Friday May 8, 2026
ARN punished by shareholders with executive pay increase denied
ARN Media shareholders have delivered a major rebuke to the company’s leadership team, overwhelmingly voting against the broadcaster’s executive remuneration report at Thursday’s annual general meeting.
More than 90% of votes cast opposed the pay package, handing the company an official first strike under Australia’s two-strikes rule for remuneration reports.
According to The Australian Financial Review, the result ranks among the largest shareholder protest votes in recent Australian corporate history.
It comes as the broadcaster continues to navigate the fallout from the collapse of The Kyle and Jackie O Show, the commercial fallout of which was laid bare at the AGM, with the broadcaster revealing that advertiser concerns linked to the show contributed to $26.4 million in lost metro and regional revenue during FY25.
It was an extraordinary admission, given that the company were paying Kyle Sandilands and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson a combined $20 million each year.
The company is now embroiled in a legal battle against the pair, after the termination of both Sandilands’ and Henderson’s contracts, and the show’s subsequent implosion
However, despite the ongoing noise surrounding the saga, CEO Michael Stephenson attempted to calm waters, telling the meeting that “we expect a significant percentage of the $26m of revenue that was lost last year because of brand safety concerns to return, improving both our metro radio revenue and revenue share.”
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Open in new tab One of the biggest protest votes in recent memory
A vote on ARN’s remuneration proposal, which included Stephenson’s $1.1 million annual salary, was overwhelmingly voted down by 90.1% shareholders.
The strike means ARN lost the support of key shareholders, including Samuel Terry Asset Management, which holds 23% of the company, and Spheria Asset Management, which owns 14.4%.
Under Australia’s corporate governance rules, a second strike at next year’s AGM could trigger a spill motion that would place all board positions up for re-election.
While first strikes are not uncommon on the ASX, votes above 90% are rare – particularly for a media company already under sustained commercial and legal pressure.
Main image: Michael Stephenson
Reports: Karl Stefanovic forced to withdraw from NRL 360 by Nine
Karl Stefanovic has been forced to withdraw from appearing on Fox League’s NRL 360 program after Channel 9 “intervened”, Jonathon Moran reports for the Daily Telegraph.
Stefanovic’s wildly successful podcast, The Karl Stefanovic Show, has 7.9 million full-episode views on YouTube and Spotify, meaning he could/should be considered a media vehicle in his own right.
But it seems that’s not how Nine sees it, apparently.
Moran writes that “After agreeing to appear on Fox League’s popular NRL 360 on Sunday night, Stefanovic was forced into a late withdrawal after Nine intervened.
“The appearance had already been promoted by Matty Johns, who teased the Today host as a special guest.”
Sources at The Daily Telegraph reportedly said Stefanovic agreed because he didn’t see any potential issues with conflict.
“Karl was asked if he could go on NRL 360, and immediately and innocently said ‘yes’,” a Nine source told the Daily Telegraph.
“He genuinely didn’t think it would be a problem because it’s not competing with Today, and he’s not talking politics or current affairs.
“It wasn’t a huge drama in the end, but the answer became ‘no’.”
Instead, Stefanovic was “redirected internally to appear on Nine’s own rugby league program, Freddy and the Eighth, as a replacement for Brad Fittler.”
The Karl Stefanovic Show.
The Daily Telegraph Cited “industry sources” who claim that the directive was from Nine’s director of morning TV, Steven “Burlo” Burling.
Moran proposes that “the situation raises broader questions about where networks now draw the line.”
Top image: Karl Stefanovic
KIIS FM announces new fill-in Breakfast host
The game of musical chairs at KIIS FM breakfast is continuing, with former producer Jaimee ‘Mayo’ Blazquez stepping into the latest rotating co-host slot on the station’s post-Kyle and Jackie O lineup.
Blazquez joins current breakfast anchor Mike E, alongside familiar names from the former Kyle and Jackie O Show universe, including newsreader Brooklyn Ross, Pete Deppler and Nat Penfold.
