Latest news with #TheBlock
Sydney Morning Herald
a day ago
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Nine unveils management shake-up in TV, Stan
Nine Entertainment head of streaming and broadcasting Amanda Laing has unveiled a new leadership structure that she hopes will better integrate the company's brands, with the heads of the television wing's sport, entertainment and news units to take on responsibility for content on Stan. On Friday, about five months since Laing was appointed as managing director of Nine's newly formed streaming and broadcast division, the former Foxtel executive announced a raft of leadership changes, including new roles in which several veteran TV directors will report to her. Broadly speaking, Laing's plan for the division includes giving the heads of various departments control of television output; its paid-streaming service Stan; and its free catch-up website 9Now, including deciding which content is best suited to each platform, as part of changes that will take effect from July 1. Nine is owner of this masthead. Driving efficiencies and drawing on resources across the company is central to the changes, including a merger of production teams from Stan Sports and the historic Wide World of Sports. Laing will lead a program to further grow the sport offering, with the aim of increasing advertising and subscription revenues as well as gaining additional broadcast rights and partnerships. Michael Healy, who has served as Channel 9's director of television since 2010, will move into an executive director of entertainment role that includes responsibility for the commissioning of all content across TV and streaming. This effectively puts him in charge of decisions for flagship shows such as Married at First Sight, Lego Masters and The Block, as well as for Australian original dramas and other series on Stan. Cailah Scobie, chief content officer at Stan, will take on the expanded role of executive director of entertainment content acquisitions, which will involve negotiating with studios to secure the rights for series, including big-name US-produced shows key to driving subscriptions and viewer numbers, for both streaming and broadcast television. Fiona Dear, Nine's director of news and current affairs, fresh from launching a dedicated long-form current affairs and investigations unit, will take on responsibility for streaming services as the company hopes to better unite the work of journalists across its broadcast and publishing divisions, which include The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Australian Financial Review. The plan aims to build on the collaborations between print journalists from the mastheads working with programs such as 60 Minutes that have occurred since Nine's merger with Fairfax Media. No departures or redundancies were announced as part of the changes, which were explained to staff on Friday. Additionally, the company will soon recruit a chief strategy officer and chief marketing officer for the streaming and broadcast divisions, while Nine's state managing directors in Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia will now also report to Laing.
The Age
a day ago
- Business
- The Age
Nine unveils management shake-up in TV, Stan
Nine Entertainment head of streaming and broadcasting Amanda Laing has unveiled a new leadership structure that she hopes will better integrate the company's brands, with the heads of the television wing's sport, entertainment and news units to take on responsibility for content on Stan. On Friday, about five months since Laing was appointed as managing director of Nine's newly formed streaming and broadcast division, the former Foxtel executive announced a raft of leadership changes, including new roles in which several veteran TV directors will report to her. Broadly speaking, Laing's plan for the division includes giving the heads of various departments control of television output; its paid-streaming service Stan; and its free catch-up website 9Now, including deciding which content is best suited to each platform, as part of changes that will take effect from July 1. Nine is owner of this masthead. Driving efficiencies and drawing on resources across the company is central to the changes, including a merger of production teams from Stan Sports and the historic Wide World of Sports. Laing will lead a program to further grow the sport offering, with the aim of increasing advertising and subscription revenues as well as gaining additional broadcast rights and partnerships. Michael Healy, who has served as Channel 9's director of television since 2010, will move into an executive director of entertainment role that includes responsibility for the commissioning of all content across TV and streaming. This effectively puts him in charge of decisions for flagship shows such as Married at First Sight, Lego Masters and The Block, as well as for Australian original dramas and other series on Stan. Cailah Scobie, chief content officer at Stan, will take on the expanded role of executive director of entertainment content acquisitions, which will involve negotiating with studios to secure the rights for series, including big-name US-produced shows key to driving subscriptions and viewer numbers, for both streaming and broadcast television. Fiona Dear, Nine's director of news and current affairs, fresh from launching a dedicated long-form current affairs and investigations unit, will take on responsibility for streaming services as the company hopes to better unite the work of journalists across its broadcast and publishing divisions, which include The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Australian Financial Review. The plan aims to build on the collaborations between print journalists from the mastheads working with programs such as 60 Minutes that have occurred since Nine's merger with Fairfax Media. No departures or redundancies were announced as part of the changes, which were explained to staff on Friday. Additionally, the company will soon recruit a chief strategy officer and chief marketing officer for the streaming and broadcast divisions, while Nine's state managing directors in Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia will now also report to Laing.
