What advertisers want from podcasters: OMD’s Katy Eng

During Covid-19 lockdown audiences turned to podcasting. The challenge with the podcast sector is to maintain that momentum, keep the new audience and build on it.

One important part of the podcast puzzle is commercialising the audio sector. People like OMD director of content marketing Katy Eng and her agency counterparts play a critical role. Eng is a podcast advocate and sees the opportunities they present to her clients.

Here Eng speaks to Mediaweek sharing some insights into the state of on demand audio as we fast forward into 2021.

“In content marketing, podcasts are always on the consideration list from the very beginning,” Eng told Mediaweek. “Every channel and medium is on that list which we scrutinise and run through our filters. We consider podcasting to be mainstream now and it is growing in importance.”

What ads work best?

The OMD Soundscape research found mid-roll host reads the most influential with podcast listeners. A great host read on a successful, established podcast with a popular host who has a relevance with your brand is very strong. It isn’t too hard to do or too high cost and is something I would be recommending for clients.

Audience data, better, not perfect

We were not happy originally with how we were being presented with audience data. We are still a bit light on audience data in podcasting compared to other types of media. One thing I like doing with clients is to integrate something into the podcast like a unique offer. It might be an offer code or a unique URL which allows us to very directly track how many people were inspired to take an action after listening to the integration.

See our complete interview with Katy Eng in Friday’s Mediaweek Morning Report. (Subscribe here.)

Adam Shand’s DNA mystery

It is a PodcastOne series we have covered before, but the NSW Police State Crime Command podcast has returned with a four-part series ‘Lost at Sea’ with investigative journalist Adam Shand revealing an incredible case.

State Crime Command is a unique collaboration between PodcastOne Australia and the NSW Police Force.

Lost at Sea begins with a human jawbone found on a Northern NSW beach in 2011. For nine years, police were unable to identify to whom the bone belonged. However, in 2020 the mystery was solved through familial DNA technology when a family member gave DNA while serving a prison sentence. He told police of losing an uncle decades before in a boating accident.

In 1979, William John Moran, his wife Pip and three others were travelling on a cabin cruiser called the Nocturn from Moreton Bay, Queensland to Nelson Bay in NSW when the vessel sank in atrocious weather conditions.

Shand explained: “What emerged was an incredible sliding doors story. An avoidable tragedy that should have claimed the lives of everybody on board. That anyone survived that day was down to the heroism of Bill Moran, who lost his life trying to save others.

“Lost at Sea begins with a tragedy but has a happy ending in a way that offers hope to families who have lost a loved one without a trace.”

Listen to NSW Police State Crime Command here.

Courtney Act and Vanity join Nova Podcast Network

Brenda, Call Me! is the newest series form the Nova Podcast Network featuring best friends, drag superstars and sisters in crime, Courtney Act and Vanity.

Courtney Act explained, “’Brenda, call me’ is the text Vanity and I send to each other when we want to chat. We have been friends for 20 years, lived all around the world, in different time zones, and we are super excited to be able to share our best friend conversations, we’re just glad they are not live and the legal department will be reviewing them before they hit your eardrums.”

Vanity added, “We thought we were going to be recording this podcast on opposite sides of the world, but Ms. Rona has reunited us and we’re super excited to be sitting face-to-face giving our unsolicited Australian drag opinions on all sorts of topics. Courtney doesn’t actually know why we call each other Brenda so make sure you tune in when I explain its origins.”

Rachel Corbett, Nova Entertainment’s head of podcasts and digital content, said: “A show hosted by best friends who have conquered the world of drag, built a business together and can run for a cab in 12-inch heels? What’s not to love?”

Behind the scenes Andrew Brentnall is managing producer and Lem Zakharia is the series producer.

Kane Reiken, Nova Entertainment’s digital commercial director said, “The all-star combination of Courtney Act and Vanity Fair coming together for Nova’s Brenda, Call Me! podcast creates a compelling environment for brands to authentically engage with their audiences through powerful commercial integration opportunities.”

This original podcast allows the right brands to connect with these highly influential communities, to deliver strong talent alignment and campaign messaging cut through.”

Listen to Brenda, Call Me! here.