But ARN appears to be keeping at least one seat deliberately fluid, cycling through a roster of guest voices as it continues to experiment with the show’s chemistry.
Recent fill-ins have included Georgie Tunny and Abbie Chatfield.
The latest announcement was made via Instagram, with Ross appearing outside Blazquez’s home to reveal the news.
“The next co-host on KIIS,” Ross teased in the video. “We’ve had Georgie Tunny, Abbie Chatfield… they are very big shoes to fill. The next person – I’m at her house.”
The door then opens to reveal Blazquez.
View this post on Instagram
Blazquez, who has been on maternity leave for the past 10 weeks, told Ross she was looking forward to stepping back into the spotlight and getting her “creative brain back”.
The appointment marks the latest chapter in ARN’s ongoing rebuild of KIIS FM breakfast following the dramatic collapse of The Kyle and Jackie O Show partnership earlier this year – and suggests the network is still testing what the next era of the station could sound like.
Savannah Guthrie returns to 'Today' after dramatic mid-show exit
Savannah Guthrie returned to the Today show on Thursday after a dramatic mid-air exit the previous day.
The Australian-born host, whose mum Nancy’s disappearance three months ago gained international attention, seemed to be in good spirits, with no mention of her abrupt departure on Wednesday.
Viewers of the show became concerned during Wednesday’s episode when Guthrie left 30 minutes before the end.
Guthrie’s co-anchor Craig Melvin was on the Today Plaza along when he announced, “Savannah had to leave a little early. She will be right back here tomorrow though.”
The missing persons alert issued by police for Nancy Guthrie. Image: Pima County Sheriff’s Department
Savannah Guthrie returns after abrupt exit
Melvin had been on the Plaza speaking to Guthrie’s former high school teachers in the audience, and alongside her exit, it highlighted the sadness of Guthrie’s experience this year.
Guthrie has only just returned to her hosting duties after taking an extended leave of absence amid the now-confirmed abduction of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie.
Nancy was taken from her Tucson, Arizona, home in the early morning hours of February 1.
The Guthrie family is offering a $1 USD million reward, in addition to $100,000 pledged by the FBI, for information leading to Nancy’s return.
Savannah Guthrie and her mother, Nancy. Image: Instagram
Kash Patel slams Guthrie investigation
Head of the missing person’s case, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, was slammed this week by FBI Director Kash Patel.
“The first 48 hours of anyone’s disappearance are the most critical,” Patel shared on Hang Out with Sean Hannity. “For four days, we were kept out of the investigation.”
Patel also claimed he “launched hundreds of agents and intel staff to Phoenix and Tucson just for this case, just to be on standby.”
Nanos responded to Patel’s comments in a statement on X: “We remain committed to a thorough, coordinated and fact-based investigation and will continue working closely with our federal partners as the process moves forward.”
Top image: Savannah Guthrie. Image: YouTube
News Corp Australia reshapes leadership as Mark Reinke retires
News Corp Australia has announced changes to its Executive Leadership Team and State Managing Director structure, following Mark Reinke’s decision to retire from full-time executive roles at the end of the financial year.
Reinke’s career has spanned 40 years across metals and mining, telecommunications, financial services and media.
He joined News Corp Australia’s leadership team in 2019 and has played a role in scaling the company’s digital subscription businesses and leading publishing across State & Communities.
Mark Reinke to retire
News Corp Australia’s Michael Miller (Executive Chairman) said Reinke had told him earlier this year that he would retire from full-time executive roles to focus on personal business interests.
Michael Miller: “Mark Reinke told me earlier this year that after 40 years in the corporate world, he has decided it was time to retire from full-time executive roles to focus on personal business interests from the end of this financial year.”
Miller said Reinke’s impact had been significant since joining the leadership team.
“Mark’s passion for our business, strategic insights and belief in our purpose have made a real difference.
“I am personally grateful for the leadership, energy and dedication he brought to every role, but more so for his good nature and the genuine care he shows for his colleagues.
