Media Wrap: MCN opts out of SMI; Netflix iiNet numbers indicate solid start; Ten the star of free-to-air in 2015?

Sarah Homewood
By Sarah Homewood | 30 March 2015
 

MCN opts out of SMI

Due to ongoing discrepancies in the Standard Media Index (SMI) figures MCN boss, Anthony Fitzgerald, has pulled MCN's support for the figures the Australian Financial Review reports. While there are plans in the works from Free TV for its own set of numbers regarding TV ad spend, they don't include Pay-TV and Fitzgerald told The AFR that MCN's declines were half that of what SMI reported.

Ten the star of free-to-air in 2015?

Also in The AFR, boss of IPG Mediabrands, Henry Tajer reckons that Ten is the only free-to-air network in positive territory this year. Tajer said the network has the media agencies attention and while the boss of media agency OMD, Peter Horgan, agrees, he said the network is coming off five years of compound declines. Both major media agencies holding some of their TV spending cards close to their chests, waiting to see how viewing habits shake-out in the March quarter.

Netflix and iiNet indicates solid start

Fresh from launching on Australian shores, the subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) giant Netflix, is accounting for 15% of iiNet's internet traffic according to the AFR. iiNet announced that those using Netflix would have quote-free downloads of the service's content, with Optus also announcing a similar deal. Netflix is yet to reveal any overall numbers from its launch last week.

Government set to cut commercial TV licence fees

The Federal Government is said to be considering a reduction in television licence fees, which could see the commercial networks gain back hundreds of millions of dollars according to The Australian. The government is said to be open to a 50% cut to the licence fee rate in December 2016, followed by another 50% decrease in December 2017.

David Gyngell and David Haslingden set to swap jobs?

According to The Australian’s Diary section chairman David Haslingden and chief executive David Gyngell are set to swap roles. The Australian is reporting that Gyngell, who is keen to step back and spend more time with his family, would become chairman and Haslingden would be the chief executive.

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