McKnight Tonight & Media McKnight

Metro radio ratings Survey 5 has landed, and Spencer Howson joins Rob McKnight to break down every capital city. KIIS Sydney breakfast keeps sliding since Kyle and Jackie O's exit, gold's Christian O'Connell is quietly holding both Sydney and Melbourne, 4BC's Jason Matthews posts a strong number, and 6PR delivers Perth's standout result for Tapped Radio. Plus: Tapped's traffic team gets axed in favour of the Australian Traffic Network, and a hint that change could be coming to ABC Brisbane breakfast. 00:00 – Survey 5 preview 00:42 – Sydney station shares 04:35 – Sydney breakfast numbers 06:41 – Melbourne station shares 07:59 – Melbourne breakfast numbers 10:31 – Tapped Media axes traffic team, outsources to ATN 14:14 – Brisbane station shares 15:25 – Brisbane breakfast — KIIS 973's slide continues 19:13 – Why did 4BC really dump Sophie & Dean? 23:45 – Adelaide station shares 24:17 – Adelaide breakfast numbers 25:50 – Perth station shares 26:53 – Perth breakfast — 6PR's big story 32:36 – Final thoughts: ABC Brisbane on notice, Tony Martin's sacking revisited 38:19 – Wrap #RadioRatings #AustralianRadio #GfKSurvey5 #KIISFM #2GB #3AW #6PR #MediaMcKnight 📰 Media McKnight drops every Tuesday. Subscribe for more media analysis, interviews and opinion. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seven's Bullying Tactics EXPOSED | ABC Caught Lying Over Secret Easter News Plan | Kyle Day 2 Verdict | Media McKnight Ep 54 Kyle Sandilands' day 2 was a big improvement — but the Mad Witches drama, an FOI inquiry that catches the ABC out in a lie about their secret Easter news plan, Amanda Rose's bombshell exit from Sunrise, and a growing Seven Network underpayment class action. Plus: where has all the local content gone on Australian TV? – Kyle Sandilands' Day 2 turnaround, Mayo's producing instincts, and the truth behind his Idol exit and the Mad Witches – Where did Australian TV go? A week of the TV guide shows how little local content survives primetime – Amanda Rose vs Sunrise: the exclusivity ultimatum, Seven's denial, and the Adero Law class action over underpayment claims – ABC's Easter news FOI saga: extension after extension, and the email trail exposing the spin 📰 Media McKnight drops every Tuesday. Subscribe for more media analysis, interviews and opinion. #MediaMcKnight #KyleSandilands #AustralianTV #Sunrise #Channel7 #ABC #FOI #AmandaRose #MediaNews Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kyle Sandilands joins Rob McKnight for a wide-ranging chat ahead of the launch of his new streaming service, KSLive, this Monday. Kyle reveals the new venture has already pulled in nearly $2 million in subscriptions before a single episode has aired — including a strange spike of signups out of the EU large enough that European tax authorities contacted his accountants to check the business was legitimate. Rob puts it to Kyle directly: is he in denial about the collapse of his on-air partnership with Jackie O? Kyle admits he "just refused to believe it" even after seeing the paperwork, and opens up on what he says was a fifty-fifty relationship, the lawyers, the Zoom calls, and why he still says he'd "die for Jackie" despite it all. Nearly $2 million in the bank before KSLive has even launched EU tax authorities contact his accountants over a surge in overseas subscriptions Admits he "refused to believe it" when told Jackie wanted to leave the show Says he'd still "die for Jackie" despite the fallout On staff taking down photos of him and Jackie — and why he put them back up 📺 McKnight Tonight streams Monday, Wednesday & Thursday at 8pm AEST. 