“Mark hasn’t just built businesses here; he has built lasting friendships. While we will miss his counsel, he leaves a business positioned for the future.”
New publishing leadership
The changes will take effect from June 8.
Nicholas Gray has been appointed Managing Director and Publisher, State & Communities.
Gray has spent 14 years with News Corp Australia and has built a track record in scaling digital growth. In the role, he will work with the company’s state and regional mastheads as they continue to operate as digital publishers for their communities.
Mike Connaghan has been appointed Managing Director and Publisher, The Australian & Prestige, while continuing to lead News Corp Australia’s Commercial Content agencies.
Since joining News in 2020, Connaghan has built a creative portfolio spanning food, health, travel and audio. The company said bringing Prestige assets and agency experts closer together will create more sophisticated solutions for clients looking to connect with influential audiences.
Free News & Lifestyle remains under the leadership of Pippa Leary, who will continue to grow the reach of the company’s free news and lifestyle titles.
State Managing Director changes
News Corp Australia is also adjusting its State Managing Director structure, with a focus on commercial growth and advocacy.
Laura Maxwell will expand her role to become State Managing Director, Queensland, and Commercial Director.
With oversight of the Northern businesses, Maxwell will also lead commercial product development nationally across the State & Communities publishing group.
John Lehmann will relocate to become State Managing Director, Victoria/Tasmania and Advocacy Director.
With oversight of the Southern businesses, Lehmann will also lead the evolution and scaling of the company’s national advocacy agenda.
Zac Skulander has been promoted to State Managing Director for New South Wales.
Skulander will continue his national work across Product and Partnerships while expanding his remit to focus on the NSW business.
Melissa Librandi will continue as State Managing Director for South Australia, Northern Territory and Western Australia.
Agostino Giramondo exits
Following the changes, Agostino Giramondo has decided to leave News Corp Australia to pursue new opportunities.
News Corp Australia thanked Giramondo for his work, including evolving The Weekly Times and overseeing Victorian operations and Melbourne teams.
The company said he leaves a “strong legacy of connection” with Victorian and Tasmanian communities.
FY27 focus
News Corp Australia said the changes signal its intent for FY27, with a focus on building on its publisher model to become more agile, integrated and connected to audiences.
“These changes signal our clear intent for FY27: we are building on the proven strength of our publisher model to be more agile, integrated, and connected to our audiences than ever before,” Miller concluded.
Top Image: Mark Reinke
'Unsolicited enquiries from parties': Pedestrian Group for sale?
Nine Entertainment has confirmed to Mediaweek that it is conducting a strategic review of Pedestrian Group following unsolicited enquiries from parties interested in acquiring the business.
The company said the review of the digital media unit was triggered by approaches about a potential purchase.
“Nine is conducting a strategic review of the Pedestrian business following unsolicited enquiries from parties interested in acquiring the business,” a Nine Entertainment spokesperson told Mediaweek.
No guaranteed transaction
Nine did not confirm whether a sale process is underway or whether it is actively engaging with potential buyers. The company said there is no guarantee the review will lead to a transaction.
“We have a responsibility to take all proposals seriously and there are no guarantees this will result in a transaction. Our focus remains on the content, our clients and our audience,” the spokesperson said.
Pedestrian’s history with Nine
Nine Entertainment acquired a majority stake in Pedestrian.tv in 2015 for about $10 million. It later took full ownership in 2018 through a $39 million purchase of the remaining 40%.
The review comes as Nine Entertainment has completed its $850 million acquisition of QMS Media, bringing the outdoor media company into the group and extending Nine’s advertising offer across streaming, broadcast, publishing and out-of-home.
Nine’s digital growth focus
Nine has said its digital growth assets, including Stan, 9Now, digital mastheads and outdoor, now account for more than 60% of group revenue.
The Pedestrian review comes as the company continues to sharpen its portfolio across digital, streaming, mastheads and outdoor media.
Ali Wong returns for Vodafone to take aim at big telco pricing
Vodafone has launched the next chapter of its Ali Wong campaign via Howatson+Company, targeting big telco pricing.
