Media Flash - Feb. 21, 2000
ash...@hotmail.com
Monday, February 21, 2000
Published Monday Mornings.
Confidential Weekly E-Magazine. Edited by Ash Long.
Phone/Fax: 1-800 231 311. E-Mail: media...@yahoo.com
Inside 'Media Flash' This Week
* 'BLOWTORCH': 3AW to face ABA
* 'BLOWHARD': $25,000 fine over $4 million TV scam
* 'FLYBLOWN': Tourism budget chopped in Olympic year
Breaking Media News In A Flash
'Blowtorch' for 3AW on contra-for-comment
* TERRY MAHER, Melbourne scoop for the RICHARD WALSH-DAVID SALTER
Zeitgeist Gazette, says DAVID FLINT'S Australian Broadcasting Authority
intends to apply the 'blowtorch' to Melbourne radio station 3AW. Maher
says "paranoia levels increased dramatically" at the Bank Street bunker
on Thursday when Age media reporter MELISSA FYFE rang GM GRAHAM MOTT
for comment about a possible up-coming closed-door examination of AW by
the ABA.
* It is true that AW outside broadcasts did originate at Crown Casino
and the Transurban CityLink site ... but the presenters including PD
STEVE PRICE didn't score a single quid. Mott says anonymous allegations
were put to the ABA last November. This was about the same time that
RAYMOND HOSER made interestingly similar allegations in a letter to Ad
News (next issue had an Ad News apology).
* A number of 3AW broadcasters have had blatant outside arrangements,
promoted endlessly on air, and obvious to the hardest-of-hearing
listeners. The ABA might ask if AW managers monitor their own programs.
The Freebies File
* So here's the freebies list as we know it ... it's hardly 2UE! BRUCE
MANSFIELD (now sacked) and PHILIP BRADY (now Sundays) had free overseas
Amadeus Class plane flights to/from Europe with Lauda Air; BRADY also
flew on holidays with Air New Zealand and Air Vanuatu; DARREN JAMES had
a freebie on Lauda's first 777 week-long round-the-globe flight to
Australia piloted by NIKKI LAUDA ... he reportedly also has a few
chilled refreshers at Glencoe Restaurant; ERNIE SIGLEY had a free
British Airways top-class Melbourne-London return flight with wife
GLENYS: Ern barking back to The Age that this was in return for
unspecified 'corporate work'. Sigley also gave plugs for his wife's
hairdressing salon, Broadway On High.
* In advertising contra deals, breakfast man DEAN BANKS drives a Benz
from a Melbourne Mercedes dealer; ERNIE SIGLEY has a Mentone SAAB;
STEVE PRICE 'test-drives' a Bilia Volvo; and PHILIP BRADY had a Coffey
Ford.
* Morning man NEIL MITCHELL'S only on-air promo seemed to be Friday's
delivered lunch from JOHN and HELEN STAMOULIS' Clarendon Fish and
Chippers ... and it's likely he paid for his flake and chips anyway.
Mitchell has an outside interest in that he is paid by the Seven
Network, for a weekly spot on Today Tonight ... and his producer CLARK
FORBES is paid by the Herald Sun for a weekly column.
* BRUCE MANSFIELD'S personal contra-for-comment list includes:
Abbotsford Leather, luggage; Avis Rent-A-Car, Mercedes car; Bob
Stewart's Mensland, clothing; Cafe Como Fiori, drinks; Cafe Greco at
Crown Casino, meals; Eurostar, first-class London-Paris transport;
Flowerdrum Restaurant, meals; John Dee, hairdressing; Ivanhoe Tavern,
restaurant meals; Lauda Air, top class Melbourne-London air flights;
Lone Star Restaurant, meals; Qantas, air flights; Raine & Horne, real
estate services; Rivers, clothing; Rose Bouquet Florist, flowers;
Sparkles Car Wash, car wash; The Coatman, clothing; Vlado's Restaurant,
meals.
But wait, there's more ...
* MANSFIELD also had personal cash payment or contra-for-comment, some
connected with TV work, with mentions going to: Advent Brass Band,
compering concerts; Charcoal Restaurant, Canberra, meals, liquor;
Frasers Restaurant, Perth, meals, liquor; Hyatt Canberra,
accommodation, meals, liquor; Hyatt Regency Perth, accomodation, meals,
liquor; Mirage Resort, Port Douglas, accommodation, meals, liquor;
Moonee Ponds Traders; Novotel, Palm Cove (Qld), accommodation, meals,
liquor; Park Hyatt Sydney, accommodation, meals, liquor; The Sebel of
Sydney, accomodation, meals, liquor.
* REX HUNT presents a Friday fishing show on 3AW for no pay ... but,
instead, in exchange for advertising mentions that he organises with
his own sponsors, and includes in the program.
* ALAN PEARSALL, weekend mid-dawner, had a connection with Crown
Casino, but only that he asked them to compulsorily bar him from
entering the premises. He no longer gambles.
* STEVE PRICE requested an Ask-The-Vet segment in Thursday Nightline
programs, with DR JAMES RAMSDEN doing spots ... in association with
paid ads from an animal health product company.
* VANESSA CREW, former partner of midnight-dawn presenter of KEITH
McGOWAN, and former 3AW cheque signer CATHY ROBBINS are rumored to have
been interviewed about life at the station.
3AK: Southern Cross still has charge
* MAL GARVIN and MICHAEL CLEARY, Radio 3AK MD and Company Secretary,
are due to announce the station's new 49 per cent investor tomorrow
(Tuesday), after a similar function was cancelled last week. Company
documents show current shareholders to be ARTHUR BLACK, WILSON and
LESLIE BRUCE, BURILLA P/L (Pitcher Family), CVM & CO (Interests
associated with SIMON McKEON), FAR WEST RADIO (headed by DAVID and
BARBARA TUNKIN), FUSION AUSTRALIA and W.A.L. INVESTMENTS (interests
associated with WILSON BRUCE).
* Negotiations for the station had been dogged by delay, since MICHAEL
FUNG at PriceWaterhouse Coopers first advertised the Melbourne radio
station for sale in August last year ... six months ago.
