Media Roundup: YouTube's ban dodge, Wittner collapses, ABC's cultural controversy, Humphries roasts SBS and Hayes heads to Seven

Social media

Rowland's personal promise to YouTube on social media ban

YouTube looks set to dodge Australia's landmark ban on under-16s using social media, after Communications Minister Michelle Rowland assured the platform it would be exempt... months before public consultation even began.

As Sam Buckingham-Jones writes in The Australian Financial Review, the move came via a December letter to YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, newly revealed through freedom of information laws.

The federal government's new legislation is expected to roll out by the end of the year.

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Business

Wittner boots on but brand faces uncertain future

Heritage footwear brand Wittner has entered voluntary administration, with Deloitte stepping in to manage a possible sale or recapitalisation.

As Sarah Perillo reports in The Australian, despite the financial stumble, it's business as usual for the 100-year-old retailer across Australia and New Zealand while administrators explore next steps.

The collapse affects three entities under the Wittner umbrella, but for now, stores remain open and online orders continue as Deloitte seeks expressions of interest.

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Flynn Group brings in QSR heavyweight to fire up Aussie fast-food fight

Flynn Group has tapped former KFC Asia Pacific boss Richard Wallis to lead its Australian operations, as it looks to sharpen its local strategy for Pizza Hut and the recently relaunched Wendy's.

Wallis replaces Phil Reed and steps in with deep quick-service experience, and a full plate in one of the world’s most competitive fast-food markets, Carrie LaFrenz writes in The Australian Financial Review.

With shifting consumer tastes and health-conscious challengers like Guzman y Gomez and Sushi Hub snapping up market share, Flynn's move signals a serious play to revive and reposition its legacy brands.

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Brands

ABC's new cultural advisory role divides opinion

The ABC has appointed Professor Jackie Huggins AM as its first Elder-in-Residence, a new advisory position designed to support First Nations staff and guide internal cultural protocols.

As Jade Gailberger reports in The Daily Telegraph, the move follows a review that identified systemic racism at the broadcaster, prompting a series of internal reforms.

While the role is being framed as a step toward inclusion, critics like Indigenous leader Warren Mundine have dismissed it as performative, arguing such positions do little to deliver practical outcomes.

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Television

Mark Humphries roasts SBS in unaired sketch

Liz Hayes makes primetime return... this time on Seven

In a post-Nine twist, veteran journalist Liz Hayes is stepping behind the camera for rival network Seven, joining Spotlight as a guest correspondent.

As Jonathon Moran reports in Sydney Confidential, Hayes is currently filming a high-profile interview with Lauren Zonfrillo, widow of the late MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo, marking her first assignment for the current affairs program.

The move comes just two months after Hayes wrapped a 44-year run at Nine.

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Radio

Kyle and Jackie O's southern gamble rattles ARN and ad market

ARN's high-stakes push to syndicate The Kyle & Jackie O Show into Melbourne is facing backlash, with advertiser pullouts reportedly costing the network millions.

As Annette Sharp writes on news.com.au, the controversy surrounding the show's content has put pressure on both revenue and reputation, as brands distance themselves from the polarising pair.

Insiders say confidence is waning at ARN HQ, with execs questioning the strategy behind exporting Sydney's shock-jocks to a more conservative Melbourne audience, especially after soft ratings and escalating backlash.

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