The campaign challenges the category by showing customers they can get a “big telco experience that’s cheaper than TBLEEPra” (Telstra)
Wong returns in a tongue-in-cheek interaction with a stereotypical “big telco” legal team, doubling down on Vodafone’s message that Australians can get a strong telco experience without paying more.
The new campaign builds on Vodafone’s broader positioning around value and premium network experience.
Bec Darley, Group Chief Marketing Officer at TPG Telecom, said Wong has helped the brand cut through by saying what customers are already thinking.
“Ali has helped us cut through because she says what customers are already thinking.
“This next chapter doubles down on our belief that a premium telco experience shouldn’t come with a premium price tag.”
Howatson+Company on the work
Richard Shaw, Deputy CCO at Howatson+Company, said the campaign takes a more direct approach to the category.
“Once again, Ali is asking a very fair question: why are people paying more?
“This time we’ve been even more direct and playful in the execution”.
The campaign will roll out nationally across film, online video, social and out-of-home.
Top Image: Ali Wong
IMAA opens applications for 2026 Pitch-Chella
IMAA – Independent Media Agencies Australia has opened applications for its 2026 Pitch-Chella program, with emerging indie agency talent set to develop campaign ideas for You Can Sit With Me.
Now in its third year, Pitch-Chella gives up-and-coming talent across IMAA member agencies the chance to sharpen their pitching skills while working with peers from across the independent media agency sector.
The program has attracted nearly 170 participants since launch, representing independent media agencies from across the country.
A brief for You Can Sit With Me
This year’s participants will prepare a written brief for You Can Sit With Me, an Australian anti-bullying charity focused on kindness, belonging and inclusion in schools.
The charity works to empower children to combat loneliness by fostering friendships among their peers. Its work includes public advocacy, educational programs, literacy support to close the reading gap, and “safe spaces” initiatives outside school, on the playground, and in the classroom.
Sophie Sparks, Founder and CEO of You Can Sit With Me, said the charity was grateful to be part of the program.
“At You Can Sit With Me, we believe kindness and inclusion can genuinely change lives, and having the support of the IMAA community helps us continue creating safe spaces where every child feels seen, valued and connected. We can’t wait to see the inspiring ideas that come from this collaboration.”
How the program works
Teams will prepare written submissions for You Can Sit With Me, which will be assessed across several criteria.
These include industry relevance, ability to address the objective and problem, insight and strategy, and idea and execution.
The top eight teams will then be selected to deliver a live pitch before a judging panel.
Judges include Audience360 Managing Director Jenny Parkes, TrinityP3 Business Director and Global Media Lead Stephen Wright, Orand Founder Adam Hickey, and Sophie Sparks, Founder and CEO of You Can Sit With Me.
Winners will be announced at an award ceremony at Sydney’s Beresford Hotel on Thursday, July 30.
Sponsors and steering committee
The 2026 Pitch-Chella program is supported by gold sponsor Audience360 and supporting sponsors Are Media, Channel Factory, News Australia, Meta, Microsoft Advertising, Snapchat and Taboola.
This year’s initiative is being led by a steering committee of independent agency leaders, including Lisa Blackshaw from Co.gency and Taylor Fielding from TFM Digital, alongside the IMAA team.
Taylor Fielding on indie talent
IMAA Pitch-Chella Steering Committee member and TFM Digital CEO Fielding said the program provides emerging professionals with a platform to collaborate and develop pitching skills.
“Pitch-Chella is all about showcasing the incredible talent we have within Australia’s indie agency sector. It offers a dynamic platform for budding professionals to team up, enhance their pitching skills, and share knowledge, while also providing support to our nominated charity.
“Every year, we continue to be impressed by the calibre of submissions and ideas from our emerging industry talent. They have demonstrated fresh perspectives and bold ideas well beyond their experience; it just shows that the future of the industry is in good hands.”
Lisa Blackshaw on what judges want
IMAA Pitch-Chella Steering Committee member, Leadership Team member and Co.gency Senior Account ManagerBlackshaw said this year’s participants are being encouraged to push their thinking.