* The company documents show Southern Cross Broadcasting (chaired by
PETER NIXON and headed by CEO TONY BELL), already operators of 3AW and
Magic 693 in the Melbourne radio market, to have a $5 million charge
over Fusion Media, which is understood to have missed its August 1999
payment.
$25,000 fine over $4m scam advertised on Bert's GMA
* BERT NEWTON has stopped doing advertorials on Ten Network's Good
Morning Australia program. One of the reasons is probably that 80,000
people were conned last year by MICHAEL KNIGHT (aka MICHAEL HELSBY-
KNIGHT and MICHAEL KAIN) who had 21 'live' TV ads on GMA, to promote
$240 'Sheridan' sheets for $39. Magistrate RODNEY CRISP was told $4
million of sales were generated from spots with Newton and presenter
KAREN LEDBURY; few consumers ever received their sheets. Newton said it
was "a sensational offer" and closed the segment, saying he had to go
because he was going to make a phone call to buy sheets himself. Ten
solicitor RICHARD BEAN (yep, Mr Bean) said the network had received
thousands of complaints from folk who had not had sheets delivered.
Third Party Contracts Declared
* JOHN LAWS has listed 'relevant commercial arrangements' on the 'Third
Party Contracts' page of Radio 2UE's new web page: Foxtel, Hanimex,
Norwegian Capricorn Line, NRMA, Penrith Rugby League, QANTAS, Toyota,
The Daily Telegraph and Valvoline. ALAN JONES has listed Harper
Collins, Korero, Optus, QANTAS, Sony Music, State Bank of NSW, TCN-9,
Walker Corporation, Walsh Bay Finance and Warner Music.
* PRUE MacSWEEN and her firm declared Nestlé, NSW Lotteries, British
Airways, Norwegian Star, Energy Australia, 2UE, Roses Only, Institute
of Chartered Accountants, Carols In The Domain, Gay Games, For Dummies,
Cranswick Wines and Souths. SUZY YATES and her Publicityworks firm
listed Amgerm, Catherine De Vrye, Heavenly Musical Company, Masterton
Homes, Pow Wow Events, Ozbuy.com, Ray White Double Bay, BLC Cosmetics,
Summit Hotels and Wests Tigers Football Club.
* It's good Ms MacSween has the other work. She has been dumped from
Sky Radio, with MD STEPHEN EVERETT confirming talks to include 3AW'S
DERRYN HINCH in the line-up (as already predicted in Media Flash).
Fiji: Double Crisis
* ROWENA ERASITO of Fiji Telecom blamed problems in the US for the
Internet crisis that hit Fiji for three days this week. Fiji's Daily
Post said problems were caused because the nation has just one Internet
provider: Fiji International Telecommunications Limited.
* MICHAEL McQUAY, CEO of Fiji Visitors Bureau, has cut forecasts of
tourists in this Olympic year, because its funding has been cut from
$11 million to $7 million, because of political pay-offs to sugar cane
farmers and other government supporters. ROBERT KEITH-REID of Fiji
Islands Business reports the 36 per cent cut has crippled the FVB's
ability to maintain the momentum of strong growth. The President of the
Society of Fiji Travel Agencies, TONY WHITTON, says Australia-New
Zealand arrivals have fallen steeply, and the America's Cup in Auckland
and the Olympics offered enormous promotional opportunities to Fiji.
Olympic wrestling: News v Fairfax
* REBECCA WILSON, News Limited executive, has called on Sydney Olympic
Games organisers to censure John Fairfax Publications, after the Sydney
Morning Herald published the torchbearers' register in its second
edition ... after scanning the list in the first edition of The Daily
Telegraph.
Canberra Contretemps?
* MALCOLM COLLESS, News Limited Director of Corporate Development, was
featured in RICHARD McGREGOR'S piece in Media on Thursday: "In
Canberra, it is an open secret that Colless is the News Limited
lobbyist depicted in (Bulletin Editor MAX) WALSH'S article as
threatening 'to get little JOHNNY HOWARD' on the night of the digital
decision in the National Press Club. Colless could not be reached for
comment, but GRAHAME MORRIS, a former Howard adviser who worked with
News Limited on the digital issue, says neither of them were in
Canberra on the night in question, let alone at the press club."
Asia-Pacific Report
* GENERAL WIRANTO dropped by at Jakarta's Classic Rock Radio M97 FM
this week in an effort to rebuild his political career, after being
ousted by PRESIDENT ABDURRAHMAN WAHID. Next day the Javanese General
turned up on TV. His lawyer ADNAN BUYUNG NASUTION has told him to ease
down.
* DAVID PERDON, NZ journalist writes to us: "LINDA CLARK, former
Political Editor of Television New Zealand, has been appointed Editor
of the Auckland-based INL women's magazine Grace."
* A NZ talkback host has been cleared of any breach of Broadcasting
Standards Authority codes, after calling a listener "a stupid old cow".
The station said the remark had "affectionate overtones".
* CATHERINE SULLIVAN is taking applications for Woman's Day Deputy
Editor, based in Auckland.
TV Program for The Age?
* STEVE HARRIS, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of The Age, may consider
a pay-TV program to promote the daily newspaper. This comes as Gannett
Broadcasting is re-focusing USA Today Live on television and the
Internet. The program produces live interviews by the newspaper's
reporters and editors, "designed to bring the spirit and quality of the
newspaper to local television stations" and "in its transition from a
text-based format to one fully utilising the power of audio and video".
DICK MOORE, News Director at WXII-TV in Winston-Salem, will be USA
Today Live's Managing Editor. EP will be VALERY LODATO, most recently a
News Producer at WUSA-TV, Washington.
Sydney Desk
* SASKA GREVILLE, Editor of Murdoch Magazine's New Woman mag, seems to
be just about the only staffer not to move last week to new owner EMAP
Australia at Jones Street. NW sells 85,880 copies, and its UK edition
is also run by EMAP, where circulation has increased by 30 per cent.
