Erica Glynn..
Indigenous writer-director Erica Glynn was today named the recipient of this year's David and Joan Williams Documentary Fellowship. .
Glynn, whose latest film.In My Own Words.is.screening at the Sydney Film Festival, played a central role in the development of Indigenous filmmakers and their work through the Indigenous Unit of Screen Australia.
The fellowship is bestowed by former News Limited, Foxtel and Fox Studios Australia CEO Kim Williams in honour of his parents, and is worth $50,000.
Inaugurated in 2010 through the Australian International Documentary Conference, management of the fellowship was transferred to the Documentary Australia Foundation in 2015, when it became biennial. .
The recipient is selected by a panel comprising Bob Connolly, Victoria Treole and Julia Overton, supported by Daf CEO Dr Mitzi Goldman.
The fellowship is intended to give an independent filmmaker enough money and time to reflect and prepare for his or her next work or to undertake relevant study and research.
Indigenous writer-director Erica Glynn was today named the recipient of this year's David and Joan Williams Documentary Fellowship. .
Glynn, whose latest film.In My Own Words.is.screening at the Sydney Film Festival, played a central role in the development of Indigenous filmmakers and their work through the Indigenous Unit of Screen Australia.
The fellowship is bestowed by former News Limited, Foxtel and Fox Studios Australia CEO Kim Williams in honour of his parents, and is worth $50,000.
Inaugurated in 2010 through the Australian International Documentary Conference, management of the fellowship was transferred to the Documentary Australia Foundation in 2015, when it became biennial. .
The recipient is selected by a panel comprising Bob Connolly, Victoria Treole and Julia Overton, supported by Daf CEO Dr Mitzi Goldman.
The fellowship is intended to give an independent filmmaker enough money and time to reflect and prepare for his or her next work or to undertake relevant study and research.
- 6/8/2017
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Mona Brand.
The State Library of Nsw has announced a new award to recognise outstanding female scriptwriters, the Mona Brand Award for Women Stage and Screen Writers.
As well as a major prize of $30,000, an additional $10,000 prize will be awarded to an emerging female writer for her first substantial produced or screened work.
It is open to all Australian women who have written and had produced works for stage, screen and radio (whether fiction or non-fiction). The award was made possible by a bequest to the State Library of Nsw Foundation by the late Mona Alexis Fox, nee Brand. Brand was a trailblazing Australian poet, author and a prolific playwright. Her work, which often addressed socially relevant and controversial topics has been performed on stage, radio and television in Australia, England, Eastern Europe and India. As the custodian of Brand.s literary papers, the State Library of Nsw will present...
The State Library of Nsw has announced a new award to recognise outstanding female scriptwriters, the Mona Brand Award for Women Stage and Screen Writers.
As well as a major prize of $30,000, an additional $10,000 prize will be awarded to an emerging female writer for her first substantial produced or screened work.
It is open to all Australian women who have written and had produced works for stage, screen and radio (whether fiction or non-fiction). The award was made possible by a bequest to the State Library of Nsw Foundation by the late Mona Alexis Fox, nee Brand. Brand was a trailblazing Australian poet, author and a prolific playwright. Her work, which often addressed socially relevant and controversial topics has been performed on stage, radio and television in Australia, England, Eastern Europe and India. As the custodian of Brand.s literary papers, the State Library of Nsw will present...
- 7/15/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Pre-eminent drama producer John Edwards will deliver the Hector Crawford memorial lecture next Wednesday at the Screen Forever conference in Melbourne.
Edwards' productions have won 39 AFI and Aacta Awards, four People.s Choice Awards, eight Astra Awards, 29 Logies, more than a dozen craft awards in Australia and international accolades including three New York Festival Awards and a Golden Globe nomination.
Now with Endemol Shine Australia, he has produced more than 600 hours of television drama including The Beautiful Lie, Offspring, Gallipoli, Love My Way, Paper Giants, The Secret Life of Us and Police Rescue.
Among his other credits are The Surgeon, Dangerous, Rush, Tangle, Puberty Blues, Party Tricks, the Golden Globe nominated mini-series On the Beach, Marking Time, which won seven AFI Awards, six telemovies in the Cody series, and Beaconsfield.
Screen Producers Australia CEO Matt Deaner said, .Edwards. contribution to Australian television drama is incomparable to any other contemporary figure in the country.
Edwards' productions have won 39 AFI and Aacta Awards, four People.s Choice Awards, eight Astra Awards, 29 Logies, more than a dozen craft awards in Australia and international accolades including three New York Festival Awards and a Golden Globe nomination.
Now with Endemol Shine Australia, he has produced more than 600 hours of television drama including The Beautiful Lie, Offspring, Gallipoli, Love My Way, Paper Giants, The Secret Life of Us and Police Rescue.
Among his other credits are The Surgeon, Dangerous, Rush, Tangle, Puberty Blues, Party Tricks, the Golden Globe nominated mini-series On the Beach, Marking Time, which won seven AFI Awards, six telemovies in the Cody series, and Beaconsfield.
Screen Producers Australia CEO Matt Deaner said, .Edwards. contribution to Australian television drama is incomparable to any other contemporary figure in the country.
- 11/12/2015
- by Staff writer
- IF.com.au
Andrew Anastasios and Andrew Knight.s The Water Diviner won the top prize and the gong for best original feature at the 2015 Awgie Awards.
It was the first time a feature collected the Australian Writers' Guild's Major Award and the gong for original feature since 2012 when Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson won with The Sapphires.
The prize for feature film adaptation was shared by Brendan Cowell for Scarlett Productions'. Ruben Guthrie and Tommy Murphy for Matchbox Pictures' Holding the Man.
Matchbox and Full Clip.s Deadline Gallipoli was named best original TV miniseries, acknowledging the work of writers Jacquelin Perske (also script producer), Stuart Beattie, Shaun Grant and Cate Shortland.
FremantleMedia.s Wentworth Season 3, Episode 3 The Governor.s Pleasure by Stuart Page shared the TV series award with Endemol Australia.s Offspring Episode 511 by Michael Lucas. Jan Sardi and Mac Gudgeon took the award for best miniseries adaptation for...
It was the first time a feature collected the Australian Writers' Guild's Major Award and the gong for original feature since 2012 when Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson won with The Sapphires.
The prize for feature film adaptation was shared by Brendan Cowell for Scarlett Productions'. Ruben Guthrie and Tommy Murphy for Matchbox Pictures' Holding the Man.
Matchbox and Full Clip.s Deadline Gallipoli was named best original TV miniseries, acknowledging the work of writers Jacquelin Perske (also script producer), Stuart Beattie, Shaun Grant and Cate Shortland.
FremantleMedia.s Wentworth Season 3, Episode 3 The Governor.s Pleasure by Stuart Page shared the TV series award with Endemol Australia.s Offspring Episode 511 by Michael Lucas. Jan Sardi and Mac Gudgeon took the award for best miniseries adaptation for...
- 9/14/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Nine features have been nominated for this year's Awgie Awards for performance writing.
Eight telemovies and miniseries are in contention. The Australian Writers. Guild says nominations in the 25 categories for the 48th Annual Awgie Awards reflect the abundance of outstanding work currently being produced in Australia. Nominees for best original telemovie are Steven McGregor for Redfern Now: Promise Me and Katherine Thomson for House of Hancock, while Christopher Lee.s Gallipoli and Jan Sardi and Mac Gudgeon.s The Secret River contend for best adaptation in a television miniseries. There are four nominees for original television mini-series: The Principal by Alice Addison and Kristen Dunphy; The Kettering Incident by Vicki Madden, Andrew Knight, Cate Shortland and Louise Fox; Deadline Gallipoli by Jacquelin Perske, Stuart Beattie, Shaun Grant and Cate Shortland; and Love Child: Series 2 from Tim Pye, Cathryn Strickland, Chris McCourt, Jane Allen and Tamara Asmar. In the categories...
Eight telemovies and miniseries are in contention. The Australian Writers. Guild says nominations in the 25 categories for the 48th Annual Awgie Awards reflect the abundance of outstanding work currently being produced in Australia. Nominees for best original telemovie are Steven McGregor for Redfern Now: Promise Me and Katherine Thomson for House of Hancock, while Christopher Lee.s Gallipoli and Jan Sardi and Mac Gudgeon.s The Secret River contend for best adaptation in a television miniseries. There are four nominees for original television mini-series: The Principal by Alice Addison and Kristen Dunphy; The Kettering Incident by Vicki Madden, Andrew Knight, Cate Shortland and Louise Fox; Deadline Gallipoli by Jacquelin Perske, Stuart Beattie, Shaun Grant and Cate Shortland; and Love Child: Series 2 from Tim Pye, Cathryn Strickland, Chris McCourt, Jane Allen and Tamara Asmar. In the categories...
- 7/23/2015
- by Staff writer
- IF.com.au
Jazz musician Alan Hicks has directed just one feature documentary, Keep On Keepin' On, but he.s just won a $50,000 prize.
