Monday November 11, 2019
Foxtel dealmaker Amanda Laing on content everybody wants
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As of September 30, 2019, Foxtel’s total closing subscribers were 3.065 million, an increase of 6% compared to the prior year
Foxtel’s chief commercial officer Amanda Laing explained to Mediaweek how she negotiated much more than a rollover of their previous deal.
“We have got expanded access to the extraordinary Universal movie library which gives us many great blockbusters and evergreens like The Fast and the Furious franchise and in the next 12 months we will have the latest instalment of that, Hobbs & Shaw with The Rock.
“That allows us to build a great proposition to our customers. We have also been able to ensure that we have access to the library content from NBCU that frankly the global giants are all fighting over.
“We’ve got The Office, we’ve got 30 Rock and Parks and Recreation. We have great comedy content, sci fi content and great drama and crime. We can use that to fuel not just the Fox Entertainment channels, but also to have a very rich VOD offering.”
Laing also mentioned they are keeping the E! and Universal channels and the content from Bravo that supplies Arena like the Real Housewives franchise and the US property programs.
She added the whole agreement has been updated to make sure Foxtel has VOD rights.
See also:
Foxtel and NBCUniversal complete new multi-year content agreement
Foxtel has some of the NBCU content exclusively, and some non-exclusive.
“For some things it is important to have them exclusively, for others it is just important to have them. A lot of the content on our Fox branded channels it is not exclusive, but we know the channels we have created are exclusive. Our curation of that content is the special sauce that we bring.
“Some content will give us day and date release with the US and an exclusive window before anyone else can get it.”
There was a time when there was speculation that Foxtel might cull the number of its channels and not renew some of its supply deals. Foxtel if anything seems to be going the other way – more is better?
Laing: “Giving subscribers breadth of content is very important. Our content proposition is something that nobody else does. We have channels and content for on demand viewing. A lot of people still love watching channels. Equally we have series stacking and box sets for those who want to be very selective.”
Since joining Foxtel after leaving Nine, Laing has been running the ruler over its content deals, making them “fit for purpose” as she put it.
“We have made sure we are securing linear and on demand rights. Every deal needs to play a part in making sure that Foxtel is future fit.
“We are in partnership with all the big names in US and UK content including the Hollywood studios. We done many deals, but there are more to come, stay tuned!”
Laing no longer looks after sports rights, one of the things she did at Nine, most notably its NRL rights. “They were fun times at Nine. I now look after all of Foxtel’s entertainment content.”
Foxtel or its suppliers are careful not to reveal contract terms, but it is thought under Patrick Delany and Laing channel deals are not as lucrative as they once were for content distributors.
When asked about the competing forces for the funds that are available and what Foxtel’s content team would ultimately like to acquire, Laing replied diplomatically: “We keep an eye on what is happening globally with content and then we make informed content decisions within the available costs envelope.”
As to Foxtel being able to mix it with the likes of newcomers Disney+ and Apple TV+, Laing is very optimistic. “The data shows that most people have more than one paid entertainment subscription. We want to be one of the ones people choose. People are very engaged with our content and subsequently stay longer on the platform. That is when they realise the value of their subscription.”
Buyers back Seven: National reach critical as is increased content spend
The broadcaster has compiled some of those comments from the investment heads who will fund Seven’s increased 2020 spend on content.
Below are some of the highlights:
Tom Dobson – Head of Media & Partnerships, NAB
On the proposed merger of Seven and Prime: “Regional and rural Australia will benefit from better access to all of the content. AFL and Cricket – they’re Australia’s national sports.”
3 ways to describe #7Upfronts: “Footy, women in sport, farmers.”
On Mega Mini Golf: “That was mind blowing. Unbelievable.”
Henry Tajer – Chief Executive Officer, Dentsu Ageis Network
Henry Tajer
On the power of Tokyo 2020: “It’s a killer. It’s been a part of Seven for a long time. Very excited by that. Innovations like the multi-language approach is really smart. Very impressed.”
On Mega Mini Golf: “It’s a sleeper. Its simplicity will appeal to a lot (of people). I think that’s going to do really well.”
3 ways to describe #7Upfronts: “Fresh, interesting and reliable.”
Toby Barbour – Chief Executive Officer, Publicis Media
Favourite announcement: “Investing in 7.30. Getting that slate and consistency right at 7.30. Smart strategy. Great to see that 30% investment in content and coming into that 7.30 25-54 year old timeslot.”
Favourite new show: “Big Brother intrigues me. I’m sure you’re going to refresh in an interesting and compelling way. Intrigued to see who the host will be. It’s going to explode across all the digital channels. So Big Brother 20 years later in a digital eco-system – I think it’s going to be fascinating to see how it performs.”
On Seven’s investment in primetime content: “(Seven’s) clearly invested in the content. I think it’s the right strategy. (Seven’s) got content that can go across all the platforms which is really important. It makes (Seven) much more relevant and valuable to growth audiences and therefore to brands.”
3 words to describe #7Upfronts: “Refreshed, leadership, determined.”
Lizzie Baker – Head of Investment, Zenith Media Sydney (pictured)
Favourite announcement: “The amount of new content. There are a number of fresh, exciting and ‘different’ programs that lend themselves well to client integration.”
On the proposed merger of Seven and Prime: “I’ve been quite vocal about the value of regional TV and the fact we under invest there. Part of the barrier has been the divide between metro and regional from a buying perspective. Having a network we can buy both from is a huge opportunity that simplifies the buying process. Over 90% reach – it’s amazing.”
