G'day entertainment and media news junkies, casino and media millionaires and billionaires, one and all. Our last update on the Australian media wars was such a smashing success, we thought we would give you a hard core update without further delay. Media Man and Gambling911 throw on the bullet proof vests and whack some more rounds in the machine gun, and take on the John Rambo mindset with the last and most explosive coverage on the infamous 'Australian Media Wars'...
Network Ten Nick Falloon No Fool; Likely To Dodge Board Of Directors Execution...
Network Ten executive chairman Nick 'No Fool' Falloon will avoid standing up for re-election at December's AGM.
That move is tipped to be a talking point for his new major shareholder James Packer, and friend and associate, Lachlan Murdoch.
Falloon should ordinarily be required to resign his possy and offer up his head for re-election following the expiry this year of his 3-year term as executive chairman, but his appointment late last year as MD means he will not need to stand. Are you still with us?
Under the ASX listing rules, the MD of a listed company such as Ten Network Holdings is exempt from rules requiring directors to be up for re-election at the annual meeting every 3 years.
The appointment will essentially stop Packer and his soon-to-be fellow Ten investor, Lachlan 'Lucky Money' Murdoch, from seeking to have 'No Fool' Falloon voted off the Ten board at the AGM next month.
Fellow shareholders, namely Perpetual and WIN TV owner Bruce 'Grinning' Gordon were expected to strongly support the push. If need be, push will become shove, but the extra force shouldn't be required.
In a series of meetings last week 'Our James' is understood to have requested for Falloon's immediate resignation! Falloon agreed to step aside, bust asked for a further 14 months in the role. Perhaps he's just after a few more fat pay days... aren't we all.
Ten confirmed last Monday that Falloon had agreed to transfer to a non-executive role before Packer's cunning chess move last month to spend $280 million to buy an 18% stake in the hot youth orientated network.
Packer and Murdoch are now expected to question why Falloon can retain the title of managing director after shifting more than 2 years back to a part-time role, a move that cut his base salary from $2.2m to only $1.1m. You've go to feel sorry for him (Not, as comedy creation Borat would say).
Group general counsel... legal eagle Stephen Partington confirmed that, in recent correspondence with shareholder activist Stephen 'Crikey' Mayne, Network Ten had made (good) use of the existing listing rule exemption.
Readers, we hope you're still with us in our describing of the complex 'Art Of War' tactics here.
"Following the exit of Canwest from the Ten register late last year, Nick Falloon was appointed to the role of managing director of Ten," Partington documented.
"Mr Falloon was originally appointed to Ten in the roles of executive chairman and chief executive and continues to hold these positions. On this basis and in accordance with the company's constitution and the ASX listing rules, Mr Falloon is now no longer required to retire by rotation."
A Network Ten spokeswoman declined to comment further.
Numerous insiders agree that the change could benefit the Ten board in the battle with Murdoch and Packer if the board wanted to retain Falloon.
A Media Man spokesperson said "While these maters of the Australian media wars are complex, especially pertaining to the changes afoot at Network Ten, Fallon is no fool, nor are Murdoch, Packer or Nine's Gyngell. All smart and cashed up smart cookies indeed. The media's love affair with covering media continues, and we're guilty of that also, and the global readership is just loving it and lapping up every move of the chess board. Art of war media style at its best".
The media movements have generated extra interest to potential investors and Media Man and other convergent media companies are tipped to buy into the the situation in more ways than one ala share portfolio expansions, adding yet more fuel to the fire that is the Australian media wars.
Ten Network Chairman Nick Falloon To Resign!...
Ten chairman Nick Falloon has surrendered to considerable pressure to leave the firm, advising he will go in order to make way for billionaires James Packer and Lachlan Murdoch.
The company yesterday said Falloon had agreed to resign from Ten after the AGM next month if his departure "would assist in the resolution of the outstanding issues" between the company, Packer and Murdoch.
A deep throat leaked Packer and Murdoch were still trying to obtain a 3rd board position, but did indicate they were "prepared to negotiate."
The Packer - Murdoch 'dream team' have been offered 2 seats on the board but are seeking a 3rd, understood to be for Seek chief exec Paul 'Ballsy' (MM) Bassat.
The leak also shrugged off rife speculation that Murdoch wanted to snatch Falloon's chairmanship.
Packer and Murdoch have been in negotiations with the network since the beginning of the working week.
Falloon's offer to leave Ten came days after he said he was prepared to shift into a non-exec role...reports stating he would fight for his life to remain at the company he had helped successfully run since 2002.
Ten confirmed on Monday that it had offered the dynamic duo 2 board positions following speculation Packer was preparing to offer his friend, and sometime business partner, Murdoch half his 18% stake in the company.
Crown Casino 'King Of The Castle' Packer made a cunning grab on Network Ten last month when he bought 18% of Ten's stock to become the largest shareholder at an investment of a cool $280 million, pocket change to Packer.
He has yet to speak publicly to reveal his strategy for buying into the company, but various media commentators including Media Man say it's part of his master plan to make a huge splash into online gaming and gambling, adding to his Betfair business. A convergent media aspect is understood to be on the whiteboard for gaming linking Packer media businesses to Packer and affiliate - partners online gambling products, and Packer and co are understood to have been watching the tactics of PartyGaming, bwin, Virgin Games, Aspers, William Hill, Paddy Power, Centrebet and others.
Ten advised discussions were continuing but no final agreement had been reached.
"In discussions to date, Ten Holdings has offered Messrs Packer and Murdoch the opportunity to take up two directorships on the basis that the company's board would be expanded to 10 directors," Ten said.
"The offer of two directorships to Messrs Packer and Murdoch is contingent upon their agreement that the company put in place appropriate board protocols."
Network Ten shares closed at $1.46.
They traded as high as $1.59 last month followings Packer's share-buying raid which generated massive world wide headlines and sent the industry into a spin.
Insiders agree that thus far the latest venture between Packer and Murdoch looks to be a 'dream team' pairing, unlike their previous business deal with a telco start-up that proved to be disastrous for the duo. Both have appeared to have learnt their lessons well, and are on top of the media world at the moment.
Media Man Profiles
Australia
Television
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Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our latest on the Australian Media Wars? Is it all part of Packer's online gambling master plan? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis. Media Man also publish Media Man News http://www.mediamannews.com
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The Media Man Network refers to the operation that is the Media Man group of companies, both online and offline. Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Media Man was established in 2001 and covers a dozen different business verticals.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Australian Media Wars Explained, by Greg Tingle - 4th November 2010
Punters, entertainment and media news junkies, casino and media millionaires and billionaires, and one and all. With all the talk of the Australian media wars, we thought we would explain a little more about what they are today. The main "war" at the moment concerns the Australian television landscape, with James Packer buying up big in Network Ten shares. Some insiders say Packer's but into Ten has more to do with online gaming and gambling than one might otherwise think. Packer historically was much closer aligned with Network Nine Australia, of which his late father owned and run, and where his long time mate and associate, David Gyngell works. Media Man and Gambling911 offer up the latest on Packer VS Gyngell, and much much more on the famed 'Australian Media Wars'...incoming!
In simply terms the Australian mainstream news media landscape consists of the following mains groups:
Television, print (newspapers and magazines), radio, new media, internet / new media, and the "what will they think of next"? / others sector.
In this feature we will mainly focus on television (commercial TV), to a lesser extent pay TV (Foxtel, Fox Sports - Premier Media Group etc), and the internet, which is part of the convergent media sector. Media Man is more a convergent media company, having a number of website portals (but not owning a TV station, radio station or print publication) to help give you an idea.
David Gyngell, Packer Mate And Rival Running Things At Network Nine and PBL Media
Gyngell's rise from the Network Nine Network to running its parent, PBL Media, tells us a few telling lessons. He's extremely well-regarded by its owners (private equity firm CVC especially, which is understood to be looking to float the company on the stock market, but that date is speculation. It confirms that he's not going to be poached to run Network Ten once the share raid on its share register has settled. It once again is a wake up call for everyone what a turbulent media world is in Australia. Gyngell is a long time friend of Packer. Packer used to be his boss at Nine but now holds 18% of Network Ten, and a half share of Consolidated Media, alongside Kerry Stokes' Seven Media Group, which has a quarter. ConsMedia has a small stake in PBL Media, a quarter stake in Foxtel and half of Fox Sports, as does Packer's other business mate, Lachlan Murdoch, in his capacity as a director of News Corp, which also just happens to own one of this down unders' 2 major newspaper groups. Murdoch's private company holds 9% of Prime television, and he is now its deputy chairman, and half of Nova's holding company, DMG Radio. As well as his responsibilities in running Nine, as chief of PBL Media, Gyngell also runs NBN Television, ACP Magazines and has a say in NineMSN, Ticketek and Sky News...which is a joint venture between PBL, Seven and British Sky Broadcasting, which is controlled by ... News Corp, now making a bid for full ownership. Are you following? Should Murdoch buy half of Packer's stake in Ten, its register will be dominated by a trio of two billionaire media moguls...Packer and Win Television's Bruce Gordon...and the son of one. Gyngell's elevation also shows us how competitive commercial television might be next year. Cricket tests - 20 / 20s, football codes and Aussie drama are just some of what's on the Aussie TV menu. PBL chief executive Tim Parker, who's also a partner at its private equity owner CVC, thinks Gyngell is the man to take the moguls on! Last night's statement said: "We are thrilled to have the best media executive in the country to lead the business. The Nine Network, including Channel Nine and the Go and GEM multi-channels, are in the ascendancy in an enormously competitive environment. The performance of Nine is a credit to David and his team."
Television is about to get even more competitive if Ten's news strategy weathers the storm of the Packer-Murdoch attack and it wins at least some of the audience who have traditionally switched off Ten at 5.59pm once its news is over, to watch some more on Channels Seven and Nine. With the departure of current PBL chief executive Ian Law, Gyngell's elevation is also a reminder of how critical television is to PBL's performance.
Australian TV Industry On Fire Thanks To Packer, Murdoch Jr And Gyngell...
In the fast paced tech changes affecting how news and entertainment is delivered to your television, computer and wireless watsy, there is clearly a threat to the old way of doing business. But generational change is also happening now. David Gyngell, 44, now takes the lead of one of Australia's biggest media concerns, PBL Media, owner of the Nine Network. No longer in the hands of the powerful Packer family, PBL Media was acquired from 2006 to 2008 by private equity company CVC Asia Pacific. Its board has elevated Gyngell to chief exec because it sees him as the best man to help sell the company to investors in an expected $5 billion stockmarket float next year. Gyngell's best mate, James Packer, 43, last month spent $280 million buying an 18% cent stake in Ten and wants to revamp the network's internet strategy to make better use of the opportunities emerging. He has been keen to install Paul Bassat, 42, who co-founded the successful job search firm Seek. Bassat and his brother, Andrew, have built a $2.4bn online employment and education empire in the past decade. Lachlan Murdoch, 39, is also eyeing a co-investment in Ten. The investments are a sure sign of confidence in traditional media that was not thought of a year back. The changes are rapid. Packer has said privately to friends he has been surprised by the success of the new multichannels Australians can access on their TVs and that have attracted new advertising. Newspapers, such as The Australian, are launching across new platforms such as the iPad and new revenue streams are opening up. The last great boom of technology in media and communication companies was in swing a decade ago. How was that for a bit of a history lesson.
Network Ten Loves Internet; Visa Versa...
