UPDATE: Media Seven has just pulled a senior Melbourne reporter from duty amid escalating tensions surrounding a class-action lawsuit over staff pay. The reporter has been placed on enforced leave due to “mental health concerns,” just days after launching the lawsuit. This decision raises questions about workplace practices at Media Seven, with reports detailing alleged missteps leading to her suspension.
In a related incident, the NRL is taking a strong stance against its broadcast partner, Nine, as tensions rise during grand final week. NRL Commission CEO Peter V’landys has officially lodged a complaint after Nine’s Today show dedicated more airtime to the AFL decider than to the NRL finals. This public dispute could have significant implications for both organizations as they navigate their broadcasting partnership.
Meanwhile, social media platforms are facing a crisis in Australia as trust in TikTok, Facebook, and X plummets. According to a recent report from the Governance Institute, nearly 20% of Australians now view these platforms as “very unethical.” This growing distrust is reflected in a surge of unexplained bans reported by users, particularly impacting small businesses relying on these platforms for customer engagement.
In business news, Canva co-founder Cliff Obrecht has broken away from industry norms, advocating for creator rights in the ongoing copyright debate. Speaking on the Rapid Response podcast, Obrecht emphasized the need for fair compensation for creators when their work is used to train AI technologies. This stance contrasts sharply with the Tech Council’s push for looser copyright laws to attract AI investment.
In a dramatic shift, consulting giant Accenture has announced the elimination of over 11,000 jobs in the past quarter, with more layoffs anticipated if employees cannot adapt to AI technologies. The company’s workforce has dropped to 779,000 amid a significant restructuring effort, highlighted by a $US865 million budget adjustment as demand declines and U.S. government spending tightens.
Additionally, interest is rising in the AI-generated actress Tilly Norwood, who has reportedly caught the attention of several talent agents. Created by Eline Van der Velden’s studio Xicoia, Norwood’s emergence signifies a new frontier in the entertainment industry, where AI is increasingly recognized for its potential.
These developments reflect a rapidly changing media landscape, where legal battles, ethical concerns, and technological advances intersect. As these stories unfold, it’s crucial to stay updated on the implications for media, business, and society at large.
Stay informed with the latest media and marketing news by subscribing to the Mediaweek Morning Report, delivered free to your inbox every morning.