On Seven’s investment in primetime content: “For a long time Seven’s audience has been ageing while our clients want to reach that elusive younger audience. This re-focusing on 25-54s will resonate with clients and is really important.”
3 words to describe #7Upfronts: “Fresh, updated and confident!”
Stephen Leeds – Chief Executive Officer, The Media Store
Favourite new show: “My favourite show was (Mega Mini Golf). I can see my kids getting off their devices and sitting around the TV again and watching it together.”
On the proposed merger of Seven and Prime: “As a great supporter of regional what this means is ease of doing business. One conversation with a client that is heavily involved in integration and who is all about mass reach. We are already tapping into to those regional markets, but I think the Seven Prime merger for us means great efficiencies.”
On Seven’s investment in primetime content: “What is important is that you have a defined strategy. It’s the number one demographic that media buyers are buying so I think it’s a good move.”
3 words to describe #7Upfronts: “Bold, fearless and confident.”
Kurt Burnette, Seven West Media Chief Revenue Officer, said: “We’re thrilled with the response to our plans for content-led growth and innovation in 2020. Our partners have backed our plans for more investment in content, alongside our unmatched sport and news offerings.”
“We’re delivering new content that will reach the key audiences that our partners crave – particularly 25-54s. It’s great to see the excitement in the market around these new integratable and much-loved formats. Seven’s sport will continue to drive massive reach and unbeatable moments for our partners.”
“The feedback has also been strong on how we’re making Seven easier to work with. The pending Prime merger will now mean just one place to connect them with the largest and most influential audience in Australia. Plus, CODE 7 and 7CAP offer our partners innovative new ways to maximise their results.”
Nine blows up breakfast again, announces fourth team in two years
After ditching longtime Today show breakfast host Karl Stefanovic in 2018, and losing Lisa Wilkinson to Network 10 in 2017, Nine has revealed its fourth breakfast line-up two years. Stefanovic will return to breakfast alongside Nine’s Allison Langdon.
Nine’s breakfast show Today has been in a state of flux since Lisa Wilkinson walked out the door back in August 2017. Just over two-and-a-half years later the network has confirmed its fourth breakfast pairing to try and steal the breakfast crown back from Seven’s Sunrise.
Changing Today: Nine breakfast teams
Karl Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson 2007-2017
Karl Stefanovic and Georgie Gardner 2018
Georgie Gardner and Deborah Knight 2019
Karl Stefanovic and Allison Langdon 2020
Nine Entertainment Co has used its Saturday newspapers to promote its new hosts. A reader pointed out on social media that while new Today show hosts get a prime spot on page 1 of The Sydney Morning Herald, detailed coverage of the bushfire crisis was pushed back to page 7.
Although the front page of The Sydney Morning Herald carries the world “Exclusive” for its page one “Nine gambles on ‘wiser’ Stefanovic for breakfast” headline (plus a full page inside), it was Nick Tabakoff midweek in The Australian who alerted readers first that Nine Entertainment CEO Hugh Marks had signed off on the proposal to return Stefanovic to breakfast alongside Langdon.
Sister news brand The Age was slightly less enthusiastic about the Nine programming update, dropping the word exclusive and giving the story half of page 7 (even though the front cover sent readers to page 6).
Stefanovic and Langdon will take over Today in January 2020, possibly at the start of the Australian Open, the day that Gardner and Knight started hosting together in 2019.
Nine this morning reported while Gardner was disappointed with the decision, she was proud to have broken new ground with her co-host.
“I was consulted two weeks ago about the future direction of the Today show, and naturally I’m disappointed with the outcome,” said Gardner.
“However I’m very proud to have been part of an innovative and progressive programming decision – the first female hosting duo in Australian breakfast television.
“My plan now is to return to my first love, news, and to catch up on some sleep! I am grateful for the support and friendship offered by my Today show colleagues on-air and behind the scenes and I am humbled by the unwavering loyalty and kindness of viewers.”
Why Today had to change
Week 44 breakfast TV ratings (Week ending November 2 M-F)
Metro + Sydney and Melbourne
Sunrise 283,000 (Syd 82,000 Mel 64,000)
Today 174,000 (Syd 45,000 Mel 46,000)
Darren Wick, director of news at Nine, said the network broke new ground in appointing two female hosts which regrettably has not been reflected in ratings.
“Georgie is a person of great integrity who has given everything for the past two years in hosting one of the most demanding and high profile shows on television. She’s loved and admired by her colleagues and she cares passionately about the stories she tells,” said Wick.
“We took a bold decision to try something new with two women hosting the Today show this year and regrettably that has not worked for the audience.”
Nine reported Knight will stay on with the network and will be in the co-host chair on Monday morning while Gardner, who has been a co-host since January 2018, will no longer work the 5.30am to 9am timeslot.
The remaining Today show team members, including newsreader Tom Steinfort and entertainment reporters Richard Wilkins and Brooke Boney, will remain with Nine with Wick saying the full line up of Today in 2020 “will be announced in due course”.
Top photo: Karl Stefanovic and Allison Langdon photographed by Louise Kennerley for The Sydney Morning Herald
Ticker launches new programs + upgrades to studio and website
Each of the programs are hosted by experts in their field, and fit within Ticker’s content strategy of “business lifestyle” around our news programs.