Packer is thinking about Ten's news and online strategy, but Ten exec are also considering a strategy when it comes to the web. The network, which recently inked a deal to use MCM Entertainment's video platform movideo to play video on its website, typically divides full-length programs into 6 parts, which enables it to show an advertisement, dubbed a pre-roll, before each part. Yahoo7 and Ninemsn show fewer ads on their full-length catch-up TV content on their Plus7 and FixPlay services respectively. Ten's chief digital media officer Nick Spooner said movideo technology would enable the network to experiment with new ad formats and recommend similar programs to visitors who have watched a video on the site. MCM group CEO Tony McGinn said movideo technology would allow Ten to serve videos across all digital platforms, including internet-delivered TV, or IPTV. Ten's video views were up 31% year on year to 60 million views of premium content within 12 months, Mr Spooner said. "It provides a better experience for the audience in a range of ways," he said. "These include supporting much closer links to social networking engagement around our programs. "From a client perspective, we currently run pre-roll advertising, and movideo allows us to trial new advertising formats." Online video advertising is a small but burgeoning market in Australia, estimated at $25 million for the 2010 financial year, although that figure does not include video-sharing website YouTube. According to eMarketer, US online advertising revenues will grow at more than 30% a year until at least 2013, when they will be worth $US4 billion. MCM group CEO Tony McGinn said the online video platform market was worth about $480 million worldwide.
MCM group, which also operates a music and media syndication business and a digital design agency, began marketing its video player to third parties in March, and is now expanding into Asia. Media Man is part of the wave of new media, will you be?
Lachlan Murdoch Prime Media Group Sells Assets...
Prime Media Group Ltd has sold its non-core outside broadcast assets amid reports its deputy chairman Lachlan Murdoch is in talks to buy half of James Packer's new stake in Ten Network Holdings Ltd. Prime said it had sold OSB Australia to UK-based Gearhouse Broadcast Pty Ltd for $8.5 million in cash and $3 million in instalments between December 2012 and December 2014. OSB Australia provides outside broadcast facilities and services for professional sporting events. Prime will hold a 15 per cent interest in the merged OSB/Gearhouse business, which has extended its agreement with Fox Sports for rugby union coverage through to 2015. "The sale of OSB Australia continues our program of divesting non-core assets to re-focus on maximising earnings from television and radio," Prime chief executive Ian Audsley said in a statement.
Prime in July sold its New Zealand outside broadcast operator, OSB New Zealand, to Sky Television Ltd and also announced the sale of Moonlight Cinema to Amalgamated Holdings Ltd. Prime will incur a $1 million impairment on the sale of OSB, but will avoid $13 million of capital expenditure that is required for OSB Australia. The proceeds of the sale will be used by Prime to pay down debt, which stood at $96 million at the end of June when the company recorded a $54.5 million full-year net loss, a widening of its $45.5 million net loss for the previous financial year. Separately on Thursday, Fairfax reported Mr Murdoch's company Illyria Pty Ltd was likely to buy 50 per cent of Mr Packer's 17.88 per cent stake in Ten acquired last week. Mr Packer's surprise $280 million purchase marked his return to free-to-air television after years of focusing on the gambling sector. The Fairfax reports, citing "a well-placed Murdoch source familiar with the discussions", said Mr Murdoch saw the possible deal as a "turnaround" story. A price had not been agreed upon, the report said. Ten declined to comment, while Prime was being sought for comment. Comment was also being sought from Consolidated Media Holdings Ltd, where Mr Packer is deputy chair. Shares in Prime closed steady at 65 cents, Ten shares dipped almost two per cent to $1.50 - the same price Mr Packer paid for his shares in the broadcaster - and Consolidated Media shares were two cents softer at $3.35.
James Packer Media News...
Ten Network chairman Nick Falloon may be getting ready to leave as media moguls James Packer and Lachlan Murdoch join forces on the network and we ponder could Falloon’s loss end up as Murdoch’s gain? Meanwhile, BHP Billiton moves to squash talk that its PotashCorp bid is set to crash and burn in Ottawa. Elsewhere, as the political offensive against the ASX-SGX merger intensifies investors may be losing faith with the exchange operators and AXA SA seals a heavyweight China deal with the world’s most valuable lender ICBC. With Ten Network Holdings reportedly set to welcome two heavyweight media moguls as its major shareholders the rumour-mill has gone into overdrive with reports that James Packer’s planned overhaul of the network may have claimed its first victim. Unsurprisingly, the unfortunate victim is reportedly the network’s executive chairman Nick Falloon. According to The Australian, Falloon has agreed to relinquish his position after a meeting with Packer. Rumblings that Falloon’s head was on the block took hold pretty much as soon as Packer pulled of his share raid last week and The Australian reports that his departure is yet to be formalised. The news comes as media scion Lachlan Murdoch looks set to take a board seat at the network with confirmation that his Illyria Private Limited was in talks with Packer’s Prime Capital to buy 50 per cent of its 17.88% stake in Ten for around $155 million. The deal between the two moguls is expected to be finalised in a month or so and interestingly there is talk that Murdoch will not only push for a board seat but could possibly be a candidate to become Ten’s chairman. Packer has reportedly set his sights on culling Ten’s planned foray into news and current affairs and return the focus on the low-cost 16 to 39 demographic. While the plans seem to have been broadly welcomed by Ten’s major shareholders there are detractors out there especially analysts who point out that a return to youth-friendly programming could actually end up costing the network more money and with the inception of multi-channel offerings from Seven and Nine cutting into the market the new approach may not be as successful as first thought. Either way its great reading for the the Gambling911 and Media Man loyal following. All we can say is don't bet against Packer.
Media Man Profiles
Australia
Television
Entertainment News
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our special Australian Media Wars Explained feature? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
In simply terms the Australian mainstream news media landscape consists of the following mains groups:
Television, print (newspapers and magazines), radio, new media, internet / new media, and the "what will they think of next"? / others sector.
In this feature we will mainly focus on television (commercial TV), to a lesser extent pay TV (Foxtel, Fox Sports - Premier Media Group etc), and the internet, which is part of the convergent media sector. Media Man is more a convergent media company, having a number of website portals (but not owning a TV station, radio station or print publication) to help give you an idea.
David Gyngell, Packer Mate And Rival Running Things At Network Nine and PBL Media
Gyngell's rise from the Network Nine Network to running its parent, PBL Media, tells us a few telling lessons. He's extremely well-regarded by its owners (private equity firm CVC especially, which is understood to be looking to float the company on the stock market, but that date is speculation. It confirms that he's not going to be poached to run Network Ten once the share raid on its share register has settled. It once again is a wake up call for everyone what a turbulent media world is in Australia. Gyngell is a long time friend of Packer. Packer used to be his boss at Nine but now holds 18% of Network Ten, and a half share of Consolidated Media, alongside Kerry Stokes' Seven Media Group, which has a quarter. ConsMedia has a small stake in PBL Media, a quarter stake in Foxtel and half of Fox Sports, as does Packer's other business mate, Lachlan Murdoch, in his capacity as a director of News Corp, which also just happens to own one of this down unders' 2 major newspaper groups. Murdoch's private company holds 9% of Prime television, and he is now its deputy chairman, and half of Nova's holding company, DMG Radio. As well as his responsibilities in running Nine, as chief of PBL Media, Gyngell also runs NBN Television, ACP Magazines and has a say in NineMSN, Ticketek and Sky News...which is a joint venture between PBL, Seven and British Sky Broadcasting, which is controlled by ... News Corp, now making a bid for full ownership. Are you following? Should Murdoch buy half of Packer's stake in Ten, its register will be dominated by a trio of two billionaire media moguls...Packer and Win Television's Bruce Gordon...and the son of one. Gyngell's elevation also shows us how competitive commercial television might be next year. Cricket tests - 20 / 20s, football codes and Aussie drama are just some of what's on the Aussie TV menu. PBL chief executive Tim Parker, who's also a partner at its private equity owner CVC, thinks Gyngell is the man to take the moguls on! Last night's statement said: "We are thrilled to have the best media executive in the country to lead the business. The Nine Network, including Channel Nine and the Go and GEM multi-channels, are in the ascendancy in an enormously competitive environment. The performance of Nine is a credit to David and his team."
Television is about to get even more competitive if Ten's news strategy weathers the storm of the Packer-Murdoch attack and it wins at least some of the audience who have traditionally switched off Ten at 5.59pm once its news is over, to watch some more on Channels Seven and Nine. With the departure of current PBL chief executive Ian Law, Gyngell's elevation is also a reminder of how critical television is to PBL's performance.
Australian TV Industry On Fire Thanks To Packer, Murdoch Jr And Gyngell...
In the fast paced tech changes affecting how news and entertainment is delivered to your television, computer and wireless watsy, there is clearly a threat to the old way of doing business. But generational change is also happening now. David Gyngell, 44, now takes the lead of one of Australia's biggest media concerns, PBL Media, owner of the Nine Network. No longer in the hands of the powerful Packer family, PBL Media was acquired from 2006 to 2008 by private equity company CVC Asia Pacific. Its board has elevated Gyngell to chief exec because it sees him as the best man to help sell the company to investors in an expected $5 billion stockmarket float next year. Gyngell's best mate, James Packer, 43, last month spent $280 million buying an 18% cent stake in Ten and wants to revamp the network's internet strategy to make better use of the opportunities emerging. He has been keen to install Paul Bassat, 42, who co-founded the successful job search firm Seek. Bassat and his brother, Andrew, have built a $2.4bn online employment and education empire in the past decade. Lachlan Murdoch, 39, is also eyeing a co-investment in Ten. The investments are a sure sign of confidence in traditional media that was not thought of a year back. The changes are rapid. Packer has said privately to friends he has been surprised by the success of the new multichannels Australians can access on their TVs and that have attracted new advertising. Newspapers, such as The Australian, are launching across new platforms such as the iPad and new revenue streams are opening up. The last great boom of technology in media and communication companies was in swing a decade ago. How was that for a bit of a history lesson.
Network Ten Loves Internet; Visa Versa...
Packer is thinking about Ten's news and online strategy, but Ten exec are also considering a strategy when it comes to the web. The network, which recently inked a deal to use MCM Entertainment's video platform movideo to play video on its website, typically divides full-length programs into 6 parts, which enables it to show an advertisement, dubbed a pre-roll, before each part. Yahoo7 and Ninemsn show fewer ads on their full-length catch-up TV content on their Plus7 and FixPlay services respectively. Ten's chief digital media officer Nick Spooner said movideo technology would enable the network to experiment with new ad formats and recommend similar programs to visitors who have watched a video on the site. MCM group CEO Tony McGinn said movideo technology would allow Ten to serve videos across all digital platforms, including internet-delivered TV, or IPTV. Ten's video views were up 31% year on year to 60 million views of premium content within 12 months, Mr Spooner said. "It provides a better experience for the audience in a range of ways," he said. "These include supporting much closer links to social networking engagement around our programs. "From a client perspective, we currently run pre-roll advertising, and movideo allows us to trial new advertising formats." Online video advertising is a small but burgeoning market in Australia, estimated at $25 million for the 2010 financial year, although that figure does not include video-sharing website YouTube. According to eMarketer, US online advertising revenues will grow at more than 30% a year until at least 2013, when they will be worth $US4 billion. MCM group CEO Tony McGinn said the online video platform market was worth about $480 million worldwide.
MCM group, which also operates a music and media syndication business and a digital design agency, began marketing its video player to third parties in March, and is now expanding into Asia. Media Man is part of the wave of new media, will you be?
Lachlan Murdoch Prime Media Group Sells Assets...