Keeping calm with Meshel Laurie

Meshel Laurie’s new daily podcast launched last month and aims to uncover how well-known Australians keep their wellbeing on the straight and narrow. Guests on Calm Ya Farm so far include Kyle Sandilands, Urzila Carlson, Uncle Jack Charles, Lehmo and Lynne McGranger who have been delivered (mostly) in very digestible 10-minute bursts. The series comes from Laurie’s new production company Smart Fella, launched with Matthew Hardy.

Earlier this month Laurie seemed to be busier than ever, even busier than when she was a breakfast radio host. Then just last week she added a weekday breakfast radio gig to her workload. Laurie explained to Mediaweek that she only took the job at Wave FM because it was a maternity leave gig, perhaps requiring her to be on duty for maybe three months. And because she was asked by her favourite radio boss – Grant Broadcasters’ head of content Ryan Rathbone.

Laurie continues to set a furious pace in the podcast world with two regular series with big audiences – Australian True Crime and Calm Ya Farm – and a third that “just won’t die”. “Every time I look at our stats for The Nitty Gritty Committee, I realise it is still getting significant downloads every month despite me not recording anything in months.”

Laurie added: “I have realised we are after similar guests for Calm Ya Farm as Nitty Gritty.”

Last year Laurie was part of livestream podcast events for Australian True Crime with promoter Paul Dainty. “We did two livestreams and the first one crashed the server because we underestimated how many people would jump on at the last minute.”

The popularity of true crime podcasts has been good for the podcast community and the true crime genre, said Laurie. “Every time there is a Teacher’s Pet or a Chasing Charlie it brings a whole new audience to podcasting in general and they can discover all of us. Australian True Crime podcast averages 1.5m downloads a month and it has grown steadily over the years.”

Working with Acast is something that Laurie enjoys and she loves the creative freedom and encouragement.

When asked about what she has learned from her years in podcasting, she replies: “What I love about podcasting is that it is still the wild west. [Laughs] That’s very cool. I know podcasting will eventually be tamed, but at the moment we are making it up as we go along.”

Being regular about when you publish is one of her learnings. “Consistency was also something I was taught very early on in radio. Something I learnt at Nova was be different, sound different.”

After years in radio, Laurie splits her listening between live and on-demand. “Christian O’Connell is such a great talent. I flick between his breakfast show and his podcasts. As a former radio person, when I hear him I think, ‘Yes, that’s how you do it.’ Every programmer in the country should be playing Christian O’Connell to their talent.”

For the future Laurie will focus on writing (she’s got another book coming out this year), podcasting and fill-in radio. She also guested on ABC Radio recently. “I love a short stint.” Why no fulltime contract? “I got tired and burned out! I see Marty Sheargold starting a new show and I just don’t know how he is doing it. I couldn’t think of anything more daunting at my age. No, god no.”

Laurie will share her audio skills soon in producing other podcast shows that won’t feature her behind the microphone. “I am excited about helping others and not hosting.”

She also slipped in a tease about a TV project in development. “There are lots of exciting things that don’t involve me being at the front of them.”

Listen to Calm Ya Farm here.

Listen to Australian True Crime.

Patrina Jones joins Kate Meades’s All Stars

Kate Meade’s Women of Influence podcast has just featured Gold 104.3 breakfast news reader and Christian O’Connell Show team member Patrina Jones (aka Pats). She comes to podcasting after her Gold breakfast colleagues Christian O’Connell and Jack Post last year launch their own podcasts. Jones alerted Gold listeners to the new podcast on one of the best segments on Melbourne radio, the Friday segment on The Christian O’Connell Show called Double Thumbs Up where the breakfast team give their listening, watching and reading recommendations for the weekend.

Meade, who also co-hosts ACE Radio’s The Morning Rush, speaks to incredible women from all works of life on the podcast. Other broadcasters who have featured include Erin Molan, Amanda Keller, Mia Freedman, Jackie O, Joan Warner, Shelly Horton, Sarah Jones and Heidi Anderson.

Meade is presenting at the Podfest Online Global Summit in the first week of March. An event that has secured the Guinness World Record for the largest attendance for a virtual podcasting conference in one week!