Sky News AU
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
The Block 2025: Channel Nine under fire after fans notice 'irresponsible' Scott Cam detail in new trailer for hit renovation series
Channel Nine has come under fire after fans of The Block noticed an "irresponsible" detail in the trailer for the new 2025 hit renovation series. The Block is expected to return to screens in August, with a fresh round of Blockheads this year building homes from scratch in the Victoria town of Daylesford before each one goes under the hammer for a grand prize. In a fun-packed teaser shared on the renovation show's social media accounts on Wednesday, Scotty Cam and Shelley Craft are seen sounding the horns of two big red trucks en route to the new countryside location. The co-hosts are joined by The Block's famous troupe, including former contestant turned foreman Dan Reilly and real estate agent Marty Fox. Judge Darren Palmer also made a cameo appearance riding a horse shirtless and, in true county theme, declared, "Howdy man". However, fans were quick to notice that Scotty and Shelley were not wearing seatbelts while driving the trucks and lashed out at the detail. "Probably should have put ya seatbelts on," one viewer wrote. Another person questioned, "Where are your seatbelts?" while a third person asked, "Why aren't they wearing their seatbelts, Nine?" One more viewer said Channel Nine was "irresponsible" for showing the TV figures not wearing the crucial safety feature. "How irresponsible of Channel 9 to advertise in prime time, showing celebrities driving on country roads and not wearing seatbelts," they said. "Clearly not aware of the road toll related to driving on rural roads." It's unclear whether Scotty and Shelly were driving the trucks or the scene was created using CGI, with some fans convinced of the latter. "They're not actually driving... watch the windows on the driver's side same scenery," one fan wrote. "It's obviously CGI," another person added. Elsewhere in the trailer, the new 2025 Blockheads were introduced to fans awaiting the return of the top-rated series. Emma and Ben, Can and Han, Robby and Matt, Alicia and Sonny, Brit and Taz enthusiastically jumped out of the back of one of the trailers in pairs. Scotty said a "truckload of fun" awaited the contents, who will undergo the tough job of building homes from scratch in a dramatic series first. The move marks a pivotal step away from the previous series stars competing against each other to renovate a home and sell it at an auction. The premise remains that the couple who wins the highest price at auction receives a grand monetary prize to help set them up for life. The Block has continuously built a strong lead in the prime-time TV ratings, surging ahead of Seven's My Kitchen Rules and The Voice. has contacted Channel Nine for comment.
