UPDATE: Australia’s media leaders are urgently lobbying Prime Minister Anthony Albanese against a controversial proposal that would allow AI companies to utilize local content without compensation. This alarming move, highlighted by Nine’s Matt Stanton, threatens to dismantle copyright protections for Australian artists and journalists.
A letter addressed to Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has been signed by major publishers and creatives, denouncing the proposal as a significant giveaway to Big Tech that could devastate the local media landscape. Reports indicate that AI tools, such as those from Google, are already repackaging news content, reducing traffic to original articles by up to 80 percent.
In streaming news, Disney has just announced plans to globalize its brand by replacing the Star brand with Hulu in Australia and other territories. The change will integrate Hulu’s general entertainment offerings into Disney+, which already features popular verticals like Marvel and National Geographic. This shift marks a pivotal moment in Disney’s strategy to enhance its presence in the competitive streaming market.
In corporate news, the REA Group is set to announce a new CEO within weeks, with former Carsales chief Cameron McIntyre emerging as a strong candidate. The $33 billion company, owned by News Corp, is keeping details under wraps, but insiders suggest McIntyre’s track record in driving growth could make him the ideal choice for this high-profile role.
Turning to radio, legendary broadcaster Howard Stern is contemplating his exit strategy from SiriusXM as his blockbuster $500 million deal approaches its conclusion. At age 71, Stern is deliberating a short-term extension, but only if the terms are favorable, amid growing frustrations with the platform’s focus on rival host Andy Cohen.
In social media developments, Elon Musk teased a potential revival of the short-form video app Vine. After recovering the old video archive, Musk indicated that user access might soon be restored, reigniting excitement among its dedicated fanbase.
On the AI front, it has been revealed that companies like OpenAI and Perplexity are aggressively scraping Australian news sites, amassing tens of millions of requests monthly. Despite attempts by publishers to block this activity, Nine Entertainment reports persistent bot activity on its platforms, including The Age and SMH. This highlights the escalating tensions between media companies and tech giants, who are building lucrative products off journalism without compensation.
In a surprising turn, former Al Jazeera journalist Peter Greste has made his reality TV debut in “Ultimate Escape,” now streaming on 7Plus. The show, set in New Zealand, features Greste teaming up with his brother in a high-stakes survival challenge, marking a notable shift from his journalism career.
Lastly, Australia mourns the loss of rock trailblazer Col Joye, who passed away at the age of 89. Joye was a pioneering figure in the Australian music scene, known for leading the first Aussie rock act to top national charts. His legacy also includes helping to launch the Bee Gees, underscoring his profound impact on the industry.
As these stories continue to develop, the implications for Australian media, entertainment, and culture are significant. Stakeholders will be watching closely for further updates.
