Media Roundup: Nine hires Sky boss, ACCC reviews Seven–SCA merger, Spotify adds parental controls, and ChatGPT allows adult content

Media

Nine poaches Sky News boss to lead ACA

The Australian's Steve Jackson writes the network has brought in James Birtles to lead A Current Affair following the exit of its previous executive producer amid a “drunk text” controversy.

Birtles returns to Nine after more than three years at Sky News Australia, where he served as deputy head of programs overseeing 14 shows.

ACCC opens review into Seven–SCA merger

The ACCC has kicked off a public review into the proposed $400 million merger between Southern Cross Media and Seven West Media.

As TV Blackbox's Kevin Perry writes submissions are now open until 2pm AEST on 29 October, with the watchdog calling for industry and public feedback on how the deal could affect competition across TV, radio and digital media.

Spotify rolls out new parental controls for Family Plan users

As Dylan Smith writes in Digital Music News Spotify has expanded its “managed accounts” parental controls, giving parents more say over what their kids can stream - but only if they’re on the Family Plan.

After testing the feature in markets like Mexico and New Zealand, the rollout now covers Australia, the US, the UK, Canada, Germany, France and the Netherlands.

High Court backs Candace Owens visa ban

The High Court has upheld the government’s decision to block US commentator Candace Owens from entering Australia, ruling Immigration Minister Tony Burke was within his rights to deny her a visa.

Radio Info reports Owens had planned a 2024 speaking tour, but Burke rejected the application, saying, “Australia’s national interest is best served when Candace Owens is somewhere else."

Inside YouTube’s quiet power play with the NFL

On the surface, it looked like a casual sideline chat, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan greeting NFL commissioner Roger Goodell at Levi’s Stadium.

But, as Alex Weprin The Hollywood Reporter, insiders knew it was a statement: YouTube’s not just streaming highlights anymore, it’s courting live sport dominance.

AI

ChatGPT to open erotica to verified adults

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has flagged a major shift: later this year, ChatGPT will begin allowing verified adults to generate erotic content.

As Pui-Guan Man writes in The Sydney Morning Herald, he says the move is grounded in a “treat adult users like adults” ethos and follows steps the company has taken to mitigate mental health risks.

Social Media

Investors rush back to ByteDance after TikTok deal

The Australian Financial Review's Jessica Sier reports that ByteDance shares are in high demand again, as investors bet on the company’s global reach and strong balance sheet despite ongoing political risks.

The frenzy follows a US, approved deal handing operational control of TikTok’s American arm to a consortium led by Oracle, while ByteDance retains a 20 per cent stake and its core algorithm in China.

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.