📺 Media McKnight streams weekly with the latest media industry analysis. Subscribe, hit the bell, like and comment — join the conversation live! #KyleSandilands #JackieO #McKnightTonight #KSLive #AustralianRadio Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Netflix Accused of 'TOXIC' Treatment of Aussie Crew | The Voice AXED On Seven | Today Extra's Woke Problem Netflix is facing serious allegations from Australian crew on its new reality series Wonka's The Golden Ticket, shot at Warner Bros Movie World — plus The Voice looks set to be axed on Seven to help fund I'm A Celebrity, Today Extra's panel picks draw scrutiny, and OzTAM's new Streamscape data reveals how Aussies are really watching video. - Netflix's Wonka's Golden Ticket — crew treatment allegations - The Voice axed on Seven to fund I'm A Celebrity - Today Extra's left-leaning panel problem - OzTAM Streamscape Q2 2026 data breakdown 📺 Media McKnight drops every Tuesday. #MediaMcKnight #Netflix #TheVoice #TodayExtra #PaulineHanson #AustralianTV #OzTAM #TVRatings #KyleSandilands #ChannelSeven Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KYLE'S REVENGE? Has Kyle Sandilands thrown Jackie O under the bus in her Federal Court case against ARN — and did he do it on purpose? Employment lawyer Michael Byrnes from SWAAB joins me to break down Justice Stewart's ruling, the suspicious timeline of Kyle and Bruno Buchet's affidavits, and whether Kyle and Jackie's secret texts could blow up her case entirely. Plus — News24 (the rebranded Sky News) has a shocker on the day of the Victorian Labor Leader spill, missing Ben Carroll's Victorian Labor leadership win live on air while running an advertorial, then suffering a six-minute-48-second audio meltdown. We compare it side-by-side with the ABC's coverage. And 9News Melbourne claims the ratings crown for 2026 with win number 21 — but is the traditional weekly win metric still relevant when ratings run all year round? - News24's election night disaster - 9News Melbourne's ratings crown - Kyle's Revenge? Michael Byrnes on the Jackie O affidavits 📺 Media McKnight drops every Tuesday. Subscribe for more media analysis, interviews and opinion. #KyleSandilands #JackieO #MediaMcKnight #News24 #9News #ARN Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pauline Hanson: "I'll Put Ads on the ABC" | 9News' World Cup Blunder | YouTube's Aussie TV Archive Copyright War Pauline Hanson tells Media McKnight she'll allow ads on the ABC if One Nation wins government — turning it into a subscription service. Plus: 9News Brisbane's awkward World Cup graphics mix-up, a bitter copyright fight breaking out between Australian TV archivists on YouTube, why McKnight Tonight called the Ninja Warrior move before anyone else, 4BC's brutal ratings-driven shake-up, and why Nine has quietly killed off SHARK! for good. – 9News' World Cup graphics blunder – Pauline Hanson: ads on the ABC? – ABC's YouTube livestream ad controversy – YouTube copyright war: Australian TV archivists – I'm A Celebrity lands at Seven, Ninja Warrior to 10 – 4BC axes breakfast team after shock ratings – Nine not bringing back SHARK! #MediaMcKnight #PaulineHanson #ABC #9News #YouTube #AustralianTV #ImACelebrity #NinjaWarrior #4BC #RadioRatings #SHARK 📰 Media McKnight drops every Tuesday. Subscribe for more media analysis, interviews and opinion. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's our 50th edition of Media McKnight — and we're tackling the question that's split the industry: does the $5.3 billion NRL broadcast deal actually breach Australia's anti-siphoning laws? Last week I argued it does. This week, lawyer Michael Wells from Blackbay Lawyers joins me to go line-by-line through the Broadcasting Services Act, Section 146W, the anti-hoarding rules, and ACMA's official response to our questions — to find out who's right. 00:45 - Recap: last week's anti-siphoning claim 01:42 - Michael Wells from Blackbay Lawyers joins the show 02:15 - The anti-siphoning list: NRL matches explained 03:10 - Breaking down Section 146W of the Broadcasting Services Act 05:30 - Does Foxtel have the right to broadcast exclusively? 07:00 - ACMA's official statement to Media McKnight 08:20 - The anti-hoarding rules: should games go to ABC/SBS? 