News Brands
Journalist Christian Kerr dies, aged 56
Political journalist Christian Kerr, who penned popular columns for The Australian, Crikey, and The Spectator Australia, has died aged 56, reports News Corp’s James Madden.
A brilliant writer and sharp political analyst, Kerr’s reporting at The Australian’s Canberra bureau was highly regarded. He was a regular Strewth columnist.
Kerr was an editor of news website Crikey when it launched more than two decades ago, and for several years wrote a gossip column in the online journal under the pseudonym Hillary Bray, named after a James Bond character.
The column was a must-read in Australia’s political circles, and Kerr managed to keep his identity as its author secret for four years.
Since 2016, Kerr was a contributor to the Flat White column for The Spectator Australia. He is survived by his two children.
Meghan Markle vows to ‘reshape’ media after victory against British tabloid
Meghan Markle lashed out at “cruel” tabloid news after a decisive court victory against The Mail on Sunday for publishing a private letter to her father, reports News Corp’s Justin Vallejo.
A UK high court rejected an appeal by the newspaper group’s publisher over breaching the Duchess’s privacy by releasing extracts of the letter to Thomas Markle in 2018.
The three-judge panel dismissed the Associated Newspapers Limited’s attempt to bring the case to trial, ruling Meghan had a reasonable expectation of privacy.
In a statement after the decision, Meghan said the win was “precedent-setting” and an important measure of “right versus wrong”.
The ruling, which means Meghan will not have to face her father in court, came after a three-day hearing in which the court heard fresh evidence that revealed Meghan wrote the 1250-word letter after “significant pressure” put on her from senior royals. She previously said it was sent after they reached “breaking point”.
Radio
Kyle Sandilands cries on radio over Fiji residents waving to planes of tourists
Kyle Sandilands burst into tears after hearing people in Fiji were waving to the first flight of tourists to land in almost two years, reports News Corp’s Lauren Ferri.
The first tourist flight with eager Australians landed in Nadi on Wednesday for the first time since Fiji’s borders slammed shut in March 2020.
It is the first plane full of tourists to enter the Pacific Island country in 20 months after the border closed due to fears of Covid-19.
The flight flew over resorts in Nadi and the Central Coast to celebrate, as locals lined up along beaches and waved while yelling “bula”.
After hearing the news on Thursday morning Sandilands said he had burst into tears.
“Oh they were waving on the beach … I’ve got all upset about that,” the radio host said on KIIS 1065.
“I don’t know why … why am I crying over the Fijians?”
Entertainment
Take that, Melbourne, Robbie Williams is on his way
British pop star Robbie Williams says he’s excited about travelling to Melbourne soon to start work on his biopic, reports News Corp’s Nui Te Koha.
The movie, Better Man, with Williams in the title role, and directed by Melbourne film maker Michael Gracey, will begin shooting in January.
“I want to say how excited I am to be making this movie in Victoria,” Williams said. “Keep your eyes peeled over the coming weeks as there might be an opportunity to see me in Melbourne and be part of the movie. Come on!”
Better Man will be shot at Dockland Studios, and is expected to inject $107 million into the state economy. The film will create 2200 local jobs, and include a call out for 2700 extras for crowd and concert scenes.
Television
Brooke Blurton slams Abbie Chatfield in lengthy Instagram post
Abbie Chatfield has issued a public apology to Bachelorette Brooke Blurton after the 26-year-old confirmed the pair had fallen out, reports News Corp’s Lexie Cartwright.
Blurton earlier sensationally slammed Chatfield on Instagram after previously watering down rumours of a feud between the two following last week’s Bachelorette.
The Bachelorette star had invited Chatfield to feature as her “best friend” on the final episode of the Channel 10 dating show last Thursday, which saw her give her final rose to Darvid Garayeli.
But just hours before it aired, Blurton unfollowed Chatfield on Instagram after Chatfield debuted her new romance with one of the show’s earlier frontrunners, Konrad Bien-Stephens.
Former Bachelorette contestant Jamie Doran lawsuit delayed
Former Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise contestant Jamie Doran’s lawsuit against production company Warner Bros International has been delayed until early next year, reports News Corp’s Mibengé Nsenduluka.
The former fireman, who first revealed his plans to sue in July 2020, alleges bullying and lack of duty of care in his complaint. He told Confidential that the case had been delayed by the insurer of Warner Bros.
“Everything is still going ahead,” he said.
“It’s a little complex but the reason things are taking so long is we (my legal team and I) have been dealing with Warner Bros.’ insurer since July 2020.”
SBS sets Upfronts 2022 date
SBS has now set a date for its 2022 Upfronts: Wednesday February 16, reports TV Tonight.
While it’s the latest a broadcaster has ever set an annual Upfronts showcase (normally Sept – November) the bonus is SBS has confirmed an in-person event.
This will make it the only in-person Upfronts for 2022 after virtual presentations by Nine, Seven, 10 and ABC.
Sports Media
Warne feels for Vaughan as commentator’s Australian arrival up in air
Former England skipper Michael Vaughan is still set to feature on Fox Cricket’s Ashes coverage this summer, provided he can get to Australia after testing positive to COVID-19, despite being embroiled in the Yorkshire racism scandal, reports SMH‘s Tom Decent.
It comes as British broadcaster BT Sport made plans to ensure his commentary would not be seen in the northern hemisphere, while fellow Fox Sports commentator Shane Warne said he felt for his former international opponent amid the recent controversy. Vaughan had previously been removed from BBC Radio’s coverage.
Fox Sports wants Vaughan to continue with them but his situation has been complicated by the fact he was unable to board a flight to Australia this week because of a “frustrating” positive COVID-19 test.
Vax policy in, Warren Tredrea out?
Nine News Adelaide sports presenter Warren Tredrea may be starting Christmas holidays earlier than expected amid reports he is in discussion with management over Nine’s Covid-19 vaccination policy, reports TV Tonight.
The Advertiser reports Tredrea was absent on Wednesday, the same date Nine’s double vaccination mandate commenced.
He has previously commented on the right to choose whether to vaccinate, without impacting employment.