as co-CEOs, while Rikkie Proost steps up as CEO of Eureka Productions, a Fremantle company.

Under the partnership, Eureka Studios will focus on creating original global IP, including unscripted formats, gaming, and scripted projects, with Fremantle handling production and distribution worldwide. The move aligns with Fremantle’s strategy to scale beyond local content development and optimise IP globally.

Eureka Productions, under Proost’s leadership, will continue delivering hit unscripted series like Farmer Wants a Wife (Seven Network), The Amazing Race Australia (Network Ten), and Luxe Listings (Amazon Prime).

Fremantle CEO Jennifer Mullin praised the partnership, calling Culvenor and Franklin “true visionaries” and highlighting Proost’s proven success in driving top-tier productions.

Culvenor and Franklin described the launch of Eureka Studios as a “bold new creative venture” at the core of Fremantle’s global expansion while remaining involved with Eureka Productions’ current slate.

Since its 2016 launch, Eureka Productions has delivered over 600 hours of unscripted hits like Holey Moley (ABC) and The Floor (FOX), cementing its reputation as a leader in innovative formats across US and Australian markets.

Pictured: Jennifer Mullin, Chris Culvenor, Paul Franklin, Rikkie Proost

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Bench Media is strengthening its team with two senior promotions and five new hires to the independent media agency.

Jamison Milessis has been promoted to performance project lead from senior performance manager, a new role focusing on expanding the agency’s marketing consultancy and advisory services. Jamie Auciello has also been promoted to the role of team lead – performance from senior performance manager.

Milessis joined Bench four years ago, bringing several years of industry experience. He began his career in media as an associate programmatic trader at News Xtend in 2018, steadily advancing to senior roles across the media and data landscape.

Auciello launched his career in 2021 as a digital account executive, progressing to a Performance Associate role before joining Bench as a performance manager. Over the years, he has honed his expertise and grown into his current role as team lead.

Aaron Jansen, head of performance at Bench Media, said: “Since we released Bench Blueprint, we have seen increased demand from clients for audit and technical assistance with their advertising and marketing technology. Jamison naturally evolved into such a role, and we are very excited to see him grow into this new position.”

Jansen added: “There is an important need for new leaders to emerge and drive the team forward. Jamie is a natural leader and has already taken a few new Performance team members under his wing. We can already see those team members learning so much and flourishing under Jamie’s management. I’m delighted to see Jamie grow and evolve into this new role, which brings a solid foundation to our growing team.”

To support the agency’s future growth and expansion plans, Bench has also welcomed five new team members, including media strategists, media planners, and performance managers.

These changes come as the agency continues to grow its client roster, including Genea Fertility and Hays Recruitment; as well as expanding its offering, adding SEO, Influencer marketing and marketing auditing and consultancy to its product services capabilities.

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Top image: Aaron Jansen, Jamie Auciello and Jamison Milessis

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QMS has appointed Nick Crowe to the new role of Victorian sales director, independent and direct, and the promotion of two managers into key new positions.

Crowe will join the digital outdoor media company on 31 March from oOh!media, where he has been group sales leader for six years. He has also held senior sales roles at Adshel and Nine Network in Melbourne.

Crowe will report to QMS’ David Pullinger, national sales director, independent and direct. In the role, he will focus on building QMS’ commercial opportunities for independent agencies and direct clients in Victoria.

QMS chief sales officer Tim Murphy, said: “Nick is one of the best media sales executives in Melbourne. We are very pleased that he is joining QMS to work closely with David and the team in a key part of our business.”

Crowe said of his new role: “I’m excited to be joining Australia’s leading digital out of home [OOH] operator and a team that is embracing growth with energy and great ambition. I love the OOH medium and I can’t wait to get to know my new teammates and reconnect with some great OOH people I have worked with in the past.”

QMS also announced its group business directors, Chris Haintz and Alex Morrison, have been promoted to the new roles of large-format product managers.

Haintz and Morrison will focus on QMS’ rapidly growing digital large format network, with Melbourne-based Haintz covering the Victorian, South Australian and West Australian markets and Sydney-based Morrison the NSW and Queensland markets.

Haintz and Morrison will report to the national trading and partnerships director, Sean Rigby, and work closely with the wider national sales leadership team.

Murphy said: “After a year of strong growth in the OOH industry, remarkable network expansion for QMS, and the introduction of some amazing talent and capability to complement a team that is already performing very strongly, these new appointments will further propel our momentum. We are putting great people in great positions to ensure we are well placed to work even more effectively with all our agency and client partners.”

The appointment of Crowe and the new roles for Haintz and Morrison follow QMS’ expansion of its digital network in Sydney that includes nine new Transport for NSW locations that came online from 1 January, its City of Sydney digital street furniture network and other wins including the Australian Turf Club, Hills Shire Council, and Australian Rail Track Corporation.

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Top image: Nick Crowe

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Olympic boxing champ Harry Garside is trading punches for pirouettes as he joins the cast of Dancing With The Stars Australia.

Announced on social media over the weekend, Garside is the second star confirmed for the 22nd season, following comedian Shaun Micallef’s reveal at Seven’s upfronts.

A bronze medallist at the Tokyo Olympics and Australia’s first male boxing medallist in 33 years, Garside is no stranger to the spotlight. He also took second place on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2023.

As reported by Kyle Laidlaw in TV Blackbox, Garside will be teamed with seasoned pro Siobhan Power, Garside is ready to bring his signature grit to the dance floor.

Catch Dancing With The Stars Australia soon on Channel 7 and 7plus, hosted by Sonia Kruger and Dr. Chris Brown.

Pictured: Harry Garside

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