📺 Media McKnight drops every Tuesday. #MediaMcKnight #NRL #AntiSiphoning #NRLDeal #Foxtel #BroadcastingLaw #ACMA #AustralianMedia #SportsBroadcasting #FreeToAir Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brisbane's 4BC has announced a major programming shake-up after another bad ratings survey — Dean Miller and Sofie Formica are out of Breakfast, Michael McLaren is being networked in from 2GB, and the weekend line-up is being axed entirely in favour of Sydney content. Former 4BC radio producer Brett Debritz joins Rob McKnight to unpack the changes, and doesn't hold back — revealing 4BC has now churned through six breakfast hosts in six years, and questioning whether station management has learned anything from its ratings research at all. - Dean Miller & Sofie Formica replaced by Jason Matthews in Breakfast - Gary Hardgrave moves from Drive to Mornings - Michael McLaren networked in from 2GB for Afternoons - Carla Bignasca's local Afternoons show and weekend programming axed - Station Manager Siobhain Ryan confirms local job losses are coming Brett Debritz gives his verdict on where it's gone wrong — and what 4BC needs to do to win Brisbane back. 🔔 Subscribe, hit the bell, like and comment — join the conversation live! 📺 McKnight Tonight streams Monday, Wednesday & Thursday at 8pm AEST. 🎙️ Catch Media McKnight for weekly media industry analysis. #McKnightTonight #4BC #RadioNews #BrisbaneMedia #MediaMcKnight Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RATINGS SHOCK: 2GB's Breakfast Bleed Continues | ABC Surges in Three Cities | FIVEaa's Adelaide Breakthrough | Triple M's Brisbane Breakfast Collapse — GfK Survey 4 2026 The first radio ratings of the back half of 2026 are in, and there's a shake-up in almost every capital city. On this episode we break down GfK Survey 4 market by market — Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. 🔹 SYDNEY: smoothfm consolidates #1, 2GB's breakfast slide continues for a third straight survey, and ABC SYD quietly picks up share across the board. 🔹 MELBOURNE: 3AW untouchable in breakfast (now over 20 share), but ABC MEL's rise is the real story of the survey. 🔹 BRISBANE: B105 retakes top spot overall, but Triple M's breakfast has its worst result in this run. 🔹 ADELAIDE: 5MMM and FIVEaa are the big winners — FIVEaa's breakfast up a massive 2.5 points. 🔹 PERTH: NOVA93.7 reasserts total dominance after a softer Survey 3, with GOLD96FM the quiet mover at #2. 📰 Media McKnight drops every Tuesday. Subscribe for more media analysis, interviews and opinion. #GfKRatings #RadioRatings #MediaMcKnight #AustralianRadio #2GB #3AW #Nova937 #B105 #FIVEaa Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Australian Survivor's Final Season? Inside the LaPaglia Feud That Sank the Show | NRL's $5.3B Deal | Hey Hey Snubbed This week on Media McKnight: insiders reveal the behind-the-scenes tension between sacked Australian Survivor host Jonathan LaPaglia and production that led to the show's downfall, as it shoots what could be its final season in Malaysia. Plus — Peter V'landys locks in a record $5.3 billion NRL rights deal, but does it breach anti-siphoning laws? Daryl Somers responds to Hey Hey It's Saturday's shock TV Week snub. The National Press Club's embarrassing YouTube quality problem. And Channel 10 teaches staff to weave instead of chasing ratings. 🎬 Topics this week: Australian Survivor's feud-plagued final season NRL's $5.3B rights deal — and the anti-siphoning question nobody's asking Daryl Somers on the Hey Hey TV Week snub National Press Club's 480p problem Channel 10's weaving workshops amid $566m in losses 📺 Media McKnight drops every Tuesday. #MediaMcKnight #AustralianSurvivor #JonathanLaPaglia #Channel10 #NRL #PeterVlandys #NineNetwork #Foxtel #HeyHeyItsSaturday #DarylSomers #PaulineHanson #NationalPressClub #AustralianTV #TVRatings #MediaNews #TVIndustry Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Karl Stefanovic is out at Channel 9 — but the network still hasn't given a straight answer as to why. Was it the podcast interviews? The #KancelKarl campaign? Or something else entirely? Rob McKnight breaks down Nine's statements, Fiona Dear's email to staff, and what it means for the future of TODAY. Plus this week: Anthony Portelli's My Reno Rules misses its window for a second season, the ACCC takes Amazon to court