* KATE FISCHER is on the front, with a handbag covermount, of Pacific
Publications' Elle magazine's 10th birthday issue. We hear supermodel
NAOMI CAMPBELL flounced out of Australia before the scheduled cover
shoot.
* STEPHEN KAY is leaving Mason Stewart/EMAP as Sports Publisher, after
14 years. He is leaving to take a senior role in marketing for surf and
lifestyle giant, Rip Curl. Replacement yet to be named.
* MATTHEW KELLY of the ABC Book Department is taking résumés for a
Commissioning Editor to their Gore Hill (NSW) operations. Aunty will
pay up to $52,474.
* DEB HENDERSON at Greenpeace is offering some contract work for 2000
for a Marketing Communications Co-Ordinator (two months); Media Officer
(one for 12 months, another until October); an AV Librarian to
December; and an Editor for six months.
Queensland Beat
* PAUL J. TURNER, BILLY J. SMITH and ALLAN McGIRVIN were amongst former
Ipswich and Brisbane DJs from 4IP to help swing the hammer this month
to demolish the old HQ at Auchenflower, to become a $52 million 10-
level resort with 162 apartments and recreational facilities.
Adelaide Goss
* TIM VIDLER is taking applications for a Communications Manager for
the Australian Citrus Growers organisation, initially based in
Adelaide, but relocating to Mildura. The job includes work towards the
monthly Australian Citrus News. Tim expects the candidate to be
tertiary qualified in agriculture or horticulture.
Buying, Selling, Just Looking ...
* Ex-Age part-owner CONRAD BLACK may be the buyer for some of the
mastheads being sold by Thomson Corporation, who are concentrating
their operations on the Internet and other electronic data services.
Thomson will sell 55 daily and 75 non-dailies in Canada and the US,
except The Globe and Mail. Company President RICHARD HARRINGTON says
about 50 per cent of the company's $US810 million revenues were
generated through electronic revenues.
Public Relations Watch
* WARWICK THOMAS, chairman of Crows Nest's Mainsteam committee (NSW),
have launched the "FAAARK" crow call campaign to promote local
business. Designers are the Hidden Talent Agency.
* DAMIAN HICKEY is this week announcing the launch of Brodeur Worldwide
IT PR agency in Australia. MD KAREN PATERSON tells Media Flash that the
worldwide organisation has 700 employees in 30 countries. Chairman JOHN
BRODEUR says: "E-Business is transforming all companies into global
companies ... effective communications counsel calls for a new level of
integrated communications services."
* IAN OLTON offers up to $57,097 for the new PR Manager at the
University of New England.
* LES O'DONNELL wants a Senior Public Relations Officer for World
Vision.
* Similarly, TRISH CASWELL wants a Media Manager for Plan International
Australia.
* AMANDA BURKE of Management Recruiters Australia is receiving CVs for
the $110,000+ Vice President - Media Relations position, Sydney-
Melbourne, for a financial services brand.
* VICKI VOGIATZOGLOU of EMI Music Australia is looking for SLIM DUSTY
memorabilia to support the launch of his 100th album. Akubra hats and
beers-with-Duncan to PO Box 311, Cremorne 2090.
Air Waves
* JO JARVIS, producer of the JON FAINE program on 3LO, has beefed up
the line-up with the inclusion of RED SYMONS and KERRY ARMSTRONG. Red
is also frontig Red Cross CSA's.
* PHIL CULLEN tells us how Queensland-based Coast FM has gone live on
the web, 5am-10pm daily, following a large number of international and
interstate requests for more of the contemporary playlist. Phil,
Station Manager and Music Programmer, says the link is
coa...@your.abc.net.au
* ANDREW KINGSMILL, President of North FM - Ku-ring-gai's local
community station (NSW), says the broadcaster stands to lose 75 per
cent of its airtime from March 1. The ABA says they have to share its
existing frequency of 100.1 with three other temporary community
broadcasters from that date.
* ARTIE STEVENS has appointed WILL HODGSON and LESLEY YEOMANS for the
casual presenter's position at Fitzroy (Vic.) mentioned in last week's
Media Flash. Artie had 25 applications for the job.
* PETER McCAHON of APN is appointing a Radio Station Manager for the
two Kingaroy (Qld) stations. Package is $50,000 p.a., and applications
close this Friday (Feb. 25).
* STREET REMLEY, radio commercial creator, is fronting part of the
campaign for Adelaide business.
TV Guide
* DAVE CAMPBELL is moving on from his GM role at Sydney's Channel 31.
FILOMENA PALARIC will assume some of the duties. JOHN STARR of Starr
Willcocks (who has been scoring plenty of Fin Review publicity from his
National Textiles work) continues as Administrator of the community
station.
* TRACEY HOLMES, MIKE WHITNEY and DAWN FRASER front Seven's new Olympic
Show (Sunday).
* MAL LEYLAND, wife, daughter, son-in-law are presenting six Leyland
Australia specials (Nine, Sun.)
* PAUL VAUTIN and PETER STERLING will bring the Sydney Footy Show for a
Melbourne Storm Crown Casino Edition on Thursday, March 2. (Nine
Network).
* ANNE PHELAN is one of the organisers for this Saturday's Prisoner
Unlocks The Gates For Aids. Bookings can be made on 1-800 062 849.
Employment
NEW EMPLOYMENT SECTION AT BOTTOM OF PAGE.
FREE EMPLOYMENT ADS ARE PUBLISHED BY MEDIA FLASH. E-MAIL TO:
media...@yahoo.com
* DR CHES MASON will answer queries at the Australian Radiation
Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency for the $63,703 position of Public
Affairs Officer at Miranda (NSW), with Melbourne travel.
* MICHAEL STEVENS, Canberra Times Editor, wants a Senior Sub-Editor and
Senior Reporters.
* AJAY PRASHAD of Sydney's Magnus Advertising will interview Melbourne-
based candidates to sell ads on the back of supermarket receipts. Ajay
offers $50,000-plus for 'performers'.
* PETER DIMBROWSKY of Rehame Australia is advertising for a Customer
Service/Sales Executive for the Drummoyne (NSW) office. Initial salary:
$35,000 p.a.