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Ahron Young’s Ticker TV launches suite of new programming plus iOS app
Starting soon on Ticker, host Ryan Jon will helm a new program on Ticker that delves into the world of new and digital media.
It will cover media industry headlines, create its own original content and interview podcasters, Youtubers, social media stars, musicians and industry experts.
Ryan has recently been working in radio, but also boasts an honours degree in finance, having previously worked for NAB and Pitch Partners.
He’ll also be an on air contributor to Morning Express and will work behind the scenes on the organisation’s social media strategy.
Ryan Jon said: “Every time I’ve met with [Ticker CEO and founder] Ahron Young and the Ticker team I’ve felt really pumped about what they’re creating. As someone who’s always enjoyed reading about entrepreneurs and start up culture, to actually be a part of a new media start-up myself is really exciting.
“Those who know me know that I love to roll my sleeves up and create, I love to innovate and I love to learn and it feels like the possibilities are endless working in a small start up like Ticker.”
Watch Mediaweek TV every Tuesday at 1pm live on Ticker
Every Monday, Ticker Property will look back at the auctions over the weekend, while real estate experts analyse the latest auction data coming in from Real Time Agent and what it means for buyers and sellers.
Kris Bondin
MovingHub CEO Kris Bondin said: “We’ll have access to data to discuss the weekend’s property auction results and what the data means to prospective buyers or sellers.
“The show will be inviting experts far and wide within the property industry, from mortgage brokers to real estate agents.”
On Tuesdays, Corporate Dojo Sensei Karen Gately will be hosting a new show about our changing workplaces, and how she uses the lessons from the martial arts to share insights into how leaders can become the best possible version of themselves.
Karen Gately
Karen Gately said: “We learn in the martial arts that to be a Sensei and guide others on a journey of self-mastery, these character traits are essential.
On Black Belt Leader we’ll be exploring how to develop your character and the capabilities needed to get the best from people on your team.”
Watch Mediaweek TV every Tuesday at 1pm live on Ticker
Ticker CEO Ahron Young said: “Ryan, Karen and Kris have all been excellent expert guests on Ticker in recent months and really know their stuff.
“With so much conflicting information about the direction of the property market. Kris will have the very latest data coming through from Real Time Agent.
“Karen is an actual Sensei and will breathe energy into the topic of corporate workplaces and HR. So much has changed in recent years, and Karen channels the lessons from the marital arts to bring out the best. Her guests include CEOs and sports people, to hear their stories.
“When Ryan Jon walked through my door a few weeks back, he arrived with a bottle of gin. From that moment I knew we had a host! Ryan is a brilliant broadcaster, and his story reflects the values of Ticker. He’s returning to Victoria to host an exciting new program, where he’ll analyse the world of young social media influencers, with a focus on new media and streaming services.”
Ticker is also relaunching the website this week with a live feed of its programming, as well as more video content from shows.
Last week Ticker launched an expanded HD TV studio featuring larger screens and state of the art lighting, allowing more guests on at one time.
Watch Mediaweek TV every Tuesday at 1pm live on Ticker
Tess & Luke win The Biggest Block ever and $730,000
After 14 gruelling weeks of renovation there was joy and relief for all couples, with each auction soaring above reserve and securing profits for all the Blockheads, who walked away with a massive total of $2.392 million between them – a fitting end to the series that saw the couples renovate grand old homes in Victoria’s goldrush.
In a Block first the reserves were set at $2.990 million for each of the five three-storey terraces. Experienced renovators, Mitch & Mark went first and started the day off well. The hammer came down on their house at $3.374 million, which was $384,000 over their reserve. Newlyweds Tess & Luke had passionate buyers in the room and managed to secure a whopping $3.620 million, an eyewatering $630,000 over reserve.
Perth parents El’ise & Matt kept the party going, selling their house for $3.450 million, which was $460,000 over their reserve. Fan favourites, Andy & Deb were next, and their house sold for $3.420 million, $430,000 over reserve. And finally, real estate agent Jesse and girlfriend Mel, earned themselves $388,000 over the reserve when their house sold for $3.378 million.
While everyone walked away with life-changing amounts, Tess and her husband, Luke stunned the bookmakers by making the most money over reserve and taking home an extra $100,000, delivering them a massive total of $730,000 in winnings.
“We are so thankful for the opportunity to be on The Block. Despite the rocky road it has been life-changing, and we have grown stronger together as a couple,” Tess and Luke said
“This win allows us to get started on a life together we could have only dreamed of before.”
The “kids from Cairns” had a rollercoaster year on The Block. After a shaky start when they were unable to produce a finished room for the first two weeks, they found their stride and confidence when they won main bathroom week and converted their studio space into a standalone apartment.
Budget issues caused them angst towards the end of the season, but they managed to pull it together and finish their house against all odds, creating one of the most loved homes on the show this year.
Host Scott Cam, along with Shelley Craft and the gang, will be back to challenge a fresh batch of Blockheads when the program returns for its 16th series in 2020 in Brighton.
Tonight’s results confirm The Block as Australia’s richest reality program, taking total prizemoney across 15 seasons to a whopping $23,167,501.
