Media Roundup: YouTube dodges ban, Guardian's AI news deal, Super Retail's slump, Telstra's price hikes and James Bond's new boss

Guardian Media Group joins OpenAI's AI news club

Guardian Media Group, publisher of Guardian Australia, has struck a strategic partnership with OpenAI, joining News Corp and The Associated Press in signing deals with the AI giant.

As Daanyal Saeed reports in Crikey, under the agreement, the Guardian's reporting and archives will be available in ChatGPT, with attributed summaries and article extracts.

The publisher will also roll out ChatGPT Enterprise to develop new digital tools and products.

[Read more]

Telstra is backing its price increases with an $800 million investment to future-proof its network for the AI boom and stay ahead of TPG and Optus.

As Jared Lynch reports in The Australian, the telco is teaming up with Ericsson to boost 5G performance, with CEO Vicki Brady touting a shift towards "autonomous self-healing networks."

Alongside the upgrades, Telstra announced a $750 million share buyback and a 5% dividend hike, riding strong mobile earnings and deep cost-cutting - including a 9% workforce reduction.

Retail

Super Retail tumbles as profit and shares take a hit

Super Retail Group's profit slumped nearly 10%, triggering a 15% share price drop as inflation, rising costs, and a theft surge at Rebel stores ate into earnings.

As Eli Greenblat reports in The Australian, discount wars in auto parts dented Supercheap Auto, while higher wages and rent squeezed margins.

Rebel took a hit from increased shoplifting and a consumer shift to lower-margin gear. BCF saw strong demand, but Macpac struggled to keep pace.

[Read more]

New Asahi boss takes the helm as beer sales go flat

Amanda Sellers is stepping in as Asahi Beverages' first female CEO just as Aussies turn away from beer.

As Patrick Durkin reports in The Australian Financial Review, consumption has plunged a third over 20 years, with a 3% drop last year alone.

It's a tough backdrop for the $28 billion Japanese giant, which owns Carlton & United Breweries and controls nearly half the local beer market. Profits fell 8.2% in 2024, as drinkers opt for lower-strength brews and other alternatives.

[Read more]

As Eric Johnston reports in The Australian, five years after merging with Fairfax, the experiment of bundling TV, streaming, digital publishing, radio, and real estate under one roof is showing cracks.

Publishing cash flow isn't enough to prop up free-to-air TV, which faces structural challenges, or bankroll the loss-making Stan.

[Read more]

Legendary TV newsman Paul Mullins dies aged 79

Television news has lost one of its legendary figures today with the passing of Paul Mullins, Network 10's long-serving state political reporter.

Mullins was a standout member of the NSW press gallery who was highly respected as a formidable journalist by politicians and colleagues.

Mullins started his career in newspapers before moving onto television, becoming the NSW state government reporter for 10, where he worked until his retirement.

[Read more]

Respected Seven presenter calls it quits

Sports presenter Abbey Gelmi has called time on her stint at Seven, opting not to renew her contract.

As Jackie Epstein reports in the Herald Sun, the weekend sports anchor since 2022, Gelmi confirmed her departure to the publication saying, "It’s the right time for the next chapter."

Set to return from maternity leave after welcoming her second child in November, Gelmi's exit wasn’t unexpected, with Seven also eyeing a fresh direction.

[Read more]