Hicks has been awarded the David and Joan Williams Documentary Fellowship, intended to reward creative ambition, intellectual rigour and innovation in documentary cinema.
.Alan, whose debut film attracted international critical and commercial attention, is on the threshold of what promises to be a bold and exciting career,. said Bob Connolly, speaking on behalf of the selection committee.
Keep On Keepin' On is based on the life of jazz legend Clark Terry (Quincy Jones's first teacher) and his relationship with 23-year-old blind pianist prodigy, Justin Kauflin whom Terry first taught at William Patterson University and with whom he continued to work despite his failing health.
The doc premiered to rave reviews at the Tribeca Film Festival in April 2014, where it won the Audience Award and the Best New Documentary Director Award.
Hicks has been awarded the David and Joan Williams Documentary Fellowship, intended to reward creative ambition, intellectual rigour and innovation in documentary cinema.
.Alan, whose debut film attracted international critical and commercial attention, is on the threshold of what promises to be a bold and exciting career,. said Bob Connolly, speaking on behalf of the selection committee.
Keep On Keepin' On is based on the life of jazz legend Clark Terry (Quincy Jones's first teacher) and his relationship with 23-year-old blind pianist prodigy, Justin Kauflin whom Terry first taught at William Patterson University and with whom he continued to work despite his failing health.
The doc premiered to rave reviews at the Tribeca Film Festival in April 2014, where it won the Audience Award and the Best New Documentary Director Award.
- 5/31/2015
- by Staff writer
- IF.com.au
Phillip Adams will deliver. the Hector Crawford Memorial Lecture at the Screen Forever conference at Melbourne.s Crown Conference Centre on Monday November 17..
For half a century Adams has been an imposing figure as a broadcaster, filmmaker, social commentator, satirist and author of more than 20 books.
Gough Whitlam once described him as Australia.s .most perceptive social critic... Some regard him as a godfather of the Australian film industry for his contributions to the renaissance of the industry in the 1970s and 80s.
His producing credits include The Adventures of Barry McKenzie, Don.s Party,. The Getting of Wisdom and Abra Cadabra, and he was Ep on Lonely Hearts and We of the Never Never.
Recognising Adams. 21 years as presenter of Radio National.s Late Night Live, Professor Robert Manne described him as .perhaps the most remarkable broadcaster in the history of this country..
Screen Producers Australia exec director Matt...
For half a century Adams has been an imposing figure as a broadcaster, filmmaker, social commentator, satirist and author of more than 20 books.
Gough Whitlam once described him as Australia.s .most perceptive social critic... Some regard him as a godfather of the Australian film industry for his contributions to the renaissance of the industry in the 1970s and 80s.
His producing credits include The Adventures of Barry McKenzie, Don.s Party,. The Getting of Wisdom and Abra Cadabra, and he was Ep on Lonely Hearts and We of the Never Never.
Recognising Adams. 21 years as presenter of Radio National.s Late Night Live, Professor Robert Manne described him as .perhaps the most remarkable broadcaster in the history of this country..
Screen Producers Australia exec director Matt...
- 10/29/2014
- by Staff writer
- IF.com.au
Kim Williams has accused some filmmakers of being obsessed with their own work and ignoring Australia.s rich screen history.
And he warns of the dangers of mediocrity and of a pervasive blandness among screen training institutions.
A former CEO of the Australian Film Commission and Fox Studios Australia and inaugural chairman of the Film Finance Corp., Williams airs his typically forthright views in his new book Rules of Engagement.
.Our body of work as a nation has been genuinely influential in reminding us of our stories and storytellers,. he observes. .Our work has seen Australians take to the world stage as never before. Yet we are on the precipice of an overwhelming destiny to be mediocre.There is a disconnectedness from ideas that produce compelling work.
.We have to commit to stamping the blandness out of our training institutions. Out damned spot! We must encourage artists to take risks,...
And he warns of the dangers of mediocrity and of a pervasive blandness among screen training institutions.
A former CEO of the Australian Film Commission and Fox Studios Australia and inaugural chairman of the Film Finance Corp., Williams airs his typically forthright views in his new book Rules of Engagement.
.Our body of work as a nation has been genuinely influential in reminding us of our stories and storytellers,. he observes. .Our work has seen Australians take to the world stage as never before. Yet we are on the precipice of an overwhelming destiny to be mediocre.There is a disconnectedness from ideas that produce compelling work.
.We have to commit to stamping the blandness out of our training institutions. Out damned spot! We must encourage artists to take risks,...
- 8/28/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Rules of Engagement.
.
In a long and productive career in film, TV and print media, Kim Williams observed at first hand the strengths and weaknesses of the most powerful men in Australian media.
In his new book Rules of Engagement the former head of News Corp, Foxtel and Fox Studios Australia provides candid insights into the moguls he worked for and against.
Of Rupert Murdoch, for whom he worked for 18 years, he writes: .[His empire] stands as a testament to a single man and an outstanding instinct and passion for all aspects of media and its evolution over its lifetime. He is without question Australia.s greatest entrepreneur. "
Williams contrasts Murdoch.s notoriously hands-on approach with his newspaper editors with his willingness to empower the managers of his broadcasting and film divisions, observing, .It is not coincidental in my view that all the best commercial performance has been in these parts of...
.
In a long and productive career in film, TV and print media, Kim Williams observed at first hand the strengths and weaknesses of the most powerful men in Australian media.
In his new book Rules of Engagement the former head of News Corp, Foxtel and Fox Studios Australia provides candid insights into the moguls he worked for and against.
Of Rupert Murdoch, for whom he worked for 18 years, he writes: .[His empire] stands as a testament to a single man and an outstanding instinct and passion for all aspects of media and its evolution over its lifetime. He is without question Australia.s greatest entrepreneur. "
Williams contrasts Murdoch.s notoriously hands-on approach with his newspaper editors with his willingness to empower the managers of his broadcasting and film divisions, observing, .It is not coincidental in my view that all the best commercial performance has been in these parts of...
- 8/28/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
The fragmentation of the media landscape could erode popular TV while generating .a lot of rubbish. that might otherwise not see the light of day, according to Seven Network script executive Bevan Lee.
Speaking at Google.s Big Tent forum at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Lee said, .There are some fantastic opportunities which new technologies are giving us. But if they are hijacked by trivia and facile creativity and facile debate, then potentially they are a bad thing..
The creator of A Place to Call Home and Always Greener and co-creator of All Saints continued, .Some good projects will have the chance to shine, which may not have happened in the commercial arena.
.But the strong central core of commercial television may be eroded while we see the opening up of a lot of rubbish that may not otherwise have seen the light of day.
.I worry there...
Speaking at Google.s Big Tent forum at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Lee said, .There are some fantastic opportunities which new technologies are giving us. But if they are hijacked by trivia and facile creativity and facile debate, then potentially they are a bad thing..
The creator of A Place to Call Home and Always Greener and co-creator of All Saints continued, .Some good projects will have the chance to shine, which may not have happened in the commercial arena.
.But the strong central core of commercial television may be eroded while we see the opening up of a lot of rubbish that may not otherwise have seen the light of day.
.I worry there...
- 11/1/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Australian Government Prepares For Fight Over Media Reforms News Corp warns that media reforms introduced to Parliament on Thursday local time could harm the company’s new publishing spinoff and may be challenged in the High Court. Kim Williams, CEO of Australia’s News Limited, attacked the proposal to create a public interest media advocate, which would have the power to approve or reject mergers and takeovers and oversee self-regulatory bodies such as the Australian Press Council. He described the legislation as an attempt by the Labor Government to “constrain and harness News Limited” and said the reforms may hurt the asset values of the new News Corp. The government also proposes creating a parliamentary committee to examine abolition of the rule prohibiting a broadcaster from reaching more than 75% of the country. The Liberal/National Party Coalition, which is heavily favored to win the federal election in September, has vowed...
- 3/14/2013
- by NANCY TARTAGLIONE, International Editor
- Deadline TV
In recent months, Twitter’s brand has taken a beating. From Julia Gillard to Sydney’s Daily Telegraph having a go, Nic Christensen looks at how the brand is faring ahead of the launch of its Australian office.
It was News Limited’s ‘night of nights’, the News Awards, and editor Paul Whittaker had just won the prestigious CEO Award for the Daily Telegraph’s ‘People Power’ electricity prices campaign. But the audience gathered inside Sydney’s historic State Theatre weren’t about to hear an acceptance speech about electricity prices from the pugnacious editor, known by many as Boris because of his resemblance to tennis player Boris Becker.
Before an audience of hundreds, including both News Limited CEO Kim Williams and chairman Rupert Murdoch, the editor of Sydney’s Daily Telegraph thanked his staff before launching into a speech that denounced the social media platform Twitter and trumpeted the...