Prime Media Group Ltd has sold its non-core outside broadcast assets amid reports its deputy chairman Lachlan Murdoch is in talks to buy half of James Packer's new stake in Ten Network Holdings Ltd. Prime said it had sold OSB Australia to UK-based Gearhouse Broadcast Pty Ltd for $8.5 million in cash and $3 million in instalments between December 2012 and December 2014. OSB Australia provides outside broadcast facilities and services for professional sporting events. Prime will hold a 15 per cent interest in the merged OSB/Gearhouse business, which has extended its agreement with Fox Sports for rugby union coverage through to 2015. "The sale of OSB Australia continues our program of divesting non-core assets to re-focus on maximising earnings from television and radio," Prime chief executive Ian Audsley said in a statement.
Prime in July sold its New Zealand outside broadcast operator, OSB New Zealand, to Sky Television Ltd and also announced the sale of Moonlight Cinema to Amalgamated Holdings Ltd. Prime will incur a $1 million impairment on the sale of OSB, but will avoid $13 million of capital expenditure that is required for OSB Australia. The proceeds of the sale will be used by Prime to pay down debt, which stood at $96 million at the end of June when the company recorded a $54.5 million full-year net loss, a widening of its $45.5 million net loss for the previous financial year. Separately on Thursday, Fairfax reported Mr Murdoch's company Illyria Pty Ltd was likely to buy 50 per cent of Mr Packer's 17.88 per cent stake in Ten acquired last week. Mr Packer's surprise $280 million purchase marked his return to free-to-air television after years of focusing on the gambling sector. The Fairfax reports, citing "a well-placed Murdoch source familiar with the discussions", said Mr Murdoch saw the possible deal as a "turnaround" story. A price had not been agreed upon, the report said. Ten declined to comment, while Prime was being sought for comment. Comment was also being sought from Consolidated Media Holdings Ltd, where Mr Packer is deputy chair. Shares in Prime closed steady at 65 cents, Ten shares dipped almost two per cent to $1.50 - the same price Mr Packer paid for his shares in the broadcaster - and Consolidated Media shares were two cents softer at $3.35.
James Packer Media News...
Ten Network chairman Nick Falloon may be getting ready to leave as media moguls James Packer and Lachlan Murdoch join forces on the network and we ponder could Falloon’s loss end up as Murdoch’s gain? Meanwhile, BHP Billiton moves to squash talk that its PotashCorp bid is set to crash and burn in Ottawa. Elsewhere, as the political offensive against the ASX-SGX merger intensifies investors may be losing faith with the exchange operators and AXA SA seals a heavyweight China deal with the world’s most valuable lender ICBC. With Ten Network Holdings reportedly set to welcome two heavyweight media moguls as its major shareholders the rumour-mill has gone into overdrive with reports that James Packer’s planned overhaul of the network may have claimed its first victim. Unsurprisingly, the unfortunate victim is reportedly the network’s executive chairman Nick Falloon. According to The Australian, Falloon has agreed to relinquish his position after a meeting with Packer. Rumblings that Falloon’s head was on the block took hold pretty much as soon as Packer pulled of his share raid last week and The Australian reports that his departure is yet to be formalised. The news comes as media scion Lachlan Murdoch looks set to take a board seat at the network with confirmation that his Illyria Private Limited was in talks with Packer’s Prime Capital to buy 50 per cent of its 17.88% stake in Ten for around $155 million. The deal between the two moguls is expected to be finalised in a month or so and interestingly there is talk that Murdoch will not only push for a board seat but could possibly be a candidate to become Ten’s chairman. Packer has reportedly set his sights on culling Ten’s planned foray into news and current affairs and return the focus on the low-cost 16 to 39 demographic. While the plans seem to have been broadly welcomed by Ten’s major shareholders there are detractors out there especially analysts who point out that a return to youth-friendly programming could actually end up costing the network more money and with the inception of multi-channel offerings from Seven and Nine cutting into the market the new approach may not be as successful as first thought. Either way its great reading for the the Gambling911 and Media Man loyal following. All we can say is don't bet against Packer.
Media Man Profiles
Australia
Television
Entertainment News
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our special Australian Media Wars Explained feature? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Asia Pacific Casino News: Fiji To Get First Casino, by Greg Tingle - 30th October 2010
G'day punters, casino and media millionaires and billionaires, politicians and one and all. This week we take you a bit further afield than Australian waters. We paddle across to Fiji where talk of the counties first ever casino project is all the rage. Media Man and Gambling911 with this Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka body splashing report...
Fiji's notorious military government called for keen expressions of interest in developing and operating the embattled Pacific nation's first casino.
Tourism Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum advised a casino would help Fiji attract more visitors from the emerging markets of China, India and from Europe, in addition to building on the potentially lucrative US market.
The invitation to gaming companies will be a strong test for international investor confidence in the nation, where the economy has faltered since a military coup in 2006 led by current Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.
Sayed-Khaiyum said there were very obvious economic benefits from a casino development, which could create jobs of course, and also help raise additional revenue for the government.
He would not give a timeline for the casino at this time, saying Fiji was looking for reputable international gaming operators to develop a casino that would increase leisure activities in the country.
"At the same time we do not want to harm Fiji's tourism brand, which the government and the people of Fiji have invested so much in," Sayed-Khaiyum said in a statement to the press.
He said laws would be put in place to minimise possible negative social impact from the casino, citing Malaysia and Singapore as countries where such protective mechanisms had been very successfully installed. He did not mention the Australian experience and productivity commission findings into the gambling business, which are questionable in nature we have learned in our own probe over the past months.
Tourism is Fiji's major export earner following a decline in its former economic bread and butter, the sugar industry.
More than 540,000 international visitors, 65% of them from "downunder" in Australia and "Kiwi Land" New Zealand, flocked to the the island nation's white sandy beaches last year, according to official data.
The World Bank this month said Fiji's economy was expected to grow 0.5-1.0% in 2010, only partially recovering from a 3.0% contraction last year.
It said Fiji's public debt, including state-owned enterprises, was about 67% of gross domestic product and government revenues this year were were likely to fall below budget forecasts.
The non-profit organisation International Budget Partnership this week ranked Fiji bottom in a survey of budget transparency covering 94 countries, saying publicly-available information on government accounts was inadequate.
Media Man's bodyguards and Fiji cultural experts Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka. Adam Yarad and John "Vucan" Seru aka "The Fijian Warrior" are not commenting on the proposed casino development at this time, but we will advise if the situation changes. Ni Sa Moce (Goodbye in Fijian).
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Readers... er, punters, do you think Fiji should get a land based casino, or are online casinos enough to service our native friends? Tell us in the forum. If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
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Fiji's notorious military government called for keen expressions of interest in developing and operating the embattled Pacific nation's first casino.
Tourism Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum advised a casino would help Fiji attract more visitors from the emerging markets of China, India and from Europe, in addition to building on the potentially lucrative US market.
The invitation to gaming companies will be a strong test for international investor confidence in the nation, where the economy has faltered since a military coup in 2006 led by current Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.
Sayed-Khaiyum said there were very obvious economic benefits from a casino development, which could create jobs of course, and also help raise additional revenue for the government.
He would not give a timeline for the casino at this time, saying Fiji was looking for reputable international gaming operators to develop a casino that would increase leisure activities in the country.
"At the same time we do not want to harm Fiji's tourism brand, which the government and the people of Fiji have invested so much in," Sayed-Khaiyum said in a statement to the press.
He said laws would be put in place to minimise possible negative social impact from the casino, citing Malaysia and Singapore as countries where such protective mechanisms had been very successfully installed. He did not mention the Australian experience and productivity commission findings into the gambling business, which are questionable in nature we have learned in our own probe over the past months.
Tourism is Fiji's major export earner following a decline in its former economic bread and butter, the sugar industry.
More than 540,000 international visitors, 65% of them from "downunder" in Australia and "Kiwi Land" New Zealand, flocked to the the island nation's white sandy beaches last year, according to official data.
The World Bank this month said Fiji's economy was expected to grow 0.5-1.0% in 2010, only partially recovering from a 3.0% contraction last year.
It said Fiji's public debt, including state-owned enterprises, was about 67% of gross domestic product and government revenues this year were were likely to fall below budget forecasts.
The non-profit organisation International Budget Partnership this week ranked Fiji bottom in a survey of budget transparency covering 94 countries, saying publicly-available information on government accounts was inadequate.
Media Man's bodyguards and Fiji cultural experts Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka. Adam Yarad and John "Vucan" Seru aka "The Fijian Warrior" are not commenting on the proposed casino development at this time, but we will advise if the situation changes. Ni Sa Moce (Goodbye in Fijian).
Media Man Profiles
Australia
Australian Casinos
Asia Pacific
New Zealand
Fiji
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, do you think Fiji should get a land based casino, or are online casinos enough to service our native friends? Tell us in the forum. If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
Website Network
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Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Aussies, Yanks, Hollywood Betting Arnie Schwarzenegger To Come Back, by Greg Tingle - 27th October 2010
G'day Hollywood, Aussiewood and internet entertainment news tragics. Huge entertainment news for the vast and loyal following today with talk circulating from Bondi Beach to Los Angeles that The Governator - Terminator Arnold Schwarzenegger Will Be Back (in the movies). That's right! The rumors and hints have been around for over a year now, with Arnie often seen in public with action hero mate and Gambling911 - Media Man favorite, Sylvester Stallone, and who can forget his awesome performance in The Expendables. Media Man and Gambling911 take on the machines and do the ring around in Hollywood in order to bring you this very special report...
The world is almost begging Arnie to make a full time ish return to the movies. At least that's the buzz down under in Australia and from a growing number of the American public and Hollywood movie executives. Some passionate Arnie fans are even having bets with their mates on if will will return, how soon, and in what movies!
"I'll be back". Yeah, we know, you've heard it before, but this time it's on the cards and looking like a safe bet from all angles. Those close advise he's got the fire in the belly, much like the type Aussie gambling tycoon James Packer got, seeing 'Our James' returning to the television spectrum.
Politically and in a business and all round timing aspect in makes good sense. Let's see, its only next week when California will elect a new governor. Some say it can't happen soon enough. So, in 2 months Arnie will be available for opportunities that take his fancy.
Schwarzenegger, now a great looking 63, doesn't appear to be after the job of U.S President. We mean, who the heck would want that job these days. His bio and CV is world class all the way and sports titles and attributes such as Mr Universe body builder champion, politician, environmental campaigner, movie star and philanthropist.
Hollywood types and political analysts reckon he time is about right for Arnie to lay his cards on the table and make his move - big splash fashion, for the most impact. Long time mate and associate Stallone is understood to be assisting him with strategy (and sourcing the right opportunities).
Veteran Hollywood publicist Howard Bragman was happy to go on record with "People still love Arnold. He can choose whatever he wants. He's got nothing left to prove, all the money in the world and the world of choices available to him".
In his response to the "what next?" question, Schwarzenegger said in well circulated "Tweetcast" last week that he planned to give speeches, write a book or two, and continue fighting for the environment.
Movies? "It depends ... if someone comes with a great script, with a great idea. Will I still have the patience to sit on the set and do a movie for three months or for six months, all of those things? I don't know," he said.
He teased us be announcing that he recently met with Terminator and Avatar director James Cameron, and would make some sort of an announcement soon!!!
The Republican "Governator" is to conclude his lucky 7 years in office with only a 22% popularity rating among Californians. Sounds like the sort of numbers Australia's Senator Stephen Conroy gets for popularity (Not - Borat speak). His star power and money making potential appears not damaged by his time in politics, which included some impressive and not so impressive happenings.
It's been understood that his Austrian birth rules out a go as US president, not that he would want it anymore, but one political analyst Allan Hoffenblum actually sees a possible appointment in the Obama administration, perhaps on an environmental front.