Listen to Women of Influence here.

Fangradio. Not really a podcast, but close

Neil Finn of Crowded House this week announced that he is embarking on a series of radio shows for his lockdown online community, Fangradio, which will be hosted on the Mixlr platform. For each show he will revisit a different Crowded House album and render new acoustic versions of the songs, beginning on February 11th with the band’s second album Temple Of Low Men.

Along the way he will engage with guests and bandmates to remember and discuss the making of each record. The first session was broadcast live on Thursday February 11 at 9am AEDT. Episodes are available on-demand here.

Wil Anderson and Chris Walker

A new episode of Wil Anderson’s Wilosophy this week features TV producer and podcaster Chris Walker. One third of the team behind Thinkative TV – the other partners are Charlie Pickering and Kevin Whyte – Walker recorded the two hours plus episode over the summer break. He is one of the guests who Anderson has recorded in his new studio as his adopted home in Northern New South Wales. One of the few podcasts Anderson has been able to record in person in the past 12 months.

The discussion includes how Walker started in the media, eventually giving up a dream job of travelling the country working on Seven’s AFL coverage for a role producing on The Project. They also discuss Walker’s fantastically successful series Hard Quiz and The Weekly, plus his recent PodcastOne series Brains Trust. When asked to describe himself at the start of the podcast, Walker jokes he is often collateral in paparazzi shots of Carrie Bickmore. (Walker is Bickmore’s partner.)

Podcast recommendations: Mindshare’s Joe Lunn on Pivot

This week we restart a former Podcast Week feature – audio recommendations from people in the media sector. We start with Joe Lunn, Mindshare chief strategy officer.

Pivot: Hosted by Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway

If you’re looking for razor-sharp insights and provocative predictions into the world of big tech, then Pivot is for you. Kara Swisher is widely regarded as the most powerful – and feared – tech journalist in Silicon Valley, while Scott Galloway is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author and Professor at the NYU Stern School of Business. They’re the odd couple of podcasting, keeping things lively with plenty of banter and bickering, while delivering brutally frank analysis and pithy punchlines. They’re a truly formidable duo, doing their bit to keep big tech honest and accountable. Out twice a week, it’s my go-to listen for early morning walks with the dog!

Listen to Pivot here.

It’s been a bumpy 12 months for almost everybody, but the teams behind Women’s Health Australia and Men’s Health Australia have had a more turbulent ride than most after the titles were axed by Are Media – then still known as Bauer Media – back in July 2020. The licenses have since been picked up by Sydney-based boutique publishing house, Paragon Media, former publisher of Men’s Fitness Magazine.

The first issues to be released since the change of publishing house are out on February 11.

Mediaweek caught up with Jacqui Mooney, editor of Women’s Health Australia, to talk about switching publishers and their triumphant return to Australian newsstands.

The move to Paragon

Mooney said that despite the tough road, the Women’s Health team has settled into their new home.

“As you can imagine, it’s been a fairly wild year in media land, and I guess when Women’s Health was closed by Are Media in July last year, multiple boutique publishers expressed interest. All of them were extremely keen to secure these licenses in Australia, which to me I think is really a testament to the strength of these two incredible brands.

“I guess what’s so gratifying is to be in a new media home that really recognised the value of Women’s Health and Men’s Health as a force for positive change. Especially at this moment in time for the world, when physical and mental health has never been more important, it’s a great time to be back.”

Advertisers respond to the return

Despite the break, advertisers haven’t been shy to return to Women’s Health, with brands like LandRover, Under Armour, Almond Breeze, Toyota, and Nude by Nature all signing on.

“It has been an extremely strong response, and I think the reaction from the market and advertisers – also from consumers – when the news was announced late last year that Women’s Health and Men’s Health would be returning has actually been one of the most positive parts of this whole experience, and one the most gratifying parts,” said Mooney.

“I’ve never seen such a genuine love and loyalty for a brand such as I have for Women’s Health.

“I think these innovative content-lead partnerships that fit across print, digital, social events, and events are going to be a really key focus for Women’s Health in 2021 along with those really high profile shoots and covers, which is something that Women’s Health has always done really well.”