It was News Limited’s ‘night of nights’, the News Awards, and editor Paul Whittaker had just won the prestigious CEO Award for the Daily Telegraph’s ‘People Power’ electricity prices campaign. But the audience gathered inside Sydney’s historic State Theatre weren’t about to hear an acceptance speech about electricity prices from the pugnacious editor, known by many as Boris because of his resemblance to tennis player Boris Becker.
Before an audience of hundreds, including both News Limited CEO Kim Williams and chairman Rupert Murdoch, the editor of Sydney’s Daily Telegraph thanked his staff before launching into a speech that denounced the social media platform Twitter and trumpeted the...
- 2/5/2013
- by Brooke Hemphill
- Encore Magazine
News Limited has appointed news.com.au’s editor-in-chief David Penberthy as editor of The Sunday Mail in Adelaide, replacing Megan Lloyd, who is leaving the company.
Penberthy is a former editor of The Daily Telegraph in Sydney.
The Adelaide-born Penberthy will begin his new role immediately. Luke McIlveen will remain editor of news.com.au, with the company choosing not to appoint a new editor-in-chief at news.com.au.
McIlveen will now report directly to News Limited editorial director Campbell Reid.
News Limited CEO Kim Williams said Penberthy was one of the company’s true multi-media editors with a distinguished career in both print and digital media.
“David is one of our most exceptional journalistic talents and has had an outstanding career as a reporter, columnist and editor across all platforms,” Mr Williams said.
Penberthy a former editor of The Daily Telegraph in Sydney, said: “I am terrifically excited by this opportunity,...
Penberthy is a former editor of The Daily Telegraph in Sydney.
The Adelaide-born Penberthy will begin his new role immediately. Luke McIlveen will remain editor of news.com.au, with the company choosing not to appoint a new editor-in-chief at news.com.au.
McIlveen will now report directly to News Limited editorial director Campbell Reid.
News Limited CEO Kim Williams said Penberthy was one of the company’s true multi-media editors with a distinguished career in both print and digital media.
“David is one of our most exceptional journalistic talents and has had an outstanding career as a reporter, columnist and editor across all platforms,” Mr Williams said.
Penberthy a former editor of The Daily Telegraph in Sydney, said: “I am terrifically excited by this opportunity,...
- 1/30/2013
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
In this roundup from the Encore and Mumbrella Annual, we look back at the year in newspapers.
In January, writer, editor and publisher of women’s website Mamamia.com.au, Mia Freedman, joins News Limited as a syndicated Sunday columnist jumping ship from Fairfax. In November, 10 months into a two-year contract, Freedman is unceremoniously dumped for “business reasons”.
——————————————-
News Limited’s new boss Kim Williams announces a merging of the company’s newspaper and digital sales teams. It is the first of many announcements from the News camp in 2012.
——————————————————————————————————–
February begins with a release of the latest figures from the Audit Bureau of Circulations. The Sydney Morning Herald is the hardest hit, losing 12 per cent of its weekday circulation, with newspaper circulations atrophying by four per cent overall.
——————————————————————————————————–
In March, Melbourne’s News Limited tabloid the Herald Sun switches on a paywall, adopting a freemium model.
——————————————————————————————————–
News Limited closes...
In January, writer, editor and publisher of women’s website Mamamia.com.au, Mia Freedman, joins News Limited as a syndicated Sunday columnist jumping ship from Fairfax. In November, 10 months into a two-year contract, Freedman is unceremoniously dumped for “business reasons”.
——————————————-
News Limited’s new boss Kim Williams announces a merging of the company’s newspaper and digital sales teams. It is the first of many announcements from the News camp in 2012.
——————————————————————————————————–
February begins with a release of the latest figures from the Audit Bureau of Circulations. The Sydney Morning Herald is the hardest hit, losing 12 per cent of its weekday circulation, with newspaper circulations atrophying by four per cent overall.
——————————————————————————————————–
In March, Melbourne’s News Limited tabloid the Herald Sun switches on a paywall, adopting a freemium model.
——————————————————————————————————–
News Limited closes...
- 12/26/2012
- by Luke
- Encore Magazine
Fiorella Di Santo
News Limited has appointed Fiorella Di Santo as its group sales director.
She has been promoted from deputy sales director after less than a year in the role, and replaces Tony Kendall, who quit the company last week.
A 17-year veteran of the company, Di Santo was part of the launch team for commuter paper mX. In 2007 she was promoted to national sales director of NewsNet – now known as News Australia – Sales – and four years later to the deputy director of sales role.
The announcement from News Limited:
The chief executive officer of News Limited, Kim Williams, today announced the appointment of Fiorella Di Santo as the company’s group director – sales.
Ms. Di Santo, who has been promoted from the role of deputy director of sales, reports to Mr. Williams and succeeds Tony Kendall who resigned from the company last week. The appointment is effective immediately.
News Limited has appointed Fiorella Di Santo as its group sales director.
She has been promoted from deputy sales director after less than a year in the role, and replaces Tony Kendall, who quit the company last week.
A 17-year veteran of the company, Di Santo was part of the launch team for commuter paper mX. In 2007 she was promoted to national sales director of NewsNet – now known as News Australia – Sales – and four years later to the deputy director of sales role.
The announcement from News Limited:
The chief executive officer of News Limited, Kim Williams, today announced the appointment of Fiorella Di Santo as the company’s group director – sales.
Ms. Di Santo, who has been promoted from the role of deputy director of sales, reports to Mr. Williams and succeeds Tony Kendall who resigned from the company last week. The appointment is effective immediately.
- 11/25/2012
- by Robin Hicks
- Encore Magazine
The director of sales at News Limited Tony Kendall has resigned, the company has announced.
A statement from News Limited reads:
News Limited today announced the resignation of its director of sales Tony Kendall.
Mr Kendall said: “I have had an incredible time at News, and have loved leading the sales operation but I feel at this stage it’s time to move on to a new challenge.”
“What I am most proud of from my time at News are the deep relationships I have built with customers and colleagues alike. Being able to combine the knowledge of our clients’ business requirements with the assets of News to create effective advertising solutions has been a very rewarding part of the role. Equally rewarding has been the opportunity to work with so many talented people, who I will sorely miss.”
News Limited CEO Kim Williams paid tribute to Mr Kendall’s...
A statement from News Limited reads:
News Limited today announced the resignation of its director of sales Tony Kendall.
Mr Kendall said: “I have had an incredible time at News, and have loved leading the sales operation but I feel at this stage it’s time to move on to a new challenge.”
“What I am most proud of from my time at News are the deep relationships I have built with customers and colleagues alike. Being able to combine the knowledge of our clients’ business requirements with the assets of News to create effective advertising solutions has been a very rewarding part of the role. Equally rewarding has been the opportunity to work with so many talented people, who I will sorely miss.”
News Limited CEO Kim Williams paid tribute to Mr Kendall’s...
- 11/21/2012
- by Robin Hicks
- Encore Magazine
News Corporation has revealed the winners of its $100m media review, with Um taking on the News Limited account, MediaCom winning Foxtel and Zenith Optimedia retaining the 20th Century Fox business.
The announcement from News Corp:
The chief executive of News Limited, Kim Williams, today announced that the company and its sister organisations have appointed their new media agencies.
The new agency line-up is -
News Limited - MediaBrands / Um Foxtel - Group M / MediaCom Twentieth Century Fox – ZenithOptimedia
Mr Williams said: “Today’s announcement is another important step in the evolution of News Corp’s Australian businesses as we redefine the group.
“As we all focus on putting our customers at the centre of everything we do, it is imperative that we go to market with detailed, data-driven, insights – which respond well to expressed needs and consumption preferences.
“Um, MediaCom and ZenithOptimedia are all superb media agencies. Each brought...
The announcement from News Corp:
The chief executive of News Limited, Kim Williams, today announced that the company and its sister organisations have appointed their new media agencies.
The new agency line-up is -
News Limited - MediaBrands / Um Foxtel - Group M / MediaCom Twentieth Century Fox – ZenithOptimedia
Mr Williams said: “Today’s announcement is another important step in the evolution of News Corp’s Australian businesses as we redefine the group.
“As we all focus on putting our customers at the centre of everything we do, it is imperative that we go to market with detailed, data-driven, insights – which respond well to expressed needs and consumption preferences.
“Um, MediaCom and ZenithOptimedia are all superb media agencies. Each brought...
- 11/20/2012
- by Robin Hicks
- Encore Magazine
Fairfax Media’s Sydney Sunday paper The Sun-Herald was again the biggest faller in the latest set of newspaper print numbers, with its rate of decline increasing since the last set of audited numbers were released.
The newspaper saw a drop of 21.3% in the quarter from July to September compared to the same period a year before. This was a slight increase on the 18.66% drop when the previous audited numbers came out three months ago.
In the new set of numbers, not a single metro Sunday paper was in positive print territory.
In Sydney, the Sun Herald fell from 410,407 to 322,959.
Its sister Melbourne title The Sunday Age fell by 15.4% to 193,545.
