CBD
It rakes in $131 million a year in revenue, but apparently Lachlan Murdoch's DMG radio network can't spare a few dollars to pay writers for its station websites.
On Tuesday, DMG was advertising for freelance music writers, anywhere in Australia, to scribble rock reviews for its yoof-oriented network, Nova, and its easy-listening stations, smoothfm.
"If you're passionate about live music and writing and want to add a little more to your portfolio, this is the perfect opportunity," the ad on Pedestrian.tv burbled.
"This year, NovaFM has covered massive shows from international stars including P!nk, One Direction and Rihanna, as well as festivals like Future Music, Big Day Out and Laneway. Over on smoothfm, we've sent contributors along to cover the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Norah Jones and Jason Mraz.
A catch? Of course. In addition to having to stay awake all the way through a Norah the snorer gig, the job is "an unpaid volunteer position".
DMG is at pains to point out it is not an internship - just as well, because the alleged exploitation of unpaid interns in industries such as radio, TV and, er, journalism, has been a hot topic this year. Critics say that while an internship is supposed to be a learning experience, young people have instead been used, Dubai-style, as unpaid labour.
DMG's most recent accounts, for the 2012 calendar year, provide good reason to minimise costs.
Despite the impressive revenue line, the company made an operating profit of just $2.6 million. After finance costs, it declared a loss of $7.46 million. Clearly every penny counts in radio. DMG didn't return CBD's call.
Tabcorp launch
Trainers, jockeys, fashionistas, sports broadcasters and media joined beneath the big tent on Crown Casino's rooftop tennis court yesterday for wagering company Tabcorp's official launch of the spring racing carnival. The tent was actually more of a sauna as the glorious sunny Melbourne day outside became a sweat box inside - fine for the jockeys who are always trying to shed a kilo or two - but not so good for some of the guests.
But the great cooking and wines proved a perfect distraction with the MasterChef restaurant that is currently on the Crown tennis court starring this year's winner, Emma Dean, as well as audience favourite Lynton Tapp.
Tabcorp boss David Attenborough looked happy - his tills are about to swell over the next 65 days as punters bet millions.
Some senior Tabcorp executives had a table directly in the sun during the three-hour lunch and will now have a stunning tan for the racing carnival. Guests were entertained by people dancing around in full-body skin-tight leotards covered with Tabcorp betting tickets. CBD was unable to confirm if they were actually any of the Tabcorp directors or the chairman in disguise.
Gender agenda
ASX boss Elmer Funke Kupper is a proud member of "Male Champions of Change", a group of 22 male business leaders including Alan Jones and Ian Narev who are committed to advancing women into leadership positions.
Over lunch in Melbourne on Tuesday, Funke Kupper spoke at length about the Champions, flexible working agreements at ASX and not appearing on panels which lack the presence of a senior woman. So, how did Mr Male Champion of Change feel about the 95 per cent male federal cabinet? "I think it's best that I don't go in to it," he said. He added that he was focused on promoting "incredibly talented" women at ASX.
BHP departure
Farewell to BHP Billiton spokeswoman Sam Stevens, who is leaving the Big Australian after eight long years deflecting hacks.
CBD looks forward to seeing where she pops up in future.
Got a tip?
bbutler@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
DMG advertised for freelance music writers across Australia to cover concerts and festivals for its Nova and smoothfm sites, but the role was described as an "unpaid volunteer position." That prompted criticism because unpaid roles in radio, TV and journalism have been a hot topic, with critics saying young people can be exploited when expected to work without pay.
According to the article, DMG reported about $131 million in revenue for 2012. Despite that top line, it recorded an operating profit of $2.6 million and, after finance costs, a net loss of $7.46 million for the year.
DMG explicitly said the role was not an internship and was described as an unpaid volunteer position. The article notes the distinction matters because internships are generally presented as learning experiences, whereas critics have argued unpaid roles have sometimes become de facto unpaid labour.
The article highlights that even with healthy revenue, DMG's operating profit was small and it reported a net loss in 2012. For investors this underlines that high revenue doesn't always translate into strong profits—cost control, finance costs and margins matter for media companies' financial health.
Tabcorp held an official spring racing carnival launch at Crown Casino's rooftop court, attended by industry and media figures. The article notes Tabcorp boss David Attenborough looked pleased because the company expects betting activity to increase over the next 65 days as punters place millions—an example of seasonal events that can boost wagering revenue.
Yes. The launch included Crown hospitality, a MasterChef restaurant featuring winner Emma Dean and favourite Lynton Tapp, entertainers in Tabcorp-branded outfits, and a large media presence—activities that help raise brand visibility during a key betting season.
Elmer Funke Kupper is a member of the Male Champions of Change group and spoke about promoting women into leadership, supporting flexible working agreements at ASX, and avoiding panels that lack senior female representation. He declined to comment at length on the male-dominated federal cabinet but stressed focusing on promoting talented women at ASX.
The article reports that Sam Stevens, a longtime spokeswoman for BHP Billiton, is leaving after eight years. The piece simply notes her departure and that the author looks forward to seeing where she turns up next.
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