November
AI threat slashes billions from the world’s classifieds giants
REA Group’s shares have lost almost $9 billion, or 25 per cent, in value since August. Overseas, some major classifieds players have been hit even harder.
Critics blast Labor for social media gambling ad backdown
Lifting the minimum age to use social media won’t be enough to protect older teenagers from trying online gambling, the former Tabcorp chief executive says.
Bruce Buchanan’s $6b-plus adtech Rokt warms up investors for 2026 deal
Buchanan is still tossing between an IPO and a private round, according to potential investors briefed on the matter.
Labor tipped to drop proposal for online gambling ad ban
Political and industry sources expect Communications Minister Anika Wells to crack-down on illegal offshore gambling websites.
EV charger company Jolt expands into US with major acquisition
The Australian group will roll out its advertising-based model in the US after sealing a deal with Shell to buy up to 3000 charging points.
Did somebody say Menulog is closing? Platform calls time in Australia
The Australian-born food delivery service became known for its expensive ads featuring celebrities including Katy Perry and Snoop Dogg.
October
ACCC’s case against Microsoft goes to heart of the AI bubble
Rusting on consumers to monetise investments is where the artificial intelligence hype becomes real. It’s not hard to see the ramifications of this case going global.
Deloitte bought a global AI ad campaign. Media silence came with it
There have been more stories published by the media in Colombia, about Deloitte’s botched AI report for the federal government, than in The Australian.
Ex-Tabcorp chief backs gambling ad ban
As teenage gambling rate worries grow, Elmer Funke Kupper has called for the Albanese government to show leadership.
Slater + Gordon steals rival’s staff for social media ads
Compare the pair, as the plaintiff firms’ friends at industry super funds would say.
August
Why marketing fiascos will never go away
Bad promotions, from retailer Gap through to TV network MSNBC, will always be with us as long as companies keep putting their customers last.
Ultra Violette pulls cult sunscreen amid doubts over SPF claims
The fast-growing Australian beauty brand spent months arguing that testing showing the product was not effective was wrong, before reversing its position.
Outgoing Carsales chief posts double-digit profit jump
Cameron McIntyre will exit the role this week after 18 years with the automotive classifieds business, now known as Car Group, which is worth $14 billion.
Why brands love Sydney Sweeney
The actress seems to be everywhere, fronting dozens of ad campaigns from Korean skincare to American Eagle jeans.
‘Go get ’em, Sydney!’: American Eagle shares soar after Trump post
The company’s jeans were “flying off the shelves”, the US president said, predicting growth following a controversial Sydney Sweeney ad campaign.
July
How White Lotus star Sydney Sweeney reignited the culture wars
The actor’s new advert for American Eagle Outfitters has sparked a debate about race, beauty standards and the backlash to “woke” politics and culture.
Quadrant eyes ‘exit options’ for QMS Media as revenue grows
The outdoor advertising company says it is now writing almost as much revenue as its ASX-listed rival oOh!media after difficult years during the pandemic.
Carsales chief bows out after 230pc growth record
Cameron McIntyre will hand the reins over to his chief financial officer, William Elliott, after nine years as CEO and almost two decades at Car Group.
Uber rakes in $150m from Australian ad business
In less than three years, Uber’s Australian advertising business surpassed Snapchat. But it still spends more money on its own ads than it brings in.
June
‘Bikinis and burgers’: How the culture wars are remaking advertising
Brands are diluting or scrapping campaigns with a social purpose as the movement against DEI intensifies.