At the other end of the Sunday table, News Limited’s The Sunday Telegraph delivered the best result, just staying above 600,000 after declining by 1%.
In the daily battle, The Monday to Friday edition of the Age was the worst performer,...
The newspaper saw a drop of 21.3% in the quarter from July to September compared to the same period a year before. This was a slight increase on the 18.66% drop when the previous audited numbers came out three months ago.
In the new set of numbers, not a single metro Sunday paper was in positive print territory.
In Sydney, the Sun Herald fell from 410,407 to 322,959.
Its sister Melbourne title The Sunday Age fell by 15.4% to 193,545.
At the other end of the Sunday table, News Limited’s The Sunday Telegraph delivered the best result, just staying above 600,000 after declining by 1%.
In the daily battle, The Monday to Friday edition of the Age was the worst performer,...
- 11/9/2012
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
Mia Freedman’s Sunday newspaper column has been axed with half of her contract to run because her website is competitive with News Limited, the journalist has suggested.
The axing came less than a year after News Limited poached Freedman from Fairfax, where she had written a column for a decade.
Freedman also owns her own website mamamia.com.au which has become a major online player in its own right. In a post on Mamamia, Freedman said that she received a call dropping the column on Friday.
She wrote: “It was all unexpected actually, having been pursued by News Ltd for two years before I agreed to resign from Fairfax (where I had been writing a column for 10 happy years) and with the news coming less than halfway through my contract.
Freedman said that she understood that newspapers are being forced to make heavy cutbacks, but suggested it was also due to other factors.
The axing came less than a year after News Limited poached Freedman from Fairfax, where she had written a column for a decade.
Freedman also owns her own website mamamia.com.au which has become a major online player in its own right. In a post on Mamamia, Freedman said that she received a call dropping the column on Friday.
She wrote: “It was all unexpected actually, having been pursued by News Ltd for two years before I agreed to resign from Fairfax (where I had been writing a column for 10 happy years) and with the news coming less than halfway through my contract.
Freedman said that she understood that newspapers are being forced to make heavy cutbacks, but suggested it was also due to other factors.
- 11/6/2012
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
News Limited has been given the go ahead to acquire 100% of the James Packer-backed Consolidated Media Holdings.
The deal would give News Limited control of half of Foxtel – the other half being held by Telstra – and complete ownership of Fox Sports.
The announcement from News Limited:
News Limited’s chief executive Kim Williams today welcomed the Federal Court’s approval of the proposed Scheme of Arrangement to acquire 100 per cent of the shares in Consolidated Media Holdings.
Having already received support from Cmh shareholders and approvals from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and Foreign Investment Review Board, this means that News can complete the transaction.
Mr Williams said, “Foxtel and Fox Sports are two outstanding companies that have prospered by providing a world-class service to their consumers and advertisers. Seek Asia is also an attractive asset with excellent regional Asian positioning.
“More closely aligning our existing brands with those...
The deal would give News Limited control of half of Foxtel – the other half being held by Telstra – and complete ownership of Fox Sports.
The announcement from News Limited:
News Limited’s chief executive Kim Williams today welcomed the Federal Court’s approval of the proposed Scheme of Arrangement to acquire 100 per cent of the shares in Consolidated Media Holdings.
Having already received support from Cmh shareholders and approvals from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and Foreign Investment Review Board, this means that News can complete the transaction.
Mr Williams said, “Foxtel and Fox Sports are two outstanding companies that have prospered by providing a world-class service to their consumers and advertisers. Seek Asia is also an attractive asset with excellent regional Asian positioning.
“More closely aligning our existing brands with those...
- 11/2/2012
- by Robin Hicks
- Encore Magazine
Mick Carroll
News Limited has announced Mick Carroll as the new editor of the Sunday Telegraph, the country’s highest circulating newspaper.
Carroll has been promoted from deputy editor at the paper, a position he has held for four years.
He replaces Neil Breen, who ended a six-year reign as editor to join Nine Network’s Today as executive producer earlier this month.
Carroll officially begins as editor on 5 November.
News Limited boss Kim Williams said in a statement:
The editorship of The Sunday Telegraph is one of the critical editorial jobs within our company and I am delighted that Mick has accepted the role.
Mick’s rich experience at every level of daily journalism – from regional to metropolitan centres – equips him for this next role. He has built his reputation as a journalist and editor through his demonstrated understanding and affinity with his newspapers’ communities.
News Limited’s press...
News Limited has announced Mick Carroll as the new editor of the Sunday Telegraph, the country’s highest circulating newspaper.
Carroll has been promoted from deputy editor at the paper, a position he has held for four years.
He replaces Neil Breen, who ended a six-year reign as editor to join Nine Network’s Today as executive producer earlier this month.
Carroll officially begins as editor on 5 November.
News Limited boss Kim Williams said in a statement:
The editorship of The Sunday Telegraph is one of the critical editorial jobs within our company and I am delighted that Mick has accepted the role.
Mick’s rich experience at every level of daily journalism – from regional to metropolitan centres – equips him for this next role. He has built his reputation as a journalist and editor through his demonstrated understanding and affinity with his newspapers’ communities.
News Limited’s press...
- 10/26/2012
- by Robin Hicks
- Encore Magazine
News Limited has sold its seven year old shopping comparison site Getprice.com to the management team.
Among those participating in the purchase are chief executive Chris Hitchen and chief operating officer Jared Oken.
No price has been disclosed.
Hitchen said in a statement: “We are delighted that News has accepted our offer. Being independent and having control of our own destiny is an exciting prospect – we have big plans for the next chapters of Getprice’s history.
“We will always be extremely grateful to News for its investment, support and guidance over the years. It’s been a lot of fun, but it’s time for us to spread our wings as an independent business again.”
News Limited’s chief financial officer Stephen Rue said: “While we will be sorry to see them go, we recognise this is the best next step for them in the growth of their business.
Among those participating in the purchase are chief executive Chris Hitchen and chief operating officer Jared Oken.
No price has been disclosed.
Hitchen said in a statement: “We are delighted that News has accepted our offer. Being independent and having control of our own destiny is an exciting prospect – we have big plans for the next chapters of Getprice’s history.
“We will always be extremely grateful to News for its investment, support and guidance over the years. It’s been a lot of fun, but it’s time for us to spread our wings as an independent business again.”
News Limited’s chief financial officer Stephen Rue said: “While we will be sorry to see them go, we recognise this is the best next step for them in the growth of their business.
- 10/10/2012
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
Rupert Murdoch On Future Of Newspapers Rupert Murdoch restated his faith in the long-term future of newspapers in a weekend address at the annual News Awards in Sydney. Murdoch said that splitting News Corp into separate entertainment and publishing companies next year would see both strive to “dominate against our competitors by providing and distributing the most informative and entertaining content in the world”. He added, “Print will be with us for many, many years”, but we must also provide our readers with the greatest news experience possible on other platforms”. The address was intended as a morale booster for News Ltd.’s journalists after a sweeping restructure by chief executive Kim Williams, which resulted in an estimated 300 layoffs. – Don Groves ‘Strong Medicine’ To Get Reality Treatment In Holland Dutch broadcaster Sbs has commissioned a local reality version of Lifetime drama Strong Medicine. Stories From The Hospital will be produced...
- 9/26/2012
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Neil Breen, the editor of Australia’s biggest selling newspaper, is to depart after nearly seven years at the helm. Breen told Mumbrella he is considering a move to television.
Breen told Mumbrella: “I’ve been the editor of the Sunday Telegraph for seven years. There comes a witching hour for everyone. I’ve been thinking about this all year. I know people will interpret this as me throwing the baby out with the bathwater, but it’s not the case. I asked myself was I prepared to reload and go again? I’ve been asking myself why would I give up the best job on the planet, but covering the Olympics got me out of the office and time to think.
“The person in this role needs to have vision for the next go – it needs someone like me in 2006. I owe it to myself and the paper to go.
Breen told Mumbrella: “I’ve been the editor of the Sunday Telegraph for seven years. There comes a witching hour for everyone. I’ve been thinking about this all year. I know people will interpret this as me throwing the baby out with the bathwater, but it’s not the case. I asked myself was I prepared to reload and go again? I’ve been asking myself why would I give up the best job on the planet, but covering the Olympics got me out of the office and time to think.
“The person in this role needs to have vision for the next go – it needs someone like me in 2006. I owe it to myself and the paper to go.
- 9/11/2012
- by Cathie McGinn
- Encore Magazine
ABC TV's decision to stream the latest Doctor Who episode just hours after the UK premiere has led to a record number of single-day views.
Season seven of the popular sci-fi series kicked off with Asylum of the Daleks, which received a record 75,900 plays on its iview platform on Sunday, September 2, according to the ABC. The episode will receive its first traditional TV broadcast on ABC1 the following Saturday in prime time, however the broadcaster said it plans to continue showing each episode on iview immediately after the BBC in the UK.
