Welcome to Unmade’s new Start the Week podcast, dedicated to looking ahead to the week in media and marketing.

Today’s topics:

* Why some of the shareholders of TV company Seven West Media and radio giant HT&E are open to a merger;

* Gearing up for a big news week with the Budget, the Shane Warne memorial and perhaps an election called too;

* AAP launches its own direct news offering;

* Verdict on the new Qantas campaign

Today’s episode features Unmade’s Tim Burrowes and Damian Francis. As always, we’d love to hear what you think at [email protected]

Further reading (and viewing):

* SMH: ‘Obvious benefits’: HT&E, Seven investors flag possible tie-up;

* The Australian Media Diary on the battle of the Budget

* AFR: AAP explores new revenue models with app, website

Audio production on Media Unmade comes courtesy of Abe’s Audio, the people to talk to about voiceovers and sound design for corporate videos, digital content, commercials and podcasts.

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