The new price is already in effect, taking the price from $27 per month to $32.
Thursday July 3, 2025
7NEWS quietly trials new global affairs show amid bid for ratings boost
In a competitive news landscape, 7NEWS is quietly trialling a new potential primetime show called The World with Whitfeld, fronted by seasoned journalist Hugh Whitfeld, Mediaweek understands.
The move comes as the network scrambles to engage audiences and boost ratings, following the shock departure of Anthony de Ceglie and a dip across the board in the channel’s digital news and TV ratings. Early episodes are now available on YouTube.
Fronted by Whitfeld, the show takes a global lens to current affairs, breaking down key international stories for Australian audiences.
Whitfeld, whose current role is National News Desk Director/Foreign Editor at 7NEWS, returned from working as Europe Bureau Chief in London last year, under the leadership of De Ceglie.
While timing for the rollout of the show on the main channel remains unclear, insiders say the decision to trial The World with Whitfeld on YouTube is a deliberate move to refine the show’s tone, format, and direction before committing to a broader release.
Hugh Whitfeld
Following the introduction of horoscopes to the flagship 6pm bulletin and the failed Mark Humphries weekly satire slot on a Friday night, insiders close to the project say there’s a renewed focus at 7NEWS on producing credible content that resonates with the audience, rather than entertainment.
The news comes following the announcement of multiple new hires for the 7NEWS teams across Melbourne and Sydney from Nine.
Nine’s long-serving reporter and former US correspondent Laura Turner will join the Seven Melbourne newsroom while Tanya Weingarth will join 7NEWS from Nine as Executive Producer of the 6pm Sydney bulletin.
AKQA’s APAC CEO Brian Vella exits agency after 24 years; appoints new regional leaders
Brian Vella, AKQA’S CEO of Asia Pacific, announced he will exit the agency after 24 years, taking to LinkedIn on Thursday to share the news.
Vella joined ad agency DT in 2001 and rose through the ranks over six years to lead as CEO. In 2017, DT was absorb into AKQA and Vella continued as Managing Director, APAC, and was promoted to CEO APAC last December.
Vella wrote: “It’s difficult to put into words what leaving a company after 24 years feels like, but grateful is the one I keep returning to.
“To have one exceptional leader over this period is special, to have two is extraordinary. Ajaz Ahmed, thank you for trusting me with what was always the most valuable brand in our industry. Reading Limitless all those years ago inspired a dream, and working on your team made it real. In fact it was better than that.
“Earlier, a dozen, formative years with David Trewern was a masterclass in entrepreneurship. Together with Bet, you backed me from day one and always saw the best in me. I will never forget that belief.
“Together, I was fortunate to work with some of the region’s most iconic brands and businesses. Thank you to the leaders at Bunnings, Country Road Group, EcoOutdoor, Foodstuffs, Golf Australia, Google, HESTA, Honda, Japan Airlines, KFC, Macquarie Bank, Myer, NAB, Netflix, Nike, Officeworks, Optus, Tourism Australia, Toyota and Wesfarmers – to name a few! Your trust in us was always humbling.
“Working in a period of massive change and digital transformation, we were relentless in our pursuit of innovation. Always with the belief that the most imaginative force in the universe was imagination. To achieve this, I believed in high performing teams and spent two decades building them.
“I had the privilege of working with exceptional people who shaped or helped me in countless ways. Thank you to everyone along the journey. Past and present.”
Vella went on to thank the staffers who started their careers with AKQA and went on to become leaders in the industry and build their own businesses, including Henry Innis
“I’m also proud of the countless people who started with us, and through our entrepreneurial culture, grew into leaders and went on to build businesses of their own: PREVE’s Adam Beaupeurt, July co-founder Athan Didaskalou, Teammo’s Sarah Stocks and Mutinex founder Henry Innis.
Vella added: “As for what’s next, I’m taking some time to recharge, reflect and explore new opportunities where design, innovation and commerce meet. If our paths cross again in that pursuit, I’d love to connect.”