PREVIOUS BLOCK WINNERS
2003 – BONDI – Adam & Fiona, $256,000
2004 – MANLY – Jamie & Andrew, $178,000
2010 – VAUCLUSE – John & Neisha, $305,000
2011 – RICHMOND – Polly & Waz, $115,000
2012 – SOUTH MELBOURNE – Brad & Lara, $606,000
2013 – ALL STARS (BONDI) – Phil & Amity, $395,000
2013 – SKY HIGH (SOUTH MELBOURNE) – Alisa & Lysandra, $395,000
2014 – FANS v FAVES (ALBERT PARK) – Steve & Chantelle, $736,000
2014 – GLASSHOUSE (PRAHRAN) – Shannon & Simon, $435,000
2015 – TRIPLE THREAT (SOUTH YARRA) – Darren & Deanne, $935,000
2015 – THE BLOCKTAGON (SOUTH YARRA) – Dean & Shay, $755,000
2016 – THE BLOCK 2016 (PORT MELBOURNE) – Will & Karlie, $815,000
2017 – THE BLOCK 2017 (ELSTERNWICK) – Josh & Elyse, $547,000
2018 – THE BLOCK GATWICK (ST KILDA) – Hayden & Sara, $645,000
Seven expands production and development with former Nine executive
Chapman will be Seven’s head of development. His most recent success at Nine was the hit program Travel Guides. Other series he has worked on included Married At First Sight, The Last Resort and the Karl Stefanovic-hosted Same Time Next Year.
Shortly after the launch of Travel Guides in 2017, Chapman told Mediaweek about the network’s plan:
“Our strategy is about winning time slots, winning nights, winning weeks and winning demos,” Chapman said. “The show [Travel Guides] fit beautifully into that strategy.”
Chapman has previously worked at Endemol Shine Australia as head of production and development for two years and as an executive producer for one year.
His decision to join Seven marks his return to the network after spending 11 years there as an executive producer from 2001.
TV Week 45 Ratings: Can Nine extend winning streak in final 3 weeks?
In doing so Nine has now won the last seven weeks and 12 of the last 13 weeks.
With The Block’s final episode starting the third last week of ratings, and then Hamish and Andy driving the final two Sundays or the survey year, can Nine maintain or increase its lead in its best ratings year ever?
At the end of the 37th week of survey, Nine holds an all people primetime YTD share of 29.6% to Seven’s 29.2%.
Driving Nine’s win this week was The Block with three of the episodes in the top five.
Seven was some way back in second place, but the broadcaster remains #1 in news and breakfast where Sunrise’s competitor Today had another tough week. We’ve noted before that Sunrise doesn’t just win because people don’t like Today, they win because people choose Sunrise and its hosts Sam and Kochie.
10 had its second lowest share since the start of July despite having the #1 show of the week – The Melbourne Cup with 1.438m. The race of course falls outside of primetime. 10 has been able to again claim to be #2 across the week under 50 and in key demos. Both episodes in the penultimate week of The Bachelorette were close to 700,000.
The most-watched show on the ABC was ABC News Sunday with 654,000, narrowly ahead of Gruen on 649,000.
The biggest crowd watching an SBS program was 234,000 for an episode of Britain’s Ancient Tracks with Tony Robinson. Not far behind was the first episode of Secrets of the Railway a week ago with 223,000.
ARIA Chart: Tones and I still in control, this week at #1 and #10
Singles
Tones and I has found a way of making it 15 weeks on the trot at #1 with Dance Monkey after 25 weeks on the chart. This run at the top equals the number of weeks Ed Sheeran spent at #1 with Shape Of You. The Byron Bay busker-turned-international chart sensation now has two tunes top 10 with Never Seen The Rain sneaking into the top 10 at #10 after 16 weeks.
Two new releases made it into the top 50 on debut – one high in the chart and the other just scraping in.
Dua Lipa’s Don’t Start Now was the new hit of the week debuting at #8. The British singer might be performing this tune, the first single from her forthcoming second album, at the ARIA Awards later this month.
Meanwhile a new remix of album track Hot from Young Thug featuring Gunna just made the 50 at #49.
Trigger from Major Lazer and Khalid stampeded into the 50 on its second week after a chart debut at #87. Trigger is on the new soundtrack to the PlayStation 4 game Death Stranding.
Albums
Jesus is King from Kanye West spends a second week at #1.
The highest of six new entries landed in the top 10 – Archie Roach’s Tell Me Why debuting at #7. In a 39-year career, ARIA notes this is Roach’s first top 10 album and the third to crack the top 50.
The only other change to the top 10 was the self-titled Shawn Mendes former #1 album re-entering the top 10 at #8 after an impressive 76 weeks off the back of his Australian tour.
This week’s other new arrivals:
#12 Jeff Lynne’s ELO with From Out of Nowhere. An album of new material from the British rocker.
#19 Miranda Lambert with Wildcard. Seventh album from the US country star. It’s a big week for Lambert. She turned 36 on the weekend and on Thursday Australian time is up for Female Vocalist of the Year at the CMA Awards, a title she has already won seven times.
#21 Bob Dylan with Travelin’ Thru, Featuring Johnny Cash: The Bootleg Series Vol. 15
#39 Michael Kiwanuka with Kiwanuka. Third album from the British soul singer/songwriter.
#50 The Seekers with We Wish You A Merry Christmas. The first sighting of a Christmas album this season comes from Judith Durham, Athol Guy, Keith Potger and Bruce Woodley who initially released all but one of these tunes back in 2001.