* JANE STALEY, Executive Officer of the Australian Plaintiff Lawyers
Association, will negotiate a package of between $40,000-$50,000 for a
National Public Affairs Manager.
* GERARD WILKIE, Shepparton-based Sales Manager for Austar is
employing 'stars' for his team, with high performers promised $50,000.
He says Austar has 350,000 subscribers.
* P. CHAVASS is taking applications until Feb. 28 for a Public Affairs
Manager for the Canberra-based National Registration Authority for
Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals. $66,240-$79,117 p.a.
* PETER TANNER at Tanner Menzies is hiring a Corporate Relations
Manager for a "major media organisation ... involved in a number of
high profile projects that will have a major impact in the media
industry and wider Melbourne community". It involves relationships in
government, media, business and the general public.
* IPOH AUSTRALIA want a Marketing Manager for their new Sydney CBD
shopping centre. Applications close this Friday (Feb. 25).
More jobs
* TRACY MOTTOLA, Executive PA at Fairfax Community Newspapers (Vic.),
has a number of positions vacant: Commercial Printing Account
Executive, Credit Controller, Administration Assistant, Editorial
Assistant/Personal Assistant. SEE BELOW.
* IAN McMAHON, Editor of APN Media's Travel Week, is hiring two
journalists for the Sydney office.
* AMY SMITH at Market Search (NSW) is on the hunt for a Journalist for
an 8-month contract.
* CHRIS SMITH of Cumberland Newspapers (NSW) requires an Advertising
Sales Representative for Sydney's Inner West.
* TIM HAYES of Mirror Australian Telegraph Publications is offering a
trade apprenticeship for fitting and machining at the Chullora print
centre (NSW). The company also wants a Casual Switchboard Operator for
the Sydney head office - which has 160 incoming lines ... hold the line
please!
* THE TYPE FACTORY, Carlton (Vic.), wants an experienced Typesetter for
the afternoon shift.
* JAMIESON PUBLISHING (Cronulla, NSW) requires an Editor for its
yachting mag.
* EXPRESS PUBLICATIONS at Silverwater (NSW) is advertising for an
Editor for its Homemaker title.
Ad staff in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne
* GIL McLACHLAN writes to Media Flash: "Travel Media Group is seeking
full-time advertising sales staff in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane,
and will consider other locations as well. TMG supplies travel content
to various trade and consumer users and has a number of print and
Internet publications. Contact Gil McLachlan: gi...@ozemail.com.au
Big Names Dept.
* JOHN BLACKMAN of Melbourne's 3AK told listeners he had demanded that
a DERRYN HINCH on-air promo be removed. JB says 3AW GM GRAHAM MOTT
quickly obliged. The clip had previously been the point of legal
action, last resolved in 1993. Our guess is that the clip included the
quote from someone that 3AW "had lost its soul".
* DAME ELISABETH MURDOCH is amongst the top seven influential women in
Victoria, according to the Murdoch family's Herald Sun. Top women were
adjudged as former ABC presenter MARY DELAHUNTY (now State Education
Minister), Deputy Opposition Leader LOUISE ASHER, Commerce chief NICOLE
FEELY, ANZ boss ELIZABETH PROUST, TAC chair MARGARET JACKSON, and
Premier's wife TERRY BRACKS.
* FRED HILMER reported the Fairfax half-year on Friday: profit after
tax up 53.2 per cent; publishing EBIT up 33 per cent on a like-for-like
basis; internet revenue double. The f2 loss is $19.9 million.
* JOCK RANKIN, one-time ABC newsman, has become Executive Director of
the Property Council of Victoria. Mrs Jock Rankin is 'QUEEN MARY'
DELAHUNTY, Victorian State Minister for Education.
Smaller Names Dept.
* JANE KENRICK has been appointed Editor of the Melbourne Independent
Newspapers group that includes The Melbourne Times, City Weekly,
Emerald Hill Times and Southern Cross. She was Acting Editor following
the end-1999 return of MITCHELL MURPHY to Queensland, and the mid-1999
departure of GLEN ROHAN to Metro News.
* BRUCE MANSFIELD, the dismissed 3AW broadcaster, declined an
invitation to say goodbye to his listeners in the new-look Nightline
program, according to new host DERRYN HINCH. Herald Sun radio writer
FIONA BYRNE says PHILIP BRADY has ruled out working ever again with
Mansfield.
Odds and Ends
* PETER BLUNDEN'S Herald Sun ran a full column under 'Birth Notices' in
the 25-pages of Valentine's Day messages. The only two words in the
column were "Ansell Condoms". The paper had 4304 notices. VD
supplements in previous years have been sometimes more than 40 pages.
* MINX, part of Sydney-based EMAP, promises to be edgier and cater more
to the young woman, to gain its market share against Cosmopolitan, Cleo
(ACP) and B (Pacific). One of its latest coverlines is "Get A Grip -
The Art of Giving Great Hand".
* KERRY PACKER owned Australian Playboy when it had sales of 150,000
copies. EMAP are surrendering the local licence, now that HUGH HEFNER'S
local Oz edition sales are now 15,000.
* GEOFFREY JOHNSTONE, formerly of SKASE'S Mirage Resort, Port Douglas,
is back in Melbourne.
* STEPHEN CAUCHI reported in Saturday's Age that the broadsheet's
readership rose 2.7 per cent, according to a ROY MORGAN survey.
Previous week, ABC figures showed Saturday sales had dropped.
* BERT NEWTON is fronting the Maxibon ice cream TV campaign. Lick that!
* KEITH McGOWAN, 3AW mid-yawn presenter of 11 years, gives thanks each
morning to the producers of the preceding show. We heard him
mention 'Paul' - could it be former AW afternoon presenter PAUL BARBER
was back in the Bank Street bunker? Barber currently appears weekly
with DOUG AITON on 3AK's afternoon program, currently being caretakered
by ARTHUR HIGGINS.