Going digital

When asked about whether or not the team had considered re-launching Women’s Health as a digital-only platform, Mooney says it had been on the table.

“Of course we considered every single option, but for us, the true 360-degree content approach, with that really strong combination of print, digital, social, and events really was by far the strongest model, and it’s what’s proven to be hugely successful as a brand over the past few years.”

Coming back strong

For such a significant edition, the comeback issue cover star was going to need to have an impact. There was a clear choice for Mooney. 

“It’s a really huge issue and the cover is one of the things we’re proudest of, because we were lucky enough to score an exclusive shoot with one of Australia’s most successful athletes, Sally Fitzgibbons, who is somebody that I’ve wanted on the cover for many years,” she said.

“When the happy news came that we would be returning to the Australian market, I thought long and hard about the cover and I just really wanted it to make a big statement about what our brand stands for. And so who better than such an incredible role model for a brand that really is all about the spirit of female empowerment? There really couldn’t have been a better choice than one of the world’s most successful surfers.”

Mooney says that all the hard work has paid off though, with the first issue of Women’s Health under Paragon launching today.

“I really could not be prouder of the Women’s Health team or the result, and I really can’t wait to see this incredible brand back with the audience that loves it.”

Title: Women’s Health
Cover price: $7.80
Value: Extreme
Editor: Jacqui Mooney
Publisher: Paragon Media, Ian Brooks, CEO
Commercial Director: Ann-Maree Mulders
Ad pages: 15 plus editorial integrations
Edition: March 2021, 130 pages

Women’s Health Cover: Sally Fitzgibbons with seven-page feature inside.
Cover lines: Nine. Best – “Score a hot core”
Editor’s letter: Longish. But Mooney has surely earned a page to tell readers about the title’s return after sitting out much of the past 12 months. She tells the incredible story of the cover shoot which survived the shutdown.
Women’s Health Giveaways: Win Sally Fitzgibbon’s surfboard
Subscription offer: $69 for 12 issues + free “booty bands” and $40 gift voucher for Bodies by Rachel.
Socials: Several posts today as title returns to newsstands. Also plenty in the last few days whipping up excitement. Brand has a lot of followers, should ask them for direct action to actively support the band as some of them might have been dormant since the title’s 2020 shutdown.
Facebook: 228,497 followers
Twitter: 54,000 followers
Instagram: 283,000 followers
Pinterest: 13,500 followers
Summary: Women’s Health is great brand and in great hands with magazine specialists Mooney, Mulders and Brooks. What could possibly go wrong? Title needs to be aggressive in calling for support from brands and consumers, and it deserves it too. Advertisers should check out the product and check in some ads across its various platforms.

A number of new entities appear in the Top 100 Podcast Ranker this reporting period, including Betoota Daily News Bulletin (Diamantina), It’s A Lot with Abbie Chatfield (Nova), and The Minds of Madness – True Crime Stories (Wondery). Additionally, Stuff You Should Know (ARN/iHeartMedia) reclaimed the #1 spot as the most downloaded podcast in the country the reporting period.

As for the All-Australian Top 100 Ranker, new entities this reporting period include The Betoota Advocate Podcast (Diamantina), The Marty Sheargold Show – Triple M Melbourne (SCA), Triple M’s new solo drive show Molloy and On Guard – Stories From Inside Australia’s Toughest Prisons (News Corp Australia). Casefile True Crime (Audioboom) remained in the #1 spot as the most downloaded Australian podcast in the country. 

Total downloads of all shows by all participating publishers in the month of January is 40.2m, compared to 15.4m in January 2020 when there were fewer publishers.

Participating publishers in the Australian Ranker include ARN/iHeartMedia, Audioboom, Babyology, Diamantina, Fear and Greed, Kinderling Kids Radio, NBC News, News Corp Australia, Nine, Nova, Podshape, Schwartz Media, Southern Cross Austereo, Sports Entertainment Network, Stitcher Media, TOFOP Productions, Wavelength Creative, West Australian Newspapers, and Wondery.