Cision Canada
3 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
The Block Announces Strategic Leadership Evolution as Leading Digital Asset News Platform Enters Next Growth Phase
transitions to President role to focus on research and product innovation; Kaleb Jessee promoted to CEO NEW YORK, June 18, 2025 /CNW/ -- The Block, a leading provider of news, research, and data on digital assets, today announced a strategic leadership transition that reflects the company's evolution and positions it for accelerated growth. Larry Cermak, who has served as CEO since March 2023 and has been with The Block for nearly seven years, will transition to the role of President. In this new capacity, he will focus full-time on advancing research and data capabilities as well as product innovation — areas where his expertise has been instrumental in establishing The Block's reputation as the industry's most trusted source of information. Kaleb Jessee, who has played a key leadership role as Chief Revenue Officer—driving B2B and B2C revenue growth across the Campus learning platform as well as sponsorship and research sales—will succeed Cermak as Chief Executive Officer. The leadership evolution also includes key editorial changes designed to strengthen The Block's content operations. Tim Copeland, previously Editor-in-Chief, has transitioned to Head of Growth, where he will spearhead initiatives to expand The Block's global reach and market impact. Adam James has been appointed Editor-in-Chief, ensuring continuity in The Block's commitment to editorial excellence and journalistic integrity. Cermak assumed the CEO role during one of the most challenging periods in The Block's history, when the company faced significant financial and operational difficulties. Under his leadership, The Block underwent a comprehensive business transformation that not only stabilized operations but positioned the company for sustainable long-term growth. "I stepped into the CEO role when it was necessary for the company's survival," said Cermak. "What I've truly missed is being close to research, data, and product development — where I can make the biggest impact. This transition allows me to focus on my core strengths and where I can drive the most value for our audience and the broader digital asset community." During his tenure as CEO, Cermak successfully guided the company through a comprehensive transformation, including leading The Block's sale to Foresight Ventures, launching new products like the Campus education platform, and establishing strategic partnerships such as a joint venture with Wintermute that created crypto index provider GMCI. Jessee brings extensive operational expertise and a proven track record of revenue growth to his new role as CEO. His deep understanding of The Block's business model and strategic vision positions him to lead the company's next phase of expansion. "The Block is entering an exciting new chapter, but our fundamental mission remains unchanged," said Jessee. "We remain unwavering in our commitment to delivering world-class journalism, unrivaled research, and innovative learning experiences. I'm honored to lead this incredible team as we continue to set the standard for digital asset information and analysis." Jessee's promotion reflects The Block's commitment to operational excellence and strategic growth. His background in managing complex revenue streams and building scalable business platforms aligns with the company's objectives to expand its global footprint. "This transition reflects our maturation as an organization and our confidence in the long-term growth trajectory of crypto in the U.S.," added Cermak. "By having someone who thrives on operational leadership in the CEO role, we're optimizing our leadership structure for maximum impact." The Block is the leading source of crypto-native news, research and data. Its beating heart is an editorial team that produces reliable and accurate reporting, bolstered by an expert-led team of researchers. The Block serves institutional investors, industry professionals and retail participants. Through its newly launched platform Campus, it helps crypto companies hire top talent and upskill their teams.
News.com.au
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Adrian Portelli selling entire Block compound at Phillip Island
Adrian Portelli is selling off his entire Block compound at Phillip Island months after snapping up all five homes on the hit renovation show. The billionaire businessman posted on Instagram, begging fans to take all the properties off his hands, The Herald Sun reports. 'For Sale. EOI. The Phillip Island Block Resort. Selling complex complete. Everything included. Will not sell houses separately,' he posted. Portelli put out a call for expressions of interest in making the multimillion-dollar purchase. During last year's The Block grand final, the Aussie entrepreneur made history when he bought every single house for a whopping $15.03 million. Portelli's purchases included $3.5 million for the house renovated by sisters Maddy and Charlotte Harry. He dropped $3.3 million for a property transformed by Courtney McInnes and Grant Freeman. Portelli paid $2.93 million on the pad created by Kristian and Mimi Belperio, $2.7 million for the home renovated by Ricky Recard and Haydn Wise and rounded out his 'royal flush' by purchasing the home made-over by Kylie and Brad Baker for $2.6 million. The businessman announced he was done with The Block and would not be in the market for Block properties in 2025. Back in December, Portelli put the entire Phillip Island complex up as a prize in a mega-giveaway. In Australia's most lucrative giveaway outside of lotteries, the richlister offered up a choice of either all five Phillip Island homes from last season's The Block, or a substantial cash prize of $8 million. Ballarat resident and healthcare worker Holly won the sweepstakes and ended up pocketing the money, he revealed. Portelli said the cash prize had already cleared into her account and they were sending her a cheque as well. He added that his shopping platform, LMCT+, was not going to be running another giveaway of the properties as a promotion of that scale was costly. 'I've purchased (the homes) twice now,' he said. 'I think everyone forgets that the resort is one half of the cost. So to run a promotion like that costs double the amount we have paid for it in marketing expenses and running it and permits. 'It's really difficult to try chase the money back for it.' At the time, Portelli said he would most likely keep the residences for himself and maybe hold events there. — Additional reporting by Sarah Petty