Overseas Desk
* RUTH & MOLLOY have quit their New York Daily News gossip column, for
a new desk at US magazine. MARCUS BARAM and MARC S. MALKIN start at US
next Monday (Feb. 28).
* DAVID LETTERMAN returns to CBS tonight (Feb. 21) after emergency
quintuple by-pass surgery. He will do two shows this week. Other hosts
this week are BILL COSBY and REGIS PHILBIN.
* REUTERS reporters and photographers have withheld by-lines, as part
of strike action for more pay.
* The STRAITS TIMES publisher is to produce a morning tabloid with an
accompanying Web site.
* Also in Singapore, WORLDMINE want to appoint one Managing Editor, two
Regional Editors, 20 destination writers, seven speciality writers and
three photographers. Note: "Compensation will be a combination of
salary and shares in the company".
* SBS RADIO wants a part-time Melbourne-based broadcaster for its
Bosnian program. Expect $43,271 pro-rata, and the odd death threat.
TRACY CLIFFORD is issuing 'selection documentation'.
* JODIE BERNSTEIN, Director of the US Federal Trade Commission, is on
the hunt for e-con artists. Agencies are cracking down on online
auctions that prey on consumers.
Out-of-this-world Desk
* RUPERT MURDOCH'S News Corporation issued this statement about
satellites: "We have under serious consideration plans to consolidate
our worldwide satellite platforms and certain related assets under one
umbrella entity. It is premature to speculate on the final format of
this umbrella entity, the make-up of the assets, the identity of its
investors or whether the entity will be a public company."
Pollie Waffle
* Former Indonesian President SOEHARTO is "physically and mentally
unfit" to undergo investigation into alleged corruption during his 32
years in power, reports The Jakarta Post. "He would not be able to
understand the substance of the questions," submits lawyer JUAN FELIX
TAMPUBOLON.
* STEVE BRACKS, Victorian Premier, is advertising of a 'Head of
Cabinet' for the Department of Premier and Cabinet: an 'attractive six
figure package' is offered.
* DR ANDREW THEOPHANOUS accepted a bag allegedly containing $4000 in
bribe money at a meeting with a National Crime Authority, the Melbourne
Magistrates' Court was told on Friday. Magistrate JACK TOBIN has been
told the Federal Labor MP will plead not guilty to 27 charges relating
to tens of thousands of dollars in bribes he allegedly accepted to help
people with immigation problems. The hearing continues.
Dot.Com
* DAN ROYAL, Operations Manager for the Los Angeles Times, says
newspaper web sites have not been immune from the hackers who have been
striking a wide range of Internet locations: "We got hit and it was
pretty scary." JOHN McQUIGGAN, Managing Editor of the Philadelphia
Daily News, said his paper took a wide range of precautions. Site
Editor KEVIN COSGROVE reported 'huge disruption' at The Oregonian
newspaper in Portland, US.
* ANAH CAMERON is taking applications for a Web Site & Communications
Editor for Dataflow Computer Services at Lane Cove (NSW).
* SIOBHAN CONDON, of 36 Beulah Rd, Norwood (SA) has registered the
www.fox.fm domain. According to register.com, fox1019.fm is still
available.
* Meanwhile, the Anal Research Society of England had registered
arse.com.
* LAKSHMI CHAUDHRY of Wired News reports nigger.com is owned by the
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. NAACP
director JOHN WHITE (yep) says: "We wanted to make sure these domain
names would not be used for derogatory purposes." Similarly, the Anti
Defamation League has kike.com, with faggot.org and dyke.com used by
others for anti-hate material.
Party Time For Crikey's New Web Site
* STEPHEN MAYNE hosted about 200 journos to last week's launch of
crikey.com.au at Melbourne's Imperial Hotel. Spotted in the crowd were
DAVID BROADBENT of National Nine News, ANDREW RULE and MELISSA FYFE of
The Age, PAUL CHADWICK of the Media Law Centre, GARETH BOREHAM of Ten
News, MICHAEL SPENCER of BHP, TESS LAWRENCE and TERRY MAHER. ANDREW
DODD of The Australian's Media won the raffle ... he had written the
full-page piece on crikey.com.au the previous Thursday.
The Local Report
* GENE SWINSTEAD of Leader Newspapers is advertising for a Editor for
Progress Press.
* HAZEL EDWARDS, Branch Manager for the Mountain Views Mail owned by
HARTLEY HIGGINS and GEOFF HEYES, is advertising to employ an Ad Sales
Consultant, based at Healesville (Vic.).
* BRUCE ELLEN is looking to hire a Journalist/Sub-Editor for the
Latrobe Valley Express (Vic.).
* GWENDA McMANUS is handling the appointment of a full-time Media
Liaison Officer at the Mount Helen Campus of the University of
Ballarat. Moolah in the order of $42,020 p.a. is paid.
* MICHAEL KANE and MICHAEL CAPPELLO at the Department of Education,
Employment and Training in Melbourne will get more applications to a
similar position as above. Why? Up to $83,171.
Personal Bests
* RODNEY CRISP, Magistrate in the court case involving ads on BERT
NEWTON'S Good Morning Australia, described the consumers who ordered
the fake sheets as profoundly gullible but susceptible to persuasive
daytime TV advertising. Reporter FAY BURSTIN did not include any
magisterial 'obiter dicta' about power walker ads with BUZZ ALDRIN, or
BIG KEV'S carpet cleaner.
* TONY MOLTZEN, 2UE GM, has thanked ID Media "for the excellent design
job" on 2ue.com where '2UE Shopping' will soon debut. Down south, the
3AW website stays closed 'for renovations'.
Suggestion Box
* ERIC BEECHER might consider converting The Eye to a full-color
tabloid on 80-gsm, perhaps printed on JOHN B. FAIRFAX'S Capital Fine
Print press. As a cheeky weekly in the shadow of RICHARD WALSH'S Nation
Review, it would have to lift from its 9000 fortnightly sales,
acknowledged by JOHN SINGLETON in an interview with MELISSA FYFE.
Rather than chase the largely-unattainable national ads, how about
chasing the top-value 'AB' real estate from Sydney and Melbourne
weeklies?