ARN/iHeartMedia had the most downloads for the month with 11.40m, while Sticker/Whooskaa has the most podcasts titles with 384, just ahead of SCA/PodcastOne and ARN/iHeartMedia.

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With COVID-19 meaning that Australian Survivor can’t return to its regular homes of Samoa or Fiji, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced that the hugely popular reality TV show will be filmed in Cloncurry, 1,700 km north-west of Brisbane in outback Queensland.

Season 6 of the TV Week Logie and ACCTA Award-winning format, produced by Endemol Shine Australia for Network 10 and hosted by Jonathan LaPaglia, will inject an estimated $14.6 million into the state’s economy and create approximately 150 jobs for Queensland crew.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said today’s announcement was more good news at a time of extraordinary demand from both domestic and international productions to take advantage of all Queensland offers as a global screen destination.

“We’ve got a winning combination in terms of competitive incentives, fantastically diverse locations, best-in-the-business local crew, and one of the world’s most COVID-safe environments,” the Premier said.

“Queensland is the place to film right now; the positive impacts flowing from our production boom are vast and varied, and my Government is doing everything in its power to maximise these benefits for all Queenslanders.

“From big-budget feature films to hit TV series, and now one of Australia’s best-loved reality shows, there really is no limit to the scope, scale and volume of what’s coming through our door.”

Screen Queensland CEO Kylie Munnich said it was positive news for the remote township of Cloncurry, which will benefit from jobs for local crew and be showcased nationally and internationally on the program.

“It’s rewarding to see such a big show as Australian Survivor heading to outback Queensland—a region that knows adversity and hardship first-hand, and whose people, I expect, share those human qualities celebrated in the show: courage, endurance and strength,” Ms Munnich said.

“From urban centres and coastal ranges to sweeping outback plains, Queensland has enormous capacity to cater for a wide range of screen productions—from international features through to reality juggernauts like Australian Survivor.”

Chief Content Officer and Executive Vice President, ViacomCBS Australia and New Zealand, Beverley McGarvey said, “We are thrilled that our new Australian Survivor castaways will have the chance to outwit, outplay and outlast each in other, right here in Queensland, Australia. Outback Queensland’s harsh climate and challenging weather conditions will turn the game on its head. 

“Moving from the beaches of Fiji to the outback of North Queensland will shift the game in a way we haven’t seen before. If the castaways think they know how to play the game, they will need to think again.”

Endemol Shine Australia CEO, Peter Newman said, “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Screen Queensland to bring our critically acclaimed Survivor to Queensland, we look forward to showcasing Cloncurry’s unique beauty to audiences both in Australia and around the world. 

“Importantly, the production acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land, the Mitakoodi People, and are consulting with the local Aboriginal community to gain a deeper understanding of the country on which the series will be filmed,” Mr Newman said.

Watch all seasons of Australian Survivor on demand at 10Play.com.au.

Australian Survivor. Coming Soon. Only On 10 And WIN Network.  

Independent creative agency Now We Collide has announced a string of new promotions and hires after a steady year of growth following new business wins and expanding remits with existing clients.

Current Senior Creative Producer & Strategist Naomi Young (pictured) has been promoted to Client Services Director and will work alongside CEO and Managing Partner Keir Maher in managing client relationships and steering positive business outcomes for Now We Collide clients.

Of her promotion, Young said: “What has continued to excite me about Now We Collide is that we are an agency with a clear and unique proposition, combining the smarts and clever thinking of a digitally-minded creative agency with production mastery. I am excited to be taking on this newly created role which enables us to maintain the forward-thinking and strategy-led approach that serves our clients in the best way possible.”

Young is a multi-disciplined advertising account director and producer with over 10 years experience in strategy, coordinating integrated campaigns and achieving outstanding business outcomes for clients such as Facebook and Goodman Group.  

Young will be supported by a new producer and account management team featuring new hires Sally Muul and Amy Watson. Muul joins from DDB where she was account manager and Watson joins from Chello where she was leading production as a producer and account manager. 

The agency has also invested in new creative roles with current Senior Art Director Kurt Toohey being promoted to Creative Director with ongoing support from Chief Creative Officer and Managing Partner Ryan Bodger. Over the last 18 months, Kurt has successfully led design, art and creative direction on a number of campaigns and projects including above the line campaigns for ESPN, Facebook, Universal Pictures, and Obela.