"I think that is a very viable possibility, especially if Obama does badly in the November congressional elections, he may want to reach out to moderate Republicans," Hoffenblum said.
Elective politics is likely not on his horizon, pundits said. The highest Schwarzenegger can go now is the US Senate, but an opening may be two years away, assuming California Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein decides to step down.
In an interesting moneymaker, Arnie also features in The Terminator online slot game released by PartyGaming - PartyCasino.com which has being trying to get back into the U.S market for almost as long as Arnold has been in political office in the hotbed of California. Arnold was apparently unable to get legal casino igaming green lighted in CA while in office, but few are willing to put the blame on him.
Schwarzenegger would have no trouble being hired by Hollywood, be it part time, full time or other. He is still fit and resuming action roles would be "like riding a bike", industry leaks whispered.
A Media Man spokesperson said "Its amazing. There has been a massive upswell in support of Arnie returning to Hollywood, namely for his action movie genre many grew up on. The rebirth of Arnie came around the same time word leaked that he would be teaming up with Stallone in The Expendables, and as they say, the rest is history. Another Expendables movie is being planned, more Expendables games, and Arnie is sounding more and more like he wants more of the action. Most of the public and Hollywood want him back in the action too."
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Readers... er, punters and movie buffs, what's your view on a return of Arnie to Hollywood? Tell us in the forum. If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun. Oh, we'll be back!
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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The world is almost begging Arnie to make a full time ish return to the movies. At least that's the buzz down under in Australia and from a growing number of the American public and Hollywood movie executives. Some passionate Arnie fans are even having bets with their mates on if will will return, how soon, and in what movies!
"I'll be back". Yeah, we know, you've heard it before, but this time it's on the cards and looking like a safe bet from all angles. Those close advise he's got the fire in the belly, much like the type Aussie gambling tycoon James Packer got, seeing 'Our James' returning to the television spectrum.
Politically and in a business and all round timing aspect in makes good sense. Let's see, its only next week when California will elect a new governor. Some say it can't happen soon enough. So, in 2 months Arnie will be available for opportunities that take his fancy.
Schwarzenegger, now a great looking 63, doesn't appear to be after the job of U.S President. We mean, who the heck would want that job these days. His bio and CV is world class all the way and sports titles and attributes such as Mr Universe body builder champion, politician, environmental campaigner, movie star and philanthropist.
Hollywood types and political analysts reckon he time is about right for Arnie to lay his cards on the table and make his move - big splash fashion, for the most impact. Long time mate and associate Stallone is understood to be assisting him with strategy (and sourcing the right opportunities).
Veteran Hollywood publicist Howard Bragman was happy to go on record with "People still love Arnold. He can choose whatever he wants. He's got nothing left to prove, all the money in the world and the world of choices available to him".
In his response to the "what next?" question, Schwarzenegger said in well circulated "Tweetcast" last week that he planned to give speeches, write a book or two, and continue fighting for the environment.
Movies? "It depends ... if someone comes with a great script, with a great idea. Will I still have the patience to sit on the set and do a movie for three months or for six months, all of those things? I don't know," he said.
He teased us be announcing that he recently met with Terminator and Avatar director James Cameron, and would make some sort of an announcement soon!!!
The Republican "Governator" is to conclude his lucky 7 years in office with only a 22% popularity rating among Californians. Sounds like the sort of numbers Australia's Senator Stephen Conroy gets for popularity (Not - Borat speak). His star power and money making potential appears not damaged by his time in politics, which included some impressive and not so impressive happenings.
It's been understood that his Austrian birth rules out a go as US president, not that he would want it anymore, but one political analyst Allan Hoffenblum actually sees a possible appointment in the Obama administration, perhaps on an environmental front.
"I think that is a very viable possibility, especially if Obama does badly in the November congressional elections, he may want to reach out to moderate Republicans," Hoffenblum said.
Elective politics is likely not on his horizon, pundits said. The highest Schwarzenegger can go now is the US Senate, but an opening may be two years away, assuming California Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein decides to step down.
In an interesting moneymaker, Arnie also features in The Terminator online slot game released by PartyGaming - PartyCasino.com which has being trying to get back into the U.S market for almost as long as Arnold has been in political office in the hotbed of California. Arnold was apparently unable to get legal casino igaming green lighted in CA while in office, but few are willing to put the blame on him.
Schwarzenegger would have no trouble being hired by Hollywood, be it part time, full time or other. He is still fit and resuming action roles would be "like riding a bike", industry leaks whispered.
A Media Man spokesperson said "Its amazing. There has been a massive upswell in support of Arnie returning to Hollywood, namely for his action movie genre many grew up on. The rebirth of Arnie came around the same time word leaked that he would be teaming up with Stallone in The Expendables, and as they say, the rest is history. Another Expendables movie is being planned, more Expendables games, and Arnie is sounding more and more like he wants more of the action. Most of the public and Hollywood want him back in the action too."
Media Man Profiles
Arnold Schwarzenegger
The Terminator
The Expendables
Sylvester Stallone
Hollywood
Politics
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters and movie buffs, what's your view on a return of Arnie to Hollywood? Tell us in the forum. If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun. Oh, we'll be back!
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Tuesday, October 26, 2010
James Bond Casino Icon Aston Martin Sale Today, by Greg Tingle - 27th October 2010
G'day and tally ho punters, casino lovers and haters, and a big hello today to James Bond 007 enthusiasts. The James Bond franchise has long been a favorite with the casino and poker crowd across the globe, and some experts tip that a few casino millionaires and billionaires are considering adding the famous Bond set of wheels to their private collection. Today, finally, the James Bond DB5 Aston Martin goes up for auction in London.. Media Man and Gambling911 now cross to the action with this special report...
James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5, dubbed the "world's most famous car," by auctioneers, is set to go under the hammer in London and is expected to be sold for over £3 million $5 million AUD) today.
The car, which became a sensation following its appearances in the hit 1960s Bond films Goldfinger and Thunderball, is the sole remaining of the two original "007" DB5's made famous on screen with Sean Connery as the secret MI6 agent.
Wednesday's auction marks the first time the distinctive silver-coloured car has been available to the public to purchase.
Its current owner, American radio broadcasting legend Jerry Lee, bought the car from the Aston Martin Factory in 1969 for just $12,000 and it has rarely been seen in public.
The model comes complete with its "Q-Branch" gadgets including machine guns, bullet-proof shield, revolving number plates, tracking device, removable roof panel, oil slick sprayer, nail spreader and smoke screen.
Several of the gadgets are fully operational, although the machine guns are not real.
Most auctioneers were not prepared to guess how much the Aston Martin may be sold for but some whispered figures of up to $3 million pound.
Casino buffs take note...favorite casino games of Bond include Baccarat Chemin de Fer, Texas Hold'em Poker and Roulette.
Media Man and Bond fans...you may be interested to learn that Media Man is the manager and agent for Aussie - Fijian actor - pro wrestler, John "Vulcan" Seru. Johnno played 'Gabor' in James Bond 'The World Is Not Enough'. Seru also featured in an 'Underbelly' episode alongside up and coming Aussie actor, Firass Dirani.
Stay glued to Gambling911 for more on motorsport, including Aussie legend Mark "The Turkey" Webber. Folks, the names' Tingle, Greg Tingle. Putting the "I" in Bond I Beach!
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Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how much do you think they will get for the car? Tell us in the forum. As always, if you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
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James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5, dubbed the "world's most famous car," by auctioneers, is set to go under the hammer in London and is expected to be sold for over £3 million $5 million AUD) today.
The car, which became a sensation following its appearances in the hit 1960s Bond films Goldfinger and Thunderball, is the sole remaining of the two original "007" DB5's made famous on screen with Sean Connery as the secret MI6 agent.
Wednesday's auction marks the first time the distinctive silver-coloured car has been available to the public to purchase.
Its current owner, American radio broadcasting legend Jerry Lee, bought the car from the Aston Martin Factory in 1969 for just $12,000 and it has rarely been seen in public.
The model comes complete with its "Q-Branch" gadgets including machine guns, bullet-proof shield, revolving number plates, tracking device, removable roof panel, oil slick sprayer, nail spreader and smoke screen.
Several of the gadgets are fully operational, although the machine guns are not real.
Most auctioneers were not prepared to guess how much the Aston Martin may be sold for but some whispered figures of up to $3 million pound.
Casino buffs take note...favorite casino games of Bond include Baccarat Chemin de Fer, Texas Hold'em Poker and Roulette.
Media Man and Bond fans...you may be interested to learn that Media Man is the manager and agent for Aussie - Fijian actor - pro wrestler, John "Vulcan" Seru. Johnno played 'Gabor' in James Bond 'The World Is Not Enough'. Seru also featured in an 'Underbelly' episode alongside up and coming Aussie actor, Firass Dirani.
Stay glued to Gambling911 for more on motorsport, including Aussie legend Mark "The Turkey" Webber. Folks, the names' Tingle, Greg Tingle. Putting the "I" in Bond I Beach!
Media Man Profiles
James Bond
Austin Martin
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Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how much do you think they will get for the car? Tell us in the forum. As always, if you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
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Sunday, October 24, 2010
James Packer 'Very Clever' TV Raid Says Sen Conroy, by Greg Tingle - 25th October 2010
G'day punters, casino and media billions, those who aspire to be, journalists, politics and one and all. Australian and Asia Pacific gambling and lifestyle king, James Packer, is gaining powerful support in his expanding his empire, with a Network Ten share raid appearing to be a key focus. The move continues to have the attention of the world's casino and media billionaires, and even the Australian Communications Minister Sen Stephen Conroy has been drawn into the excitement, with a rare public comment on friend of sorts, Packer, and no, it didn't take a spot of golf this time around to get the senator to go on record with "Very Clever". Media Man and Gambling911 reach out to you, the loyal and passionate readership with our "very clever" report...
Australian gambling and lifestyle 'king of the castle', James Packer is officially "very clever", at least that's the word from Australian Communications Minister, out friend and yours (satire), Senator Stephen Conroy. The Packer leap sets him up to be one of Australia's, if not the world's, kings of mainstream media. Packer has jumped on (in a smart and friendly fashion) Network Ten in a massive $245 million share raid that also sets him up for next year's AFL broadcast rights, and much more. The move is an exciting return for Packer as one of the Australian media's heavyweights some 4 years after he started selling off his family's famous share in PBL Media, including the main event attraction, the prestigious Nine Network. Analysts now expect the move will spark more maneuvering and "fun and games" in the industry by competitors ahead of key changes to Australian sports broadcast laws, notably the anti-siphoning regime that restricts pay-TV's shadow. Communications Minister, you're friend and ours (satire) Stephen Conroy previously said the purchase of Ten shares was a matter for Packer. Media and gaming insiders have noted its great to see Conroy stop attacking the gaming and media sector, and be balanced and non confrontational once again. Just maybe Conroy may like the fact that Australian television is easier to censors and "filter" than the internet, but that's only speculation.
Ok, we know Packer is a smart cookie and made a "very clever move", but let's dig a little deeper shall we.
'Our James', son of the late gambling and media mogul Kerry Packer, has been named as the mystery buyer of a A$250 million (S$318 million), 18% in Ten Network, one of Australia's 3 major commercial stations. Currently before the famed antitrust watchdog...Woof, Conroy said the investment posed "some issues around competition and concentration".
"But I think James is a very, very savvy businessman and this is a very clever move," Conroy told ABC TV. "I think he's got a foot in all the camps and he likes to have all the bases covered.".