Anton Andreacchio, chief executive of copyright specialists Intercept Media, said the company does not specifically track Doctor Who but it is a fair assumption that the majority of the ABC's online views were from potential pirates.
"We very much believe that if there are viable alternatives that do not punish the consumer then users will inherently gravitate towards them,...
Season seven of the popular sci-fi series kicked off with Asylum of the Daleks, which received a record 75,900 plays on its iview platform on Sunday, September 2, according to the ABC. The episode will receive its first traditional TV broadcast on ABC1 the following Saturday in prime time, however the broadcaster said it plans to continue showing each episode on iview immediately after the BBC in the UK.
Anton Andreacchio, chief executive of copyright specialists Intercept Media, said the company does not specifically track Doctor Who but it is a fair assumption that the majority of the ABC's online views were from potential pirates.
"We very much believe that if there are viable alternatives that do not punish the consumer then users will inherently gravitate towards them,...
- 9/3/2012
- by Brendan Swift
- IF.com.au
Mumbrella’s sister publication Encore today reveals the E List, a list of the 200 most powerful media and entertainment players.
The list counts down those that have the most influence over the creation of content from television series or film, printed content, online and advertising collateral.
Topping the list is News Limited CEO Kim Williams who has wasted no time making changes at company since moving across from Foxtel at the start of the year. In second place is Google’s Australia and New Zealand MD Nick Leeder most notable in the content production world for online video platform YouTube. In third place is the ABC’s Mark Scott who has lead the national broadcaster’s charge into the digital age.
The E List top 10
1 Kim Williams
2 Nick Leeder
3 Mark Scott
4 Stephen Conroy
5 Kerry Stokes
6 Greg Hywood
7 Harold Mitchell
8 Chris Mitchell
9 Tim Worner
10 David Gyngell
To see the full list of 200 names,...
The list counts down those that have the most influence over the creation of content from television series or film, printed content, online and advertising collateral.
Topping the list is News Limited CEO Kim Williams who has wasted no time making changes at company since moving across from Foxtel at the start of the year. In second place is Google’s Australia and New Zealand MD Nick Leeder most notable in the content production world for online video platform YouTube. In third place is the ABC’s Mark Scott who has lead the national broadcaster’s charge into the digital age.
The E List top 10
1 Kim Williams
2 Nick Leeder
3 Mark Scott
4 Stephen Conroy
5 Kerry Stokes
6 Greg Hywood
7 Harold Mitchell
8 Chris Mitchell
9 Tim Worner
10 David Gyngell
To see the full list of 200 names,...
- 9/3/2012
- by Brooke Hemphill
- Encore Magazine
Nick Tabakoff is to return to The Australian as the new editor of the newspaper’s Media section, replacing Stephen Brook who moves to a writing role on the News Limited title’s business section.
The move was revealed in today’s The Australian.
Tabakoff was a business media writer at the national broadsheet until 2009, when he moved to sister title The Daily Telegraph. Brook moved into the media section editorship in April last year after working at The Guardian in London. Brook’s predecessor Geoff Elliott also held the media editorship for just over a year and a half, before switching to the business section.
The News Limited restructure and redundancies continue to roll out in a staggered fashion after Kim Williams’ initial announcement in June.
When Tabakoff departed The Australian in 2009, he paid tribute to the masthead in song:...
The move was revealed in today’s The Australian.
Tabakoff was a business media writer at the national broadsheet until 2009, when he moved to sister title The Daily Telegraph. Brook moved into the media section editorship in April last year after working at The Guardian in London. Brook’s predecessor Geoff Elliott also held the media editorship for just over a year and a half, before switching to the business section.
The News Limited restructure and redundancies continue to roll out in a staggered fashion after Kim Williams’ initial announcement in June.
When Tabakoff departed The Australian in 2009, he paid tribute to the masthead in song:...
- 9/3/2012
- by Cathie McGinn
- Encore Magazine
The Australian Writers’ Guild held its annual awards ceremony on Friday 24 August. The Sapphires and screenwriters Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson won most outstanding script. Michael Lucas won two awards, in the feature film original category for Not Suitable For Children and in the TV series category for an episode of Offspring.
The announcement:
The 45th Annual Australian Writers’ Guild Awgie Awards were held on Friday 24th August at Doltone House in Sydney. The only Australian scriptwriting awards judged solely by writers on the basis of the script recognised a new crop of creative talent bringing Australian stories to our screens and stages.
The best of Australian performance writing across feature films, theatre, television, radio, interactive and animation were celebrated at a star-studded affair at Doltone House in Sydney last night as part of the golden 50-year anniversary of the Australian Writers’ Guild. The awards were hosted by iconic Australian...
The announcement:
The 45th Annual Australian Writers’ Guild Awgie Awards were held on Friday 24th August at Doltone House in Sydney. The only Australian scriptwriting awards judged solely by writers on the basis of the script recognised a new crop of creative talent bringing Australian stories to our screens and stages.
The best of Australian performance writing across feature films, theatre, television, radio, interactive and animation were celebrated at a star-studded affair at Doltone House in Sydney last night as part of the golden 50-year anniversary of the Australian Writers’ Guild. The awards were hosted by iconic Australian...
- 8/28/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
The ABc is to screen the new series of Doctor Who within an hour of its UK premiere. The move is the first time an Australian television network has broadcast content within such a short time of its international release.
ABC1 Controller Brendan Dahill said, “For Doctor Who fans, it is a fantastic opportunity to see new episodes within hours of them premiering in the UK – each episode will be available on iview on Sundays.”
Each episode will be available from 5am eastern time on Sundays.
The show will air on ABC1 the following Saturday. In 2010 the ABC screened Doctor Who on iView before terrestrial TV, but the online episodes were available over two weeks after the BBC screening in the UK.
A growing problem for TV networks is fans of popular shows downloading them immediately after they air overseas if they are not available locally. Earlier this month, News...
ABC1 Controller Brendan Dahill said, “For Doctor Who fans, it is a fantastic opportunity to see new episodes within hours of them premiering in the UK – each episode will be available on iview on Sundays.”
Each episode will be available from 5am eastern time on Sundays.
The show will air on ABC1 the following Saturday. In 2010 the ABC screened Doctor Who on iView before terrestrial TV, but the online episodes were available over two weeks after the BBC screening in the UK.
A growing problem for TV networks is fans of popular shows downloading them immediately after they air overseas if they are not available locally. Earlier this month, News...
- 8/28/2012
- by Cathie McGinn
- Encore Magazine
The 45th annual Australian Writer.s Guild Awgie Awards, held at Doltone House in Sydney, have honoured local productions including The Sapphires, Not Suitable for Children and The Slap.
Hosted by Roy and Hg.s John Doyle, the event was attended by key industry figures and featured Australian writing talent from across film, theatre, television, radio and animation.
Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson work on The Sapphires earned them an Awgie Award for Most Outstanding Script of 2012 and another for best Feature Film Adaption. Up-and-comer Michael Lucas also collected two awards, for an episode of the television show Offspring and in the Feature Film Original category for Not Suitable For Children.
The teams behind The Slap and The Straits won AWGIEs for Best Mini Series Adaption and Television Mini Series . Original respectively. Brides of Christ and The Leaving of Liverpool scribe Susan Smith cemented her place as a Australian scriptwriting...
Hosted by Roy and Hg.s John Doyle, the event was attended by key industry figures and featured Australian writing talent from across film, theatre, television, radio and animation.
Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson work on The Sapphires earned them an Awgie Award for Most Outstanding Script of 2012 and another for best Feature Film Adaption. Up-and-comer Michael Lucas also collected two awards, for an episode of the television show Offspring and in the Feature Film Original category for Not Suitable For Children.
The teams behind The Slap and The Straits won AWGIEs for Best Mini Series Adaption and Television Mini Series . Original respectively. Brides of Christ and The Leaving of Liverpool scribe Susan Smith cemented her place as a Australian scriptwriting...
- 8/27/2012
- by Anthony Soegito
- IF.com.au
News Ltd chief executive Kim Williams has called on the government to strengthen legislation to stop rampant piracy.
Williams, speaking at the Australian International Movie Convention on the Gold Coast, called on the government to revamp the existing copyright framework to reflect the industry's shift from analogue to digital.
"What the Australian production and distribution industry needs are renovated legal underpinnings that acknowledge the primary right of copyright owners to exploit their work in the certain knowledge that theft will be prevented and punished equally," Williams said.
"Without that core commercial underpinning the outlook for our industry . the digital entertainment industry . is grim indeed. Whilst there is endless talk about the Nbn there is yet to be any formal acknowledgement that the legislative and enforcement frameworks are disastrously outmoded and defective to sustain any relevance in confronting a modern high speed digital delivery world.
"Without immediate and wholesale makeover we...
Williams, speaking at the Australian International Movie Convention on the Gold Coast, called on the government to revamp the existing copyright framework to reflect the industry's shift from analogue to digital.
