Media Roundup: A Current Affair boss quits, Apple TV+ Australia boss speculation, Chalmers orders AI review, Fox launches $20 streamer, Smallzy producer exits, and Disney targets Gen Z
See the top industry stories trending today.
Journalism
A Current Affair boss quits after Logies scandal
Amy McCarthy has resigned as executive producer of Nine’s A Current Affair after social media posts from the Logies sparked internal backlash.
In an email to staff, she admitted to a “stupid mistake” and said she was “very sorry”.
The posts, first flagged by Steve Jackson in The Australian’s Media Diary, included comments about drinking and Jimmy Barnes. McCarthy took leave before meetings with news chief Fiona Dear led to her stepping down.
Streaming
Alison Hurbert-Burns to run Apple TV down under?
Speculation in the Sydney Morning Herald with Calum Jaspan suggesting former BINGE content executive director Alison Hurbert-Burns a leading contender to take on an advertised role at Apple heading content in Australia.
"While Netflix has found success making a handful of Australian shows every year, Apple might be dipping its toes in the water while streaming content quotas remain up in the air," Jaspan wrote.
He also places her as a contender to replace departed Que Minh Luu to run content for Netflix Australia. Jaspan reports that Luu is also in the running for the Apple gig.
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Fox takes $20 streaming punt on news and sport
The Australian Financial Review's Anna Nicolaou reports Fox is launching a US$20-a-month streaming service in the US, bundling Fox News and NFL, its biggest push yet beyond cable.
With the average Fox News viewer aged 69, the move targets younger audiences already flocking to YouTube, where Fox says engagement has been “insane.”
The bet is that diehard sports fans and news junkies outside pay TV will pay for direct access.
Legal
Brittany Higgins resurfaces as Lehrmann appeal falters
Brittany Higgins broke her silence with a social post as Bruce Lehrmann’s defamation appeal against Ten and Lisa Wilkinson played out in court.
As Charlotte Karp reports in The Daily Telegraph Wilkinson’s barrister argued her 2021 Project interview prep was reasonable.
Lehrmann’s lawyer Zali Burrows struggled through submissions, with repeated requests for more time rejected.
AI
Chalmers orders review instead of new AI law
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has sidestepped calls for a stand-alone AI law, instead ordering a review of gaps in existing regulation.
The ACTU pushed for fresh legislation to protect workers, while the Tech Council and business groups warned new rules would curb innovation.
As Jack Quail reports in The Australian, Chalmers landed on a compromise, opting for a “gap analysis” to see if current laws can handle issues like copyright, jobs and privacy.
Radio
Smallzy producer Zach La Cava exits after 13 years
Just days after Smallzy’s Surgery wrapped on the Nova Network, long-time executive producer Zach La Cava has also called time.
La Cava spent 13 years on the show, steering more than 3,500 interviews and 3,365 episodes alongside Kent “Smallzy” Small.
According to Radio Today, in 2022, La Cava picked up an ACRA for Best Show Producer (Entertainment/Music).
Social Media
The Wiggles wade into social media age ban debate
Australia’s most famous skivvy brand has found itself in the thick of a policy fight, with The Wiggles’ management lobbying hard against the government’s plan to lift the minimum age for social media accounts to 16.
Their main concern? YouTube.
As Cam Wilson reports in Crikey, emails and briefing notes reveal Wiggles Inc has repeatedly pressed ministers Michelle Rowland and Anika Wells to keep YouTube out of the ban, arguing it would lock children out of their content.
Film
Disney chases Gen Z men with fresh film ideas
Disney is pushing Hollywood creatives for original concepts aimed at men aged 13 to 28, a group drifting from cinemas in favour of gaming.
According to Variety's Matt Donnelly, rather than leaning on Marvel or Star Wars, the studio wants new adventures, treasure hunts and seasonal titles to lure them back.
With superhero fatigue setting in and Star Wars stalled, Disney is betting fresh IP is the key to reconnecting with Gen Z males.