Glass House Dept.
* PAULINE PRIEST, Home Living Editor in Sydney's Cumberland Newspapers,
was not happy ... great left page in the Mt Druitt-St Mary's
Standard ... so good they also ran it on the facing right-hander!
* DERRYN HINCH'S Freudian slip (Feb. 15): "You're listening to Lifeline
on 3AW".
* MEDIA FLASH had taken a swipe at The Melbourne Weekly-Bayside
Southern Cross ... which has now sprung back to impressive life with a
36-page edition. It has thankfully dropped an editorial on AUGUSTO
PINOCHET (which reminded us of the Wagga Daily Advertiser's "We have
previously warned the Czar"), and returned to editorialising local
politics. Ad-log is impressive too.
Writers' Block
* JOHN B. FAIRFAX says the new Rural Press MAN Roland plant will be in
full production by March.
* DAN WEBB, once of HSV-7 and 3DB, is researching the history of early
radio man CHARLIE VAUDE.
* BRENTON STACEY, Editorial Assistant at Signs Publishing Company
writes: "Reading Media Flash takes 10 minutes of my (otherwise)
productive work time. I'd imagine my boss isn't happy, but I am." Next
week: Brenton's boss writes for us.
* GEOFFREY WRIGHT, 74, Weekly Times legend, is launching his first
book, The Wright Road.
* ED CHARLES, Editor-on-the-move at Ad News, writes in his latest
issue: "I'm still here. Some readers may be under the impression I'm
leaving Ad News after a halfbaked story appeared in another industry
magazine, which didn't bother to call me to check the facts. The fact
is I am still with Ad News and am not leaving the magazine, but will be
based in the Melbourne office. I am stepping up to take on additional
commercial responsibilities, but will still be involved in an executive
capacity on the editorial side and will still write for the magazine.
Production Editor SAM TANNOUS, who has been deputising for me for
nearly a year now, will become Editor."
Absent Friends
* WALTER CRONKITE hosted a CBS-TV tribute to CHARLES SCHULZ, two days
before the cartoonist's death and last Sunday strip in American
newspapers. A number of syndicated cartoonists used their comics to pay
tribute to Schulz.
* Actor TONY DOYLE - aka shady trader BRIAN QUIGLEY in Ballykissangel -
has died at age 58.
This Week's New Subscribers
* PAUL BARBIERI at RMIT Journalism School, and BARRY KOTZE are amongst
our new subscribers to Media Flash this week. So too are DARYL MITCHELL
at WINNBN Sales, ALEX LANDRAGIN at Planet Talk, PENNY DAY at the City
of Sydney, DEAN BEDFORD in NZ, MELISSA HERBERT at Bookman Press,
ANGELOS FRANOPOULOS (Acting Managing Editor at Sky News Australia),
CAROL TAYLOR at Tell Tayls Creative (SA), ELIZABETH O'LOUGHLIN at
Shell, HUGH MARTIN, BRETT RAMSEY, KEITH TOLMIE, JOAN-MAREE HARGREAVES,
FERGUS MAGUIRE, MICHAEL DOYLE, DENIS MORIARTY, JIM CARDEN, ANTHONY
BURTON, KEITH WILLIAMS, CHRIS MAIN, LESLEY de VOIL, RICHARD FLEMING and
GABI BURMAN.
* Also on board are BILL BIRNBAUER, KERRY TAYLOR and CHRIS JOHNSTON at
The Age; LEE WAPLING and MARIA TARRANT at RMIT Training; STEVEN HARULOW
at the Australian Nursing Journal; KEN TURNBULL at BRW, MARGOT SAVILLE
at Fairfax; MICHAEL HUTAK and BRETT CRAWFORD at Gadfly Advertising;
journalist ANDREW DANIELS at The Australian Pharmacist; WIN-VIC
producer-presenter CAROLYNE RANDOE; and JOSHUA KENNEDY-WHITE - an
Account Manager at Parker & Partners Pty Ltd public affairs.
* From our link at crickey.com.au come TONY WALKER, JOANNA JOHNSON,
DAVID KALMUND, NICHOLAS MARTIN, ASHLEY BROWNE (Managing Editor at
Sportal), CHRISTOPHER CALLOW in SIMON CREAN'S office, DR JOHN WILLIAMS,
LIZ DODS (a journalism student at University of Technology - Sydney),
and STEVE TOWNSHEND of Golden Arm Productions,
* New Federal Parliamentary subscribers are COLIN CAMPBELL and LISA
McDONALD. Also on the mailing list is GEOFF HARRIS, Senior Media
Adviser to the ACT Chief Minister; ROBERT ALLEN from Queensland
Transport; and SENATOR JOCELYN NEWMAN'S media adviser RICHARD WILSON.
* New ABC Media Flashers: Sydney 702 Promotions Producer CHRIS NORRIS;
freelancer and radio lecturer ANDREA BAKER; Melbourne morning producer
JO JARVIS; and 3LO Program Director BRONWEN KIELY.
* Finally, welcome to PETER DE GROOT of Canterbury ... not to be
confused with existing subscriber PETER DE GROOT of Research (Vic.).
Editor's E-Mail
* PAT HAYES from On The Road Magazine says: "Media Flash makes my
Monday morning coffee much more palatable. It is great for the isolated
small publisher to hear news of acquaintances, friends and non-friends
getting what they deserve and sometimes what they don't deserve."
* ROSE DE ANGELIS, Editor of Melbourne Events writes: "Thanks for this,
very interesting!"
Fry likes Eye
* MICHAEL FRY, of Hotmailville, writes: "Re your Told You So in Media
Flash (Feb. 14). The first mention of the Fairfax-Hilmer matter was
indeed neither in The Eye nor Media Flash. The first reports were in
the Fairfax press. The Age, the SMH and the AFR all reported on the
first writ being lodged on December 24 last year - about a week about
the original item appeared in the Herald. Since then several more writs
have been lodged by Consolidated Press. These have only been reported
in The Eye. Further The Eye appears to have been the only publication
willing or bothered to pursue the matter and searched out in the ACT
Supreme Court the copy of the actual statement of claim of the first
writ that was lodged, including the reporting of the imputations."
