Welcome to an audio-led edition of Unmade. Today: Is Nine going to make a profit or loss on the Olympics? It depends who you ask, and how you calculate it; Will Mediaweek’s embattled owner sell to Vinyl Group? And the TV networks dial back their Upfronts plans
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Olympics countdown: Has Nine locked in enough sponsorship?
Nine says it’s made it into profit with its Paris Olympics sponsorship packages.
As we discuss on today’s Start the Week podcast, this morning Nine said it has booked $135m against the event, which CEO Mike Sneesby says will deliver a profit. It comes the same day The Australian reports that the Games will be a $60m loss for the network.
Sneesby - who recently saw staff cast a vote of no confidence against him as Nine makes rounds of redundancies - also revealed today that he would be going to the event, but just for one week.
Also on the podcast, we discuss the future of Mediaweek, with the AFR reporting today that owner Trent Thomas, subject of sexual harassment claims by staff, is considering selling the business to Brag Media owner Vinyl Group.
And also today, this year’s Upfronts are shaping up to be a lacklustre affair, with media bosses reluctant to be seen to be hosting big parties while staff lose jobs.
Further reading:
The Australian: Nine faces Olympic Games blowout, as rising costs and ad slump bite
Australian Financial Review: $135m and 5000 hours: Paris Olympics ‘profitable’, Nine CEO says
Australian Financial Review: Mediaweek publisher flags potential sale of business with staff
Australian Financial Review: The TV networks’ big annual parties aren’t a good look this year
Today’s episode features Tim Burrowes and Abe Udy.
Editing was courtesy of Abe’s Audio, the people to talk to about voiceovers, sound design and podcast production.
Time to leave you to start your week. We’ll be back with more tomorrow.
Toodlepip…
Tim Burrowes
Publisher - Unmade
tim@unmade.media
StW: Is Nine's Olympic balance sheet red or black?; Mediaweek for sale to Vinyl Group? Upfronts partying on hold