“This year, we’re looking for participants to wow us with their submissions – to create work that challenges us, that excites us, and that inspires us.
“We want teams to be innovative with their cross-channel thinking, from traditional and digital media to unexpected activations and social-led storytelling. We can’t wait to see what they come up with.”
Key dates
Pitch-Chella is open to IMAA agency members with 5 years or less of industry experience.
Applications for the 2026 program close on Wednesday, May 20.
Finalists will be announced on Friday, June 26, with virtual pitches taking place on Tuesday, July 14.
Top Image: IMAA
Disney by D’Amaro: Earnings, AI, parks & 88% streaming boom
In his first quarterly earnings call since succeeding Bob Iger in March, Disney chief executive Josh D’Amaro laid out his vision for the entertainment juggernaut.
The Mouse House beat expectations for its second quarter. Streaming profit surged 88% to $873 million (US$582 million), and the division crossed the 10% operating margin threshold for the first time. Meanwhile, the company generated $37.8 billion (US$25.2 billion) in total revenue, up 7%, driven largely by resilient theme park spending.
But beyond the rosy balance sheet, the industry listened closely for D’Amaro’s long-term strategy. How exactly does the former theme park boss plan to steer a global media empire through economic headwinds, subscription churn, and the looming spectre of artificial intelligence?
The digital and physical centrepieces
D’Amaro built his blueprint on an initiative the company internally dubs “One Disney”. This strategy aims to break down the traditional silos between its vast divisions.
According to the new chief executive, Disney+, the streaming service, actively evolves into the digital centrepiece of the brand. Meanwhile, the physical centrepiece remains the Disney theme parks.
D’Amaro wants to cross-pollinate these highly lucrative audiences.
“A large number of our park visitors, they’re also Disney+ subscribers, but there are millions of Disney+ subscribers who aren’t regular park visitors,” D’Amaro told investors.
Advanced tech and the AI question
While D’Amaro stressed human creativity remains central to everything Disney does, he fully embraced the tech conversation. He called technology a powerful accelerant for the business. Disney actively deploys artificial intelligence to streamline operations and enhance the consumer experience.
Ironically, D’Amaro champions AI just weeks after Disney’s major partnership with OpenAI imploded.
Still, on the parks side, Disney tests AI to optimise labour forecasting and reduce the notoriously complex friction of planning a family vacation. On the digital side, AI-driven personalisation keeps viewers glued to their screens and limits subscriber churn.
A focus on franchises
Despite a few box office stumbles over the past three years, Disney refuses to back away from its intellectual property. D’Amaro pledged to continue investing heavily in established franchises while also nurturing new original stories.
He pointed to the recent Pixar success ‘Hoppers’ as proof the studio still mints fresh hits.
Disney and Pixar’s ‘Hoppers’. Image: Disney
Operating income in the entertainment division rose 6%, and D’Amaro confidently projects 12% adjusted earnings-per-share growth for the 2026 fiscal year. Following the call, Wall Street rewarded the strategy with an immediate 8% stock bump.
Disney downunder
The global Disney strategy presents an interesting local paradox. While D’Amaro focuses on integrating massive global franchises and physical theme parks, the Australian Disney+ team faces an entirely different set of immediate pressures.
With the Federal Government’s local content quotas for streamers kicking in at the start of 2026, platforms like Disney+ now face mandatory requirements to invest either 10% of their local expenditure or 7.5% of their local revenue into homegrown Australian productions.
As Disney attempts to turn its platform into a holistic global lifestyle hub, the local operation must simultaneously ramp up its commissioning slate to ensure it meets these new legislative benchmarks.
‘Hoppers’ downunder?
Feature image- Disney chief executive Josh D’Amaro: file.
Leading Teams taps former SCA executive Trevor Crook as CEO
Leadership consultancy Leading Teams has appointed former Southern Cross Austereo executive Trevor Crook as its new Chief Executive Officer, with the appointment taking effect from 1 July 2026.