TV Ratings Analysis: November 10
Sunday Week 46 2019
• Seven News 953,000
• Nine News 860,000
• ABC News 649,000
• The Project 216,000/305,000
• 10 News First 275,000
• Insiders 340,000
• Offsiders 148,000
• SBS World News 143,000
Breakfast TV
• Sunrise 260,000
• Today 191,000
Seven
Bride & Prejudice: The Forbidden Weddings was up to episode 16 and the final countdown is on to the weddings. The episode did 453,000 after 422,000 a week ago.
Sunday Night was looking at the disappearance of three young women in Claremont in the 90s and then Rahni Sadler was spending time with Rod Stewart. The episode did 375,000 after 386,000 last week.
Nine
The channel had a good crowd in the afternoon with the Federation Cup Final. The result wasn’t what anybody wanted and an Ash Barty loss was a surprise after her Saturday victory. The Fed Cup Sunday audience was 298,000 with coverage switching across to 9Gem from Nine after 6pm.
Chapter 1 of The Block final was The Reserves with The Blockheads speculating their reserves might be just under 3m. And nobody wanted to go last in the auction order.
The reserves and the auction order were revealed soon after the episode started with the reserve for every unit on what proved to be a generous $2,990,000.
Scotty Cam then told them: “We have never asked The Block public to stamp up this much cash ever. We know the properties are worth that much, but do we think we could sell five?” The answer was a resounding “yes”. Tess & Luke managed to talk their way into going second in auction order and it was a winning strategy. Their property changed hands for $3.620m, giving them a profit of $630,000 with Nine then giving them another $100,000 at the end of the episode after they won.
The audience for the final episode of The Block 2019 was 1.924m for the Winner Announced segment of the program and 1.541m for the remainder of the episode. Both numbers are down a little from last year – 2.021m and 1.685m.
60 Minutes featured Tara Brown reporting on the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and the famous people implicated in the saga. The show had an audience of 901,000, a number which might have included some overrun from The Block.
10
The Project featured actor, writer and comedian Celeste Barber at the end of the episode with 305,000 watching.
10 then had another cracking episode of The Graham Norton Show with two of the stars of The Crown – Olivia Colman and Helena Bonham Carter and a real royal insider – Anne Glenconner. The episode deserved more then 242,000, but if faced some big competition last night.
NCIS then did 234,000.
ABC
The final episode of Grand Designs: The Street did 430,000 which was again enough for a top 10 finish.
Also securing a top 10 spot was Total Control. After an acting masterclass in episode four a week ago, Deborah Mailman and her colleagues kept it going last night with the penultimate episode of the series. After 559,000 a week ago, episode five was on 512,000.
SBS
Secrets of the Railways started primetime after 7.30pm with a vintage steam train on the Soviet Hartz Railway with 200,000 watching.
After 8.30pm it was a repeat of Secrets of the Pyramids with 190,000.
Week 45-46 TV: Friday-Sunday
| FRIDAY METRO | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABC | Seven | Nine | 10 | SBS | |||||
| ABC | 13.3% | 7 | 16.9% | 9 | 18.4% | 10 | 12.0% | SBS One | 4.3% |
| ABC KIDS/ ABC COMEDY | 2.9% | 7TWO | 3.4% | GO! | 4.3% | 10 Bold | 3.1% | VICELAND | 0.7% |
| ABC ME | 0.5% | 7mate | 3.5% | GEM | 3.4% | 10 Peach | 2.8% | Food Net | 1.2% |
| ABC NEWS | 2.0% | 7flix | 2.7% | 9Life | 2.3% | NITV | 0.2% | ||
| 7Food | 1.0% | SBS World Movies | 1.1% | ||||||
| TOTAL | 18.8% | 27.5% | 28.4% | 17.9% | 7.4% | ||||
| SATURDAY METRO | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABC | Seven | Nine | 10 | SBS | |||||
| ABC | 10.2% | 7 | 16.4% | 9 | 18.5% | 10 | 6.4% | SBS One | 6.8% |
| ABC KIDS/ ABC COMEDY | 3.2% | 7TWO | 3.7% | GO! | 5.8% | 10 Bold | 3.1% | VICELAND | 0.8% |
| ABC ME | 0.5% | 7mate | 5.2% | GEM | 2.8% | 10 Peach | 2.8% | Food Net | 1.1% |
| ABC NEWS | 2.4% | 7flix | 4.3% | 9Life | 3.7% | NITV | 0.4% | ||
| 7Food | 1.0% | SBS World Movies | 1.0% | ||||||
| TOTAL | 16.2% | 30.7% | 30.8% | 12.2% | 10.1% | ||||
| SUNDAY METRO | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABC | Seven | Nine | 10 | SBS | |||||
| ABC | 10.1% | 7 | 15.2% | 9 | 32.6% | 10 | 7.2% | SBS One | 5.2% |
| ABC KIDS/ ABC COMEDY | 2.3% | 7TWO | 2.3% | GO! | 3.4% | 10 Bold | 2.8% | VICELAND | 0.6% |
| ABC ME | 0.5% | 7mate | 5.0% | GEM | 4.3% | 10 Peach | 1.3% | Food Net | 1.0% |
| ABC NEWS | 1.3% | 7flix | 1.5% | 9Life | 2.1% | NITV | 0.1% | ||
| 7Food | 0.4% | SBS World Movies | 0.8% | ||||||
| TOTAL | 14.2% | 24.4% | 42.4% | 11.3% | 7.7% | ||||