AKQA evolves local structure
In a statement to Mediaweek, an AKQA Spokesperson said: “In a move that reflects our continued alignment with AKQA’s global strategy, we are evolving from a regional structure to a more locally focused model within APAC. One designed to better serve the unique needs of each market.
“As part of this shift, Brian Vella will be stepping away from the business. We are grateful for Brian’s leadership, dedication, and lasting impact he has made at AKQA. Additionally, Justine Leong has been promoted to Managing Director of Australia, and Jeremy Smart will move from Managing Director to Head of Growth for Australia.
“Leadership within New Zealand and Japan remains unchanged, providing continuity and strength as we continue to build for the future.”
Uncomfortable Growth® Uncut. Season 3, Episode 5: Joanna Robinson, CMO of The Iconic
When was the last time you made space to ask yourself what you truly want?
In this honest and heartfelt conversation, Joanna Robinson, CMO of The Iconic, opens up about a defining moment of uncomfortable growth®: stepping into a high-stakes leadership role as an interim executive and having to lead a significant restructure within just two months.
Joanna shares the emotional complexity of making tough decisions—letting people go before even learning their names—and doing it with humanity and empathy.
As someone deeply committed to people-first leadership, she describes the toll this kind of decision-making takes, not just on those who leave, but also on those who stay. Survivor’s guilt, shifting workloads, and rebuilding morale all became part of her daily reality.
But out of the discomfort came immense growth. Joanna reflects on how being new helped her approach the restructure with clarity, yet how it didn’t make the human cost any easier.
She talks candidly about learning to lead in chaos, embracing the rollercoaster of retail, and growing exponentially in her 50s—what she now sees as her most empowered, insightful, and expansive decade.
This is a story about the often invisible weight leaders carry, the emotional messiness of doing what’s right for the business, and the personal evolution that happens when we lead through discomfort—not around it.
My three favourite quotes from Joanna’s story are:
“It’s not about managing people – it’s about leading people.”
“Ageing is a privilege.”
“Am I too busy being busy to do the work on myself?”
You can listen to the whole chat here:
If you’re looking for inspiration to step out of your comfort zone and pursue your goals, this episode is a must-listen.
The world doesn’t need more stories of success; it needs honest conversations about hard challenges, vulnerability, and proof that trials can ultimately become triumphs.
That’s why the Uncomfortable Growth® Uncut podcast was born. It’s a reminder that struggle and success are intrinsically linked, that growth is rarely easy, and that the moments we feel most uncomfortable are where our greatest breakthroughs lie
Country Music goes mainstream and new data shows why Australian brands should care
Brands are being urged to embrace country music, as new research reveals the genre’s powerful rise among the Gen Z Australian audience.
New research from Connect by Live Nation, the creative and experiential agency within Live Nation, has found that more than 68 per cent of those surveyed are now listening to more country music than ever before.
The research also found that 67 per cent of those surveyed follow a country music artist on social media, with TikTok recording an impressive 196 million video views on #CountryMusic in Australia in the last 12 months.
As a result, the report called Step Into Country, declared the country genre as officially mainstream, and Australia is now the third-largest country music market in the world, behind only the United States and Canada.
And if more evidence was needed, earlier this year The Wiggles released a country album Wiggle Up, Giddy Up with collaborations with Dolly Parton, Dasha, Lainey Wilson, Orville Peck, Jackson Dean, and even a special posthumous collaboration with Slim Dusty.
The report highlighted that Country Music and lifestyle is mainly popular among Gen Z, driven mainly by genre-blurring stars like Beyoncé, G Flip, Post Malone and Shaboozey and that influence crossing into everything from fashion to FMCG.
Connect by Live Nation unveiled the research findings to leading brands, including Rimmel and Young Henry’s, at an event in Sydney’s CBD, where the exponential rise of country music was framed not just as a genre shift, but as a full-blown cultural movement.
The presentation highlighted emerging subgenres like Hick Hop (country rap), pop country, and YeeDM, a country-electronic fusion, all contributing to country music’s rapid evolution and expanding appeal.
