NOVA Entertainment will be airing its shows over the Easter break.

The plan calls for the network’s breakfast shows in each state - Fitzy & Wippa (NOVA 96.9 Sydney), Chrissie, Sam & Browny (NOVA 100 Melbourne), Ash, Kip & Luttsy & Susie O’Neill (NOVA 106.9 Brisbane), Ben & Liam (NOVA 91.9 Adelaide), and Nathan, Nat & Shaun (NOVA 93.7 Perth) – to broadcast starting 6 April, with their stations' usual programming to continue until 3PM.

The Kate, Tim & Marty Drive show will take over on national syndication from 3PM to 6PM followed by Fitzy and Wippa (6PM-7PM) and Smallzy’s Surgery (7PM-10PM).

“There is a strong desire as humans to feel like we're a part of something and we're hearing from so many of our listeners (most in isolation) how much it means to them to still be able to wake up and continue to listen to their favourite shows throughout the day,” said NOVA chief programming/marketing officer Paul Jackso

Signature Media has purchased Vacations and Travel magazine from the Morris Media Network, reported Mediaweek.

Originally geared towards luxury travel and family vacations, Signature is now repurposing the title towards a broader travel audience. The purchase will cover the print edition, official website, and social media channels. However, no print issues will be made until summer 2020-2021 due to concerns over the COVID-19 crisis.

Jac Taylor continues as editor, as do digital staff members Anya Vokhmyakova and Eliza Valk. Veteran staffer Helen Hayes is back on the crew as editor-at-large.

“The acquisition of Vacations & Travel magazine gives advertisers the opportunity to reach a much larger market, targeting different age groups and travel types, from cost-conscious travellers up to the discerning high-end luxe connoisseur and everyone in between,” declared Signature Media CEO/group editor Cathy Wagstaff.

“I have to admit, I was ecstatic to hear that it mi

The coronavirus situation has triggered the closure of Bauer Media New Zealand.

Company CEO Brendon Hill told staff over a Zoom video conference that the current Alert Level IV lockdown proved untenable for the company to keep going. As a result, 237 people will be given full redundancy benefits and leave entitlements, while accounting outfit EY will aid in winding down the company.

"In response to the situation, Bauer carried out an urgent review of its New Zealand operations and considered all options to keep part or all the business open, including engaging with the New Zealand Government. An active search is under way to find buyers for our New Zealand assets, including our many iconic titles, however, so far an alternative owner has not been found," he said.

Broadcasting, Communications, and Digital Media Minister Kris Faafoi said Bauer NZ opted not to take advantage of a NZ$500k wage subsidy. 

The move ends a long journey that started when one of Bauer NZ&rsquo

Alana McLean has joined digital media startup Ticker as its new presenter for 2PM show Ticker Newsroom.

Her show is one of eight new live programs on Ticker, which is expanding into the live news and analysis programming format. She will also work with Ryan Jon in handling soial media content.

The other seven are Change Inc with David Banger, Spotee with Elio d’Amato, All Founders with Christian Cunningham and Laura Racky, The Trade Chick with Kiki Makrogiannis, The Impossible with Tima Elhajj and Belinda Agnew, The Frontline with Cate Schreck, and an unnamed ecommerce program hosted by Scott Kilmartin.

“I’m thrilled to be joining such an innovative media platform. During these uncertain times, I think our appetite for information has never been stronger. Ticker has created a fresh voice in locally produced news and I look forward to being part of that conversation with our viewers,” said McLean.

Sixty of News Corp Australia’s NSW, Victoria, Queensland and SA community papers are to be taken off the printing presses.

News Corp Australasia executive chairman Michael Miller said a drop in ad revenues due to the closure of commercial establishments under the COVID-19 situation forced a decision to end community title printing after 9 April 2020. 

The titles will be purely digital and their readers will be offered a 28-day free trial subscription, including access to the Herald Sun, The Daily Telegraph, The Courier-Mail and The Advertiser’s websites. 

“During this unprecedented time it is imperative that we reduce costs while continuing to keep the community informed and doing all we can to retain jobs. The print suspension will allow us to assess the shape of the market itself and future conditions, taking into account how the Coronavirus situation unfolds in the coming period,” added Miller.

National broadcaster ABC has brought Barrie Cassidy back for eight episodes of interview show One Plus One.

The network revealed that Cassidy’s stint on the show, called One Plus One: Leadership, will begin on 9 April, with the discussions to focus on the various aspects of leadership. 

The show will be Cassidy’s first gig since stepping down last year as host of ABC’s Insiders.

The 9 April episode, in particular, will see Cassidy talk with Bawley Point Rural Fire Brigade Captain Charlie Magnuson. The fire chief is slated to recount his experiences leading the crew during the recent bushfires and what they had to do to survive.

Australian cricket team coach Justin Langer, APY Lands Executive Board Council chairwoman Sally Scales, and former ASIO director-general Denis Richardson are among the other scheduled guests.