Harold Mitchell resurfaces as chairman of Free TV
Less than a week after officially retiring from the stewardship of Aegis Media in Australia Harold Mitchell has returned to the fray as chairman of Free TV Australia.
The industry body has been without a chairman since Nine’s Jeffrey Browne was deposed in April amid claims of bias towards his own network. At one point speculation had linked former Prime Minister John Howard to the post.
As exclusively revealed by B&T Mitchell, probably the most famous name in Australian media buying, stepped down as chairman of Aegis Asia-Pacific last week.
He said: “There is a great energy and confidence within Australian Free TV networks, and this is a great opportunity for me to remain involved with the free-to-air television industry at a time of real change.
“Commercial television is part of the fabric of Australian life; it’s in 99% of homes and is the major investor in Australian content.
“Free-to-air TV is reaching more consumers on more platforms than ever before, a position of strength that equips it for the challenges of our digital world. It is uniquely placed to remain the leading source of entertainment and information for all Australians.”
His appointment comes just a day after it was revealed free TV has been deposed by the internet as the most dominant forum for advertising dollars, with the medium facing unprecedented levels of change.
Free-TV’s chief executive Julie Flynn said: “We are delighted that Harold has agreed to take on the role of chairman.
“Nobody has more extensive experience and understanding of our business and the wider industry landscape.
“We look forward to his leadership and advice as we complete the transition to digital television and progress Free TV’s mission to continue to deliver the best entertainment, news and sport to all Australians for free.”
The free TV networks have also been giving their reaction to the appointment, with Nine’s head of sales Peter Witshire tweeting “unrivalled experience & lobbying power”.
Seven’s CEO Tim Worner added in a statement: “Nobody really believed Harold when he said he was going to retire, he’s got way too much to contribute. Harold and retirement does not compute.
“It is a telling sign for the media industry that someone who gets it as well as he does is prepared to endorse the power of free TV. We are all looking forward to working with him.”
His boss Kerry Stokes, chairman of Seven West Media chimed in: “Harold is an icon and has been a long and passionate supporter of our industry. He will be terrific in his new role as chairman.”TV Australia.”
Please login with linkedin to comment
Latest News
New Talent Agency, Liquorice Plants Roots In NZ
The brainchild of co-founders Gina Williams-Folau (main photo) and Greer Bland, the talent agency Liquorice was born out of a desire to make things easier for brand managers. Liquorice offers social talent for brands wanting to hit the sweet spot with Kiwi audiences. Launching with a roster of big names on board including Millie Elder-Holmes, Athena […]
Anglicare WA Makes Winter Chill Contagious In Campaign Via Wunderman Thompson
9000 Western Australians experiencing homelessness are about to face cold winter nights. To call for donations to the 2021 Winter Appeal, Anglicare WA has released a chilling video with renowned actor Liam Graham, best known for his starring roles in Greenfield and The Heights, experiencing mild hypothermia after spending one hour in a commercial freezer. […]
Blackmagic Design Helps Create Latest Ad For Chris Hemsworth’s Centr Fitness App
Blackmagic Design has shared how its products were used to shoot the latest commercial campaign for Chris Hemsworth’s fitness training app, Centr. The new campaign, which promotes the progressive 10 week workout plan ‘Power’ replicates the same protocols used to prepare the actor for his latest appearance in the upcoming Marvel franchise film, Thor: Love […]
What’s That? New Cannes In Cairns Speakers? Oh Yes, There’s More!
Look at this Cannes In Cairns' speaker list! Plus, we're yet to hear back from Vince Sorrenti and Ray 'Rabbits' Warren.
Webprofits To Aggressively Drive Airtasker’s UK Growth Plan
Airtasker has chosen leading independent digital growth consultancy, Webprofits as a strategic partner to help them expand to new markets. Following a successful IPO in early 2021, Airtasker set its sights on the next strategic objective — expansion and growth in the UK market. After careful review, they partnered with the growth marketing specialists at […]
Report: Print Readership In Australia Has Halved Since 2016
Print continues its sharp decline amid real concerns options are running out for the cat to do its business on.
The Australian Olympic Committee Urges Aussies To ‘Have A Go’ Via M&C Saatchi
This ad urges us to get into the Olympic spirit sans lighting a large cauldron & throwing javelins at the neighbours.
