Media Roundup: King Kyle's health scare, Coles slashes product range, Wallabies cash for win coup, Albo joins TikTok and new rich list revealed

Missing from Friday’s show due to illness, the radio heavyweight returned with the bombshell diagnosis, joking darkly about his fate: "If that bursts, I die instantly."

As Jessica McSweeny reports in The Sydney Morning Herald, the 53-year-old even shared brain scan images with stunned colleagues live on air.

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Hamish McLennan on Kyle and Jackie O: Big deal, slow start

ARN Media chairman Hamish McLennan has weighed in on Kyle and Jackie O’s blockbuster deal and their sluggish start in Melbourne, admitting the market remains a tough nut to crack.

As Sarah Patterson reports on Radio Today, McLennan gave an interview to ABC Radio National’s MediaLand, and didn’t shy away from the duo’s controversial content, confessing even he winces at times.

"I apologise if it goes too far now and then, but compared to the junk on social media, it’s mild," he said.

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Retail

Coles slashes product range in profit play

Coles is trimming its product range by at least 10%, a move set to boost margins but squeeze suppliers.

As Carrie LaFrenz reports in The Australian Financial Review, The supermarket giant has been quietly working with Bain & Co. for months, betting that fewer choices will drive higher sales per product.

The shake-up comes amid rising supplier tensions and political scrutiny, with both Labor and the Coalition blaming major supermarkets for soaring prices. Meanwhile, Coles and Woolworths have pointed the finger at suppliers.

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Activewear giant Lorna Jane enjoys profits boom

Brisbane-born activewear brand Lorna Jane has doubled its annual profit to $21.3 million, capitalising on the sustained demand for stylish, functional fitness wear.

As Simon Evans reports in The Australian Financial Review, newly filed accounts reveal a sharp jump from $11.6 million the previous year, aligning with strong performances from global heavyweights Lululemon and Adidas.

For founder Lorna Jane Clarkson, it’s another victory. She sold 40% of the business to CHAMP Ventures in 2010, only to buy it back with husband Bill Clarkson in 2020 - right before the athleisure boom took off.

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Television

Nine's new rugby deal ties cash to Wallabies wins

Rugby Australia is set for a $210 million payday, with Nine Entertainment on the brink of locking in a five-year broadcast deal covering the Wallabies, Wallaroos, and Super Rugby.

As Zoe Samios reports in The Australian Financial Review, there's a twist - sources say the deal includes performance-based bonuses, meaning Rugby Australia could score an extra $30 million if the struggling Wallabies and Super Rugby clubs start winning more games.

Nine's previous $150 million agreement blended cash and free advertising, but this time, the stakes are higher. The incentive structure is a clear sign broadcasters want results on the field - and ratings off it.

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