The creative team also expands with the addition of Art Director Kate O’Donnell who previously worked as art director and designer at Archibald Williams.

CEO Keir Maher commented on the new hires and promotions: “While 2020 threw up unexpected challenges for everyone in the industry, we achieved solid growth because we were able to adapt quickly, transform strategies and deepen client relationships. Diversifying and strengthening our creative and client management teams gives us the perfect platform to continue achieving the best outcomes for our clients in 2021.  

“I believe we’ve truly rounded out our incredibly talented leadership team with the promotions of both Naomi and Kurt, and the addition of Kate, and look forward to working with this great group of creatives on many exciting projects to come.”

As the official broadcast partner of the 2021 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, SBS is proud to bring to life the colour and magic live and exclusively on Saturday, March 6.

Proving nothing – not even a pandemic – is going to rain on this parade, Mardi Gras has found a temporary new home in 2021: the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, to ensure the safety of participants, spectators, and the community at large. Bringing the world together each year in a celebration of diversity and inclusion, the event is also an opportunity to reflect on the history of activism and protest that started the movement in 1978.

SBS will be bringing the coverage to audiences across Australia and around the world, live and free from 6pm AEDT on SBS On Demand (geo-block removed for viewers internationally), or tune in for the full parade on SBS and NITV at 7:30pm.

This year, the event is rising to new heights with the fab four – drag icon Courtney Act, comedian Joel Creasey, Network 10 Presenter Narelda Jacobs, and stand-up comedian Zoë Coombs Marr – returning to host this year’s coverage. 

Courtney Act said: “I can’t wait to get my heels on the pitch, wearing a lace-front in place of a baggy green, to celebrate this unique and vibrant Mardi Gras parade with my Indigenous, black, brown, trans, bisexual, asexual, intersex, lesbian, gay and queer siblings. We’re going to bring all of the fun, glamour, heart, diversity, and storytelling from the SCG and shout it loud and proud across Australia and around the world.” 

Joel Creasey said: “I can’t wait to be back with my Mardi Gras besties Narelda, Courtney and Zoë to be hosting the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras for my fifth time! It’s a wild ride hosting Mardi Gras, so many elements and moving parts have to come together live on the night to make it all work… so often we are flying by the seat of our pants (assless chaps) but I couldn’t be doing it with a better crew. And, after the year we’ve had, we truly need the love, light and bio-degradable glitter that is Mardi Gras. I’ve never been to a cricket ground before so I hope my Uber driver knows where to drop me. I cannot wait!”

Narelda Jacobs said: “Rise and shine! The world’s biggest party since last Mardi Gras is on March 6 and we’re asking Australia to rise to the occasion. We’re spreading our wings and love from the SCG into lounge rooms, pubs and clubs around the country. I’m thrilled to be reunited with the rainbow dream team of the ridiculously good-looking Joel Creasey, the unpredictable Zoë Coombs Marr and the queen with the highest hair Courtney Act. Together, the queer community has supported each other through the pandemic, now let’s rise like a phoenix to celebrate Mardi Gras 2021.”

Zoë Coombs Marr said: “It’s going to be a totally different Mardi Gras this year. I’m really excited to see the different ways that our community interprets the struggles and the magnitude of the past year, in ways that only our community can… with leather, cardboard, and eco-friendly glitter! And last year’s Mardi Gras was one of the last big events before certain viruses that shall not be named. The event has a special kind of energy that can only be rivalled by a sugar-free kid at a birthday party who’s just had red cordial for the first time. Magic!”

SBS Director of Television and Online Content, Marshall Heald said: “SBS is proud to be the official broadcast partner for the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras for the eighth year running. Mardi Gras is a celebration of diversity, inclusion and acceptance, which is at the core of what we do at SBS with our programming. This year’s history-making event promises to be like no other and will certainly be a night to remember.”

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras remains one of the world’s largest and most loved LGBTIQ+ celebrations. This year the festival is themed RISE, a call to action that now is the time to rise again through love, compassion, respect and understanding, and to work to make the world a better place for all. The theme is a poignant message following the challenge and hardship of 2020.