Nazeem Hussain Mistaken For Waleed Aly In TV Listing Fail
A pall of racism has fallen over the TV listings guide. In even bigger shock, people still reading TV listings guide.
Coke’s Customisable Pride Bottle Won’t Let You Add The Word ‘Lesbian’, But Will Let You Put ‘C*ck S*ckers’
Always wanted to send your mum a bottle of Coke with the Pride flag & 'c*cksuker' on the label? Light up her day here.
First Group Of Judges Revealed For B&T’s Best Of The Best Awards
Best Of The Best awards adland's finest. Although, whoever invented the Nutella cronut deserves an honourable mention.
Tuesday TV Wrap: Home And Away Tops Entertainment, But Ninja Warriors Beats MasterChef & Big Brother
Much like alcohol and a daily dose of Metamucil, Home and Away is just the gift that keeps on giving, isn't it?
TV Reporter’s Vox Pop Ruined By Man Repeatedly Throwing Up
Emetophobia is a fear of vomit. So, if you're emetophobic, you best avoid this. If not, you've learned a new word.
CouriersPlease Study Finds That Aussies Don’t Want Small Businesses To Shut During Lockdowns
Study finds Aussies don't want small businesses closed during lockdowns. B&T concurs with pubs, TABs and kebab shops.
Aussie Cannes Young Lions Team Win Gold In Cannes Lions Live Media Competition
It's more Cannes gold for Australia! Yet, sadly there'll be no waking up naked & drunk on Plage de la Bocca this year.
Melinda Geertz Steps Down As Leo Burnett CEO, Emma Montgomery To Take Reins
Melinda Geertz has stepped down as Leo's CEO, with porcelain swan or Thermomix current favourites for leaving present.
Saatchi & Saatchi’s ‘Donation Dollar’ Continues To Make Waves At Cannes Lions Live, While More Aussie Agencies Secure Success
As a tip, a Cannes Bronze Lion can become far more prestigious with a can of gold-coloured spray paint from Bunnings.
Cresta’s Awards See Upturn As Ad Spend Starts To Return
Cresta Awards has announced that despite having a few more weeks before entries close, this year’s Cresta Awards has surpassed its entries for the whole 2019 Season. Cresta sees this as evidence, not just of evolution in its own awards but of a wider measure of industry confidence and resilience in many markets. The awards […]
Ashley Madison Shifts From Shock To Female Empowerment
Ashley Madison offers married couples a discreet hook-up for affairs. As do drunken interstate industry conferences.
72andSunny APAC CEO Chris Kay Named Saatchi & Saatchi UK CEO
Aussie-based Chris Kay named Saatchi & Saatchi UK CEO. Find his green velour couch & Westinghouse fridge on Gumtree now.
Facebook Announces Plans For World’s Largest Shoppable Social Media Platform
Gerry Harvey meanwhile has sworn to build his own social network in retaliation to Facebook stepping on his turf.
Clems Melbourne Snares Charlotte Stevens To Head Myer Business
Charlotte Stevens to head Clems' Myer account. Apparently that's a department store & not a chalice filled with poison.
Microsoft Reaches $US2 Trillion Value As Apple Eyes $US3 Trillion
Do you ever regret not studying computer science at uni? Probably not... but perhaps you should.
Facebook’s VR Ad Play Hits A Snag
VR still hasn't truly taken off yet and we blame that awful Ready Player One film.
Reports: Google Draws The Ire Of EU (Again)
B&T's editor takes great pleasure in an opportunity to use 'ire' in a headline, despite having no idea what it means.
PubMatic Secures Data Partnership With HYP Technology
Think of data partnership news as being similar to celebrity hook-ups, just without weird combined names like Bennifer.
Publishers Cash In On EOFY Sales
Where are these same sales when you have to buy gifts for loved ones during Xmas, we ask?
Flybuys & The Trade Desk Help Connect Online & Offline Sales With New Partnership
Connecting online and offline data can now be as easy as serving a Woolies roast chook for dinner with this new deal.
Household Targeting’s Role In The Cookieless Future
Are you braced for a cookieless future? Thankfully it doesn't require hoarding loo rolls or building a fallout shelter.
Cartelux Extends Agreement With MINI
This should come as good news for all 'Small Car Only' car spots in shopping centres.
“Bots Are Programmed To Sell, Not Care!” AI & Algorithms Roasted In Creepy Robot Ad For US Travel Brand
If The Terminator taught us anything, it's not to start a fight with the robots.