"What the Australian production and distribution industry needs are renovated legal underpinnings that acknowledge the primary right of copyright owners to exploit their work in the certain knowledge that theft will be prevented and punished equally," Williams said.
"Without that core commercial underpinning the outlook for our industry . the digital entertainment industry . is grim indeed. Whilst there is endless talk about the Nbn there is yet to be any formal acknowledgement that the legislative and enforcement frameworks are disastrously outmoded and defective to sustain any relevance in confronting a modern high speed digital delivery world.
"Without immediate and wholesale makeover we...
- 8/21/2012
- by Brendan Swift
- IF.com.au
In a keynote address to the Australian International Movie Convention, News Limited CEO Kim Williams argued that download films, TV shows or music without paying for it is no better than looting
My subject today is copyright. It’s a topic as potentially dry as a pub with no beer. Its mere mention makes you think of lawyers. And fees. And trademarks. And fine print. So let’s put that all aside for a moment and talk about what copyright is really about. Let’s cut right to the chase. Copyright is about enabling the production of great art and great commercial work – hopefully both. It’s about nurturing the creative process. It’s about supporting business cases and employment. About getting the noblest imaginings of the human mind and human emotions into a form that the whole world can see and share.
If you want to know why you should care about copyright,...
My subject today is copyright. It’s a topic as potentially dry as a pub with no beer. Its mere mention makes you think of lawyers. And fees. And trademarks. And fine print. So let’s put that all aside for a moment and talk about what copyright is really about. Let’s cut right to the chase. Copyright is about enabling the production of great art and great commercial work – hopefully both. It’s about nurturing the creative process. It’s about supporting business cases and employment. About getting the noblest imaginings of the human mind and human emotions into a form that the whole world can see and share.
If you want to know why you should care about copyright,...
- 8/21/2012
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
The boss of News Limited Kim Williams has labelled the downloading of pirated TV shows, music or films as “scumbag theft”.
In a speech to the Australian International Movie Convention, Williams called for new copyright laws and the the National Broadband Network to be forced to act over the content its users download in the future.
Labelling the issue one being driven by the type of people who hung out in the hip cafes of Melbourne, Williams said: “How many people, I wonder, had already seen Downton Abbey or Mad Men or Bored to Death before they screened here? This illegal viewing is fast becoming the norm in certain circles. And there’s a good chance those latest release movies haven’t been seen at the cinema, but on iPads or on DVDs using a pirate copy one of their friends is handing around.
“If you want to know how they manage this amazing feat,...
In a speech to the Australian International Movie Convention, Williams called for new copyright laws and the the National Broadband Network to be forced to act over the content its users download in the future.
Labelling the issue one being driven by the type of people who hung out in the hip cafes of Melbourne, Williams said: “How many people, I wonder, had already seen Downton Abbey or Mad Men or Bored to Death before they screened here? This illegal viewing is fast becoming the norm in certain circles. And there’s a good chance those latest release movies haven’t been seen at the cinema, but on iPads or on DVDs using a pirate copy one of their friends is handing around.
“If you want to know how they manage this amazing feat,...
- 8/21/2012
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
News Limited’s restructure has continued with the creation of a new “seven-day superdesk structure” for editorial in Victoria while a reported 45 photographers are to be made redundant nationally.
The Victorian restructure is the latest move to the company’s one city, one newsroom” vision outlined by News Limited boss Kim Williams.
All of the new positions will report in to Herald Sun editor Damon Johnston and Herald Sun weekend editor Jill Baker.
The new roles, announced in a statement from News, are as follows:
Head of News
Ellen Whinnett will become the master of the engine room and key content driver. She will be responsible for identifying and developing local content, ensuring the right content mix and managing quality control. With an acute understanding of consumer needs and interest, she will determine the channel and time for publication. This role co-ordinates with local and network peers to ensure content...
The Victorian restructure is the latest move to the company’s one city, one newsroom” vision outlined by News Limited boss Kim Williams.
All of the new positions will report in to Herald Sun editor Damon Johnston and Herald Sun weekend editor Jill Baker.
The new roles, announced in a statement from News, are as follows:
Head of News
Ellen Whinnett will become the master of the engine room and key content driver. She will be responsible for identifying and developing local content, ensuring the right content mix and managing quality control. With an acute understanding of consumer needs and interest, she will determine the channel and time for publication. This role co-ordinates with local and network peers to ensure content...
- 8/16/2012
- by Robin Hicks
- Encore Magazine
The former commercial director of News Australia Sales, Tony Prentice, has launched a sales and training consultancy.
Prentice and Partners sees Prentice team up with his wife Jeanine, the ex-group national sales manager of News Magazine.
The consultancy will focus on sales force performance, strategy alignment, customer management, talent management and team work.
Prentice said in a statement: “Investment in people is the single largest cost to any sales organisation and the greatest challenge for management is to optimise the performance of their sales teams to achieve maximum revenues. I will be using my experience to offer an independent third-party view point on the critical success factors for individual sales teams and also provide guidance and training to effect necessary change.”
Prentice was behind the launch of News Australia Sales in April, but was let go as part of a restructure by new News Limited boss Kim Williams.
Prentice was...
Prentice and Partners sees Prentice team up with his wife Jeanine, the ex-group national sales manager of News Magazine.
The consultancy will focus on sales force performance, strategy alignment, customer management, talent management and team work.
Prentice said in a statement: “Investment in people is the single largest cost to any sales organisation and the greatest challenge for management is to optimise the performance of their sales teams to achieve maximum revenues. I will be using my experience to offer an independent third-party view point on the critical success factors for individual sales teams and also provide guidance and training to effect necessary change.”
Prentice was behind the launch of News Australia Sales in April, but was let go as part of a restructure by new News Limited boss Kim Williams.
Prentice was...
- 7/26/2012
- by Robin Hicks
- Encore Magazine
Damon Johnston has stepped up as editor of Victoria’s Herald Sun following today’s departure of Simon Pristell, News Limited has announced.
Johnston was previously editor of the Sunday Herald Sun. Phil Gardner remains as editor-in-chief across both titles with an added remit to drive the move of the two newsrooms into a seven day operation.
News Limited CEO Kim Williams said in a statement: “I have previously announced that Peter Blunden has taken on a new role of managing director editorial for Victoria, a position which reflects the importance of the Herald & Weekly Times titles, Herald Sun, the Sunday Herald Sun, The Weekly Times, Leader Community Newspapers and The Geelong Advertiser to our company.
”Damon’s new role will see him bring his considerable journalistic strengths, experience and energy to Australia’s biggest selling daily masthead as it continues to develop and build its digital future.
“Peter and...
Johnston was previously editor of the Sunday Herald Sun. Phil Gardner remains as editor-in-chief across both titles with an added remit to drive the move of the two newsrooms into a seven day operation.
News Limited CEO Kim Williams said in a statement: “I have previously announced that Peter Blunden has taken on a new role of managing director editorial for Victoria, a position which reflects the importance of the Herald & Weekly Times titles, Herald Sun, the Sunday Herald Sun, The Weekly Times, Leader Community Newspapers and The Geelong Advertiser to our company.
”Damon’s new role will see him bring his considerable journalistic strengths, experience and energy to Australia’s biggest selling daily masthead as it continues to develop and build its digital future.
“Peter and...
- 7/6/2012
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
Simon Pristel, the editor of Melbourne based News Limited tabloid Herald Sun, has resigned after four years editing the paper.
Pristel, who started out his career at News Limited as a copy boy, has since overseen the digital integration of the Herald Sun’s newsroom, launch of the digital paywall, iPad app and mobile site.
In a statement from News Limited, CEO Kim Williams thanked Pristel for his “significant contribution” over 23 years with the company.
Williams said: “Simon has contributed significantly to our company over many years. He is a strong editor and journalist who really contributed to ensuring that the Herald Sun is the most widely read newspaper in Australia with a great digital offering.”
Pristel added in the release: Mr Pristel said, “I am proud to have led the Herald Sun through an extraordinary period of transformation in the media business. After 23 years in print it is time for a new challenge.
Pristel, who started out his career at News Limited as a copy boy, has since overseen the digital integration of the Herald Sun’s newsroom, launch of the digital paywall, iPad app and mobile site.
In a statement from News Limited, CEO Kim Williams thanked Pristel for his “significant contribution” over 23 years with the company.
Williams said: “Simon has contributed significantly to our company over many years. He is a strong editor and journalist who really contributed to ensuring that the Herald Sun is the most widely read newspaper in Australia with a great digital offering.”
Pristel added in the release: Mr Pristel said, “I am proud to have led the Herald Sun through an extraordinary period of transformation in the media business. After 23 years in print it is time for a new challenge.
- 7/5/2012
- by Robin Hicks
- Encore Magazine
Business Spectator figurehead Alan Kohler has signalled that it will be business as usual with the online publication’s team staying on board after the company’s sale to News Limited for a reported $22m.
