This Month
Nine to sell ads on new streaming service Max
Warner Bros Discovery’s Max streaming platform launches in Australia on March 31. Nine Entertainment, which owns Stan, will also stand to benefit.
‘Irrational and indefensible’ YouTube call was government’s alone
The Albanese government announced YouTube would be exempt from its social media ban without seeking mandatory advice from its eSafety Commissioner.
Ticketek owner TEG mired in workplace allegations amid CEO reshuffle
A senior lawyer at TEG distributed a 23-page letter alleging serious workplace problems where managers humiliated and overworked staff before quitting.
Former Woolworths chief Brad Banducci appointed ticketing group boss
The businessman will take over from long-serving CEO Geoff Jones, who will become chairman of the entertainment group owned by private equity firm Silver Lake.
Nine’s new CEO chosen for ‘mix of strategic and commercial acumen’
The former Bauer Media boss will take over immediately after five months acting in the role at the broadcasting and publishing giant.
Disney eyes more Australian sport, turns into a Foxtel competitor
As ESPN hops onto Disney+, the entertainment giant’s Australia and New Zealand boss says it is “open to investing more” in domestic broadcast rights.
The $6m media deal threatening Seven’s AFL and cricket coverage
Australian Digital Holdings, the conservative network founded with Alan Jones as a host, controls the future of Seven’s signal in Tasmania and South Australia.
Alan Jones charged with 35th offence from 11th alleged victim
The 83-year-old ex broadcaster will return to court next week – with a new indecent assault charge and another alleged victim.
NRL chief says streamers are ‘apex predators’ looking at sports rights
The NRL will soon kick off a process to sell its broadcast rights post-2027. Its CEO, Andrew Abdo, says global streamers are adding to the competitive tension.
Major shareholder Pendal urges Nine to strike a Domain deal
The fund manager pushed Nine’s acting chief executive Matt Stanton to review a takeover bid for the property platform from US giant CoStar.
Big tech slams ‘sweetheart deal’ for YouTube in social ban
The tech giants say carving out YouTube from a ban on social media for people under 16 would be like banning soft drinks for children but allowing Coca-Cola.
REA banks on news.com to beat cashed-up Domain bidder
News Corp CEO Robert Thomson says US real estate giant CoStar, which wants to buy property portal Domain, would have to spend big on ads to compete with REA.
Catalano still has eyes for Nine’s Domain
The media entrepreneur had a plan. He wanted back in to the property listing platform he once ran. Then New York-listed CoStar arrived with a blockbuster bid.
Catalano’s ACM sells Launceston print site for $3.5 million
The decision to cease printing newspapers in northern Tasmania paved way for sale of the 5763-square-metre site.
February
Foxtel’s Binge to lose top-tier HBO shows from next month
International entertainment giant Warner Bros Discovery has announced the date its own Max streaming service will arrive in Australia.
Veteran ABC political analyst Antony Green to retire
The 64-year-old has been involved in more than 100 state and federal elections since he joined the public broadcaster in 1989.
ABC’s legal bills exceed $1m in Antoinette Lattouf case
The ABC’s acting managing director has revealed the price it paid to defend its position that it did not unlawfully sack the journalist.
Nine to cut a further $100m in costs, CEO deflects CoStar questions
Nine’s acting chief executive, Matt Stanton, will continue the cost-cutting program for two more years and says the company has a plan for Domain.
Nine chief met CoStar boss weeks before Domain takeover bid
CoStar’s decision not to engage further with Nine suggests its strong preference is to gain full control of Domain rather than a joint venture or partnership
How to nab a private jet ride for $3k a person
Tossing up flying private over commercial? More Australians are opting in for the thrill and convenience, despite the cost. The big bonus? No airport queues.