The future of television host Sonia Kruger's lucrative Seven Network contract is reportedly uncertain as several of her flagship entertainment franchises face changes or are on hiatus. The Voice, which Kruger co-hosts, is said to be concluding its run on Seven, with its budget potentially reallocated. Dancing with the Stars, another program she co-hosts, has been paused due to high production costs. Furthermore, Big Brother, a show she previously fronted, moved to a different network last year with a new host. This leaves Kruger's reported $1.3 million contract potentially without confirmed hosting projects beyond the current season of The Voice.
In a separate development, questions have arisen regarding the accuracy of reporting by former Mongols bikie turned Four Corners reporter Mahmood Fazal. Media Watch has highlighted concerns raised by Charissa Habkouk, who claims she was the masked figure 'Remy' interviewed in programs like 'Cocaine Nation'. Habkouk asserts that her story was fabricated and that she viewed the interview as an 'acting role'. She has since threatened legal action, accusing Media Watch of doxxing her.
The activist group GetUp! is targeting Coles supermarkets over its partnership with the CIA-linked data analysis company Palantir. Coles is utilizing Palantir's software for internal purposes, such as inventory management and promotion analysis, asserting that the data is not shared or repurposed by Palantir. GetUp! has launched a guerrilla advertising campaign near Coles stores, warning consumers "Coles, we’re watching you." GetUp! CEO Paul Ferris claims Coles has threatened litigation and pressured advertising agencies to remove the campaign, though Coles denies these allegations, stating they sent a confidential letter regarding a team member filmed without permission.
Karl Stefanovic's manager has denied a report claiming the television host paid six figures to suppress photographs of himself and his wife Jasmine during the early stages of their relationship. The denial came after a British gossip newsletter published the claim. Meanwhile, Tommy Robinson has addressed speculation about his behavior during an interview on Stefanovic's podcast, denying he was under the influence of cocaine and releasing a psychiatric report detailing his ADHD and complex post-traumatic stress disorder.
Morale at the Nine Network's "Today" show is reportedly low as staff await management's plans for the program. Reports suggest that programming decisions, including host selection, are being made with limited input from the show's team. Speculation includes the potential return of former hosts Sam Armytage and David Koch to bolster ratings. Armytage is reportedly influencing co-host choices, favoring Mike Willesee Jr. over Joel Dry, and is seen as a favored candidate by management.
Declarations from MPs' and senators' registers of interests reveal which media companies and corporate heavyweights hosted politicians at the Parliamentary Press Gallery Midwinter Ball. News Corp, the ABC, the Australian Financial Review, NITV, and mining giant Fortescue were among the hosts. This has drawn attention, particularly for Labor figures who often criticize News Corp's coverage.
The NSW Young Liberal Ball saw hundreds of members and senior Liberal figures in attendance, including NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane and Federal Deputy Liberal Leader Jane Hume. The event, despite an ongoing ICAC inquiry affecting the party, maintained an upbeat mood. An auction at the event raised funds, with signed items from political figures attracting bids.
Comedian Dave 'Hughesy' Hughes has defended his criticism of the Albanese Government's budget changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing, stating his views are not personally motivated as he does not negative gear properties. He has faced backlash from some celebrity friends and business figures have reportedly offered to pay him to continue his critiques. Hughes attributes his increased political commentary to his departure from "The Project," which he felt had a left-leaning editorial line that did not accommodate his views.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's absence from the Garma festival has drawn criticism, particularly after he promised to attend every year. Albanese was on leave in Tasmania during the event. His absence is seen as a broken promise and a missed opportunity to engage with Indigenous communities after the Voice referendum.
Bridgette Joyce, daughter of former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, is engaged to her fiancé in Paris. This news comes after Barnaby Joyce hinted at a significant family event and traveled to Europe to meet his future son-in-law's family, suggesting a thawing of a past rift with his daughters.
One Nation has appointed Scott Morrison's former general counsel and senior advisor, Chris Taylor, as its new chief of staff. James Ashby will serve as national party director. This move signals an effort by One Nation to professionalize its operations and leverage Liberal Party expertise.
Labor MP Luke Gosling is facing two assault charges. Despite the allegations, he has continued in his role as the government's special envoy for defence, veterans' affairs, and northern Australia. Critics question why he has not been stood aside pending the resolution of the charges, drawing parallels to the NRL's no-fault stand-down policy.