Kristy Rosser, SVP and Head of Media and Sponsorship at Live Nation ANZ, urged marketers to look at country music and new opportunities as there is an overwhelming positivity towards the genre.
“What we are seeing is a shift in perception for traditional country music from “nostalgic” and “emotional” to “on the rise”, “diverse” and “progressive.” These new fans located in urban areas didn’t grow up with country music, they’ve found it through mainstream channels, influencing their lifestyle preferences and driving growth across the retail, FMCG and entertainment categories.”
That cultural influence is already translating to commercial impact. One in two music fans surveyed have purchased country-inspired fashion in the past year while 40 per cent have bought country-themed homewares.
Live Nation’s own figures back this trend up. From 2019 to 2024, the company saw 746 per cent growth in country music ticket sales across Australia and New Zealand.
Acts like Chris Stapleton, Tyler Childers and Post Malone have all sold out shows, and 2026 will mark the debut of Sunburnt Country, a new touring festival headlined by Jason Aldean.
63% of Aussie fans want brands to host live music events, says BRING report
BRING – Universal Music for Brands has launched a new cultural study aimed at helping marketers navigate Australia’s evolving live music landscape. Unveiled at an exclusive Sydney event, The New Gig Economy explores how fan behaviour is shifting in the wake of festival disruptions and what that means for brands seeking meaningful engagement through music.
The report was presented to over 120 marketing professionals by James Griffiths, General Manager, Creative, and Brooke Pilton, General Manager, Commercial, followed by a performance from rising Australian artist Ruby Rodgers.
Live music in transition
With several high-profile festival cancellations and changes in fan attendance patterns, BRING sought to understand what today’s music lovers value from live experiences.
The research reveals a more selective but enthusiastic audience, increasingly drawn to intimate, personalised events over large-scale, generic festivals.
Key findings from ‘The New Gig Economy’
• 74% of live music fans plan to attend more events in 2025
• 80% prefer events that cater to their specific music tastes
• 58% do not notice event sponsors, highlighting the challenge for brand visibility
• 63% would like to see brands host their own curated music events
The New Gig Economy report
“We’ve been seeing a shift in what young fans are seeking from their live music moments,” Griffiths said. “For brands, this presents an opportunity to create a real value-exchange by making owned moments for themselves that activate and engage deeply with an engaged music community.”
Opportunity for brand ownership
The report makes the case for brands to move beyond traditional sponsorship and instead create proprietary music events. This strategy offers full control, clearer brand attribution, and closer association with music culture. BRING argues this approach is more likely to cut through, particularly with younger audiences seeking authenticity.
The New Gig Economy is now available to marketers interested in leveraging music culture to drive brand relevance. To request access, contact the BRING team at [email protected].
About BRING
BRING, the music agency arm of Universal Music Group, helps brands connect with fans through talent, data and strategy. Clients include American Express, Coca-Cola and Wild Turkey. Recent projects include launching Coke Studio in Australia and New Zealand, and activations around the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Top image: Aimee Vina & James Griffiths
Paramount will pay Trump US$16m to settle 60 Minutes lawsuit
There has been resolution in the lawsuit filed against Paramount by the sitting US President Donald Trump.
Paramount has agreed to pay Trump $16 million to settle the lawsuit over the editing of an interview on the US version of 60 Minutes, which airs on CBS. Trumps contention was that the editing of an interview with former Presidential candidate Kamala Harris was edited in a way that caused his winning campaign harm.
The payment will cover Trump’s legal fees and costs. Paramount says the money, minus the legal fees, will be paid to Trump’s future presidential library. The lawsuit filed by Trump called for a $20 billion fee to cover damages.
As has been widely reported, legal professionals and commentators have said that the lawsuit was baseless, but suggested that Paramount was eager to reach a settlement to clear a pathway for a merger between Paramount and Skydance. For the merger to go through, the Trump-controlled FCC needs to approve the transfer of broadcast licenses between the two parties.
In December last year, rival network ABC, which is owned by Disney, settled a lawsuit at the same dollar value over an inaccurate on-air comment by Good Morning America host George Stephanopoulos that Trump had been found civilly liable for raping writer E Jean Carroll. ABC settled for $15 million, along with an additional $1 million in legal fees.