Thanks Eric ... er. Michael.
Flash Points
* Subscriber RON KRUEGER sends this E-Mail: "What a cerebral incision!
Media Flash is better than any Sydney fireworks display! Great start to
a Monday morning." That is a compliment, isn't it?
* ROBERT SCHAFER, Online Editor at the Minneapolis Star Tribune,
reports success from the paper's weekly animated comic strip. Twelve 2-
min. episodes are at www.startribune.com/news/pumpnsudz/
* JOHN SYYNTEK of the Detroit Free Press phone-polled 600 readers about
its comics. Favorites are The Lockhorns, For Better Or Worse, Peanuts,
Blondie, Beetle Bailey, Arlo & Janis, Luann, Garfield.
Long Shots
* Showbiz reporter PETER FORD says Adelaide radio afternoon presenter
GARY SWEET also has to front the station's reception desk for an hour
every day. The office policy is unlikely for JOHN LAWS and ALAN JONES
at 2UE.
* Buzz-words for February, 2000: Eyeballs. TED DOYLE. Clicks and
Mortar. Crikey. VoD. Orbit.
* SIR RODERICK CARNEGIE, a Fairfax Director, has resigned from LLOYD
WILLIAMS' Hudson Conway. So too has RON WALKER.
* MICHAEL KROGER'S business, J.T. CAMPBELL, has taken 13.9 per cent of
HAROLD MITCHELL'S emitch media buying company. Hazza takes 32.4 per
cent, and his kids score 4.1 per cent each. JANE SCHULZE reports a
share offer is priced on a multiple of 14.7 time historical billings of
$5.7 mil.
Bottom Line
* $15.95 is the hourly rate for part-time Ad Sales Advisers at Fairfax
(Darling Park, NSW).
* 30 GRAND a year is top call for a Media Officer at the Australian
Medical Association (NSW).
* $37,500 is the package for Sydney-based Editorial Assistants at
www.ask.jeeves where applicants will have a media background, and 'an
almost unhealthy interest in all things net related'.
* $50-60K is recompense for the Brisbane-based Imax Marketing Manager.
Contact J. MATTHEWS.
* $52,264 is maximum for the Sustainable Energy Development Authority's
new Media Officer (NSW)* $83,835 is top package for NSW Department of
Education & Training's new Manager Public Affairs. Applications by
March 3 to JIM STEWART, Executive Director, Corporate Strategy.
* $15-20 MILLION is the cost cutting target set by BOB MUSCAT at PMP
Communications.
* $30 MILLION is the sale price publicised for MICHAEL WILKINSON'S
Information Australia to Infosentials, headed by MD MICHAEL
SCHILDBERGER. A $20 million capital raising exercise will now be
undertaken. Acquisitions include Who's Who and MARGARET GEE'S Media
Guide.
* $50 MILLION is the cash-in to date for Melbourne-based Sausage
Software founder STEVE OUTTRIM. CHRISTOPHER WEBB of The Age reported
this week that Steve's remaining shares are worth $199 million. (BTW,
Chris reported on JOHN ELLIOTT'S Water Wheel Holdings' 'cloud', with
the kicker: "The reporter has an interest in Water Wheel shares. Any
offers?")
* $5.4 BILLION was last week's market value of KERRY PACKER'S ecorp
Internet subsidiary: a revenue multiple of about 100 times the
company's forecast $54 million sales for this financial year.
Last Word
* ASH LONG, Editor, says all issues Media Flash are now archived and
can be searched at www.deja.com at any time. "We post Media Flash to
the aus.media-watch board on weekends, express-send 5000 copies by E-
Mail, and can also be found every Sunday at www.crikey.com.au"
P.S.
* ALICE ROOSEVELT LONGWORTH: "If you haven't got anything good to say
about anyone, come and sit with me."
TO SUBSCRIBE: For your own free E-Mail subscription to the Media Flash,
E-mail your request to media...@yahoo.com
TO UNSUBSCRIBE: Send an E-Mail. Please quote our Media Flash Subject
Number.
THIS WEEK'S DISTRIBUTION: 4904 copies
Printed, published and distributed by the Australian Institute of
Publishers, edited by
Ash Long, who accepts responsibility for election and referendum
comment. © Copyright, 2000.
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF PUBLISHERS: ARBN No. B1479571A
MEDIA FLASH: ARBN No. B1479576L
Annual A.I.P. Memberships Subscriptions are available at $250.
Head Office: 30 Glen Gully Road, Eltham, Vic., Australia 3095. Phone 1-
800 231 311.
Sydney Address: Suite 131, 125 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction, NSW, 2022.
Brisbane Address: Suite 131, 7/421 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley, Qld
4006.
U.S. Office: VoiceMail and Fax: 1 805 753 8152
Australian Institute of Publishers
* The Australian Institute of Publishers has been formed to service
small- and medium-size publishers. It provides a weekly newsletter
Media Flash, will be organising industry conferences and awards, and
plans to represent its members to Government. Annual membership is
$250. Join by sending your details, and subscription to Australian
Institute of Publishers, 30 Glen Gully Road, Eltham, Vic. Australia
3095.
Employment Section
* ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT. Creative Media Solutions, a Division of
Fairfax Community Newspapers (Vic.), is inviting applications for an
experienced Administration Assistant to support its existing sales
team. Located at our Dandenong office, the position provides an ideal
opportunity if you have grounding in general office administration and
some sales experience. This challenging but satisfying role is ideal
for a rational thinker with the ability to keep a cool head in what -
at times - can be a g hectic environment. The position requires
excellent telephone skills, proficiency in the use of Excel and Word,
the ability to work independently or as part of a team and excellent
organisational skills. Please forward your detailed resume to: mitch
Daly, CMS Sales Manager, Fairfax Community Newspapers, PO Box 318,
Dandenong, Vic. 3175. E-Mail: md...@fcnvic.fairfax.com.au
* CLASSIFIED SALESPERSON/TRAINER. A full time position has become
available in the Dandenong Classified Department for a salesperson who
will double-up as a Classfied Trainer. The role will involve not only
systems and sales training for all new classified staff but also the
ongoing coaching of existing staff. Along with the training
responsibilities the person will also become actively involved in the
selling of classifieds. The successful candidate will report to
Classified Supervisor, Emma Edmunds. For further information please
contact Emma Edmunds (03) 9238 7777 prior to Monday, February 28, 2000.