The sale of Australian Independent Business Media leaves News Limited in a stronger position to compete with Fairfax Media’s Australian Financial Review.
Kohler’s new title will be editor-in-chief of Business Spectator and Eureka Report.
Kohler’s note:
Dear Partners,
Today the shareholders of Business Spectator and Eureka Report have agreed to sell the company to News Ltd.
As part of the deal, I have made a firm commitment to remain with the business and I have signed a new 4-year employment contract with News as Editor in Chief of Business Spectator and Eureka Report. In addition to that, Bob Gottliebsen, Steve Bartholomeusz, James Kirby, Nicholas Gray and James Leplaw have all signed long term contracts with News.
The sale of Australian Independent Business Media leaves News Limited in a stronger position to compete with Fairfax Media’s Australian Financial Review.
Kohler’s new title will be editor-in-chief of Business Spectator and Eureka Report.
Kohler’s note:
Dear Partners,
Today the shareholders of Business Spectator and Eureka Report have agreed to sell the company to News Ltd.
As part of the deal, I have made a firm commitment to remain with the business and I have signed a new 4-year employment contract with News as Editor in Chief of Business Spectator and Eureka Report. In addition to that, Bob Gottliebsen, Steve Bartholomeusz, James Kirby, Nicholas Gray and James Leplaw have all signed long term contracts with News.
- 6/20/2012
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
News Limited boss Kim Williams has revealed some of the key executives in the company’s new structure. The announcement comes after he revealed that the company would be remodelled to five divisions – Nsw, Victoria, Queensland, The Australian and magazine arm NewsLife Media.
Michael Miller will be boss in Nsw, although there has not yet been an editorial director
Hwt MD Peter Blunden will head Victorian editorial, while Michael Miller, previously head of Nationwide News, becomes regional director of News Nsw.
There is no word on who the head of commercial in Victoria or editorial in Nsw will be. There is also no word on how key group players such as group editorial director Campbell Reid will fit in.
Williams’ memo to staff:
Dear Colleagues,
I said in my video message today I would keep you informed of the key appointments we make over the coming days as part of our transformation at News.
Michael Miller will be boss in Nsw, although there has not yet been an editorial director
Hwt MD Peter Blunden will head Victorian editorial, while Michael Miller, previously head of Nationwide News, becomes regional director of News Nsw.
There is no word on who the head of commercial in Victoria or editorial in Nsw will be. There is also no word on how key group players such as group editorial director Campbell Reid will fit in.
Williams’ memo to staff:
Dear Colleagues,
I said in my video message today I would keep you informed of the key appointments we make over the coming days as part of our transformation at News.
- 6/20/2012
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
The level of redundancies at News Limited remains “a mystery” despite today’s announcement by CEO Kim Williams, journalists’ union the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance has warned.
However, the union welcomed the company’s signal that it appears to be more committed to the print medium than Fairfax Media which this week announced its plans to close two press sites.
In a statement, the union said: “Today’s News Limited announcement of a restructure of the business with an ongoing commitment to print and digital products has been welcomed by the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance. However, because the depth and extent of its planned redundancies during the restructure remain a mystery, this will continue to concern staff operating in a volatile and uncertain environment.”
While Fairfax Media – obliged to offer a higher level of transparency because of its listing on the Asx – revealed that it plans 1,900 redundancies, Williams has declined to give a number,...
However, the union welcomed the company’s signal that it appears to be more committed to the print medium than Fairfax Media which this week announced its plans to close two press sites.
In a statement, the union said: “Today’s News Limited announcement of a restructure of the business with an ongoing commitment to print and digital products has been welcomed by the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance. However, because the depth and extent of its planned redundancies during the restructure remain a mystery, this will continue to concern staff operating in a volatile and uncertain environment.”
While Fairfax Media – obliged to offer a higher level of transparency because of its listing on the Asx – revealed that it plans 1,900 redundancies, Williams has declined to give a number,...
- 6/20/2012
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
Kim Williams has unveiled his plans for News Limited.
Key details include a reduction in the number of divisions to five, the purchase of Business Spectator, a bid to increase the company’s stake in Foxtel and Fox Sports and a large number of redundancies – although no number has been released.
Mumbrella also understands that Newscore – the company’s internal newswire – is being shut down.
Williams’ video address to staff:
The announcement:
News Limited announces new strategic actions for growth
Wednesday June 20, 2012
The chief executive of News Australia, Kim Williams, today announced a number of major initiatives to grow its businesses. The changes include a restructure of its national, Queensland, Nsw and Victorian operations to deliver better customer outcomes. Mr Williams also announced one intended acquisition and one completed acquisition.
Mr Williams confirmed the company has submitted a conditional proposal to acquire 100% of the shares in Consolidated Media Holdings (Cmh...
Key details include a reduction in the number of divisions to five, the purchase of Business Spectator, a bid to increase the company’s stake in Foxtel and Fox Sports and a large number of redundancies – although no number has been released.
Mumbrella also understands that Newscore – the company’s internal newswire – is being shut down.
Williams’ video address to staff:
The announcement:
News Limited announces new strategic actions for growth
Wednesday June 20, 2012
The chief executive of News Australia, Kim Williams, today announced a number of major initiatives to grow its businesses. The changes include a restructure of its national, Queensland, Nsw and Victorian operations to deliver better customer outcomes. Mr Williams also announced one intended acquisition and one completed acquisition.
Mr Williams confirmed the company has submitted a conditional proposal to acquire 100% of the shares in Consolidated Media Holdings (Cmh...
- 6/20/2012
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
News Limited is to reorganise itself from 19 divisions to just five in a restructuring which will cost hundreds of jobs, The Australian reports.
The company’s digital division News Digital Media will be folded into the new divisions.
According to The Australian, published by News Limited, the five divisions will be News Nsw, News Qld, News Victoria, The Australian plus magazine and lifestyle arm NewsLifeMedia.
The company appears to be taking a less pessimistic approach to printed newspapers than Fairfax Media, which is to shut two print works. The Australian quotes CEO Kim Williams as saying: “We believe in print and are committed to print. We still sell around 11 million newspapers a week. Advertisers still find huge value in print.”
Because News Limited is not listed on the Asx it is not obliged to offer the same levels of transparency as Fairfax when it comes to job cuts. Williams has...
The company’s digital division News Digital Media will be folded into the new divisions.
According to The Australian, published by News Limited, the five divisions will be News Nsw, News Qld, News Victoria, The Australian plus magazine and lifestyle arm NewsLifeMedia.
The company appears to be taking a less pessimistic approach to printed newspapers than Fairfax Media, which is to shut two print works. The Australian quotes CEO Kim Williams as saying: “We believe in print and are committed to print. We still sell around 11 million newspapers a week. Advertisers still find huge value in print.”
Because News Limited is not listed on the Asx it is not obliged to offer the same levels of transparency as Fairfax when it comes to job cuts. Williams has...
- 6/20/2012
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
Staff at News Limited will have a better idea of their fate at 1.45pm Est today.
The company has told staff that a video message from CEO Kim Williams will appear on their computers at that time.
Among the changes already flagged up today are a $2bn bid to up News Limited’s stake in Australian pay TV, and the company is also reported to be on the verge of acquiring Business Spectator.
There are also predictions of hundreds of job losses as the company seeks to streamline its print operations.
Mumbrella understands that editors from News Limited titles around the country are being brief by Williams about now.
Today’s announcement comes in the same week that Fairfax Media made similarly sweeping moves with 1900 job cuts, a move to tabloid format for the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.
The company has told staff that a video message from CEO Kim Williams will appear on their computers at that time.
Among the changes already flagged up today are a $2bn bid to up News Limited’s stake in Australian pay TV, and the company is also reported to be on the verge of acquiring Business Spectator.
There are also predictions of hundreds of job losses as the company seeks to streamline its print operations.
Mumbrella understands that editors from News Limited titles around the country are being brief by Williams about now.
Today’s announcement comes in the same week that Fairfax Media made similarly sweeping moves with 1900 job cuts, a move to tabloid format for the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.
- 6/20/2012
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
Former editor-in-chief of The Age Andrew Jaspan argues that Australia is just days away from suffering a major blow to its media plurality if mining billionnaire Gina Rinehart successfully takes control of Fairfax Media.
The next two weeks will be defining moments for Australia. It’s when Fairfax is likely to morph into Gina-fax.
On Tuesday Gina Rinehart, the world’s richest woman, is expected to confirm that she has acquired up to 19.9% of Fairfax. The current Board, led by ex-Woolworths and now Walmart director Roger Corbett, is expected to raise the white flag in their efforts to ward off Rinehart’s bid for control. Rinehart is believed to want two or three seats on the board, and control of the Fairfax’s editorial positioning. And what she wants she can afford to buy.
Running in parallel, Fairfax will announce this week one of the most radical restructuring of its metropolitan mastheads,...
The next two weeks will be defining moments for Australia. It’s when Fairfax is likely to morph into Gina-fax.