| SUNDAY REGIONAL | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABC | Seven Affiliates | Nine Affiliates | 10 Affiliates | SBS | |||||
| ABC | 10.2% | 7 | 15.4% | 9 | 26.4% | WIN | 7.6% | SBS One | 5.8% |
| ABC KIDS/ ABC COMEDY | 2.4% | 7TWO | 3.3% | GO! | 3.1% | WIN Bold | 3.3% | VICELAND | 0.6% |
| ABC ME | 0.6% | 7mate | 5.1% | GEM | 6.7% | WIN Peach | 1.4% | Food Net | 1.2% |
| ABC NEWS | 1.8% | 7flix (Excl. Tas/WA) | 1.5% | 9Life | 1.9% | Sky News on WIN | 1.1% | NITV | 0.2% |
| 7food (QLD only) | 0.2% | ||||||||
| TOTAL | 15.0% | 25.6% | 38.1% | 13.4% | 7.8% | ||||
| SUNDAY METRO ALL TV | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTA | STV | ||||||||
| 88.3% | 11.7% | ||||||||
All People Ratings
Friday Top 10
- Seven News Seven 843,000
- Seven News / Today Tonight Seven 770,000
- Nine News Nine 755,000
- Nine News 6:30 Nine 727,000
- A Current Affair Nine 592,000
- ABC News ABC 544,000
- Grantchester ABC 466,000
- Better Homes And Gardens Seven 462,000
- The Chase Australia Seven 458,000
- Gardening Australia ABC 447,000
Saturday Top 10
- Seven News Seven 812,000
- Nine News Saturday Nine 685,000
- ABC News-Sa ABC 596,000
- The Good Karma Hospital ABC 393,000
- Star Wars: Episode Vi – Return Of The Jedi Nine 366,000
- Vanity Fair ABC 350,000
- Border Security – Australia’s Front Line (R) Seven 304,000
- M- Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows – Part 1 Seven 296,000
- Weekend Sunrise Seven 274,000
- Weekend Sunrise Late Seven 228,000
Sunday FTA
- The Block -Winner Announced Nine 1,924,000
- The Block -Grand Final Nine 1,541,000
- Seven News Seven 953,000
- 60 Minutes Nine 901,000
- Nine News Sunday Nine 860,000
- ABC News Sunday ABC 649,000
- Total Control ABC 512,000
- Bride & Prejudice – The Forbidden Weddings Seven 453,000
- Grand Designs: The Street ABC 430,000
- Sunday Night Seven 375,000
- 2019 Federation Cup Final Aus V Fra -Day 2 Nine 336,000
- The Sunday Project 7pm 10 305,000
- Seven News At 5 Seven 292,000
- 10 News First 10 275,000
- Weekend Sunrise Seven 260,000
- Supercars Championship: Sandown 500 Podium 10 257,000
- Murder, Lies & Alibis Nine 257,000
- The Graham Norton Show 10 242,000
- Insiders AM ABC 238,000
- NCIS 10 234,000
Sunday Multichannel
- Rusty Rivets AM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 169,000
- Bluey AM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 165,000
- Dot. AM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 164,000
- Bananas In Pyjamas AM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 159,000
- M- Iron Man 3 PM (R) 7mate 155,000
- 2019 Federation Cup Final Aus V Fra 9Gem 153,000
- Play School AM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 153,000
- Kiri And Lou AM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 151,000
- Peppa Pig AM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 138,000
- Love Island Australia 9GO! 129,000
- M- Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince 7mate 126,000
- Octonauts AM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 123,000
- Toy Story 3 9GO! 121,000
- Bondi Rescue Ep 3 (R) 10 Bold 121,000
- Bluey ABCKIDS/COMEDY 119,000
- Midsomer Murders 9Gem 119,000
- NCIS (R) 10 Bold 108,000
- Border Security – Australia’s Front Line 7TWO 106,000
- Bing AM ABCKIDS/COMEDY 104,000
- Insiders AM ABC NEWS 102,000
Sunday STV
- Live: Supercars Sandown FOX SPORTS 506 225,000
- Live: Supercars The Grid FOX SPORTS 506 152,000
- Live: Supercars Trackside FOX SPORTS 506 146,000
- Live: Dunlop Super2 Series Sandown FOX SPORTS 506 133,000
- Live: Supercars Sandown Supports FOX SPORTS 506 107,000
- Live: Supercars Live FOX SPORTS 506 80,000
- Live: Supercars Sandown FOX SPORTS 506 65,000
- The Future Of Formula One FOX SPORTS 506 62,000
- Live: Supercars Live FOX SPORTS 506 61,000
- The Simpsons FOX8 44,000
- The Simpsons FOX8 43,000
- World On Fire BBC First 43,000
- Live: Twenty20: Nzl V Eng Game 5 FOX SPORTS MORE 42,000
- Encore: Outsiders Sky News Live 39,000
- Live: Dunlop Super2 Series Sandown FOX SPORTS 506 38,000
- Live: A-League Melb V V Well FOX SPORTS 505 37,000
- Shaun The Sheep Nick Jr. 35,000
- Catherine The Great FOX SHOWCASE 35,000
- Live: A-League Adel V Bris FOX SPORTS 505 35,000
- The Simpsons FOX8 35,000
Shares all people, 6pm-midnight, Overnight (Live and AsLive), Audience numbers FTA metro, Sub TV national
Source: OzTAM and Regional TAM 2018. The Data may not be reproduced, published or communicated (electronically or in hard copy) without the prior written consent of OzTAM
Media News Roundup
Business of Media
Private equity suitor likes the look of Bauer Media's magazines
The paper reports Mercury Capital is seeking to win Bauer Media’s approval with a $150 million offer, which would end the German media company’s difficult seven-year stint in Australian publishing.