over Prime Video's surprise ad rollout, Waitress the Musical cancels its Sydney run despite star power, and Dan Barrett from 'Always Be Watching' joins to break down whether microdramas are the next big thing or a bubble about to burst. Here is the TODAY show article Rob talks about: https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2019/11/06/2019-11-6-opinion-karl-ali-and-a-complete-format-change-today-2020/ - Karl Stefanovic sacked — what Nine isn't saying - My Reno Rules misses its window - ACCC takes on Amazon Prime Video ads - Waitress the Musical cancelled - Microdramas: trend or flop? w/ Dan Barrett - Viewer question 📰 Media McKnight drops every Tuesday. Subscribe for more media analysis, interviews and opinion. #MediaMcKnight #KarlStefanovic #Channel9 #TODAYShow #KancelKarl #TVRatings #AmazonPrime #ACCC #MyRenoRules #Channel7 #StreamingNews #Microdramas #AustralianMedia #TVNews #MediaIndustry #RobMcKnight Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My Kitchen Rules Abuse Scandal | Pauline Hanson Wants SBS Axed | Beetlejuice Musical Cancelled | Free TV Switch-Off Looms | Hot Podium Guy Strikes Again | Don Lane Show Throwback. Rob McKnight breaks down the week's biggest media stories on Media McKnight, from his garage on the Gold Coast. My Kitchen Rules contestant Anthony — found not guilty of historical sexual abuse charges — joined McKnight Tonight with daughter Paige for an exclusive interview, revealing how Channel 9 played up the celebrity angle on the way in but went quiet on the not guilty verdict. Pauline Hanson used her National Press Club address to call for SBS to be axed and the ABC defunded — Rob reacts. Beetlejuice the Musical has cancelled its Australian run after its final Brisbane show, reigniting the conversation around star power, stunt casting and the cost-of-living squeeze on live theatre — including the Nat Bass and Rob Mills casting backlash in Waitress. A UK proposal to switch off free-to-air TV signals as early as 2034 is flying under the radar amid Keir Starmer's resignation — and Rob asks what it means for Australia's anti-siphoning rules. Plus: the UK's "Hot Podium Guy" sound engineer has now gone viral at five separate PM resignations, and a deep dive into a forgotten gem from The Don Lane Show. - My Kitchen Rules abuse allegations and the McKnight Tonight exclusive interview - Pauline Hanson's SBS and ABC funding stance - Beetlejuice the Musical's Australian shows cancelled - UK's free-to-air TV switch-off proposal - Hot Podium Guy's viral resignation streak - Classic Australian TV: The Don Lane Show 📰 Media McKnight drops every Tuesday. Subscribe for more media analysis, interviews and opinion. #MediaMcKnight #RobMcKnight #MyKitchenRules #PaulineHanson #Beetlejuice #FreeToAir #AustralianMedia Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rob McKnight, from his garage on the Gold Coast, covers the big media stories of the week on Media McKnight, episode 45. Robert Irwin has been named host of the 2026 Logie Awards, and the reaction in the comments has been overwhelmingly negative. Rob breaks down what the appointment might signal for Channel 7's longer-term plans — and what it could mean for Dr. Chris Brown. FIFA has introduced mandatory water breaks at the World Cup — and broadcasters are allowed to run commercials during them. Fans are furious, calling it a money grab. But Rob argues the real story is the financial reality facing free-to-air broadcasters competing for every ad dollar in a fractured media market. Plus, a spidercam fell 20 metres onto the pitch during a football friendly in Hungary — and the footage is terrifying. Reports are emerging that Kyle Sandilands and ARN could be close to a settlement in their Federal Court dispute. Rob makes a bold prediction on tape — and acknowledges there'll be no hiding if he's wrong. And in Rob's Rant: Doctor Who has been effectively canceled under Russell T. Davies, with the BBC Christmas special scrapped and the show put out to tender. Rob argues the audience wasn't against diversity — they were against