As part of the settlement with Trump, Paramount was not required to issue an apology, but will release transcripts of 60 Minutes interviews with presidential candidates in the future after similar interviews have aired.
The lawsuit has resulted in considerable friction between CBS, Paramount, and the staff working on the 60 Minutes program. In April, Executive Producer Bill Owens resigned over the expected settlement. It prompted an on-air statement by 60 Minutes presenter Scott Pelley said that the staff were not happy.
“None of our stories has been blocked,” Pelley said in the segment. “But Bill felt he lost the independence that honest journalism requires. No one here is happy about it. But in resigning, Bill proved he was the right person to lead ‘60 Minutes’ all along.”
The Australian 60 Minutes program airs on Nine locally and is a distinct production from the US show. Paramount owns Network 10 in Australia, along with other international assets.
UPDATE: PARAMOUNT’s PERSPECTIVE
Paramount has issued a statement to Mediaweek about the settlement:
Paramount has reached an agreement in principle to resolve the lawsuit filed by President Trump and Representative Jackson in the Northern District of Texas and a threatened defamation action concerning a separate 60 Minutes report.
Summary of terms
Under the terms of the settlement, which were proposed by the mediator, Paramount will pay $16M in total, which includes plaintiffs’ fees and costs, and except for fees and costs, will be allocated to the future presidential library.
No amount will be paid directly or indirectly to President Trump or Rep. Jackson personally. The settlement will include a release of all claims regarding any CBS reporting through the date of the settlement, including the Texas action and the threatened defamation action.
The Company has agreed that in the future, 60 Minutes will release transcripts of interviews with eligible U.S. presidential candidates after such interviews have aired, subject to redactions as required for legal or national security concerns.
The settlement does not include a statement of apology or regret.
Reminder of Paramount’s previous statement on the Skydance transaction:
This lawsuit is completely separate from, and unrelated to, the Skydance transaction and the FCC approval process. We will abide by the legal process to defend our case.
Volkswagen celebrates childhood nostalgia as it advises: ‘Batteries Included’
Volkswagen Australia has launched a new campaign called “Batteries Included,” drawing on the fun of childhood and the feeling of driving, reimagined for the electric age.
The campaign, created with DDB Group Sydney, focuses on the car brand’s history of trust and driving enjoyment amid a growing EV market.
The spot introduces three new electric vehicles – the ID. 4 Pro, ID. 5 GTX, and the ID. Buzz – with a nostalgic touch that aims to connect emotionally as well as practically.
“Batteries Included” is more than a reference to childhood toys—it’s about celebrating the inner child in all of us. The playful approach reminds Australians why they loved driving in the first place.
“In a super competitive EV landscape, we knew we had to do something different,” said Jenny Mak, Creative Partner at DDB Group Sydney.
“The idea of awakening your inner child cuts through the noise and connects on a deeply human level.”
The film shows familiar childhood places like putt putt golf, fireworks, a local pizza shop, pony rides, and a water park, along with Volkswagen’s EV range.
It ends with the line, “When was the last time you let your inner child drive?”, set to the song “When I grow up” by iconic Australian artist, Patsy Biscoe.
While the campaign marks Volkswagen’s foray into the EV market in Australia, it also introduces a new chapter the new local brand message: “Let’s go for a drive.”
“This is Volkswagen brand chapter two,” Bianca Botma, Head of Marketing & Brand – Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles, said. “It’s about emotion, innovation, and reigniting the joy of driving – now powered by electricity.”
DDB Sydney Creative Director, Tom Lawrence, said: “It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of advertising a range of cars by showing them conquering dirt roads or weaving through cityscapes.
“We couldn’t be more thankful to our clients for embracing stillness to let people have the space to connect with the brand.”
DDB Sydney Creative Director, Sam Raftl, said: “It feels unique for an EV story. We hope it’ll stand out amongst the loudness of the ad break by giving audiences the chance to take a breath.”