Conroy declined to comment on whether he regarded Packer's stake as constituting a controlling interest in Ten, but said it was "clear... (he) has got more support than just his own holding from all indications." Regulators faced a 'real challenge' in deciding whether or not the move was anti-competitive, he added.
Packer has casino and gaming - gambling - sports betting interests in Australia and Macau but his company Consolidated Media Holdings also holds a 25% stake in pay-TV provider Foxtel and also owns 50% of the Fox Sports cable network. Fox Sports is also tied in with Premier Media Group, where some Media Man top brass once did some work experience. He effectively walked from commercial television 2 years back with the sale of most of his stake in rival Network Nine, an empire founded by his grandfather, Sir Frank Packer, and built up by his late father, Kerry. Packer said he had been lured back to the industry by the surprise success of extra free-to-air channels launched on the new digital spectrum by the major networks, saying he was "happy to be back".
"It's a vote of confidence for free-to-air television," Packer told News Limited - Rupert Murdoch owned The Sunday Telegraph newspaper, in his first public - on the record bit about the Ten share raid. "Multi-channels have surprised everybody with their outstanding success to take advertising dollars from other mediums while pay-TV stays strong."
Since the announcement of Packer's raid on Ten, both Network Ten and Crown Limited shares have continued an upward rise.
Media Man top brass added "James Packer surprises a few folks with his move back into television, Mind you, he surprised a few with his massive bounce back in the casino and gaming sector in Australia and Macau also, as well as his solid exit strategy from the mayhem Las Vegas. Watch for Packer to also ramp up in the online area, with Betfair maintaining a strong position. More online casino game content to hit Betfairs, and I would be totally surprised to see the likes of a Packer do a deal with other leaders like PartyGaming or Richard Branson's Virgin. Packer is friendly with Tom Cruise, featured in a PartyGaming release, and has also been spotted and photographed with Richard Branson over the years, so nothing is impossible for JP - James Packer at this stage of the game. He appears to have the killer instinct and is virtually unstoppable. You really have to give the devil his due. At the same time he is main tainting his friendship with Network Nine boss David Gyngell, so good on his for taking care of the work - life balance, something many media and gaming tycoons struggle with. Packer is starting to turn into a living legend, and we are not talking that up. The record speaks for itself. For anyone that wants to try to step in Packer's way, its game on.!
The Packer camp is expected to make more information available to the press in the coming days, and rest assured Media Man and Gambling911 are onto it.
More details on the Packer - Network Ten Raid...
Packer's Consolidated Media Holdings purchased the 15.6% stake in the network through investment bank UBS, a favorite of JP. A block of some 163.3 million Ten shares was traded in a single transaction at $1.50 a piece, according to the Australian Securities Exchange. Packer mate, David Gyngell, recently purchasing a modest $100,000 or so worth of Crown Limited shares. Numerous in the know sources, leaks et al continued to confirm Packer's company was indeed behind the sale. The move also comes amid heavy speculation Packer is planning to privatise his gaming empire, Crown Limited, in which he has also recently increased his stake, leading by example, say the Packer supporters. Packer and Kerry Stokes began wrestling for Consolidated Media, which holds online and pay television assets in the middle of last year. The move got people talking about Packer moving into position ahead of the next round of AFL television rights that are up for grabs in 2011. They do say the early bird catches the worm, so Packer might be feeling a like a very confident worm as of late.
CMH currently also owns a 25% stake at pay TV operator Foxtel. BBY media analyst Mark McDonnell was prepared to go on record and advised the purchase put Fox Sports into a strategic position for the AFL rights. "It's very interesting, particularly with the AFL rights coming up again next year and, of course, Ten teamed up with Seven and Fox Sports the last time the contract was being renewed. Packer effectively owns Fox Sports and the AFL rights are going to be one of the big stories over the next 12 months." McDonnell said CMH may have also "simply" thought Ten's shares were going for a good price and Packer may have seen potential in the network's future. However he also said every free to air channel wanted the football broadcasting rights and the move positioned Ten into a strong position to again team up with Foxtel. The purchase also coincides with the Gillard Government's review of anti-siphoning laws governing sports broadcasting on Australian television. Both Foxtel and the AFL have been lobbying for changes to the anti-siphoning legislation so pay-TV stations can bid for a minimum of 4 home-and-away matches a week. Packer is surrounded by media and sports on the home front, owning a pad overlooking Bondi Beach, world class pro surfers, favorite of NRL Sydney Roosters, mate Gyngell, the Bondi Rescue (Network Ten inked lads), and much much more. Yeah, Media Man has a pad there too, and Bondi Beach is constantly becoming home to Australia's best entertainment and sporting talent. Warnie, are you here yet mate? Poker in the beach park perhaps or a few slots at Bondi Icebergs Bergs Gaming? Changes to the anti-siphoning legislation could allow the 3 big free-to-air networks to broadcast AFL matches on their digital channels and AFL games on their secondary digital channels. Senator Conroy's spokesman said the anti-siphoning review would be released "shortly". Network Ten declined to comment, while Media Man said "coincidences don't normally happen, be it in gambling, media or the internet business. Packer is smart and clearly his relationship and lines of communication with Sen Conroy are excellent, so you have to give the devil his due."
A number of high profile media and gaming commentators also think its a smart move by Packer ramping up his TV interests, and industry talks says of Packer...fire in the belly, and his passion for news media has certainly bounced back. Insiders also tipped he enjoys seeing the balanced and positive coverage of his Crown Casino empire on Ten News and The 7PM Project, giving him a fair go, when some other Australian media companies choose to go more down the "attack journalism" path. Packer also has plans to offer Australian's a full online casino offering via his 50% owned Betfair, which have noted the success of other online gambling operators servicing down under such as PartyGaming. Interestingly, PartyGaming's PartyPoker last year in a b2b type arrangement directed a number of their online poker players to Packer's poker tournament, Aussie Millions. Packer mate, Shane Warne, is also tipped to have a poker room and / or tourney named after him at Crown Casino, and its speculated other deals are on the radar with even some tipping Media Man, Casino News Media, Richard Branson - Virgin b2b and website portals in the mix. PartyGaming and NextGen Gaming are expected to also pitch to Packer and his team on the new media - internet front, and the brands 'Underbelly', 'Kerry Packer' and 'Casino Jack' keep coming up. Yep, Packer is a busy man and taking on the world and winning by all accounts.
A Media Man spokesperson said "James Packer's latest business plays have been brilliant. It's risk management, brand building, convergent media, relationship leveraging and more all in one. He's also buying entities at the right price, and has a global business model which helps ride out the world's financial storm, while also having an Australian - Asia Pacific focus, which is one of the strongest markets in the world at the moment, away from the chaos of sorts in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. From here on up it should be pretty smooth sailing for Packer and Billionaire Inc. Punters should likely expect some gambling or gaming reality TV shows, as Packer's passion for both having a punt and news media is pretty contagious. Packer is making exciting and smart business moves and has a world class team of advisers around him. He's also spending millions upgrading Crown and Burswood casinos, to help further cement them as the leaders, while Tabcorp tries to chase him with their Star City. Packer once again proves the knockers wrong, and we can't wait to get back down to Crown Casino to congratulate the Packer powers that be in person. From Bondi Beach to Palm Beach, Macau, Perth, the internet, to TV land - the world is his oyster. Watch this space".
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Crown Casino
Network Ten
James Packer
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, what's your view on the latest? Keep checking daily for updates. If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
Crown Limited Share Price: $8.530
Network Ten Holdings Limited Price: $1.61
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Australian gambling and lifestyle 'king of the castle', James Packer is officially "very clever", at least that's the word from Australian Communications Minister, out friend and yours (satire), Senator Stephen Conroy. The Packer leap sets him up to be one of Australia's, if not the world's, kings of mainstream media. Packer has jumped on (in a smart and friendly fashion) Network Ten in a massive $245 million share raid that also sets him up for next year's AFL broadcast rights, and much more. The move is an exciting return for Packer as one of the Australian media's heavyweights some 4 years after he started selling off his family's famous share in PBL Media, including the main event attraction, the prestigious Nine Network. Analysts now expect the move will spark more maneuvering and "fun and games" in the industry by competitors ahead of key changes to Australian sports broadcast laws, notably the anti-siphoning regime that restricts pay-TV's shadow. Communications Minister, you're friend and ours (satire) Stephen Conroy previously said the purchase of Ten shares was a matter for Packer. Media and gaming insiders have noted its great to see Conroy stop attacking the gaming and media sector, and be balanced and non confrontational once again. Just maybe Conroy may like the fact that Australian television is easier to censors and "filter" than the internet, but that's only speculation.
Ok, we know Packer is a smart cookie and made a "very clever move", but let's dig a little deeper shall we.
'Our James', son of the late gambling and media mogul Kerry Packer, has been named as the mystery buyer of a A$250 million (S$318 million), 18% in Ten Network, one of Australia's 3 major commercial stations. Currently before the famed antitrust watchdog...Woof, Conroy said the investment posed "some issues around competition and concentration".
"But I think James is a very, very savvy businessman and this is a very clever move," Conroy told ABC TV. "I think he's got a foot in all the camps and he likes to have all the bases covered.".
Conroy declined to comment on whether he regarded Packer's stake as constituting a controlling interest in Ten, but said it was "clear... (he) has got more support than just his own holding from all indications." Regulators faced a 'real challenge' in deciding whether or not the move was anti-competitive, he added.
Packer has casino and gaming - gambling - sports betting interests in Australia and Macau but his company Consolidated Media Holdings also holds a 25% stake in pay-TV provider Foxtel and also owns 50% of the Fox Sports cable network. Fox Sports is also tied in with Premier Media Group, where some Media Man top brass once did some work experience. He effectively walked from commercial television 2 years back with the sale of most of his stake in rival Network Nine, an empire founded by his grandfather, Sir Frank Packer, and built up by his late father, Kerry. Packer said he had been lured back to the industry by the surprise success of extra free-to-air channels launched on the new digital spectrum by the major networks, saying he was "happy to be back".
"It's a vote of confidence for free-to-air television," Packer told News Limited - Rupert Murdoch owned The Sunday Telegraph newspaper, in his first public - on the record bit about the Ten share raid. "Multi-channels have surprised everybody with their outstanding success to take advertising dollars from other mediums while pay-TV stays strong."
Since the announcement of Packer's raid on Ten, both Network Ten and Crown Limited shares have continued an upward rise.
Media Man top brass added "James Packer surprises a few folks with his move back into television, Mind you, he surprised a few with his massive bounce back in the casino and gaming sector in Australia and Macau also, as well as his solid exit strategy from the mayhem Las Vegas. Watch for Packer to also ramp up in the online area, with Betfair maintaining a strong position. More online casino game content to hit Betfairs, and I would be totally surprised to see the likes of a Packer do a deal with other leaders like PartyGaming or Richard Branson's Virgin. Packer is friendly with Tom Cruise, featured in a PartyGaming release, and has also been spotted and photographed with Richard Branson over the years, so nothing is impossible for JP - James Packer at this stage of the game. He appears to have the killer instinct and is virtually unstoppable. You really have to give the devil his due. At the same time he is main tainting his friendship with Network Nine boss David Gyngell, so good on his for taking care of the work - life balance, something many media and gaming tycoons struggle with. Packer is starting to turn into a living legend, and we are not talking that up. The record speaks for itself. For anyone that wants to try to step in Packer's way, its game on.!
The Packer camp is expected to make more information available to the press in the coming days, and rest assured Media Man and Gambling911 are onto it.
More details on the Packer - Network Ten Raid...