being lectured. - FIFA World Cup ad breaks debate - Spidercam falls at Hungary match - Molly Meldrum health fears - Robert Irwin named 2026 Logies host - Kyle Sandilands vs ARN — settlement on the cards? - Doctor Who cancelled — Rob's Rant 📰 Media McKnight drops every Tuesday. Subscribe for more media analysis, interviews and opinion. #MediaMcKnight #FIFA #WorldCup #RobertIrwin #Logies #KyleSandilands #ARN #DoctorWho #RussellTDavies #AustralianMedia #MollyMeldrum Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Media McKnight: Nat Bass dudded by BBC? | When Australian Ninja Warrior is filming | Big Brother Brisbane Location Confirmed | Guy Ashford Out | Nine & the NRL | Qld Govt False Advertising | Darren Sanders On tonight's Media McKnight: Nat Bassingthwaighte reveals her song Voodoo Child was used in one of the most iconic Doctor Who episodes ever — distributed to more than 200 territories — and the Rogue Traders received not a single cent. We dig into why. Plus, Nat on the ageism backlash she faced when cast in the musical Waitress. Guy Ashford is out at 2HD and newFM following the radio awards groping incident. The right outcome — and a sign the industry is finally moving on. Big Brother is confirmed to be moving to Screen Queensland Studios in Brisbane. And Australian Ninja Warrior is heading to Channel 10 in 2027, with Queensland production also likely. The Australian newspaper runs a story suggesting Nine couldn't afford the NRL rights because of its EPL deal. We call it out for what it is. The Queensland government is still running ads calling themselves "the new government" — 18 months after the election. Time to update the messaging. And Darren Sanders — comedian, former talk show host, and the man who once danced next to Whitney Houston — has been diagnosed with acute leukaemia. We wish him well, and there's a GoFundMe link below. 🔗 Darren Sanders GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-comedian-darren-sanders-fight-acute-leukaemia?utm_id=97757_v0_s00_e227_tv2_tp1_a1demo0dr049da&fbclid=IwY2xjawSUPAJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETE1Vll3U1ZFVnVrOGZXYlhsc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvktoITny-2EVLrLDWcJQQs0SkcvvcG58vus4A7p6163TyAfuVmAXjGAfhfp_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw 📰 Media McKnight drops every Tuesday. Subscribe for more media analysis, interviews and opinion. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ch 10 axes I'm A Celebrity | Angus Ross returns to 7 | Kyle & Jackie O staff sacked | Colbert's bizarre finale | Eurovision TV tech Rob McKnight, television and radio producer-presenter with over 30 years experience, brings you the week's biggest media industry stories from his garage on the Gold Coast. - Channel 10 confirms I'm a Celebrity axing — Rob broke it first - Angus Ross returns to Seven in expanded MD role - Kyle & Jackie O staff redundancies — Intern Pete speaks out - Stephen Colbert's Late Show finale and the $40M question - NBC reporter mocked for White House shooting reaction - Behind the scenes of Eurovision's world feed graphics system Channel 10 has confirmed the axing of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! — and Rob broke the story over a week before the official announcement. Despite other outlets calling it speculation, his trusted sources were right. Again. Angus Ross is back at Channel 7 — and in a bigger role. After being sacked in March following 27 years at the network, the popular programmer returns as Managing Director, Television and Streaming. Meanwhile, veteran commercial director Bruce McWilliam has quietly become Southern Cross Media's second-biggest shareholder, setting the cat among the pigeons after the 7/SCA merger. The fallout from the Kyle and Jackie O axing continues, with three more team members — including the show's censor — now made redundant. Rob's recent interview with Intern Pete gives an inside look at how the team is coping, with the Kyle/Jackie O legal action against ARN still playing out in court. Stephen Colbert's Late Show finale was, by Rob's assessment, a bizarre farewell. With Paramount citing $40 million in annual losses and speculation about Trump's influence, Rob examines whether the show's enormous overheads — including custom-made Armani suits for every appearance — contributed to its demise. And what does it mean for the future of late night TV? Plus: an NBC reporter gets mocked online for her measured reaction to gunshots at the White House — and Rob has something to say about that. And a fascinating look at the extraordinary broadcast technology behind Eurovision's global graphics sync. 