Written by Sofia Pizzinato

Driving EV adoption through sustainable storytelling  

The NRMA has launched an award-winning campaign encouraging Australians to switch to electric vehicles, while promoting its growing EV charging network. 

The 30-second film ‘Join the charge’ highlights the rise of EV use across Australia and how improved charging infrastructure is helping drivers travel further, proving that creativity and sustainability can co-exist. 

Created for the recent SBS Media Sustainability Challenge, the  carbon footprint for the campaign shoot was 75 per cent lower than the industry average, securing the win. 

Australian ads that crossed the line in 2025 

Australia’s independent advertising complaint body has released its annual snapshot of the campaigns that attracted the highest number of public objections in 2025. 

More than 230 ads were reviewed by the Ad Standards Community Panel, with Kia’s ‘Zombie-proof’ EV campaign generating the highest number of complaints over concerns it could frighten children. While most ads were cleared, one Kia execution breached motor vehicle advertising rules.  

Ad Standards executive director, Greg Wallace, said close to 5,000 complaints were lodged this year, highlighting that Australians respond more positively to clever creativity than shock-driven advertising.  

McDonald’s Netherlands pulls AI Christmas ad after backlash 

Overseas, McDonald’s Netherlands has removed an AI-generated Christmas advertisement following online backlash, just days after it was released on YouTube. 

Created using generative AI, the 45-second film aimed to reflect the stressful moments of the holiday season, but viewers criticised its uncanny visuals and stitched-together feel, with some raising concerns about creativity and job displacement. 

Despite being positioned as an experiment in new technology, the response highlighted growing public scepticism toward AI-led advertising.  

McDonald’s said the campaign served as an important learning, underscoring that while brands may have the right intentions when adopting AI, execution remains crucial – particularly during high-profile moments like Christmas. 

Seven and SCA merger set to finalise in early January  

The proposed merger between Seven West Media and Southern Cross Austereo is expected to be finalised on 7 January, pending shareholder approval later this month.  

Announced in September and approved by the ACCC in November, the deal will see SCA shareholders hold 50.1 per cent of the newly formed ASX-listed company, with Seven shareholders owning 49.9 per cent.  

Seven CEO Jeff Howard will lead the group, while SCA Chair Heith Mackay-Cruise is set to oversee the board following a short transition. 

If approved at Seven’s 22 December vote, the merger will create one of Australia’s largest media groups spanning television, radio and print.