* CMS ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE. Creative Media Solutions, a Division of
Fairfax Community Newspapers (Vic), is inviting applications for an
experienced Account Executive to join its existing sales team. The
position involves selling a wide variety of print and design services.
This challenging but satisfying role is ideal for a rational thinker
with the ability to keep a cool head in what - at times - can be a
hectic environment. Located at our Dandenong office, the position
provides an ideal opportunity if you have a grounding in commercial
design and or printing, however experience in this role is not the only
prerequisite and persons with suitable sales experience are invited to
respond. Please forward your detailed resume to: Mitch daly, CMS Sales
Manager, Fairfax Community Newspapers, PO Box 318, Dandenong, Vic.
3175. E-Mail: md...@fcnvic.fairfax.com.au Applications close Tuesday,
February 22, 2000.
* CREDIT CONTROLLER. Fairfax Community Newspapers (Vic.) is an
established and fast-paced publisher of 15 quality suburban newspapers
is inviting applications for an experienced Credit Controller. Located
at our Dandenong office, this position provides an ideal opportunity if
you have gained a grounding in credit collection, processing and
reconciliation, and would now like to add to your skills in a dynamic
newspaper environment. This challenging but satisfying role is ideal
for a rational thinker with the ability to keep a cool head in what-at-
times can be a hectic environment. This position requires excellent
telephone and organisational skills and the ability to work
independently or as part of a team. A healthy sense of humor is also an
advantage. Facilities include new offices with modern recreational
amenities, a gymnasium, meals area and staff parking. Please forward
your detailed resume to: Sonja Taylor, Assistant Credit Manager,
Fairfax Community Newspapers (Vic.), PO Box 318, Dandenong, Vic. 3175.
E-Mail: sta...@fcnvic.fairfax.com.au
* EDITORIAL ASSISTANT/PA. Fairfax Community Newspapers (Vic.), an
established and fast-paced publisher of 15 quality suburban newspapers
is inviting applications for an Editorial Assistant. Based at our head
office in Dandenong and reporting to the East Divisional Editor and the
group's Editor-in-Chief, you will be assisting on a day-to-day basis
with the maintenance and publishing of FCN-Vic's flagship product - The
Journal. You will also be involved in the co-ordination and publishing
of contributor material, data entry of event listings, image sourcing,
and some writing and editing duties. The position requires considerable
skill in dealing with the deadline demands of a busy newsroom and heavy
telephone traffic from readers and customers. This is a stimulating but
high-pressure position that is key to the efficient daily news
operation of the paper. The role requires excellent written and verbal
communication skills and experience in dealing with the general public.
A courteous and efficient telephone manner is vital. An interest in
news and current affairs is essential. Applicants must be proven self-
starters, good team-workers and adaptable to an ever changing pace of
activity. Excellent computer skills and experience in office
organisation and management is required. To meet deadlines, you must be
well organised, accurate and show great attention to detail. Windows
95/97 proficiency and a typing speed of 60 wpm is essential. The right
candidate may also view this as entry-level position suited to a recent
graduate wanting to seek a future entry into journalism. Applications
for this position, including a resume with references, must be received
by Tuesday, February 22, and should be addressed to Tracy Mottola, 142-
144 Frankston-Dandenong Road, Dandenong, Vic. 3175. Ph: 9238 7777. E-
Mail: tmot...@fcnvic.fairfax.com.au
* EDITORIAL ASSISTANT/PA. Fairfax Community Newspapers (Vic.), an
established and fast-paced publisher of 15 quality suburban newspapers
is inviting applications for an Editorial Assistant. Based at our head
office in Footscray and reporting to the West Regional Editor you will
be assisting on a day-to-day basis with the maintenance and publishing
of FCN-Vic's largest publication, the Footscray Mail and its sister
papers. You will also be involved in the co-ordination and publishing
of contributor material, data entry of event listings, image sourcing,
and some writing and editing duties. The position requires considerable
skill in dealing with the deadline demands of a busy newsroom and heavy
telephone traffic from readers and customers. This is a stimulating but
high-pressure position that is key to the efficient daily news
operation of the paper. The role requires excellent written and verbal
communication skills and experience in dealing with the general public.
A courteous and efficient telephone manner is vital. An interest in
news and current affairs is essential. Applicants must be proven self-
starters, good team-workers and adaptable to an ever changing pace of
activity. Excellent computer skills and experience in office
organisation and management is required. To meet deadlines, you must be
well organised, accurate and show great attention to detail. Windows
95/97 proficiency and a typing speed of 60 wpm is essential. The right
candidate may also view this as entry-level position suited to a recent
graduate wanting to seek a future entry into journalism. Applications
for this position, including a resume with references, must be received
by Tuesday, February 22, and should be addressed to Tracy Mottola,
Executive Personal Assistant, 142-144 Frankston-Dandenong Road,
Dandenong, Vic. 3175. Ph: 9238 7777. E-Mail:
tmot...@fcnvic.fairfax.com.au
* GRAPHIC DESIGNER. Causal. Based at our busy Werribee office
applicants must be able to work in a team environment with a minimum of
supervision. Prospective Designer will need to be available Friday and
Monday (with the possibility of some hours on Tuesday) however hours on
those days are flexible. Experience using QuarkXpress 4.03 and Adobe
Photoshop 4.00 are essential. Design and typing skills a must.
Applicants should apply in writing with examples of design work to
Colin Moss, Manager, Werribee Banner, Suite 7, Ballan House, 5 Duncans
Road, Werribee 3030. Applications close Wednesday, February 23.
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.