Media Roundup: News Corp's new era, Nine's MAFS gamble, Netflix's Markle debacle, Atlassian hits the fast lane and Jones' legal battle

As Jared Lynch and Helen Trinca write in The Australian, Williams team principal James Vowles revealed the team was previously managing its 20,000 race car components with massive Excel spreadsheets - an outdated system that made car assembly a "miracle."

By adopting Atlassian's collaboration software, the team is aiming to modernise workflows and improve efficiency in a sport where real-time data is king.

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AI-powered research: Olivia Newton-John institute partners with HPE

The Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute is embracing AI to fast-track cancer breakthroughs, teaming up with Hewlett Packard Enterprise to overhaul its data systems.

As Jared Lynch writes in The Australian, the partnership aims to enhance treatment strategies, using advanced computing to analyse vast amounts of patient data more efficiently.

A key innovation is the creation of digital twins - AI-driven models of tumours that help predict how individual patients will respond to treatments. Institute COO Christine De Nardo says the technology will accelerate research and improve patient outcomes in real time.

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Legal

Jones's legal team raises concerns over journalist's dual role

Alan Jones's lawyer has questioned whether Sydney Morning Herald journalist Kate McClymont's involvement in his case represents a conflict of interest, arguing her dual role as both a reporter and a witness could influence public perception.

As Amanda Meade writes in The Guardian, Jones, who faces 35 historical sexual assault charges across multiple locations in New South Wales, was absent from Tuesday’s committal hearing.

His lawyer, Bryan Wrench, told the court he had reviewed the prosecution’s brief and noted that McClymont, who first reported on the case, has also provided a witness statement.

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Retail

Brett Lee's Sydney Beer Co enters administration

Sydney Beer Co, the craft brewery backed by former cricketer Brett Lee, has entered administration amid growing challenges in the beer market. RSM Australia's Richard Stone and Brett Lord have been appointed to oversee the company's future.

As Simon Evans writes in The Australian Financial Review, Founded in 2016, Sydney Beer Co had a strong presence in over 350 venues and major retailers like BWS and Dan Murphy's.

It had also expanded internationally, exporting to Malaysia and the US. However, despite raising over $6 million last year for growth, the company struggled to stay afloat.

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Business

ASIC warns directors: don’t ignore red flags in corporate culture

ASIC chairman Joe Longo has issued a sharp reminder to company directors, urging them to take personal responsibility for investigating poor behaviour within their organisations rather than relying solely on management’s reassurances.

As Glenda Korporaal writes in The Australian, His comments, set to be delivered at the Australian Institute of Company Directors conference, highlight the legal duty of directors to act when suspicions arise.

Longo points to recent corporate controversies where governance failures have allowed misconduct to escalate.

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