FTA broadcasters seek PM meeting over fees
Free TV Australia is requesting an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull amid fears the government could ignore their calls for a cut to their $173 million-a-year licence fees, Fairfax media reports.
The lobby group sent Turnbull a letter late last week asking the him to meet Seven West Media's Tim Worner, Nine Entertainment's Hugh Marks, Ten Network Holdings' Paul Anderson and Free TV chairman Harold Mitchell.
Last weeks news that the government could put on ice calls to cut the fees has alarmed TV bosses, who view the issue is the most important media reform omission from the current package before parliament. Malcolm Turnbull was the communications minister in last year's budget in which licence fee cuts were not considered.
Nine, Ten, News Corp and Fairfax to appear at inquiry
The bosses of News Corporation, Nine Entertainment, Fairfax Media and Ten Network Holdings have been summoned to appear in front of a Senate inquiry in late April, increasing the likelihood the abolition of Keating-era media ownership restrictions will be delayed until after an election, The Age reports.
The April 29 hearing date means that a final report will not be delivered until May 12, a day after the government is expected to call for an election in July.
Victoria's Secret will stop mailing catalogues
Victoria's Secret will stop mailing outs its catalogues as it has unveils strategic changes that includes “evolving how the business connects with customers through more focus on loyalty programs” rather than traditional catalogues, reports The Australian.
The retailer saw a lift in sales last year from 2014, with comparable-store sales rising 5%. Citi retail analysts estimated the company would save around US$100 million by eliminating the catalogue.
JC Penny killed of its catalogue in 2010, but brought it back last year saying they lost a lot of customers. The Direct Marketing Association says 53% of consumers purchase from a catalogue at least once a year.
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