The surprise bid comes only three weeks after Bauer signed a $40 million deal to merge its local arm with long-time rival Pacific Magazines, owned by Seven West Media, in an effort to shore up its future. That deal is scheduled to complete before the end of this year.
Bauer’s local business is what is left of ACP Magazines, which it bought from Nine Entertainment for $525 million in 2012.
Isentia appoints Russ Horell new chief commercial officer
Commenting on the appointment Isentia’s CEO Ed Harrison said: “Russ is a high achiever with a proven track record at Isentia who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Isentia executive leadership team. He has consistently produced excellent results for his clients and the company.
“During his time as country manager, he has built a high performing, extremely engaged team in New Zealand which has delivered in terms of customer service as well as client acquisition and retention. The appointment highlights the depth of our management team and I know Russ will play an integral role as we continue to implement our transformation strategy”.
Horell replaces the previous chief commercial officer, Sean Smith, who will leave Isentia at the end of 2019. To ensure a smooth handover, Horell will commence in his new role on 25 November.
Horell said: “I am delighted to be taking over as chief commercial officer and to be leading a strong commercial team who are united in their passion for servicing our clients which continues to be a key factor in the ‘Isentia difference’.
“My experience in delivering value to clients across two countries as well as the numerous positions I have held within sales and account management, mean that I am well equipped to deliver the direction that our teams need and the standards our clients expect. I wish Sean Smith all the best in his new role and thank him for his guidance over the years”.
Facebook cops blast from Andrew Forrest fraudulent ads
The iron ore billionaire has delivered a letter to Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg, slamming him and his company over its “socially reprehensible recalcitrance” over fraudulent advertising. “Facebook is not a billboard, it is one of the world’s most pernicious publishers,” Forrest told The Australian.
“It is time for Facebook to take responsibility and stop profiting from criminals.”
Forrest is among a host of prominent Australians whose image has been used by fraudsters as “celeb-bait” to push their scheme through ads on the likes of Facebook, Google, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Images of Forrest, casino billionaire James Packer, former NSW premier Mike Baird and television host David Koch have been appropriated by scammers for ads run through Facebook and other online platforms.
Media People
John Fordham, master of the stars, bows out as family celebrates life
The 75-year-old father of radio broadcaster Ben Fordham died surrounded by family at 7am on Sunday, just days after being told his condition was terminal. He had been battling cancer for several years, reports Emily Ritchie.
Ben Fordham told The Australian the family wasn’t feeling sad but rather “proud and joyous” and ready to celebrate his life. “It’s a weird feeling but we’re not sad, we’re genuinely happy,” he said. “We’re a family who’s never felt afraid of telling each other we love each other, so none of us have that feeling of ‘if only’.”
Vale John Fordham: Celebrity agent, family man and great mate
Hours later, Sydney lost one of its most colourful and mischievous characters with the passing of the celebrity agent at 7am Sunday morning at age 75, losing a long and brave battle against throat cancer.
The day before, Fordham had hosted a who’s who of sporting legends and radio stars at his bedside at the Sacred Heart Hospice in Darlinghurst. Rugby league immortal Andrew Johns and Canberra coach Ricky Stuart, radio legends Alan Jones and John Laws and former Australian cricket captains Mark Taylor and Ian Chappell all paid Fordham a visit, such was the respect and love for a true larrikin, prankster, wine connoisseur and loving father to Ben, Nick and Sarah and devoted husband to Veronica.
He’d often lunch with TV bosses and newspaper legends Col Allan, John Hartigan and Roy“Rocky” Miller. On Friday morning, Daily Telegraph editor Ben English personally delivered him a copy of the paper. Your columnist was supposed to visit Fordham at 10.30am yesterday with Sunday Telegraph editor Mick Carroll to say goodbye.
Sadly, Ben Fordham rang at 7.30am to break the news that it was too late.
Australian Financial Review columnist signs off
Stevens, who also spent 18 years as a senior columnist and reporter with The Australian as part of a glittering 40-year journalism career, has revealed he will retire in January: “It is true. I am going to retire, and contemplate my options after retirement.”
Stevens said part of the reason for his retirement was the career success of his high-flying wife, Samantha Stevens, who is a group executive at Origin Energy and its corporate affairs supremo: “The success of my partner has allowed us to have choices. We have primary school-aged children, and we don’t want to use after-school care.”
One of a rare breed, Johannes Leak fits the bill at The Australian
In the 55 years since The Australian was founded, only half a dozen artists have held the position. Australia has plenty of funny people, and plenty of fine caricaturists, but those talents are seldom found together.
Factor in merciless newspaper deadlines and the number of candidates vanishes into the low single figures.
If anyone could teach cartooning it would be Bill Leak, whose virtuosity graced this newspaper until his death in 2017. And ascending the cartoon world’s throne today is Bill’s son Johannes, who absorbed his father’s love of cartooning from infancy. He has lived on the NSW central coast for years, and relishes his down-to-earth Ettalong Beach community. “There’s a great danger for a cartoonist in living in the inner-city bubble,” he says. “You get tapped into the mainstream here in a way that maybe you wouldn’t if you’re bang in the middle of town. This is a place that wipes away all of that inner-city chatter.”
