ABC pulls Australian Story episode over editorial concerns

The Australian Story episode Nabbed, following Victorian pensioner Ian Williams’ legal action against a National Australia Bank subsidiary, was pulled just hours before its broadcast.

The ABC said new information about Mr Williams undisclosed historical convictions unrelated to his bank dispute meant the episode no longer met editorial standards. The program, heavily promoted across TV, radio and digital platforms and was set to examine his court case, involvement with the Scam Victim Alliance and online fraud issues.

The episode has now been removed from all ABC platforms with viewers shown a repeat instead, as such sudden withdrawals are rare for the national broadcaster.

Nine’s Entertainments employs new strategy 

Nine Entertainment has signalled a major reset in its growth strategy, shifting focus from traditional advertising to subscriptions, premium content, and AI-driven revenue opportunities. Despite a 14 per cent drop in TV revenue due to a weaker ad market and tough Olympics comparisons, Nine still recorded a 6 per cent increase in earnings. CEO Matt Stanton said growth was driven by higher revenue per subscriber and confirmed two commercial deals licensing Nine’s journalism for corporate AI models, with more expected.

Internally, the company is using AI tools across six areas, from staff productivity to content creation, reflecting its broader push to embed technology throughout operations. Across its publications, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, and The Australian Financial Review, digital subscription revenue grew 17 per cent, highlighting the strength of audience-facing offerings.

Simultaneously, Nine is also accelerating cost reductions, with a goal of $160 million in annual savings by the end of FY27.

SBS invites brands to rethink sustainability messaging 

SBS has opened entries for its 2026 Media Sustainability Challenge, encouraging brands and agencies to create television advertising that makes sustainable behaviour feel achievable for everyday Australians.

The winning idea will receive $500,000 in SBS media inventory and must focus on one of three themes: protecting nature, reducing carbon emissions, or cutting waste. The judging panel includes industry leaders and public figures such as Adam Liaw.

Submissions close on 6 March, with the winner to be announced later in 2026. Now in its second year, the initiative aims to promote authentic storytelling and meaningful creative approaches that inspire sustainable habits.

Australians exercising to Audiobooks 

New research from Audible Australia shows Australians are increasingly integrating audio into fitness and daily routines, using podcasts and audiobooks to motivate, focus, and enhance performance. The study found over half of Australians listen to podcasts while exercising, and 34 per cent opt for audiobooks. Around 25 per cent of listeners said audio helps them exercise more consistently, while 35 per cent reported longer workout periods.

To support this trend, Audible has partnered with social fitness app Strava to launch the national Move with Audible Challenge. Participants are encouraged to complete activity equivalent to the length of an average audiobook in exchange for trial subscriptions to both platforms. The research and challenge highlight how audio is increasingly seen not just as background entertainment, but as a tool for motivation and performance.

Pinterest’s new parenting trend report

Drawing on over 600 million users and more than 80 billion monthly searches, Pinterest’s first Parenting Trend Report combined data-driven insights with human analysis to track evolving parental priorities. The report showed a growing focus on hands-on, experience-rich activities for children.

Trends revealed rising interest in screen-free activities, outdoor learning, DIY play spaces, sensory play, and family traditions, as parents aim to create interactive, learning-rich environments. Rather than removing technology altogether, the shift focused on balance. Families are turning screen time into intentional, shared experiences like themed movie nights, while prioritising real-world, play, challenges and connection.

Psychologists note that this approach reflects parents’ desire to actively build resilience, curiosity, and self-regulation in children while fostering deeper family engagement through shared, meaningful activities.