Packer's Consolidated Media Holdings purchased the 15.6% stake in the network through investment bank UBS, a favorite of JP. A block of some 163.3 million Ten shares was traded in a single transaction at $1.50 a piece, according to the Australian Securities Exchange. Packer mate, David Gyngell, recently purchasing a modest $100,000 or so worth of Crown Limited shares. Numerous in the know sources, leaks et al continued to confirm Packer's company was indeed behind the sale. The move also comes amid heavy speculation Packer is planning to privatise his gaming empire, Crown Limited, in which he has also recently increased his stake, leading by example, say the Packer supporters. Packer and Kerry Stokes began wrestling for Consolidated Media, which holds online and pay television assets in the middle of last year. The move got people talking about Packer moving into position ahead of the next round of AFL television rights that are up for grabs in 2011. They do say the early bird catches the worm, so Packer might be feeling a like a very confident worm as of late.
CMH currently also owns a 25% stake at pay TV operator Foxtel. BBY media analyst Mark McDonnell was prepared to go on record and advised the purchase put Fox Sports into a strategic position for the AFL rights. "It's very interesting, particularly with the AFL rights coming up again next year and, of course, Ten teamed up with Seven and Fox Sports the last time the contract was being renewed. Packer effectively owns Fox Sports and the AFL rights are going to be one of the big stories over the next 12 months." McDonnell said CMH may have also "simply" thought Ten's shares were going for a good price and Packer may have seen potential in the network's future. However he also said every free to air channel wanted the football broadcasting rights and the move positioned Ten into a strong position to again team up with Foxtel. The purchase also coincides with the Gillard Government's review of anti-siphoning laws governing sports broadcasting on Australian television. Both Foxtel and the AFL have been lobbying for changes to the anti-siphoning legislation so pay-TV stations can bid for a minimum of 4 home-and-away matches a week. Packer is surrounded by media and sports on the home front, owning a pad overlooking Bondi Beach, world class pro surfers, favorite of NRL Sydney Roosters, mate Gyngell, the Bondi Rescue (Network Ten inked lads), and much much more. Yeah, Media Man has a pad there too, and Bondi Beach is constantly becoming home to Australia's best entertainment and sporting talent. Warnie, are you here yet mate? Poker in the beach park perhaps or a few slots at Bondi Icebergs Bergs Gaming? Changes to the anti-siphoning legislation could allow the 3 big free-to-air networks to broadcast AFL matches on their digital channels and AFL games on their secondary digital channels. Senator Conroy's spokesman said the anti-siphoning review would be released "shortly". Network Ten declined to comment, while Media Man said "coincidences don't normally happen, be it in gambling, media or the internet business. Packer is smart and clearly his relationship and lines of communication with Sen Conroy are excellent, so you have to give the devil his due."
A number of high profile media and gaming commentators also think its a smart move by Packer ramping up his TV interests, and industry talks says of Packer...fire in the belly, and his passion for news media has certainly bounced back. Insiders also tipped he enjoys seeing the balanced and positive coverage of his Crown Casino empire on Ten News and The 7PM Project, giving him a fair go, when some other Australian media companies choose to go more down the "attack journalism" path. Packer also has plans to offer Australian's a full online casino offering via his 50% owned Betfair, which have noted the success of other online gambling operators servicing down under such as PartyGaming. Interestingly, PartyGaming's PartyPoker last year in a b2b type arrangement directed a number of their online poker players to Packer's poker tournament, Aussie Millions. Packer mate, Shane Warne, is also tipped to have a poker room and / or tourney named after him at Crown Casino, and its speculated other deals are on the radar with even some tipping Media Man, Casino News Media, Richard Branson - Virgin b2b and website portals in the mix. PartyGaming and NextGen Gaming are expected to also pitch to Packer and his team on the new media - internet front, and the brands 'Underbelly', 'Kerry Packer' and 'Casino Jack' keep coming up. Yep, Packer is a busy man and taking on the world and winning by all accounts.
A Media Man spokesperson said "James Packer's latest business plays have been brilliant. It's risk management, brand building, convergent media, relationship leveraging and more all in one. He's also buying entities at the right price, and has a global business model which helps ride out the world's financial storm, while also having an Australian - Asia Pacific focus, which is one of the strongest markets in the world at the moment, away from the chaos of sorts in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. From here on up it should be pretty smooth sailing for Packer and Billionaire Inc. Punters should likely expect some gambling or gaming reality TV shows, as Packer's passion for both having a punt and news media is pretty contagious. Packer is making exciting and smart business moves and has a world class team of advisers around him. He's also spending millions upgrading Crown and Burswood casinos, to help further cement them as the leaders, while Tabcorp tries to chase him with their Star City. Packer once again proves the knockers wrong, and we can't wait to get back down to Crown Casino to congratulate the Packer powers that be in person. From Bondi Beach to Palm Beach, Macau, Perth, the internet, to TV land - the world is his oyster. Watch this space".
Media Man Profiles
Australia
Australian Casinos
Crown Casino
Network Ten
James Packer
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, what's your view on the latest? Keep checking daily for updates. If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
Crown Limited Share Price: $8.530
Network Ten Holdings Limited Price: $1.61
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Australian Comms Minister To Force Big Brother Internet Connection, by Greg Tingle - 21st October 2010
Australia's communications minister Stephen Conroy and Australian government law are under the microscope today as changes are afoot to force Australians onto the Government NBN high speed network in a move that has raised the ire of journalists, human rights advocates, technology / media entrepreneurs and mums and dads across the great nation of Australia. This news follows the ministers constant attempts to push through internet censorship and filters, despite the Australian Liberal Party and Greens party saying they will stop it. Media Man and Gambling911 probe the matter which has Australians of all walks of life up in arms, some ready to riot in the streets...
The most unpopular Communications Minister in Australian history, Stephen Conroy, says he will use federal law as a tool to force people on to the national broadband network (NBN) if the states and territories don't come to the party making connections mandatory.
The minister is known to try to make his agenda items "mandatory", and this is a major reason Australian mums and dads, entrepreneurs, journalists and human rights activists are ready to take to the streets and protest. Australians do no like to be forces to do things against their will, as the internet censorship debate also proved.
"We are working our way through the issues with the states and ... we ultimately would consider if we can’t reach settlement, mandating it through the federal parliament. But we prefer to be engaged with the states," Senator Conroy said yesterday.
He noted that the federal government hadn’t "exhausted those conversations yet". He also pointed out that the matter of a connection being mandated was "not a new issue".
"We’ve been having a conversation with the states for over twelve months on this very issue," he said. "This is not a new issue. Malcolm Turnbull might have discovered it recently but it has actually been on the agenda. And we’ve actually been saying for quite some considerable time: as we disconnect the copper we’ll be connecting the fibre.".
Malcolm "No Bull" Turnbull is expected to rigorously attack "Cunning" Conroy's latest spray on the Australian population.
It's widely understood it will cost $300 to connect to the NBN if a house or business didn’t consent to connecting to it as it was rolled out initially.
Senator Conroy went on record yesterday that a cost would be involved down the track if you didn’t consent to connect to the network when it was optional and free to connect to initially.
"If it remains optional and people ... sell the house and someone else moves in, then it's like any other business where they say 'Hey, come and connect me to this'... then there’s a connection fee to get it connected," he said.
But if the network were to be mandatory to connect to then there would be no charge at a later date. "The question of what happens if someone decides not to take it up now and then we come back to do them and it becomes mandated then I don’t believe there would be a charge," he said.
"But the key is to get it attached to the side of the house so the costs are reduced for everybody involved."
Via ABC TV's Lateline program last night, Tony Jones also raised News Limited's report that it would cost up to $300 to connect if you didn't connect initially. Jones said to Conroy: "You might think your old fixed-line telephone is good enough and you don't think you want an NBN computer access".
Senator Conroy said "some" had suggested that it could be $300, "but that has not been a final decision made".
"Now, in the case of where it becomes mandatory to make your phone call on the fibre because the copper's been disconnected, I can't imagine there's a case where you could say you should have to pay now to come and make the connection. The purpose of the rollout is to ensure that people, if they have to make a phone call and its only got the fibre available, I can't imagine there is any case to be made for there being that charge."
Now we learn that state governments will have to change trespass or property laws to ensure households are not left without fixed telephone connections, following the Tasmanian government's latest move to introduce legislation for property owners to "opt-out" of the government's fibre network.
New South Wales and Victoria have said they have no plans to introduce opt-out laws. "NSW currently has no plans to legislate an opt-out model for the NBN and will determine a final position following discussions with other jurisdictions," said a spokesman for the NSW Commerce Minister, Paul Lynch.
One things is for sure, Australians are not happy at all with the government's latest big brother approach with "a number" of Aussies ready to protest in the streets according to a Media Man insiders.
A Media Man spokesperson said "Australians are pissed off at the governments latest Big Brother tactics. It is yet to be determined if the protests will turn to riots, but the mood in most newsrooms and suburbs about the issue is very angry".
Australia's are some of the most passionate human rights advocates on the planet, but also are some of the world's fastest adopters of new technology, gadgets and all matter of bells and whistles, so its a case of stay tuned to internet news for updates. As Australian media and gambling tycoon James Packer says "Internet is like electricity"!
Media Man Profiles
Australia
Broadband
Censorship
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, what's your view on the latest madness from down under? Keep checking daily for updates. If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
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The most unpopular Communications Minister in Australian history, Stephen Conroy, says he will use federal law as a tool to force people on to the national broadband network (NBN) if the states and territories don't come to the party making connections mandatory.
The minister is known to try to make his agenda items "mandatory", and this is a major reason Australian mums and dads, entrepreneurs, journalists and human rights activists are ready to take to the streets and protest. Australians do no like to be forces to do things against their will, as the internet censorship debate also proved.
"We are working our way through the issues with the states and ... we ultimately would consider if we can’t reach settlement, mandating it through the federal parliament. But we prefer to be engaged with the states," Senator Conroy said yesterday.
He noted that the federal government hadn’t "exhausted those conversations yet". He also pointed out that the matter of a connection being mandated was "not a new issue".
"We’ve been having a conversation with the states for over twelve months on this very issue," he said. "This is not a new issue. Malcolm Turnbull might have discovered it recently but it has actually been on the agenda. And we’ve actually been saying for quite some considerable time: as we disconnect the copper we’ll be connecting the fibre.".
Malcolm "No Bull" Turnbull is expected to rigorously attack "Cunning" Conroy's latest spray on the Australian population.
It's widely understood it will cost $300 to connect to the NBN if a house or business didn’t consent to connecting to it as it was rolled out initially.
Senator Conroy went on record yesterday that a cost would be involved down the track if you didn’t consent to connect to the network when it was optional and free to connect to initially.
"If it remains optional and people ... sell the house and someone else moves in, then it's like any other business where they say 'Hey, come and connect me to this'... then there’s a connection fee to get it connected," he said.
But if the network were to be mandatory to connect to then there would be no charge at a later date. "The question of what happens if someone decides not to take it up now and then we come back to do them and it becomes mandated then I don’t believe there would be a charge," he said.
"But the key is to get it attached to the side of the house so the costs are reduced for everybody involved."
Via ABC TV's Lateline program last night, Tony Jones also raised News Limited's report that it would cost up to $300 to connect if you didn't connect initially. Jones said to Conroy: "You might think your old fixed-line telephone is good enough and you don't think you want an NBN computer access".
Senator Conroy said "some" had suggested that it could be $300, "but that has not been a final decision made".
