McKnight Tonight & Media McKnight

My Kitchen Rules Abuse Scandal | Pauline Hanson Wants SBS Axed | Beetlejuice Musical Cancelled | Free TV Switch-Off Looms | Hot Podium Guy Strikes Again | Don Lane Show Throwback.Rob McKnight breaks down the week's biggest media stories on Media McKnight, from his garage on the Gold Coast. My Kitchen Rules contestant Anthony — found not guilty of historical sexual abuse charges — joined McKnight Tonight with daughter Paige for an exclusive interview, revealing how Channel 9 played up the celebrity angle on the way in but went quiet on the not guilty verdict. Pauline Hanson used her National Press Club address to call for SBS to be axed and the ABC defunded — Rob reacts. Beetlejuice the Musical has cancelled its Australian run after its final Brisbane show, reigniting the conversation around star power, stunt casting and the cost-of-living squeeze on live theatre — including the Nat Bass and Rob Mills casting backlash in Waitress. A UK proposal to switch off free-to-air TV signals as early as 2034 is flying under the radar amid Keir Starmer's resignation — and Rob asks what it means for Australia's anti-siphoning rules. Plus: the UK's "Hot Podium Guy" sound engineer has now gone viral at five separate PM resignations, and a deep dive into a forgotten gem from The Don Lane Show. - My Kitchen Rules abuse allegations and the McKnight Tonight exclusive interview - Pauline Hanson's SBS and ABC funding stance - Beetlejuice the Musical's Australian shows cancelled - UK's free-to-air TV switch-off proposal - Hot Podium Guy's viral resignation streak - Classic Australian TV: The Don Lane Show 📰 Media McKnight drops every Tuesday. Subscribe for more media analysis, interviews and opinion. #MediaMcKnight #RobMcKnight #MyKitchenRules #PaulineHanson #Beetlejuice #FreeToAir #AustralianMediaSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 #VideoPocastSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 #AustralianTelevisionSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

++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! ********** 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 #McKnightTonightSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 #BBCScotlandSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rob McKnight breaks down the biggest media stories of the week — including fresh accusations that Ricky Gervais has stolen a second joke for his Netflix special, the latest twist in the Kyle and Jackie O saga as Kyle breaks his silence with a blistering statement against ARN, Channel Seven's bizarre decision not to air the Oscars live across all markets, changes to how the Logies will be judged this year, and Fox News under fire for swapping footage to cover for Trump at a dignified transfer ceremony. A second comedian claims Ricky Gervais stole his joke for the Netflix special that won a Golden Globe — and gives him the benefit of the doubt anyway Kyle Sandilands issues a lengthy statement attacking ARN, saying he's committed to his contract and wants back on air — while sources confirm he and Jackie are talking and want to do radio again Channel Seven won't air the Oscars live in Queensland, South Australia, WA or the NT — and their social team got the times wrong TV Week Logies judging is being overhauled — one panel, no separate ratings score Fox News replaces footage of Trump in a baseball cap at a dignified transfer with old footage — then apologises on air Mark Willacy drops some f-bombs while being vox-popped at a Sydney restaurant — and Rob couldn't care less 📺 McKnight Tonight streams Monday, Wednesday & Thursday at 9pm. 📰 Media McKnight drops every Tuesday. Subscribe for more media analysis, interviews and opinion. #MediaMcKnight #KyleAndJackieO #RickyGervais #Oscars #Logies #FoxNews #ARN #KIISSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tropfest is back — but was the livestream a disaster? Southern Cross Media sacks its CEO hours before financial results. Nine sells Darwin for pocket change. And the BAFTAs are overshadowed by an ugly on-stage outburst. In this explosive episode of Media McKnight, Rob McKnight breaks down: 🎥 Why the Tropfest 2026 livestream failed to deliver as a television spectacle 📉 Southern Cross Media dumping CEO Jeff Howard amid falling profits 📺 Nine’s worrying revenue slide and the $500k sale of Darwin 🤖 The growing AI content licensing trend 🎭 The BAFTA Awards controversy involving activist John Davidson 🔥 Why Australian television needs bold ideas — not more “diminishing returns” With 30+ years in TV and radio, Rob gives you the insider analysis the industry won’t. 🔴 WATCH MEDIA McKNIGHT New episodes weekly. 📺 McKnight Tonight streams Monday, Wednesday & Thursday at 9pm (AEDT). 