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Despite record breaking television ratings, newspaper and digital readership and listening audiences, thanks to the impact COVID-19 has had there has been another round of mass changes made to the Australian media industry landscape. Here's a break down of the week that was as we head into the Easter Break.
COVID-19 affected changes to TV Broadcasts:
WIN TV, Sky News, Endemol Shine Australia and Foxtel announce major job losses as the TV sector faces the fallout of COVID-19. All media organisations have made staff redundant over the past couple of days as the advertising downturn takes hold.
As a result of the Sky News redundancies, anchor Jacinta Tynan will be leaving the channel.
Foxtel has announced that 200 employees will be made redundant and another 140 staff members will be stood down until the end of June, with an Easter shutdown for non-essential staff and reduced hours for those remaining.
The Today Show’s newsreader Tracy Vo will remain in Perth as a reporter as border closures make it impossible for her to return to Sydney during the pandemic.
Deputy PM Michael McCormack says the government is planning to announce a relief package for regional media next week to include an overhaul of spectrum and licencing fees.
CNN and Euronews join BBC News' offer of free airtime and inventory worth up to $50 million for health organisations to promote vital messages during the pandemic.
The ABC was the only free-to-air channel not to air the Queen's COVID-19 address.
Broadcast Video On Demand (BVOD) has a boom during the pandemic as viewers flock to catch-up on their favourite shows.
TV doctors and nurses thank front line medical staff as cast members from House, ER, Grey’s Anatomy, Nurse Jackie, Scrubs, The Good Doctor and Doogie Howser come together in a video to support front line medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 affected changes to Radio Broadcasting:
Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O Henderson take a 10 per cent pay reduction due to the COVID-19 impact.
As part of reduced coverage this NRL season, Wally “The King” Lewis has joined 97.3FM Brisbane as a temporary entertainment reporter.
Edith Cowan University students now produce and present 12 hours of live radio shows per week, using the Zoom app.
Em Rusciano has returned to SCA to launch a brand new isolation podcast series EMSOLATION.
Southern Cross Media secures $149 million in capital raising to tackle the $330.5 million debt caused by reduced advertising revenue made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 affected changes to Newspaper/Online
Seven West Media has made The Sunday Times editor role redundant. Michael Beach who has filled the role since 2016 will be leaving the business.
body+soul launches live @ home workouts featuring: Sam Wood, Tiffiny Hall and Cory George. The virtual workouts were designed to help keep subscribers healthy and engaged.
Your Investment Property ceases print production and has become a digital-only publication.
Emprise Group Holdings has postponed the next issue of Outdoor magazine until September due to restrictions; surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.
The Surf Coast and Bellarine Echo is one of 60 News Corp Australia community newspapers that will cease publication.
Community Care Review launched a new website to replace the Community Care Review magazine, which ceased printing this month.
The winter issue of Luxury Travel Magazine will not be printed due to coronavirus-imposed restrictions, the spring issue of the magazine is still scheduled to be published in late August.
News Corp Australia's media brand Escape reshapes travel content to help keep Aussie’s travel dreams alive, Escape - new horizons launches on Sunday.
Lonely Planet will reduce global publication operations with its Melbourne office expected to shut.