Follow the conversation on SBS Australia social #MardiGras2021 and #WeRiseFor and via sbs.com.au/topics/pride/mardigras

The 2021 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras live Saturday 6 March 6pmAEDT on SBS On Demand, or catch the full parade at 7:30pm on SBS and NITV.

The ABC has won seven trophies at the international Kidscreen Awards, including four prizes for Australia’s most popular children’s television show Bluey.

ABC programs and Australian producers and creators were honored across the preschool, kids, and tweens/teens programming categories at the awards on February 9, which celebrate the world’s best children’s television and digital entertainment.

Bluey, produced by Ludo Studio, led the way for outstanding Australian children’s content, winning Best Animated Series for preschoolers, plus three Creative Talent Awards for Best Directing, Best Writing, and Best Music.

ABC Children’s was also recognised on the world stage for the diversity and inclusivity of its content and talent. ABC ME series First Day, produced by Epic Films, won the Best Live-Action Series Award in the Kids Programming category for its powerful story about a transgender girl starting high school and finding the courage to live as her most authentic self.

ABC ME series The Unlisted, produced by Aquarius Films, won the Best Inclusivity Award for its exploration of multicultural characters and themes. Much-loved Play School presenter Kiruna Stamell won the Kidscreen Award for Best On-Air Host.

Libbie Doherty, ABC Head of Children’s Production, said the award wins demonstrated the strength of local creative talent on the international stage. “Time and again, we see that distinctively Australian content, faces, and voices strike a chord with audiences and judges the world over.

“Congratulations to the Australian producers and creators, the ABC Children’s team, and all our production and funding partners, for bringing such outstanding programs to young viewers. Diversity and inclusivity are at the heart of what we do. Children engage with authentic stories and people, giving them the chance to see themselves reflected and represented on screen.”

The ABC’s haul of seven Kidscreen Awards was its most successful to date and behind only US network PBS. The trophies extend a stellar international run for ABC Children’s, including last year’s Rose d’Or Award for First Day, International Emmy Awards for Bluey and Hardball, and Prix Jeunesse International Awards for Hardball and The Unlisted.

Primetime News
Seven News 994,000 (6:00 pm)/939,000 (6:30)
Nine News 829,000 (6:00 pm)/841,000 (6:30 pm)
ABC News 633,000
10 News First 359,000 (5:00 pm)/239,000 (6:00 pm)
SBS World News 168,000 (6:30 pm)/152,000 (7:00 pm)

Daily current affairs
7.30 495,000
The Project 251,000 (6:30 pm)/429,000 (7:00 pm)
The Drum 144,000

Breakfast TV
Sunrise 249,000
Today 189,000
News Breakfast 187,000

Late Night News
ABC Late News 99,000
SBS World News Late 55,000

Nine easily won the TV shares battle last night with a 26.2% primary and 34.0% network share off the back of Nick Kyrgios‘s five-set heroics.

Kyrgios defeated Ugo Humbert in front of an average audience of 690,000 viewers as the second session of Australian Open’s evening coverage averaged a total of 704,000. The match was also #1 in the key demographics of 16-39 and 18-49.

On Seven Home and Away was the networks most watched non-news show with 510,000 which was followed by Ambulance: Code Red with 366,000

On 10 The Project had 429,000 with the episode covering the botched performance from Trump’s impeachment lawyer plus a conversation with comedian Russell Howard. 10 then followed The Project with a double-double with two episodes each of Jamie’s Easy Meals (268,000 & 217,000) and Bull (163,000 & 145,000).

10 Bold was the most-watched multichannel of the evening with a 4.3% share, with its top shows being NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, and Bondi Rescue.

On the ABC Hard Quiz was the top entertainment program of the night with 598,000, and was followed by The Weekly with Charlie Pickering with 507,000 and then ABC’s new comedy Aftertaste had 352,000 for its second episode down from the 479,000 viewers it had last week.

On SBS Britain’s Most Historic Towns had 239,000 while Micheal Palin: Travels of a Lifetime had 226,000.