"Now, in the case of where it becomes mandatory to make your phone call on the fibre because the copper's been disconnected, I can't imagine there's a case where you could say you should have to pay now to come and make the connection. The purpose of the rollout is to ensure that people, if they have to make a phone call and its only got the fibre available, I can't imagine there is any case to be made for there being that charge."
Now we learn that state governments will have to change trespass or property laws to ensure households are not left without fixed telephone connections, following the Tasmanian government's latest move to introduce legislation for property owners to "opt-out" of the government's fibre network.
New South Wales and Victoria have said they have no plans to introduce opt-out laws. "NSW currently has no plans to legislate an opt-out model for the NBN and will determine a final position following discussions with other jurisdictions," said a spokesman for the NSW Commerce Minister, Paul Lynch.
One things is for sure, Australians are not happy at all with the government's latest big brother approach with "a number" of Aussies ready to protest in the streets according to a Media Man insiders.
A Media Man spokesperson said "Australians are pissed off at the governments latest Big Brother tactics. It is yet to be determined if the protests will turn to riots, but the mood in most newsrooms and suburbs about the issue is very angry".
Australia's are some of the most passionate human rights advocates on the planet, but also are some of the world's fastest adopters of new technology, gadgets and all matter of bells and whistles, so its a case of stay tuned to internet news for updates. As Australian media and gambling tycoon James Packer says "Internet is like electricity"!
Media Man Profiles
Australia
Broadband
Censorship
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, what's your view on the latest madness from down under? Keep checking daily for updates. If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
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Global Gaming Directory
Sunday, October 17, 2010
PartyCasino News: New Instant Play PartyCasino Jackpot Time? The Big One Is Over $2,500,000!
PartyCasino News: New Instant Play PartyCasino.com Jackpot Time? The Big One Is Over $2,500,000!
Gibraltar – 22nd September 2010 – PartyCasino.com, the world’s largest online casino, is pleased to announce that it has launched its new instant casino! In addition, ‘The Big One’ at PartyCasino.com, the largest progressive seeded jackpot in the online gaming industry, is now over $2,500,000, while the Gold Mega Jackpot currently exceeds $1,300,000! In total PartyCasino.com’s jackpots total over $4,000,000!
A PartyCasino.com spokesman said: "The new instant casino is now live. Play direct from the website in 14 languages with the improved user interface. Everything else remains the same - continue to enjoy a huge range of casino games, jackpots and promotions! The Big One was last hit on the 29th May this year and we have seen frantic activity in recent days – it seems customers think someone is going to hit it very soon now the $2,500,000 landmark has been crossed. The Gold Mega Jackpot also looks ripe to payout and hasn’t been hit since the 1st June.”
The Big One is structured as a five tiered pool. The highest tier - Colossal Cash - seeds at $1.5 million, the biggest online jackpot seed in the industry and currently stands at over $2.1 million. Customers can play for ‘The Big One’ through traditional slot Melon Madness. PartyCasino.com has also recently introduced another way of hitting ‘The Big One’ in the form of Snow Business. This slot is a five-reel, 30 line jackpot slot game with a Free Spins feature. When three or more scattered iceberg symbols appear anywhere in view, the feature screen is displayed where the player is required to catch a random number of fish, each of which reveals a random number of free spins or a random free spins multiplier.
For more information see: PartyCasino.com
PartyCasino.com has the most frequent game launches and largest jackpots in the industry and offers over 150 games, including over 100 slots. PartyCasino.com pays out easily over $10 million EVERY DAY to players.
Profiles
The Big One
PartyCasino.com Jackpots
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Gibraltar – 22nd September 2010 – PartyCasino.com, the world’s largest online casino, is pleased to announce that it has launched its new instant casino! In addition, ‘The Big One’ at PartyCasino.com, the largest progressive seeded jackpot in the online gaming industry, is now over $2,500,000, while the Gold Mega Jackpot currently exceeds $1,300,000! In total PartyCasino.com’s jackpots total over $4,000,000!
A PartyCasino.com spokesman said: "The new instant casino is now live. Play direct from the website in 14 languages with the improved user interface. Everything else remains the same - continue to enjoy a huge range of casino games, jackpots and promotions! The Big One was last hit on the 29th May this year and we have seen frantic activity in recent days – it seems customers think someone is going to hit it very soon now the $2,500,000 landmark has been crossed. The Gold Mega Jackpot also looks ripe to payout and hasn’t been hit since the 1st June.”
The Big One is structured as a five tiered pool. The highest tier - Colossal Cash - seeds at $1.5 million, the biggest online jackpot seed in the industry and currently stands at over $2.1 million. Customers can play for ‘The Big One’ through traditional slot Melon Madness. PartyCasino.com has also recently introduced another way of hitting ‘The Big One’ in the form of Snow Business. This slot is a five-reel, 30 line jackpot slot game with a Free Spins feature. When three or more scattered iceberg symbols appear anywhere in view, the feature screen is displayed where the player is required to catch a random number of fish, each of which reveals a random number of free spins or a random free spins multiplier.
For more information see: PartyCasino.com
PartyCasino.com has the most frequent game launches and largest jackpots in the industry and offers over 150 games, including over 100 slots. PartyCasino.com pays out easily over $10 million EVERY DAY to players.
Profiles
The Big One
PartyCasino.com Jackpots
Gold Mega Jackpot
Melon Madness
Snow Business
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
World Poker Tour
PartyGaming
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
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Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
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Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Australian bodyartist breaking down walls at Bondi Beach to paint Oprah, by Greg Tingle - 17th October 2010
It was another glorious day at Bondi Beach as Summer continues to sneak up on us.
The beach was abuzz today with clear blue skies, 22 degree temperatures, awesome surf, surf comps for pros and the nippers and much more.
As the day moved forward a special vibe swept through the iconic beach. Before long, beach walkers and cafes were chatting about the fact that today was the Bali day of remembrance and that this would also be included in surfing and artistic endeavors.
At roughly 10am a now familiar site, the 'Let's Paint Oprah' artists and models, were seen getting creative with bodypaint up against the famous graffiti art wall which runs between the Bondi life guard towers and the skatepark. One hour later five eclectic models had been bodypainted, and Bondi's resident photographer and noted philanthropist, Peter Carrette, was quick to snap up the action, so Team Human Statue can wire and Facebook the images around the world.
Eva Rinaldi and her human rainbow clan has taken to Bondi Beach like a ducks to water, and Eva has clearly established herself as Bondi's newest and most creative local force.
Today Eva organised 5 models (Jillian Biscara, Benjamin Cao, Dominique Nasr, Alesandra Nasr and Victoria Gorette) to be painted by her collaborative of artists.
The themes were partly inspired by the Bondi Beach graffiti art wall and were entitled 'Breaking Down The Wall To Painting Oprah'.
To date Eva's campaign to paint or do a human statue of Oprah Winfrey have included 'Let's Paint Oprah', 'Dear Oprah', and 'My Want Today Is To Paint Oprah Winfrey' (via Sydney radio), and next up will be 'Walk To Oprah', which will involve a gathering of bodypainted models and iconic Australians walking for a good cause from Circular Quay to the Sydney Opera House in the coming weeks.
As a number of beachgoers said earlier, the mere fact that Human Statue Bodyart did get a return phone call from Oprah's Harpro Productions is evidence that they're on the right track. A large number of people walking past Eva's creations were overhead to say words to the effect of "I know what that is. That's the lady who wants to bodypaint Oprah".
All we can say is keep doing what you're doing, may the world be your human rainbow, and be blessed in your quest to collaborate with Oprah and friends.
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Oprah Winfrey
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The beach was abuzz today with clear blue skies, 22 degree temperatures, awesome surf, surf comps for pros and the nippers and much more.
As the day moved forward a special vibe swept through the iconic beach. Before long, beach walkers and cafes were chatting about the fact that today was the Bali day of remembrance and that this would also be included in surfing and artistic endeavors.
At roughly 10am a now familiar site, the 'Let's Paint Oprah' artists and models, were seen getting creative with bodypaint up against the famous graffiti art wall which runs between the Bondi life guard towers and the skatepark. One hour later five eclectic models had been bodypainted, and Bondi's resident photographer and noted philanthropist, Peter Carrette, was quick to snap up the action, so Team Human Statue can wire and Facebook the images around the world.
Eva Rinaldi and her human rainbow clan has taken to Bondi Beach like a ducks to water, and Eva has clearly established herself as Bondi's newest and most creative local force.
Today Eva organised 5 models (Jillian Biscara, Benjamin Cao, Dominique Nasr, Alesandra Nasr and Victoria Gorette) to be painted by her collaborative of artists.
The themes were partly inspired by the Bondi Beach graffiti art wall and were entitled 'Breaking Down The Wall To Painting Oprah'.
To date Eva's campaign to paint or do a human statue of Oprah Winfrey have included 'Let's Paint Oprah', 'Dear Oprah', and 'My Want Today Is To Paint Oprah Winfrey' (via Sydney radio), and next up will be 'Walk To Oprah', which will involve a gathering of bodypainted models and iconic Australians walking for a good cause from Circular Quay to the Sydney Opera House in the coming weeks.
As a number of beachgoers said earlier, the mere fact that Human Statue Bodyart did get a return phone call from Oprah's Harpro Productions is evidence that they're on the right track. A large number of people walking past Eva's creations were overhead to say words to the effect of "I know what that is. That's the lady who wants to bodypaint Oprah".
All we can say is keep doing what you're doing, may the world be your human rainbow, and be blessed in your quest to collaborate with Oprah and friends.
Media Man Profiles
Human Statue Bodyart
Eva Rinaldi
Oprah Winfrey
Peter Carrette
Bondi Beach
Art
Bodypainting
Media Man
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Brand
Media Man News
Media Man Network
Australian bodyartist breaking down walls at Bondi Beach to paint Oprah, by Greg Tingle - 17th October 2010
It was another glorious day at Bondi Beach as Summer continues to sneak up on us.
The beach was abuzz today with clear blue skies, 22 degree temperatures, awesome surf, surf comps for pros and the nippers and much more.
As the day moved forward a special vibe swept through the iconic beach. Before long, beach walkers and cafes were chatting about the fact that today was the Bali day of remembrance and that this would also be included in surfing and artistic endeavors.
At roughly 10am a now familiar site, the 'Let's Paint Oprah' artists and models, were seen getting creative with bodypaint up against the famous graffiti art wall which runs between the Bondi life guard towers and the skatepark. One hour later five eclectic models had been bodypainted, and Bondi's resident photographer and noted philanthropist, Peter Carrette, was quick to snap up the action, so Team Human Statue can wire and Facebook the images around the world.
Eva Rinaldi and her human rainbow clan has taken to Bondi Beach like a ducks to water, and Eva has clearly established herself as Bondi's newest and most creative local force.
Today Eva organised 5 models (Jillian Biscara, Benjamin Cao, Dominique Nasr, Alesandra Nasr and Victoria Gorette) to be painted by her collaborative of artists.
The themes were partly inspired by the Bondi Beach graffiti art wall and were entitled 'Breaking Down The Wall To Painting Oprah'.
To date Eva's campaign to paint or do a human statue of Oprah Winfrey have included 'Let's Paint Oprah', 'Dear Oprah', and 'My Want Today Is To Paint Oprah Winfrey' (via Sydney radio), and next up will be 'Walk To Oprah', which will involve a gathering of bodypainted models and iconic Australians walking for a good cause from Circular Quay to the Sydney Opera House in the coming weeks.
As a number of beachgoers said earlier, the mere fact that Human Statue Bodyart did get a return phone call from Oprah's Harpro Productions is evidence that they're on the right track. A large number of people walking past Eva's creations were overhead to say words to the effect of "I know what that is. That's the lady who wants to bodypaint Oprah".