On Tuesday Gina Rinehart, the world’s richest woman, is expected to confirm that she has acquired up to 19.9% of Fairfax. The current Board, led by ex-Woolworths and now Walmart director Roger Corbett, is expected to raise the white flag in their efforts to ward off Rinehart’s bid for control. Rinehart is believed to want two or three seats on the board, and control of the Fairfax’s editorial positioning. And what she wants she can afford to buy.
Running in parallel, Fairfax will announce this week one of the most radical restructuring of its metropolitan mastheads,...
- 6/17/2012
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
News Limited boss Kim Williams has told staff to expect an announcement on a major organisational shakeup in about a fortnight’s time.
This morning he sent an all-staff email after reports – including from the company’s own The Australian – that the announcement would be as soon as today. The move is expected to include hundreds of job losses.
The memo:
Many will have read recent, inaccurate reports about an announcement by me being made today as to changes in the company. Those reports are misinformed and speculative, based on nothing other than rumour.
As I have indicated previously I have been working with my Executive colleagues in shaping a reformed approach to the management of the company to ensure we continue as a leader in Australian media delivery.
As with all such announcements it is important that the settings are right, the planning comprehensive and the communications open and...
This morning he sent an all-staff email after reports – including from the company’s own The Australian – that the announcement would be as soon as today. The move is expected to include hundreds of job losses.
The memo:
Many will have read recent, inaccurate reports about an announcement by me being made today as to changes in the company. Those reports are misinformed and speculative, based on nothing other than rumour.
As I have indicated previously I have been working with my Executive colleagues in shaping a reformed approach to the management of the company to ensure we continue as a leader in Australian media delivery.
As with all such announcements it is important that the settings are right, the planning comprehensive and the communications open and...
- 6/4/2012
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
(A misdirected link on the Mumbrella daily email may have taken you here in error. To read about the CommBank rebranding, click here.)
Both of Australia’s largest newspaper publishers appear set for upheaval with News Limited preparing for a restructuring involving a reported 400 editorial job cuts and the board Fairfax Media reported to have discussed no longer printing the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age on weekdays.
A report in the Sydney Morning Herald, published by Fairfax, says that News Limited is expected to announce “major job cuts” next week. News Limited’s The Australian’s Media Diary adds: “News Limited chief executive Kim Williams is set to announce on June 4 how the streamlining of the company he has spoken about since the start of this year will actually work.”
Among the projects understood to be underway at News Limited is a move to seven day operations, rather than...
Both of Australia’s largest newspaper publishers appear set for upheaval with News Limited preparing for a restructuring involving a reported 400 editorial job cuts and the board Fairfax Media reported to have discussed no longer printing the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age on weekdays.
A report in the Sydney Morning Herald, published by Fairfax, says that News Limited is expected to announce “major job cuts” next week. News Limited’s The Australian’s Media Diary adds: “News Limited chief executive Kim Williams is set to announce on June 4 how the streamlining of the company he has spoken about since the start of this year will actually work.”
Among the projects understood to be underway at News Limited is a move to seven day operations, rather than...
- 5/27/2012
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
Fairfax Media’s metro newspapers have seen some of the biggest percentage circulation slides since audits began with falls of more than 10% for its flagships The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald along with its Sunday titles The Sunday Age and the Sun-Herald.
The company claims the fall is part of a deliberate strategy to move away from unprofitable print copies to digital subscribers.
Nsw – print:
In Sydney, Monday to Friday circulation of the Smh fell by 13.6% to 180,960, according to quarterly data for January to the end of March released by the Audit Bureau of Circulations. The fall marks an acceleration of the title’s 11.94% fall in the last set of numbers.
Rival title The Daily Telegraph, published by News Limited, decreased its Monday to Friday circulation by 1.4% to 336,348.
The Smh’s Saturday circulation fell by 13.8% to 293,234 – the first time it has been below 300,000.
The Saturday edition of The Tele...
The company claims the fall is part of a deliberate strategy to move away from unprofitable print copies to digital subscribers.
Nsw – print:
In Sydney, Monday to Friday circulation of the Smh fell by 13.6% to 180,960, according to quarterly data for January to the end of March released by the Audit Bureau of Circulations. The fall marks an acceleration of the title’s 11.94% fall in the last set of numbers.
Rival title The Daily Telegraph, published by News Limited, decreased its Monday to Friday circulation by 1.4% to 336,348.
The Smh’s Saturday circulation fell by 13.8% to 293,234 – the first time it has been below 300,000.
The Saturday edition of The Tele...
- 5/10/2012
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
News Limited has appointed Janine Stewart, formerly of Perpetual, to director of people and culture.
The announcement:
The chief executive of News Limited, Kim Williams, today announced the appointment of Janine Stewart as the company’s director of people and culture.
Ms Stewart joins News Limited from Perpetual where she was group executive, people and culture. In her new role Ms Stewart will be responsible for devising and executing a new people strategy for the company and leading its cultural change program. All of the company’s divisional human resources management will report to her.
Ms Stewart starts in her new role on June 4 and will report to Mr Williams.
Mr Williams said; “News Limited has begun a top-to-bottom transformation of its business.
“One of our key aims is to be the employer of choice for the best and most ambitious media professionals in Australia. In order to do this...
The announcement:
The chief executive of News Limited, Kim Williams, today announced the appointment of Janine Stewart as the company’s director of people and culture.
Ms Stewart joins News Limited from Perpetual where she was group executive, people and culture. In her new role Ms Stewart will be responsible for devising and executing a new people strategy for the company and leading its cultural change program. All of the company’s divisional human resources management will report to her.
Ms Stewart starts in her new role on June 4 and will report to Mr Williams.
Mr Williams said; “News Limited has begun a top-to-bottom transformation of its business.
“One of our key aims is to be the employer of choice for the best and most ambitious media professionals in Australia. In order to do this...
- 4/27/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Melvin Mansell
Sam Weir
News Limited has announced a number of editorial appointments on Adelaide’s The Advertiser, Perth’s The Sunday Times and Sydney’s The Sunday Telegraph.
Melvin Mansell takes on a newly created position as state editorial director for News Limited after 13 years as editor of The Advertiser. His new role covers The Advertiser, Sunday Mail and Messenger community titles, The Sunday Times and the Nt News in Darwin.
Sam Weir, editor of The Sunday Times, has taken on the editorship of The Advertiser. He returns to Adelaide after five years editing The Sunday Times.
Christopher Dore
Claire Harvey
The deputy of editor of The Sunday Telegraph Christopher Dore has been appointed editor of The Sunday Times after three years in his former role.
Claire Harvey, currently features editor and columnist for The Sunday Telegraph, has been appointed deputy editor of The Sunday Telegraph.
News Limited chief...
Sam Weir
News Limited has announced a number of editorial appointments on Adelaide’s The Advertiser, Perth’s The Sunday Times and Sydney’s The Sunday Telegraph.
Melvin Mansell takes on a newly created position as state editorial director for News Limited after 13 years as editor of The Advertiser. His new role covers The Advertiser, Sunday Mail and Messenger community titles, The Sunday Times and the Nt News in Darwin.
Sam Weir, editor of The Sunday Times, has taken on the editorship of The Advertiser. He returns to Adelaide after five years editing The Sunday Times.
Christopher Dore
Claire Harvey
The deputy of editor of The Sunday Telegraph Christopher Dore has been appointed editor of The Sunday Times after three years in his former role.
Claire Harvey, currently features editor and columnist for The Sunday Telegraph, has been appointed deputy editor of The Sunday Telegraph.
News Limited chief...
- 4/18/2012
- by Robin Hicks
- Encore Magazine
The Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association (Astra) Industry Excellence Award winners were announced last night, with former Foxtel chief executive, Kim Williams, receiving the pioneer award at the subscription television conference for his contribution to the industry.
Williams, now the CEO of News Limited, served a ten-year tenure at Foxtel, during which time he was a key player in the launch of Foxtel Digital. In his acceptance, Williams expressed pride at having left the company and the sector in a bigger and better state than he had found it.
.We.ve created thousands of jobs for great Australian talent, and awarded both our viewers and our shareholders,. he said.
The Astra awards were presented in three categories - platform marketing, program and channel promotion, and technology . and acknowledged television channels, operators and production houses as well as advertising and creative agencies for their contribution to the promotion of subscription television.
Williams, now the CEO of News Limited, served a ten-year tenure at Foxtel, during which time he was a key player in the launch of Foxtel Digital. In his acceptance, Williams expressed pride at having left the company and the sector in a bigger and better state than he had found it.
.We.ve created thousands of jobs for great Australian talent, and awarded both our viewers and our shareholders,. he said.
The Astra awards were presented in three categories - platform marketing, program and channel promotion, and technology . and acknowledged television channels, operators and production houses as well as advertising and creative agencies for their contribution to the promotion of subscription television.
- 3/23/2012
- by Matthew Worboys
- IF.com.au
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