In our must-read column, Steve Jackson and Peter van Onselen explore the latest developments in media and politics each week.
Sky News Threatened by Newsmax’s Australian Expansion
Sky News Australia faces a formidable challenge as Newsmax, a powerhouse conservative media network, prepares to launch its Australian branch.
Newsmax’s entry into the Australian market could mark the end of Sky News’ dominance in the country’s right-wing news segment. The U.S.-based cable channel will partner with local media start-up Australian Digital Holdings, rebranding as Newsmax Australia.
Inside this report, we reveal the high-profile launch event to be held in Washington, D.C., celebrating the incoming U.S. President, Donald Trump. Expected attendees include influential conservative figures such as former Prime Minister Tony Abbott and mining mogul Gina Rinehart.
Recently released Sky News Australia presenter Erin Molan will go head-to-head with her former colleagues when Newsmax Australia launches Down Under this year
Notably, Newsmax has already secured Erin Molan, a former Sky News host, to lead the charge. Her willingness to take on a new network underscores the intense competition Sky News will face.
This development comes at a particularly challenging time for Sky News, which is struggling with financial constraints and the renegotiation of its carriage deal with Foxtel after News Corp sold the pay-TV company for $3.4 billion.
Billi FitzSimons Shares Her Romance on Social Media
Journalism sensation Billi FitzSimons has announced her relationship with Jared Ellison, a finance executive, on social media.
Billi FitzSimons hard-launched her romance with finance whiz kid Jared Ellison this week
FitzSimons, editor-in-chief of DailyAus, has shared clips of her and Jared from their time together, celebrating the beginning of their relationship.
While Jared may not have the same social standing as his girlfriend, he boasts an impressive background, including a stint at prestigious venues and a role at online investment platform Stake.
The Guardian’s Low Salaries Reveal Industry Realities
The recent departure of Amy Remeikis, a long-time Guardian journalist, highlights the low pay issues faced by many editors at the publication.
A recent job listing from Guardian reveals that a ‘chief political reporter’ role comes with a maximum salary of just over $100,000, including superannuation. This salary is lower compared to counterparts in other esteemed publications.
Self-proclaimed ‘pyjama politics’ buff and former Guardian scribe Amy Remeikis now works as a lobbyist for The Australia Institute. She followed three colleagues out the door last year
Remeikis and several other senior figures recently resigned, citing disputes with management. High-pressure working conditions and poor pay are cited among their reasons for leaving.
Health Scare for Nine’s Peter Overton
Nine’s anchor, Peter Overton, faced a scheduling snafu when he was unexpectedly substituted from the airwaves during a high-profile tennis event due to illness.
Nine heavily promoted Peter Overton’s return to the airwaves last week… but his wife revealed the anchor was missing in action due to illness
His wife, Jessica Rowe, revealed that Overton needed surgery for a polyp on his vocal cord. Working through the pain and lack of voice due to his condition, his absence was poorly timed during the high-profile event.
Nine’s replacement choice, Georgie Gardner, faced substantial ratings declines against competitors Seven News.
Lachlan Murdoch’s Nova Takes a Change of Stance on Australia Day
While Lachlan Murdoch-owned media giant News Corp prides itself on patriotic national celebrations, its Nova radio network has made a decision not to celebrate Australia Day for those who prefer not to.
Nova’s popular radio host Chrissie Swan and Idol-turned-radio-star Ricki Lee-Coulter
Nova employees were advised that they could choose a different day off if they felt uncomfortable celebrating Australia Day, reflecting a shift in attitudes within parts of the media landscape.
Forty Years of Excellence: Susannah Carr Celebrates Her Half-Century in Media
Seven News Perth anchor Susannah Carr marked her 50th anniversary in the media industry recently, a career spanning five decades in broadcasting.
Carr joined ABC Radio Perth in 1974 and has since made significant contributions to television news, winning a Logie Award and becoming the network’s first female presenter in Perth.
When it comes to careers in the media, few can claim to have an industry-defining legacy like Seven News Perth anchor Susannah Carr, who will celebrate a record-setting four-decade run with co-host Rick Ardon next month
Carr continues to read the news five nights a
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