Media Roundup: Nine HR leak chaos, ANZ axes DataCo, Paramount Skydance layoffs, and Google challenges ban

Media

Nine scrambles after HR leak

The Australian's Steve Jackson reports the network's HR team is in hot water after accidentally emailing confidential misconduct files to random staff across the network.

The leaked documents reportedly contained explosive allegations involving several high-profile on-air personalities.

Media clients blindsided as ANZ axes data start-up

ANZ’s new CEO, Nuno Matos, has shut down data tech venture DataCo, leaving major clients like SBS, Southern Cross Media and Nine scrambling.

The decision, according to The Australian Financial Review's Sam Buckingham-Jones and Angira Bharadwaj, part of a broader cost-cutting push that includes thousands of job cuts and an $800 million share buyback cancellation, came just weeks after DataCo signed new deals.

Social Media

Google prepares to fight social media ban for under-16s

According to The Australian's James Madden, the tech giant is gearing up to challenge the federal government’s new social media ban for kids, arguing YouTube shouldn’t be treated like TikTok or Instagram.

Google’s legal team plans are planning to argue the ban breaches political free speech rights, and other tech giants may join the fight.

Meanwhile...

Labor is set to reveal how it will enforce the upcoming ban.

As Capital Brief's John Buckley details the move that could cut short that possible last-minute push by tech giants to soften the rules.

Business

Paramount Skydance to cut thousands of jobs after merger

Variety's Todd Spangler writes the company will slash around 2,000 jobs in the US next week as new CEO David Ellison moves to trim costs following the $8 billion merger.

Additional layoffs are expected to follow across the globe.

Locally, Network 10 is owned by Paramount. Mediaweek has reached out for comment.

Radio

Macquarie University cuts funding to 2SER radio

Macquarie University will end its funding for community station 2SER, citing a shift in strategic and financial priorities.

Radio Info writes the university, which co-owns the station with UTS, said it has given 15 months’ notice to help plan the transition.

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.