After 2½ years working all across the paper, Johannes has satisfied editor-in-chief Christopher Dore, who declares him “the perfect person for the job”.
Radio
New radio boss Tom Malone ready to handle Jones, Hadley
Malone, who begins his role as Nine completes its takeover of the radio business that owns 2GB and 3AW, said he would focus on serving audiences the right content, while controlling spending.
“You got to focus on your content, keep your costs under control and drive ad revenue top line,” Malone said.
Malone said it was too early to tell what the future of his other network, Macquarie Sports Radio, would be.
“I’ve got to have a look at what the strategy is for that network and see what the best content is and how that complements the other stations,” he said.
See also:
The SMH: Nine’s new radio boss pledge to win back advertisers spooked by Alan Jones
The AFR: Nine’s Tom Malone to soothe advertiser concerns over Alan Jones
Kyle Sandilands and Imogen Anthony to keep agent Bruno Bouchet
And while we expect the couple’s farm animals will go to Anthony and their massive luxury car collection to Sandilands, Sunday Confidential can reveal both of them will get to keep their agent, Bruno Bouchet.
It is believed Bouchet, who negotiated Sandilands’ $50 million contract, will continue to represent them both.
Television
Nine had good reason to axe Stefanovic last year. What’s changed?
From a gut-hunch perspective, his pairing with 60 Minutes reporter Allison Langdon gives Channel Nine’s ailing breakfast show a fighting chance.
Since 2005, commercial breakfast programs – including 10’s now-defunct Breakfast and Wake Up – have tried their luck with 15 different anchors. Only five can claim long-term success: David Koch, Melissa Doyle and Samantha Armytage on Sunrise; and Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson on Today. To put it bluntly, most presenters fail.
Compared to last year, Today‘s national audience is down 17 per cent to an average of 292,000 viewers. This can’t be blamed on the broader decline of live television; Sunrise (457,000) and ABC News Breakfast (248,000) have both held steady.
Six women left behind during Stefanovic’s on-off Today reign
That’s the number of female co-hosts Stefanovic has been paired with across 14 unsuccessful seasons at Today.
And despite the churn of clever women through the program’s ranks since 2005 – the last two, Georgie Gardner and Deb Knight, dumped on the Todays crap heap last month following Nine’s latest failed reboot of the breakfast show – Stefanovic endures, having once again whispered into the ear of a CEO and promised without proof of evidence something he is yet to deliver to Nine, a sustained ratings win.
Stefanovic confirms coaxing Nine bosses with “I’m your lucky charm” – a statement drenched in irony based on his scorecard.
Tony Jones leaves Today on own terms due to ‘unsustainable’ workload
Jones, or TJ as he is known, has not been pushed as the show undergoes yet another major overhaul with hosts Georgie Gardner and Deborah Knight being ousted on Friday in favour of Karl Stefanovic, who is making a phoenix rising return to the program, and Allison Langdon.
Jones informed 9 last month that he did not wish to continue with the program into 2020, although he had privately made his decision some months beforehand.
Jones joined Today as its sports presenter in January. He was with the program two days a week, Monday and Friday, but was on call to cover any significant sports news on the other days.
Sports Media
Legendary Supercars commentator Mike Raymond dies
Raymond was the voice of Australian touring car racing for two decades from the mid-1970s, playing a significant role in the growth of the sport.
That included involvement in formulating the 5.0 litre V8 rules for 1993, setting the foundations for the current Supercars competition.
He is most famous for his commentary at Bathurst and his role with innovations such as RaceCam, allowing the commentary team to speak to drivers during races.
The in-race conversations between Raymond and the likes of Dick Johnson, Peter Brock and Peter Williamson are entrenched in Great Race folklore.
Raymond had cut his teeth commentating speedway and worked as a producer at ATN7 (Sydney), before progressing to head of sport.
He was inducted into Bathurst’s Legends Lane and the Australian Motor Sport Hall of Fame in 2018.
See also:
Tributes flow for legendary commentator Mike Raymond
Games over for ABC as broadcaster says ‘no’ to Tokyo
The Australian’s Nick Tabakoff reports the ABC has taken the unprecedented decision to pull out as an official broadcast partner with the Games. Aunty’s decision ends nearly seven unbroken decades where it has been the Olympics’ sole non-commercial radio broadcaster, and is a clear sign that significant cost-cutting is already under way at the ABC.
An ABC spokesman has confirmed the move. “This is an incredibly tough decision, especially given our 67-year run as the official non-commercial Olympic Games radio broadcaster,” the spokesman said.
“Due to competing budget priorities coupled with the fact that Australians can access Olympic Games coverage in many other ways, we have chosen not to pursue rights in 2020.”
Optus Sport wins live rights to Barclays FA Women’s Super League
“This is our first deal in the Asian region and demonstrates the ever-increasing global appeal of the league,” FA senior broadcast manager Tom Gracey said.
“The popularity of women’s football is at an all-time high and this agreement is a fantastic opportunity for viewers across Australia to enjoy the skills, excitement and competitiveness that the Barclays FA Women’s Super League has to offer. We commend Optus for being at the vanguard of elevating and broadcasting more top-level women’s soccer.”
Last year, the FA WSL season became Europe’s only fully professional women’s league. From November 17, Optus Sport will broadcast 50 live matches per full season and 40 fixtures of the 2019-20 season, which is already underway.