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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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++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!

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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

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ARN's big winner revealed | Robin Bailey's media ambush | Gambling ads & your TV | Media McKnight

Rob McKnight analyses the week's biggest media stories, starting with the Kyle and Jackie O fallout — and the one person laughing all the way to the bank. As the pair head to court, new details emerge about the role of their fiercest critics in bringing down the $200 million deal, and ARN's radical new direction is taking shape, with Karl Stefanovic reportedly signed and talkback heavyweights including Ray Hadley, Ben Fordham and Samantha Armitage being courted.

Also this week — Kiss FM Brisbane's Robin Bailey lured a Courier Mail journalist onto her show to ambush him over a reader poll that didn't go her way. Rob asks the question: is that empowerment, or just bullying? Plus, the federal government's sweeping gambling ad reforms and what they really mean for free-to-air TV, the NRL's record rights deal ambitions, and local content budgets already under pressure.

Ita Buttrose joins Rob fresh from the McKnight Tonight 100th episode to share her thoughts on the ABC strike and the future of Australian media. And in Shit I Just Don't Care About — Fox Footy's Gary Lyon apologises for a hot mic moment. Rob is unmoved.

• ARN's big winner: former CEO Ciaran Davis's payout revealed
• Kyle & Jackie O's fiercest critics claim credit — and say there's more to come
• ARN's future: Karl Stefanovic signed, talkback heavyweights courted
• Robin Bailey ambushes Courier Mail journalist over reader poll
• Gambling ad reforms: what they mean for free TV, NRL rights and local content
• Channel 7 shakeup — who leaked the Usher/Ferguson story?
• Ita Buttrose on the ABC, the media industry and the future
• Shit I Just Don't Care About: Gary Lyon's hot mic apology

📺 McKnight Tonight streams Monday, Wednesday & Thursday at 8pm AEST. 📰 Media McKnight drops every Tuesday. Subscribe for more media analysis, interviews and opinion.

#MediaMcKnight #KyleAndJackieO #ARN #RobinBailey #GamblingAds #ItaButtrose #AustralianMedia #MediaNews #RadioNews #NRL #Channel7 #FreeTV

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Jackie O sues ARN for $82 million | Will she testify against Kyle? | Kyle's court date set | 7 News Spotlight gets new EP | BBC Scotland's live TV blunder Rob McKnight examines the latest legal escalation in the Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O dispute — including Jackie's formal Federal Court action against ARN alleging breach of the Fair Work Act, her $82.25 million compensation claim, and whether she could be called as a witness against Kyle at his June hearing. Rob is joined by employment lawyer Michael Byrnes to break down both cases. Jackie O — now confirmed as not having resigned — has lodged formal proceedings in the Federal Court, alleging ARN's termination of her contract constituted adverse action after she raised psychosocial health and safety complaints about Kyle Sandilands. She is also claiming ARN made misleading and deceptive statements in its ASX announcement. Total compensation sought: at least $82.25 million. Kyle Sandilands had his first directions hearing on Friday, with the case set down for five days beginning 22 June. His legal team is seeking specific performance — Kyle back on air — but employment lawyer Michael Burns says courts almost never grant such orders for personal services. The real battle is likely to be about damages. With Jackie now suing ARN, questions arise about whether she'll be subpoenaed to testify against Kyle. The Australian reported ARN intended to call her as a star witness — but with both now in adversarial positions, the situation has changed dramatically. Channel 7 has appointed journalist Rahni Sadler as executive producer of 7 News Spotlight, replacing Gemma Williams. Rob says the move signals serious intent to challenge 60 Minutes — but warns Spotlight needs to be on air 40 weeks a year to make it stick. A BBC Scotland bulletin was interrupted when it accidentally crossed live to the set of The One Show as presenters chatted and prepared for the next program. Rob examines how automation and reduced presentation staff make these gremlins increasingly likely. Bullet list: Jackie O lodges Federal Court action against ARN — $82.25 million claim Jackie alleges bullying, unsafe workplace, and misleading ASX statement Will Jackie be subpoenaed to testify against Kyle? Kyle's case set for five days from 22 June — specific performance vs damages Rob's exclusive: termination letter to Kyle focused solely on 20 February broadcast Rahni Sadler named EP of 7 News Spotlight BBC Scotland's live TV blunder — the price of automation 📺 McKnight Tonight streams Monday, Wednesday & Thursday at 9pm. 📰 Media McKnight drops every Tuesday. Subscribe for more media analysis, interviews and opinion. 👍 If you found this useful, hit like, subscribe and ring the bell so you never miss an episode. Drop your thoughts in the comments below. Hashtags: #MediaMcKnight #KyleSandilands #JackieO #ARN #KissRadio #FairWorkAct #MediaNews #AustralianMedia #7NewsSpotlight #BBCScotland

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