Creative agency The Royals has taken out the top spot in the media and marketing category in AFR’s BOSS Best Places to Work 2024 list. The agency credits its core values – audacity, camaraderie and revelry – as one of the key reasons why it took out the win. “It was pretty amazing. [The list has] significant prestige, but more to the point it’s something that we value highly,” managing partner Andrew Sikwa said of the win. “I feel incredibly proud, and it’s quite emotional, really.” The Royal way Founded in 2011, The Royals have worked with some of the biggest brands in the business, includin ..read more

Low-cost regional airline Bonza entered voluntary administration on Tuesday 30 April, after flights were abruptly cancelled and its aircraft were repossessed. Bonza was poised to be Australia’s ‘friendliest’ carrier, but tough competition and a national history of fallen airlines have ultimately ‘grounded’ another fleet. Passengers across Australia were left stranded at airports when Bonza “temporarily suspended” all of its services without further notice. The airline only commenced operations in Australia on 31 January 2023. There are a variety of reasons for Bonza’s collapse, from limited ac ..read more

The Kyle and Jackie O Show has hit Melbourne with a bang, and a new marketing campaign to boot. The ‘Make up your own mind’ campaign utilises what is perhaps the show’s best PR – its sensationalist and negative press.  Plastered across the signature pink and purple campaign imagery are quotes from well-known media personalities. Examples include, “Kyle’s a grubby buffoon” by Steve Price, “Wouldn’t listen to Kyle in a fit” from Neil Mitchell, and “Melbourne deserves better” from former Melbourne breakfast show host Jason Hawkins.  The campaign encourages Melbourne listeners to ignore ..read more

After a six-year hiatus, Cosmopolitan magazine is set to return to shelves in Australia. The relaunch is being led by Katarina Kroslakova and her publishing house KK Press, in collaboration with Hearst Magazines International.  Previously part of Bauer Media, Cosmopolitan magazine shuttered its doors in 2018 after 45 years in Australia. The women’s lifestyle publication will return this August with a diverse content offering including style, beauty, technology, relationships, entertainment, and career and financial advice. The relaunch includes six annual print editions that will be supp ..read more

Leading global marketing automation and email marketing platform Mailchimp has just launched its inaugural campaign in the Australian advertising market. What may come as a surprise to marketers is that the fully digital brand’s entire campaign only utilises outdoor and out-of-home media. The ‘To: Australia From: Mailchimp’ campaign was developed by Intuit Mailchimp’s award-winning in-house agency Wink Creative and media agency PHD, with 66 static and digital out-of-home (OOH) units rolled out across Sydney and Melbourne metro locations.  Each execution integrates elements such as a navig ..read more

Squarespace is renowned for crafting creative and unique brand campaigns. Its ability to infuse its comedic and playful brand personality into every marketing touchpoint helps to align the brand with its modern, contemporary and innovative driving principles. Squarespace has just launched its inaugural Trans-Tasman brand campaign in both Australia and New Zealand, fittingly titled ‘The Ditch’. The new campaign, led by Squarespace’s award-winning in-house creative team, underscores the website platform’s growth in the region, with Australia serving as one of its fastest-growing markets. Squares ..read more

Fur Media, on 23 April announced a brand new partnership with leading digital pet platform Mad Paws. With 27+ million pets nationwide and a $30+ billion yearly spend, the move enables advertisers a more efficient market to directly reach its estimated 1.6 million pet owner audience. Under the partnership, Fur Media will exclusively handle inbound advertising for Mad Paws Holdings, which comprises Mad Paws and subsidiaries such as Pet Chemist, Waggly pet toys and treats, and Sash pet beds. Fur Media will also sell digital advertising for Mad Paws and its brands. Mad Paws, Australia’s largest on ..read more

Wongutha man and Nani Creative co-owner Kevin Wilson believes creatives must use their voices to push for “what is right”. He spoke alongside Lush CEO Clare Reid at Emergence Creative, where the pair spearheaded a conversation on ‘Walking between Two Worlds’. The duo’s work together as an Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal creative team brings First Nations’ stories and creativity into the realm of commercial communications and branding. Marketing Mag spoke with Wilson and Reid on the importance of integrating Indigenous culture into marketing. Nani Creative describes itself as “an Aboriginal-led c ..read more

It was the television event that captivated parents and children alike, the longest episode of Bluey ever. Premiering on ABC and Disney+ simultaneously, the episode titled ‘The Sign’ was met with much fanfare, but it was the episode’s marketing campaign that proved the Bluey team are expert content collaborators. The much-anticipated episode shows the Heelers selling their family home, and in true Bluey style, it carefully explores the complicated emotions that go with it. Set against the backdrop of Uncle Rad and Aunty Frisky’s wedding, Bluey struggles with the sadness that many kids experie ..read more

Brandwatch recently published its latest guide to social media management to assist businesses in how to level up their social media game. Released on 16 April, the guide promises expert tips and best practices, as well as examples and advice to inspire strategy. While the importance of social media for businesses is now undeniable, many companies still lack the essential knowledge needed for creating an effective and personalised social media strategy.  “We now have social media directors, people who have worked in the field for a while but are now senior, leading teams and able to advo ..read more