The campaign launches this week with a main film and will roll out across digital, social, and out-of-home channels from 6 July.
Credits:
DDB Sydney
Matt Chandler: Chief Creative Officer
Jenny Mak: Creative Partner
Sam Raftl: Creative Director
Tom Lawrence: Creative Director
Michael Sinclair: Head of Brand Performance
Laura Oleart: Integrated Producer
Nick Russo: Managing Partner
James Llewelyn-Davies: Group Business Director
Jemma Western: Business Director
Britt Wilcock: Senior Business Manager
Production Company – Finch
Director – Christopher Riggert
Managing Director – Corey Esse
Executive Producer – Nick Simkins
Producer – Caroline David
Casting – Felicity Byrne
Post House – The Editors
Executive Producer – Rita Gagliardi
Editor – Jack Hutchings
Colourist – Fergus Rotherham
Sound Post Production: Sonar Music
Senior Sound Designer: Andy Stewart
Head of Production: Haylee Poppi
Client:
Volkswagen Australia
Bianca Botma: Head of Marketing & Brand – Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles
Piergiorgio Minto: Director – Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles
Nathan Johnson: Director – Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (former Passenger)
Empowering local people and businesses the focus of BOQ’s ‘Bank Of Queenslanders’
Bank of Queensland (BOQ) has launched its new ‘Bank of Queenslanders’ campaign, aimed celebrating pride in the Sunshine State and strengthening its commitment to its people for over 150 years.
The campaign, developed by Publicis Groupe’s Team One, highlights the bank’s local focus and emphasises financial empowerment for individuals and businesses across Queensland’s regional areas.
Running only in Queensland from 30 June, the campaign will roll out across TV, digital, social, radio, and OOH.
It features stories from real BOQ customers, local businesses, and moments captured by well-known Queensland photographer Joshua Kelly.
From local florists and farmers to footy fans and vets, the stories show Queenslanders’ hard work, dedication, and community spirit, and how BOQ supports them as a trusted financial partner in their daily lives.
It features stories from real BOQ customers, local businesses, and moments captured by well-known Queensland photographer Joshua Kelly.
Each piece is designed to reflect the local pride, passion, and perseverance that define Queensland.
The campaign includes a partnership with NINE, led by former Queensland Reds and Wallabies player Tim Horan and Brisbane-born TV presenter Sofie Formica.
BOQ General Manager Digital and Marketing, Adrian McCaffrey, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be a bank that’s been part of Queensland’s story for more than 150 years.
“This campaign is about celebrating the real people and businesses who are the heart of our communities – the Queenslanders who inspire us every day.”
Niall Morrison, from Team One added, “Our goal was to create a campaign that truly reflects the spirit of Queensland; its people, places, and pride.
“By telling real stories from real communities, we’ve helped BOQ connect in a way that feels personal, local, and deeply authentic. It’s been a privilege to bring these stories to life and showcase the meaningful role BOQ plays across the state.”
Niall Morrison: ‘It’s been a privilege to bring these stories to life and showcase the meaningful role BOQ plays across the state.’
Credits
Client: Bank of Queensland
General Manager Marketing & Digital – Adrian McCaffrey
General Manager Group Marketing – Melody Townsend
Head of Channels and Business Marketing – Christopher Reid
Senior Brand Manager – Phoebe Duke
Senior Go-To-Market Manager – Nathan Cole
Senior Marketing Manager, Business – Jasmine Webb
Marketing Manager – Jodie Finch
Finished Artist – Luke Vanstan
Strategy & Creative: Team One
Media: Performics
Production: Prodigious Brisbane & NINE
Photographer: Joshua Kelly
Sexual health and pleasure brand Moments partners with new Brand & Marketing Manager
Moments has appointed senior marketing executive Christina Zafirov as its Brand & Marketing Manager.
In her new role at the Australian sexual health and wellness company, she will lead the full marketing strategy, focusing on brand, performance marketing, content, and community engagement.
Zafirov has more than 15 years of experience in Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) marketing, eCommerce, and digital content. She has held senior marketing roles at Australian lifestyle and fashion brands, including Forever New and The Just Group.