📺 McKnight Tonight streams Monday, Wednesday & Thursday at 8pm AEST. 📰 Media McKnight drops every Tuesday. Subscribe for more media analysis, interviews and opinion. #MediaMcKnight #RobMcKnight #ImACelebrity #Channel10 #AngusRoss #Channel7 #KyleAndJackieO #ARN #StephenColbert #LateShow #Eurovision #australianmedia Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live TV Chaos, Channel 10's Regional Retreat, Karl & Eddie's New Show, Fair Dealing Explained + Logies Salute & Slap - Live TV chaos — Sky News UK and CBS News meltdowns dissected - Channel 10 dropped in three regional markets — WIN Network exits - Karl Stefanovic and Eddie McGuire launch The Long Weekend video podcast - Meta book piracy lawsuit — fair dealing law explained for Australian media - Salute & Slap — BAFTAs vs the Logies, and why the industry needs to back itself Rob McKnight, television and radio producer and presenter with over 30 years' experience, breaks down the biggest stories in Australian and international media from his garage on the Gold Coast. This week, live TV chaos strikes on two continents — Sky News UK gets tangled in its own wiring during a major political moment, while CBS News anchor Tony Dokoupil is stranded in Taiwan due to a visa issue as Trump meets Xi in Beijing, and a medical emergency unfolds live on air. Rob unpacks what went wrong and what the control room should have done. WIN Network has confirmed it will drop Channel 10 services in the Riverland, Mount Gambier and Griffith markets from June 30, following a similar exit from Mildura in 2024. Rob says this is just the beginning — and the numbers tell a grim story for Network 10's parent, Paramount. Karl Stefanovic and Eddie McGuire are teaming up for a new Friday night video podcast called The Long Weekend, broadcasting across the Gold Radio Network and streaming on iHeart, 9Now and Stan. Rob explains why this is a smart play, and why Jam TV deserves more credit than it gets. Five major publishers have alleged Mark Zuckerberg personally ordered Meta to pirate millions of books to train its AI system, Llama. Rob takes a deep dive into fair dealing under Australian law — what it covers, what it doesn't, and why Nine's use of a Daily Mail photo during the Bondi Beach shootings is actually legal, even if it feels wrong. Sam Pang won't be hosting the Logies this year. Rob salutes Australian production teams after watching the BAFTAs, and delivers a pointed slap to anyone at the Logies who uses the stage to talk the television industry down. 📺 McKnight Tonight streams Monday, Wednesday & Thursday at 8pm AEST. 📰 Media McKnight drops every Tuesday. Subscribe for more media analysis, interviews and opinion. #MediaMcKnight #AustralianMedia #ChannelTen #KarlStefanovic #EddieMcGuire #Logies #FairDealing #CBSNews #SkyNews #VideoPocast Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special edition of Media McKnight, Rob McKnight — television and radio producer and presenter broadcasting from his garage on the Gold Coast — goes deep into the latest batch of Federal Court documents in the Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O case against ARN. The Federal Court has released the initial claims, the defence, and the applicants' replies — and there's a lot to unpack. Rob is joined by employment lawyer Michael Byrnes from Swaab to work through the claims and counterclaims paragraph by paragraph. In this episode: Did ARN have different expectations of Kyle — and does the court language actually say