Sydney’s media scene swapped KPIs for costumes last night as Tubi, News Australia, Nova Entertainment, and the Media Federation of Australia’s NGEN network joined forces for a Halloween celebration that blurred the lines between entertainment, community and creativity.
Hosted by global drag superstar Trinity the Tuck – best known for her starring role in the Tubi Original drag-horror film SLAY – the event brought together more than 350 rising media professionals for a night that perfectly embodied the streamer’s playful energy: why pay to scream when you can stream for free?
Emceed by Nova’s Joel Creasey, with appearances from Jack Charles (The Chrissie Swan Show), the bash mixed drag performance, horror fandom and dance-floor mayhem with an industry twist.
It also marked another milestone in Tubi’s Australian expansion, with audience engagement surging 76% year-to-date since News Corp Australia took on local sales and marketing representation.
With Tubi’s Gen Z audience up 258% and its millennial audience up 170%, the platform’s growth story mirrors the momentum of the industry’s own rising stars.
Zoe Parker and Trinity the Tuck
From SLAY to Sydney
Fresh from the global success of SLAY – a camp, blood-soaked drag slasher fast becoming a cult favourite – Trinity the Tuck told Mediaweek she’s thrilled to see Australian fans embracing both the film and Tubi’s offbeat streaming culture.
“Oh honey, it’s been fabulous! This is my first big visit down under in a while and I couldn’t be more excited to be here,” she said.
“The Aussies have always shown me so much love online, so finally getting to meet everyone in person has been such a treat. I’ve been eating, sightseeing, and serving looks all over Sydney – and the drag scene here is alive, loud, and proud.”
On SLAY, Trinity added: “It’s basically if Priscilla Queen of the Desert and From Dusk Till Dawn had a baby. It’s a drag-horror-comedy with fangs, fashion, and a ton of fabulous. Behind all the wigs and blood and glitter, it’s really about finding your strength in the most unexpected places.”
And as for the Tubi/NGEN bash? “Oh, baby, it was iconic! Australians really know how to throw a party. Everyone went all out with their Halloween looks. I saw more sequins and fake blood than at a RuPaul’s Drag Race finale! It wasn’t just a party, it felt like a celebration of creativity and community. And that GlamBot moment? Honey, I lived. I think I left a few lashes behind on that thing.”
Tubi’s horror empire grows
For News Australia, the event wasn’t just a party – it was a statement about the streamer’s growing influence among younger audiences.
Jessica Gilby, News Australia’s General Manager of Digital, said: “Our Tubi partnership has exceeded all expectations, with viewer hours soaring 50% since March. This Halloween event with global drag superstar Trinity the Tuck connecting with 350 of the industry’s brightest rising stars represents the next chapter in that growth journey.
“Entertainment should be accessible to all, and the message ‘Why pay to scream when you can stream for free?’ captures exactly what Tubi offers for the next generation of Australian audiences.”
With Australia’s largest free horror library – and a marketing strategy that thrives on camp and community -Tubi is fast becoming the streaming service of choice for a younger, more culturally curious audience.
NGEN’s next generation gets its moment
For the Media Federation of Australia’s NGEN network, the Halloween bash was as much about professional growth as it was about ghouls and glitter.
Melanie Aslanidis, Head of NGEN, said: “The NGEN Halloween celebration has become a cornerstone event for the industry’s emerging talent – a chance to come together, connect and celebrate their learning and development. This year, we’re beyond excited to partner with Tubi to take the event to the next level and make it truly unforgettable.”
That excitement was shared by Zoe Parker, Client Solutions Manager at News Australia and proud NGENer, who said programs like this help shape the next generation of creative media talent.
“NGEN has provided me with access to knowledge, mentors and peers on the same journey,” she said. “It’s given me the chance to meet new people and represent my company internally at News Australia.”
Parker added, “An event like this brings together the next generation of the media industry, brands that deliver content relevant for this demographic, and international talent that those attending can learn from and admire.”
Her advice for anyone just starting out? “You are capable of more than you think and your voice is valued.”
From drag queens to data strategists, the night captured the spirit of an industry embracing creative risk with open arms – and maybe a few fake vampire bites.
As Trinity put it, “Tubi leans into the weird, the wild and the wonderful – just like drag.”
And if the turnout was anything to go by, Australia’s next generation of media professionals is ready to do the same – one scream, sequin and streaming session at a time.