Media Roundup: Key Industry Updates
Date: 7 August 2025
Here’s a concise overview of today’s top stories affecting PR and communications professionals.
Journalism
Media Leaders Resist AI Copyright Proposal
Australia’s leading media executives are actively opposing a government proposal that would allow AI companies to use local content for training without compensation. Nine’s Matt Stanton has voiced concerns that this threatens copyright protections. A joint letter to Communications Minister Michelle Rowland, signed by major publishers and creatives, criticizes the plan as a giveaway to Big Tech, undermining Australian artists and journalists. Reports show AI platforms like Google are repurposing news content as quick answers, reducing traffic to original articles by up to 80 percent.
Streaming
Disney Brings Hulu Brand to Australia
Disney announced it will replace its Star brand with Hulu globally, including in Australia. Currently, Star operates within Disney+ as a hub for general entertainment distinct from Disney’s family-friendly content. Hulu’s integration aims to unify Disney’s streaming services internationally, covering diverse verticals such as Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, National Geographic, and ESPN.
Companies
Cameron McIntyre in Line for REA CEO Role
The $33 billion News Corp-owned REA Group is close to naming a new CEO. Cameron McIntyre, former Carsales chief who led significant growth there, is a leading external candidate. An announcement is expected within weeks. This role is one of the Murdoch family’s most valued executive positions.
Radio
Howard Stern Considers SiriusXM Future
The iconic broadcaster's $500 million contract with SiriusXM is nearing its end. At 71, Stern is reportedly weighing a short-term extension if the financial terms remain attractive. He wants to support his team but is frustrated by SiriusXM’s focus on rival host Andy Cohen.
Social Media
Elon Musk Teases Vine Revival
Elon Musk revealed that X (formerly Twitter) has recovered the Vine video archive and plans to restore user access. Vine, famous for its short-looping videos, was shut down in 2016 but still holds a cult status among digital creators. This move has sparked speculation about a possible comeback for the platform.
Artificial Intelligence
AI Companies Scraping Australian News Sites
OpenAI, Perplexity, and other AI firms are scraping Australian news websites tens of millions of times monthly, despite publishers’ efforts to block them. Nine Entertainment reports persistent data mining on sites like The Age, SMH, and AFR to train AI models such as ChatGPT. This highlights ongoing tensions as AI developers build valuable tools using journalism they haven't compensated.
Television
Peter Greste Makes Reality TV Debut
Former Al Jazeera journalist Peter Greste has appeared unexpectedly in Ultimate Escape, streaming on 7Plus. The New Zealand-set survival series, described as a blend of Alone and Hunted, features Greste teaming up with his brother. The show was filmed in 2023 and released quietly without much promotion.
Vale
Col Joye, Australian Rock Pioneer, Passes Away at 89
Col Joye rose to fame in the 1960s with Col Joye and the Joy Boys, becoming the first Australian rock act to top the national charts. His career spanned nearly seven decades, earning him an Order of Australia and induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame. He also played a key role in launching the Bee Gees after spotting them perform in 1961.
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