so? The February 20 broadcast: Kyle's team admits Jackie was visibly upset — then points straight to the censor Kyle was never told there was a complaint about his relationship with Jackie — and never given a chance to fix it Why is Kyle's team agreeing with ARN that Jackie repudiated her contract — and what's the legal play? ARN says Kyle was an independent contractor they couldn't control — so who was responsible? ARN's "serious misconduct" case goes beyond February 20 — can they broaden the argument now? The 14-day remedy notice: ARN says "reasonable" means time, not opportunity quality Kyle's team fires back: ARN encouraged the very conduct it's now calling misconduct Media McKnight drops every Tuesday. McKnight Tonight streams live Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 8pm AEST at youtube.com/@mckknighttonight #MediaMcKnight #KyleAndJackieO #ARN #KyleSandilands #JackieO #FederalCourt #EmploymentLaw #AustralianMedia #RadioNews #MichaelByrnes #Swaab #InternPete #GoldFM Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

News bargaining incentive: social media vs AI | Screen Forever: Bluey IP, Stan, Channel 10 | Sarah Abo's maternity leave play | Channel 9 job cuts | All My Friends Are Back in Brisbane | Tony Jones: 40 years at Nine Rob McKnight brings his three decades of broadcasting experience to this week's Media McKnight, with a pointed take on the federal government's draft news bargaining incentive legislation — and why politicians are confusing social media promotion with AI theft. Plus, fresh insights from the Screen Forever conference on the Gold Coast, and the latest from inside the networks. The federal government has released draft legislation for the next stage of the news bargaining incentive, aimed at making big tech pay for journalism. But Rob draws a clear line the legislation doesn't: social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram aren't stealing journalism — they're driving traffic back to news sites for free. It's AI platforms like Google that are actually scraping and serving up content without sending users anywhere, and that's where the focus should be. Rob attended the Screen Forever conference on the Gold Coast, where ABC managing director Hugh Marks addressed the Bluey merchandising rights miss, Nine's Adrian Swift talked up new Stan IP including an OnlyFans series, and Ten/Paramount's Sarah Thornton made clear the network won't be taking big swings on untested formats. Rob also delivers a blunt verdict on the new Shark Island series. Sarah Abo has made a smart public move — declaring her intention to return to the Today show just three months after the birth of her baby boy, making it very difficult for Nine to push her out amid reports of a potential host refresh. Meanwhile, Nine has confirmed 20 redundancies in the first stage of its Future News overhaul, with automation coming to the Today show control room. Rob reviews indie film All My Friends Are Back in Brisbane — made for just $13,000 and starring newcomer Nell Lee and Home and Away's Dan Ewing — and offers his recommendation ahead of screenings in Brisbane (May 29–31), Sydney (June 18) and Melbourne (July 9). And a big congratulations to Nine Melbourne sports presenter Tony Jones, celebrating 40 years at the network — with an on-air moment as awkward and endearing as you'd expect. Federal government's draft news bargaining incentive legislation — and why Rob thinks it's got it wrong on social media Screen Forever Gold Coast: ABC, Nine/Stan, Ten/Paramount on IP, risk and the state of Australian TV Sarah Abo's maternity leave play — and why Nine can't easily move her on Channel 9 announces 20 redundancies in Future News overhaul; automation coming to Today Indie film All My Friends Are Back in Brisbane — Rob's review and upcoming screenings Tony Jones celebrates 40 years at Channel Nine 📰 Media McKnight drops every Tuesday. Subscribe for more media analysis, interviews and opinion. 