Welcome to Start the Week, our Monday scene-setter for the week ahead.

In today’s audio-led edition, the theme of the week is government intervention in betting ads; airline failures and the social media landscape

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Government set to back off on betting ad ban; Could Rex have marketed itself differently?; Digital levy looms

The Australian government is currently navigating tricky questions about where to intervene across the media and business world.

In a proposed crackdown on betting ads, the government seems to be watering down its threat to ban them from TV. Instead it might limit gambling brands to two ads per hour, which would create premium inventory for the networks. Meanwhile, the networks are asking for another discount on what they pay to access the public airwaves.

The government is also weighing up what intervention might be needed to save regional airline Rex. Should the airline have stayed focused on the country?

And a major new intervention around the digital platforms is looming, including the possibility of a digital levy.

Further reading:

* The Guardian: ‘A total cop-out’ if Albanese government refuses blanket ban on gambling ads, Pocock says

* Australian Financial Review: TV networks to demand fee relief as $40m wagering hole opens up

* Unmade: The levy is breaking cover

Today’s episode features Tim Burrowes and Abe Udy.

Editing was courtesy of Abe’s Audio, the people to talk to about voiceovers, sound design and podcast production.

Time to leave you to start your week. We’ll be back with more tomorrow.

Toodlepip…

Tim Burrowes

Publisher - Unmade

[email protected]

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