At MYER, as Senior Digital Content Manager, Zafirov managed the digital content strategy for myer.com.au, with an emphasis on customer retention.
Founder of Moments, Nikhil Daftary said: “Christina brings with her to the role a wealth of experience in building high-growth marketing teams across a number of very established and recognisable retail and lifestyle brands.
“Her drive, leadership and skillset will no doubt help solidify our position as a leading Australian sexual health and wellness company.”
Zafirov said of her new role: “For too long, the sexual wellness industry has catered to men, leaving women sidelined or shamed and Moments is here to change that. Moments is flipping the script, empowering women to lead the conversation about their sexual health needs.”
Earlier this year, the brand launched a new visual identity, including a logo, website, and packaging to show the playful, confident and inclusive spirit of Moments.
Founded in Melbourne in 2017, Moments is built on three core values: health, empowerment, and play. It produces and sells latex, vegan, and safe-quality condoms and pleasure products.
Top image: Christina Zafirov
Principals celebrates 30 years with $30K branding services giveaway
Branding agency Principals is marking its 30th year by giving one purpose-led Australian organisation $30,000 worth of branding services to an organisation ready to use its brand to create positive change.
The agency’s branding services can be used for design, insights, strategy, employer brand or brand voice. This offer is for an organisation ready to use its brand to create positive change.
The giveaway is open to any brand, big or small, that aims to make the world better, from tackling social inequality to improving education or rethinking cities.
Hamish Cargill, Principals Director, said: “At Principals, we believe in the power of brand to impact positive change.
“After three decades in the game, we want to put that belief to work by backing an organisation doing something good with a generous donation of our time and expertise.”
Principals Strategy Director and Principal Moensie Rossier added: “We’re big believers that brands do better when they do good. We’re excited to help bring that to life for one Australian organisation.
“You don’t need to have a flashy website or a PR team. Just a bold idea, and a reason why brand can help you get there.”
Organisations can enter by submitting a short explanation about how their brand is a force for positive change and what they hope to achieve with Principals’ support.
Entries will be judged by a panel led by Principals founder Wayde Bull and senior members of the Principals team from strategy, design, voice and client leadership.
Principals has worked with many purpose-driven clients, including Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, MTC and The Darwin Challenge and aims to deliver thoughtfully tailored work to build a better brand, and a better business.
Orchard launches new experimentation practice, taps ex-EssenceMediacom director to lead
Orchard has launched an experimentation practice aimed at giving clients access to a clear, data-driven way to innovate and remove the risk of guesswork with statistically proven insights.
The practice was developed over five years and turns an internal tool into a core service, allowing businesses to test ideas, measure real impact, and make confident, evidence-based decisions.
Anthony Del Rio has been appointed to to lead the new practice. He joins from EssenceMediacom, where he was Experimentation CRO Director, and brings skills in CRO, digital testing, and data strategy.
He was previously a Senior Strategy Consultant and CRO Strategist at Deloitte, and held roles with brands including Samsung, Carnival Australia, and Time Inc.
Del Rio joins Orchard’s Director of Data, Insights and Analytics Dan Taylor, who has played a key role in building the agency’s experimentation approach over the last five years.
The practice is supported by a team across business strategy, behavioural science, and statistics.
“For too long, agencies have pressured clients to be brave without giving them the tools to back it up,” said Mikaela Crimmins, Chief Strategy Officer at Orchard.
“The pace of change right now is downright gnarly, but instead of freezing with ‘what should I do,’ our experimentation practice is helping clients learn fast, fail fast, and adapt faster. It’s all about taking bigger swings, without the fear of failure, because here, failure happens in a controlled environment.”
The new offer builds on Orchard’s experience in experimentation, shown through its recent certification and Gold Solution Partner status with Optimizely, a leading platform for digital experience and testing.
“This practice is about giving our clients permission to be bold, with evidence,” said Taylor. “We’re taking hunches and hypotheses and turning them into clear, testable pathways to growth. It’s innovation with guardrails and we’re seeing incredible results.”