📺 McKnight Tonight streams Monday, Wednesday & Thursday at 8pm AEST. #MediaMcKnight #AustralianMedia #NewsBargainingIncentive #ScreenForever #ChannelNine #SarahAbo #TodayShow #ABCaustralia #RobMcKnight #AustralianTelevision Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Byrnes from SWAAB joins Rob McKnight to break down today's proceedings in Federal Court. The pair are taking on their old employers - ARN - in separate cases. Today we heard news details about the evidence each side will present. This is a live special taking place at 6pm AEST on Friday, 24 April 2026. #mediamcknight #medianews #mediacommentary #kylesandilands #jackieo #radiodrama #radionews #australiannews #australianmedia #court #federalcourts Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

++NOTE - Rob refers to Jim Chalmers during the Salute and a Slap segment, when it is actually Richard Marles. Rob will give himself a good slap over that one! ********** Australian Survivor axed? | Ben Roberts-Smith media circus | Logies reform | Karl's salute and slap | ABC diversity spin Rob McKnight breaks down the week's biggest Australian media stories — including an exclusive on the future of Australian Survivor, the media coverage surrounding the arrest of Ben Roberts-Smith, a new nomination process for the Gold Logie, a measured look at Karl Stefanovic's interview highs and lows, and the real story behind the ABC's decision to end its diversity group partnerships. Australian Survivor's days may be numbered. As exclusively reported by TV Blackbox, Channel 10 has scrapped plans for a back-to-back two-season shoot, with only one season now going ahead. Rob reveals the axing of host Jonathan LaPaglia had less to do with salary than a long-running clash with Endemol Shine executive Amelia Fisk — and explains why all signs are pointing to the return of Australian Ninja Warrior as a replacement. The Ben Roberts-Smith arrest and the media circus around it. Critics were quick to condemn the camera crew at the airport — but as Rob explains, that footage came from the Office of the Special Investigator, not a news outlet. Rob also reflects on his McKnight Tonight interview with combat veteran Heston Russell, which had generated 56,000 views and over 1,100 comments at time of recording, and what the reaction tells us about public trust in the media. The ABC, diversity partnerships, and the misinformation spreading online. The ABC ended its paid memberships with Pride in Diversity, the Australian Disability Network, and the Diversity Council of Australia — but it is not abandoning diversity and inclusion programs. Rob cuts through the spin from both sides, including the Media Watch history that many viral videos are conveniently ignoring. Logies reform: a step in the right direction. TV Week can now put forward nominees for the Gold Logie and Hall of Fame — and Rob, a Logies judge himself, explains why this is a welcome change, and has some pointed advice for presenters submitting their reels. A Salute and a Slap for Karl Stefanovic. The Karl Stefanovic Show has changed Australian podcasting. The production values are high, the interviews are compelling, and Rob genuinely can't wait to see what comes next. But in the same breath — that Jim Chalmers interview on Today nearly had it all, until Karl tried to land a last-minute hit and move on without letting the Treasurer respond. Australian Survivor back-to-back shoot scrapped — and what's coming next The real reason Jonathan LaPaglia was axed from Survivor Ben Roberts-Smith arrest footage — who actually shot it? Heston Russell interview reaction: 56K views, 1,100+ comments ABC drops diversity group partnerships — what it actually means Gold Logie nomination reform — and advice for presenters Karl Stefanovic: salute and a slap BBC Eurovision 1977 — the director's cut you weren't supposed to hear 📺 Media McKnight drops every Tuesday. Subscribe for more media analysis, interviews and opinion. 📺 McKnight Tonight streams Monday, Wednesday & Thursday at 8pm AEST. #MediaMcKnight #AustralianSurvivor #BenRobertsSmith #Logies #KarlStefanovic #ABC #AustralianMedia #McKnightTonight Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.