The company said Crook was selected following a national recruitment process and would lead the organisation through its next phase of growth across the corporate, industrial and sporting sectors.
Crook brings more than 25 years of experience spanning media, sales and sport. He spent eight years at SCA, most recently serving as General Manager Melbourne, and previously held roles including National Head of Sport Sales and Head of Client Services & Partnerships.
His broader career includes positions at Mindshare, the City of Melbourne and Nine Network Australia.
Crook to lead next phase of growth
In a statement, Crook said he had seen the impact of the consultancy’s work firsthand.
“Leading Teams has built an outstanding reputation for helping leaders and teams strengthen culture and performance, and I have seen first-hand the impact of its work,” said Crook.
“I look forward to working alongside the team, our facilitators and clients to build on that strong foundation and help shape the next phase of the organisation’s growth.”
Leading Teams Chair Daniel Healy said Crook’s experience across media, sport and commercial leadership made him a strong fit for the business.
“Trevor brings the strategic capability, commercial acumen and leadership presence required to build on our strong foundations and guide Leading Teams into its next chapter,” said Healy.
“What stood out throughout the process was not only Trevor’s breadth of experience, but his genuine connection to our purpose and his understanding of the impact our work has with clients across the country.”
Expansion across sport and business
The appointment comes as Leading Teams continues to expand nationally, with clients spanning business, property, retail and professional sport.
According to the company, its programs are currently used by organisations including Belle Property, the Brisbane Lions, Parramatta Eels, Petstock, Ray White Real Estate and SCA.
Leading Teams said the appointment marked “an exciting step forward” as the consultancy continues to scale its leadership and culture programs nationally.
Main image: Trevor Crook
The Trade Desk revenue rises 12 per cent
The Trade Desk has reported March quarter revenue of about A$953 million, up 12 per cent year-on-year, as the programmatic advertising platform navigates a tougher market and increased scrutiny from major agency groups.
The company’s revenue for the three months to 31 March 2026 rose from about A$852 million in the prior corresponding period. Net income fell to about A$55 million, down from about A$70 million a year earlier.
What did The Trade Desk report?
The Trade Desk reported income from operations of about A$92 million, compared with about A$75 million in the March quarter of 2025.
Operating expenses rose to about A$860 million, up from about A$777 million. Diluted earnings per share were A$0.11, compared with A$0.14 a year earlier.
Adjusted EBITDA was about A$285 million, slightly down from about A$288 million in the prior corresponding quarter. The company said customer retention remained above 95 per cent during the quarter.
Jeff Green, chief executive officer and co-founder of The Trade Desk, said: “Q1 was another strong quarter for The Trade Desk, with revenue growing to US$689 million, representing 12% year-over-year growth.”
“We’re encouraged by the impact of the strategic upgrades we’ve been making across the company, which contributed to our outperformance in Q1. Despite headwinds in the macro environment, we remain confident in our ability to lead and innovate within the programmatic ecosystem.
“We’re focused on delivering increasing value to marketers and to help them prioritize objective, transparent and data-driven media buying on the open internet.”
Jeff Green
June quarter outlook
The Trade Desk forecast June quarter revenue of at least A$1.04 billion. It also expects adjusted EBITDA of about A$360 million.
The company said it used about A$227 million of cash to repurchase Class A common stock during the March quarter. As of 31 March, it had about A$452 million available and authorised for further repurchases.
Agency scrutiny continues
The result comes as The Trade Desk faces continued attention from global agency holding companies over transparency and fees in programmatic buying.
Publicis Groupe has advised clients it will no longer recommend The Trade Desk following an audit that raised concerns about fees and billing practices. The Trade Desk has disputed claims that it failed the audit.
Omnicom has also commissioned a third-party audit of The Trade Desk’s billing practices. The company has described that review as part of routine oversight and said Omnicom’s initial reviews had not found issues affecting clients.
The dispute has sharpened industry debate around how advertisers are charged across the programmatic supply chain, and how much visibility brands have over media, data and platform costs.