Business of Media
Watchdog wants new powers to rein in Google
Google has pushed back on the competition watchdog’s claims that its dominance over the advertising technology market is hurting Australian businesses and consumers, claiming it contributes $2.45 billion to the Australian economy annually, reports AFR’s Miranda Ward.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is asking for new powers to rein in Google’s dominance in the ad tech market after finding that 90 per cent of ad impressions traded via the ad tech supply chain passed through at least one Google service in 2020.
See more: ACCC tackles Google’s dominance in Digital Advertising Services Inquiry report
In its report, which laid bare Google’s dominance over the nearly $3 billion industry, the ACCC found Google has used its dominant position to prioritise its own services and shield them from competition, citing YouTube as an example. Google prevents rivals from accessing ads on the video platform, providing its own ad tech services with an important advantage.
A spokesman for Google said the company’s digital advertising technology services “are delivering benefits for businesses and consumers – helping publishers fund their content, enabling small businesses to reach customers and grow, and protecting people online from bad ad practices”.
Entertainment
Abbie Chatfield reveals why she stands up to Covid anti-vaxxers
Reality star Abbie Chatfield makes no apology for being rude to anti-vaxxers, reports News Corp’s Jonathon Moran.
The I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here! winner and former contestant on The Bachelor has inadvertently found herself the poster child of the anti anti-vaccination movement through the pandemic.
The 26-year-old has been unafraid in calling out haters on social media, using her strong following to educate people on the pros of vaccination against Covid.
“The anti-vaxxers are making whole posts about my Vax for Vibes content and I’m so glad they’re in support. They’re posting the whole video, they’re advertising for me, getting my impressions up, making sure the word is spread about the Vax for Vibes campaign,” Chatfield said.
“I am so stoked they are getting hundreds of comments. And I am so glad that they want me to earn more money by getting me more impressions this week because they all tag me. So they’re now looking at my Instagram account, which is getting my impressions up and makes me more money so thank you so much for paying my rent this month anti-vaxxers. I’m so glad you’re promoting this little campaign for the bush. It is so important to spread awareness and normalise vaccines.”
Television
Love Island will still be filmed in Byron hinterland after mayor Michael Lyon withdraws support
Filming of reality romance show Love Island Australia is expected to go ahead in the Byron hinterland village of Federal, reports News Corp’s Liana Boss.
This is despite Byron Shire Council withdrawing its support of the project and the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment saying this meant they would not back the exemption.
But that exemption is only needed after 30 days of filming. The film set, on private property, can operate for that period of time under existing statewide exempt development rules.
Love Island Australia is being produced by ITV Studios for 9 Network.
‘Absolutely bonkers’: How Masked Singer acts are taught to dance
Teaching football superstar Lote Tuqiri to dance inside a giant pinata is all in a day’s work for creative duo Antony Ginandjar and Ashley Evans, reports News Corp’s Laura Albulario.
The LA-based power couple returned to their down-under roots to choreograph the current season of The Masked Singer Australia – a show Evans describes as “absolutely bonkers”, and exactly what we need to be watching right now.
Debra Byrne slams Young Talent Time co-stars years after bombshell sexual abuse claims
Former Queen of pop Debra Byrne has slammed her former Young Talent Time co-stars, years after making bombshell allegations over her treatment on the show, reports News Corp’s Mibengé Nsenduluka.
Byrne, 64, who was a founding cast member of the 1970s variety show, took aim at former show host Johnny Young and performers Tina Arena and Dannii Minogue after the trio appeared on Sunday night’s 50th anniversary special on Channel 10.
In 2014, the Logie award winner claimed she was sexually abused while working on the show during separate incidents in 1971 when she was a teenager, which left her “a very disturbed girl”.
Fox Docos tribute to The Kingmaker – John Brennan to air October 10
The Kingmaker – John Brennan is a Foxtel Original documentary that pays tribute to a legendary figure who dominated Sydney radio for six decades. The one-hour special premieres on Sunday October 10 at 7.30pm on Foxtel’s dedicated documentary destination, Fox Docos and On Demand.
He was known as the Radio Kingmaker – responsible for launching the careers of notable radio personalities Alan Jones, Mike Walsh, Ray Hadley and Stan Zemanek. Receiving an OAM in 1989, John Brennan had an impact on radio that spanned decades, with the insight to harness the power of talk back giving voice to the every man.
Narrated by Tim Webster and combining exclusive vision and interviews with media personalities past and present, The Kingmaker – John Brennan is both the story of one man, and a nostalgic salute to Australian radio, and many of its talented stars.
Among those relating their memories of Brennan through the years are Ray Hadley, Alan Jones, Deborah Knight, Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Peter Overton, Ben Fordham, Bob Rogers, and Geraldine Doogue, as well as the late Mike Gibson, Frank Hyde, Frank Crook and Stan Zemanek.
The story is held together with excerpts from an archive interview with the man himself in which he provides unique, historic, and incisive observations on the many trends and upheavals that defined Sydney radio for generations of listeners, showcasing radio’s influence on Australian popular culture.
Beginning with his early days as a country radio announcer, the production follows his triumphs in programming Top 40 music and celebrity disc jockeys, talkback, rock music, and the provocative and controversial shock-jocks. What emerges is a fascinating portrait of an immensely creative and successful media executive, widely loved and respected; the man everyone knew as “Brenno”.
The Kingmaker – John Brennan was produced by Graham McNeice at Shadow Productions for Foxtel. Watch the story unfold at Foxtel’s dedicated documentary destination, Fox Docos – Sunday October 10 at 7.30pm – or On Demand
Wayne Carey tipped to join SAS Australia
AFL legend Wayne Carey is tipped to be part of the next series of brutal military style show SAS Australia, reports News Corp’s Jackie Epstein.
The new series is about to start filming with other big names expected to push themselves to the limit.
Carey, widely regarded as one of the game’s best ever players, is a footy commentator for Channel 7 and Triple M and also has a strong backstory.