The Practice is already running testing programs for clients like Hyundai, Tourism Tasmania, and Beyond Bank, helping them build a culture of ongoing testing and achieve measurable improvements in performance, brand, and customer experience.
Top image: Anthony Del Rio, Dan Taylor, Ian Golamco
Nine kicks off 2025 NRLW season with every match live and free
The 2025 NRLW season launches today with every match broadcast live and free on the 9Network and 9Now, starting with Sharks v Eels at 7.30pm AEST.
Now a 12-team competition, the expanded NRLW welcomes two new sides – the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and New Zealand Warriors. The defending champions, the Sydney Roosters, return with a star-studded lineup including Olivia Kernick, Isabelle Kelly and Jess Sergis.
Challengers include the Brisbane Broncos, boasting the likes of Tamika Upton and Julia Robinson, and 2024 runners-up the Cronulla Sharks, with Emma Verran and Tiana Penitani. Speedster Jaime Chapman leads the charge for the Gold Coast Titans, while emerging talent from the Knights, Eels, Cowboys, Raiders, Dragons and Wests Tigers round out the field.
Coverage will be led by Emma Lawrence, with commentary from a mix of NRLW and NRL legends including Millie Elliott, Ruan Sims, Allana Ferguson, Johnathan Thurston, Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler, Phil Gould, Paul Gallen and Darren Lockyer. Sideline and hosting duties will feature Marlee Silva, Bronte Gildea, Brenton Speed, Peter Psaltis, Mat Thompson and Anthony Maroon.
Saturdays will feature triple headers, anchored by NRLWrap, Nine’s women’s rugby league program airing from 12.30pm AEST.
Round 1 Broadcast Schedule
• Thursday, July 3:
• Sharks v Eels, 7.30pm AEST – Nine/9Gem and 9Now
• Friday, July 4:
• Bulldogs v Knights, 5.30pm AEST – 9Gem and 9Now
• Saturday, July 5:
• Broncos v Wests Tigers, 12.30pm AEST – Nine/9Gem and 9Now
• NRLWrap: 12.30pm AEST – Nine/9Gem and 9Now
• Raiders v Dragons: 3.15pm AEST – Nine/9Gem and 9Now
• Cowboys v Titans: 5.00pm AEST – 9Gem and 9Now
• Sunday, July 6:
• Roosters v Warriors, 11.45am AEST – Nine/9Gem and 9Now
All matches will be available to stream live and free via 9Now.
Marketing
TV
US viewers quickly shifting to FAST
As reported by Mansha Daswani at World Screen: FAST was the preferred option for live viewing (40 percent), followed by cable/satellite (36 percent), subscription streaming (33 percent), YouTube (19 percent) and virtual MVPDs (16 percent).Younger live viewers (53 percent of 18- to 34-year-olds and 47 percent of consumers ages 35 to 49) are much more likely to use FAST services to watch live TV.
Could 10 News+ change editorial direction?
“It’ll be a collective decision, the stories that we chase for the day,” says Hitchock. “So that’ll be Dan Sutton, who’s the executive producer, and Martin White, who’s the vice president [of news on Ten]. Those two will be keeping a keen eye on the show, and then Amelia and I, of course, will have heavy input as well.
Netflix in talks to partner with Spotify
She writes: “The streamer has held conversations with Spotify about partnering on a number of projects such as a music awards show or a live concert series, people close to the conversations said. It has also discussed doing big celebrity interviews and shorter-turnaround documentaries to capture the news of the moment.”
Radio
Lattouf seeks apology from Kim Williams
Lattouf said: “I want an apology from Kim Williams, the chair of the ABC. And that’s because the National Press Club just late last year, he spoke venomously about me in front of a room like, you know, it was broadcast on the ABC in front of a room of journalists. He denied that I was sacked despite the Fair Work Commission finding that I was sacked. He spoke with derision in his voice and I thought as the new chair of the ABC you’re meant to be signalling a fresh start. You can always say, “Oh, that’s, you know, that was the old board. This is us, new year, new me, new ABC.” And I do not have any confidence given his behaviour.”
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