🎙 Media McKnight every Tuesday. Subscribe and hit the bell so you don’t miss out. #MediaMcKnight #Tropfest #AustralianTV #NineNetwork #SouthernCrossMedia #BAFTA #tvindustrySupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nine Entertainment’s radio sale was meant to be routine — but the coverage itself revealed just how little priority radio had inside the company. In this episode of Media McKnight, Rob McKnight breaks down: • A live TV mic fail on Nine Gold Coast — and why how you recover matters more than the mistake • Nine’s radio stations sold to billionaire publican Arthur Laundy — and why this might actually be good news • Sloppy Nine News graphics versus Seven getting it right • Nova’s on-air shake-ups and Joel Creasy stepping out solo • The BBC under fire over colour-blind casting in historical dramas • Doctor Who casting backlash and the suspension-of-disbelief problem • Nelson Aspen reveals he was sacked by Sunrise — not a mutual exit • And this week’s edition of “things I just don’t care about” — featuring the Australian Open and tennis players complaining about privacy 🎥 Media McKnight video episodes go live Tuesdays at 9pm AEDT 📰 The column publishes Wednesdays at tvblackbox.com.au 👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell to support independent media analysis.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You can watch the video version at YouTube.com/@McKnightTonightIt looks like Agro - and creator Jamie Dunn - are returning to television. In this episode of Media McKnight, Rob McKnight speaks exclusively with Jamie Dunn – the creator of Agro – about: • Talks with Channel 7 for a one-off Agro special • What the show would look like • Why it would only be a single episode eventx • The brutal state of radio today • Kyle & Jackie O’s national ambitions • Why breakfast radio is struggling PLUS – Rob also breaks down how major newspapers pressured the PM into calling a Royal Commission into the Bondi attack and why journalists like Sarah Ferguson are being unfairly targeted for doing their job. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Media McKnight, Rob McKnight breaks down one of the biggest behind-the-scenes shake-ups in Australian radio — the fallout from Ash Bradnam’s axing from NOVA Brisbane after 21 years, the confirmed departure of Nikki Osborne, and the return of Susie O’Neil to breakfast. Rob also takes aim at the misleading “quit live on air” headlines and explains what actually happened behind the scenes — and why clickbait reporting is eroding trust in media coverage. Plus, a deep dive into one of the most significant global media battles in years: Netflix’s blockbuster acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount’s hostile takeover move, and what all of this could mean for Network 10, local investment, and the future of AFL and NRL broadcast rights in Australia. Could a failed Paramount bid actually put Channel 10 back in the sports rights race? Also in this episode: – The escalating feud between 50 Cent and Sean “Diddy” Combs, and the explosive Netflix docuseries that’s reignited it – The end of the ACRAs and why the new replacement radio and podcast awards are pricing out independents – A brutally honest new segment: “Things I Don’t Give a Sh*t About” – And a trip into the McKnight Tonight archives with rare 2011 footage from the 9NEWS and A Current Affair teams If you care about Australian media, radio, television, streaming, sports rights, and industry power plays, this episode is essential viewing. Watch, subscribe and support independent media: 👉 youtube.com/@McKnightTonight New episodes of Media McKnight drop every Tuesday, with McKnight Tonight streaming Monday, Wednesday & Thursday at 9pm AEDT.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special video edition of Media McKnight, Rob McKnight breaks down Radio Ratings Survey 7 for 2025 across Australia’s major markets.Sydney and Melbourne continue to prove that talk radio still dominates, while NOVA finds strong momentum in key regional battlegrounds.This episode covers:Sydney: 2GB’s continued reign, SmoothFM’s FM dominance and the breakfast battle between Ben Fordham and Kyle & Jackie O.Melbourne: 3AW’s unstoppable run, GOLD’s FM strength and strong performances from Christian O’Connell and FOX.Brisbane: Triple M narrowly leads, 4BH’s surprise surge and what changes at B105 and 4BC mean moving forward.Adelaide: Triple M’s continued dominance and the coming MIX to KIIS rebrand.Perth: NOVA’s clear market leadership and shifting breakfast dynamics.Rob also unpacks what these figures really mean for strategy, programming, and the year ahead in Australian radio.Media McKnight streams every Tuesday, alongside McKnight Tonight – live Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays at 9pm AEDT.Subscribe for sharp media analysis, industry insight and no-spin commentary.youtube.com/@mcknighttonightLeave your thoughts in the comments — who’s winning the radio war where you live?Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rob McKnight delivers a hard-hitting review of the week in Australian media: job cuts at Nine Entertainment Co., the BBC Panorama controversy, the breakfast reboot at 4BC, plus more behind-the-scenes insight. 📺 Watch live every Tuesday 9 pm AEDT on youtube.com/@mcknighttonight — like, comment and subscribe! 👉 Follow the conversation on X @rob_mcknight #MediaMcKnight #McKnightTonight #AustralianMedia #TVNews #RadioRatingsSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tv-blackbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.