Media Roundup: Lehrmann appeal verdict, 303 name returns, OpenAI's code red, Australia holds firm, and New WBD bids

Legal

Bruce Lehrmann awaits appeal ruling

The Daily Telegraph's Steve Zemek writes Bruce Lehrmann is back in the spotlight today, with the Federal Court set to reveal whether his appeal can overturn that bruising defamation loss to Network 10 and Lisa Wilkinson.

The decision drops this morning at around 10:15am.

Advertising

303 MullenLowe becomes ‘303’ again in ANZ reset

As Omnicom’s A$13.5 billion takeover of Interpublic Group sends shockwaves across holding-company networks – including the retirement of global MullenLowe – one ANZ agency is using the disruption to chart its own course.

303 MullenLowe has announced it will revert to its original name, 303, stepping out from under the multinational banner nearly a decade after adopting the global MullenLowe identity.

AI

OpenAI hits ‘code red’

The Australian Financial Review's Lynn Doan reports that OpenAI is hitting the brakes on several big-ticket projects after CEO Sam Altman reportedly declared a “code red”, shifting internal firepower toward sharpening ChatGPT.

Altman reportedly told staff this week that the company needs an all-hands “surge” to lift the product’s performance, even if that means pausing work on autonomous agents and the much-anticipated push into advertising.

Social Media

Australia stands firm as tech giants push back on teen social ban

Communications Minister Anika Wells isn’t budging on Australia’s under-16 social media ban, telling the BBC's Katy Watson she’s not fazed by tech giants pushing back and is ready if Washington joins the debate.

“We stand firm on the side of parents and not on the platforms,” she said.

Meanwhile...

Wells has also admitted the rollout of the ban could take “days or even weeks” to settle.

According to The Guardian's Josh Butler, one platform is already moving ahead of the curve.

Lemon8, the rising TikTok-adjacent app that has enjoyed a spike in downloads precisely because it wasn’t included in the ban, will shift to an over-16s model from next week.

Business

New bids land for Warner Bros. Discovery

The takeover dance around Warner Bros. Discovery just kicked up a gear, with a fresh round of offers landing from Paramount Skydance, Netflix and Comcast.

Variety's Todd Spangler reports that Paramount Skydance’s new all-in bid, led by David Ellison, now comes with heavyweight backing from sovereign wealth funds in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

Keep on top of the most important media, marketing, and agency news each day with the Mediaweek Morning Report – delivered for free every morning to your inbox.