All we can say is keep doing what you're doing, may the world be your human rainbow, and be blessed in your quest to collaborate with Oprah and friends.
Media Man Profiles
Human Statue Bodyart
Eva Rinaldi
Oprah Winfrey
Peter Carrette
Bondi Beach
Art
Bodypainting
Media Man
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Brand
Media Man News
Media Man Network
The beach was abuzz today with clear blue skies, 22 degree temperatures, awesome surf, surf comps for pros and the nippers and much more.
As the day moved forward a special vibe swept through the iconic beach. Before long, beach walkers and cafes were chatting about the fact that today was the Bali day of remembrance and that this would also be included in surfing and artistic endeavors.
At roughly 10am a now familiar site, the 'Let's Paint Oprah' artists and models, were seen getting creative with bodypaint up against the famous graffiti art wall which runs between the Bondi life guard towers and the skatepark. One hour later five eclectic models had been bodypainted, and Bondi's resident photographer and noted philanthropist, Peter Carrette, was quick to snap up the action, so Team Human Statue can wire and Facebook the images around the world.
Eva Rinaldi and her human rainbow clan has taken to Bondi Beach like a ducks to water, and Eva has clearly established herself as Bondi's newest and most creative local force.
Today Eva organised 5 models (Jillian Biscara, Benjamin Cao, Dominique Nasr, Alesandra Nasr and Victoria Gorette) to be painted by her collaborative of artists.
The themes were partly inspired by the Bondi Beach graffiti art wall and were entitled 'Breaking Down The Wall To Painting Oprah'.
To date Eva's campaign to paint or do a human statue of Oprah Winfrey have included 'Let's Paint Oprah', 'Dear Oprah', and 'My Want Today Is To Paint Oprah Winfrey' (via Sydney radio), and next up will be 'Walk To Oprah', which will involve a gathering of bodypainted models and iconic Australians walking for a good cause from Circular Quay to the Sydney Opera House in the coming weeks.
As a number of beachgoers said earlier, the mere fact that Human Statue Bodyart did get a return phone call from Oprah's Harpro Productions is evidence that they're on the right track. A large number of people walking past Eva's creations were overhead to say words to the effect of "I know what that is. That's the lady who wants to bodypaint Oprah".
All we can say is keep doing what you're doing, may the world be your human rainbow, and be blessed in your quest to collaborate with Oprah and friends.
Media Man Profiles
Human Statue Bodyart
Eva Rinaldi
Oprah Winfrey
Peter Carrette
Bondi Beach
Art
Bodypainting
Media Man
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Brand
Media Man News
Media Man Network
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Crown Casino Strike To Cost Millions?, by Greg Tingle - 13th October 2010
Australian and international punters, casino millionaires, billionaires, entrepreneurs, journalists, politicians and everyone else... G'day. The world famous Australian Casino Wars continue to take new forms, and in the latest twist the upcoming Crown Casino staff strike is set to cost the firm millions according to bush tucker swag of experts, and this is likely music to the ears of competitor Tabcorp, now known on the world stage for their Sin City Sydney based Star City Casino. Media Man and Gambling911 once again play 'Casino Jack' with this special report from the front line of the Australian casino wars...
In what is understood to be Australia's most famous strike in recently history, James Packer owned Crown Casino will suffer massive disruptions during this coming Saturday’s Caulfield Cup happening with pretty cunning casino workers planning to strike over a pay dispute, a union official has told us.
Jess Walsh, spokeswoman for the Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union (LHMU), advised casino workers notified Crown of the pending strike action yesterday following the "no thanks" of the casino’s offer to increase worker wages by 3.75% a year, and this change the union says could end up costing casino dealers about $5000 bucks annually. Yep, it all adds up, and you were worried about how much you put into the land based and online casino slot machines!
Walsh reckons the strike which is planned for both Friday and Saturday will end up costing the casino a whopping $4 million plus in revenue and $1 million in profits each day, and to top it off the Victorian government could lose $400,000 in tax revenue per day. Just how much PR damage will be done is not known, but what is know that "casino haters" and "bible bashers" won' be loosing any sleep over this news, and may even be celebrating, some likely calling it "Gods Will" or you get the idea.
"Crown staff are demanding recognition and respect for being the best casino workers in the country,” Walsh said.
"Crown Melbourne dwarfs other Australian casinos by every measure. It needs to attract and retain the best staff and now it has an opportunity to do just that — by creating the best conditions at work. This strike will cost Crown dearly. It will cost Crown up to $180,000 in lost revenue every hour workers are on strike or more than $4 million for the day. Obviously, strike action is a last resort. Casino workers still hope Crown will put a fair offer on the table so this action can be averted."
It was just last week Crown upped its wage offer by 0.25% over three years, following the successful strike ballot, but most workers were none to impressed.
Crown spokesman Gary O’Neill said at the time the casino was confident its contingency plans were adequate to ensure the precinct continued to operate efficiently.
He went on to claim that 4448 employees were covered by the casino’s enterprise bargaining agreement and only 19% of those voted in the ballot.
He said the company regretted the union’s threat but would take the "necessary steps to protect its business and the interests of its customers and shareholders".
Media Man and Gambling911 are hopeful that the Crown Limited top brass and casino workers can work it out. Other than that, may the best side win. Game on?
*The Media Man founder and director is a shareholder in Crown Limited, just thought we better spell it out folks.
The Latest And Greatest On Australia Right Here At Gambling911...
Gambling911 - Australia
http://www.gambling911.com/regional-news/australia.html
Keep checking for updates at Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911.
Will The Upcoming Strike Effect Crown's Entertainment Line Up? Gigs Books Include:
Crown Casino Ramps Up World Class Entertainment Acts; Combats War With Sydney's Star City...
Cirque Mother Africa
12 - 24 October 2010
An exciting and spectacular circus of senses
Rock of Ages 3
29 October 2010
The third instalment of our popular Baby Boomer concerts
Diesel | 7 Axes to Grind
30 October
National Tour
Tom Burlinson
5 November 2010
A feast for lovers of swing
Time Warp
6 November 2010
A musical tribute to Rocky Horror
Gary Puckett
12 November 2010
A night filled with Rock’n’roll hits and great memories
Bjorn Again
18 - 21 November 2010
The world’s number 1 ABBA show present The ABBA Gold Concert
Kate Ceberano
26 November 2010
A special evening with Kate Ceberano and special guest Mark Vincent
Leo Sayer
27 November 2010
Come and celebrate Leo's 40 year career in the music industry
Burlesque Royale
28 January 2011
A never before seen spectacular of old fashioned showgirl glamour
Freddie Mercury - Let Me Entertain You...
A 2 hour spectacular with an emphasis on Queen's hard rock sound and the brilliance of Freddie Mercury!
DATE & SHOW TIME:
Friday 4 - Saturday 5 February 2011
Time:
Doors / Pre show bar opens: 7:15pm
Media Man Profiles
Australia
Australian Casinos
Crown Casino
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how badly do you think the staff strike will effect things at Crown Casino? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
Crown Limited Share Price: $8.720
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
In what is understood to be Australia's most famous strike in recently history, James Packer owned Crown Casino will suffer massive disruptions during this coming Saturday’s Caulfield Cup happening with pretty cunning casino workers planning to strike over a pay dispute, a union official has told us.
Jess Walsh, spokeswoman for the Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union (LHMU), advised casino workers notified Crown of the pending strike action yesterday following the "no thanks" of the casino’s offer to increase worker wages by 3.75% a year, and this change the union says could end up costing casino dealers about $5000 bucks annually. Yep, it all adds up, and you were worried about how much you put into the land based and online casino slot machines!
Walsh reckons the strike which is planned for both Friday and Saturday will end up costing the casino a whopping $4 million plus in revenue and $1 million in profits each day, and to top it off the Victorian government could lose $400,000 in tax revenue per day. Just how much PR damage will be done is not known, but what is know that "casino haters" and "bible bashers" won' be loosing any sleep over this news, and may even be celebrating, some likely calling it "Gods Will" or you get the idea.
"Crown staff are demanding recognition and respect for being the best casino workers in the country,” Walsh said.
"Crown Melbourne dwarfs other Australian casinos by every measure. It needs to attract and retain the best staff and now it has an opportunity to do just that — by creating the best conditions at work. This strike will cost Crown dearly. It will cost Crown up to $180,000 in lost revenue every hour workers are on strike or more than $4 million for the day. Obviously, strike action is a last resort. Casino workers still hope Crown will put a fair offer on the table so this action can be averted."
It was just last week Crown upped its wage offer by 0.25% over three years, following the successful strike ballot, but most workers were none to impressed.
Crown spokesman Gary O’Neill said at the time the casino was confident its contingency plans were adequate to ensure the precinct continued to operate efficiently.
He went on to claim that 4448 employees were covered by the casino’s enterprise bargaining agreement and only 19% of those voted in the ballot.
He said the company regretted the union’s threat but would take the "necessary steps to protect its business and the interests of its customers and shareholders".
Media Man and Gambling911 are hopeful that the Crown Limited top brass and casino workers can work it out. Other than that, may the best side win. Game on?
*The Media Man founder and director is a shareholder in Crown Limited, just thought we better spell it out folks.
The Latest And Greatest On Australia Right Here At Gambling911...
Gambling911 - Australia
http://www.gambling911.com/regional-news/australia.html
Keep checking for updates at Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911.
Will The Upcoming Strike Effect Crown's Entertainment Line Up? Gigs Books Include:
Crown Casino Ramps Up World Class Entertainment Acts; Combats War With Sydney's Star City...
Cirque Mother Africa
12 - 24 October 2010
An exciting and spectacular circus of senses
Rock of Ages 3
29 October 2010
The third instalment of our popular Baby Boomer concerts
Diesel | 7 Axes to Grind
30 October
National Tour
Tom Burlinson
5 November 2010
A feast for lovers of swing
Time Warp
6 November 2010
A musical tribute to Rocky Horror
Gary Puckett
12 November 2010
A night filled with Rock’n’roll hits and great memories
Bjorn Again
18 - 21 November 2010
The world’s number 1 ABBA show present The ABBA Gold Concert
Kate Ceberano
26 November 2010
A special evening with Kate Ceberano and special guest Mark Vincent
Leo Sayer
27 November 2010
Come and celebrate Leo's 40 year career in the music industry
Burlesque Royale
28 January 2011
A never before seen spectacular of old fashioned showgirl glamour
Freddie Mercury - Let Me Entertain You...
A 2 hour spectacular with an emphasis on Queen's hard rock sound and the brilliance of Freddie Mercury!
DATE & SHOW TIME:
Friday 4 - Saturday 5 February 2011
Time:
Doors / Pre show bar opens: 7:15pm
Media Man Profiles
Australia
Australian Casinos
Crown Casino
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how badly do you think the staff strike will effect things at Crown Casino? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
Crown Limited Share Price: $8.720
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Online Affiliate Programs Pyramid Schemes; Casino Affiliates, by Greg Tingle - 5th October 2010
The online affiliate sector continues to maintain its mixed reputation. Media Man and Gambling911 explore the good, the bad, the ugly and the evil of both regular online affiliate programs and casino affiliate programs, gaming schemes and the like. An amazon of issues, but also some programs still give us love and reason to party...
Gambling911 and Media Man cover and work across about a dozen industry verticals, not just gambling, gaming, sports betting and entertainment, so we're covered the topic in a holistic fashion and in a way that both newbies and experts alike should be able to grasp.
For the uninitiated, Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company established a decade, and they own and operate over 20 website portals including a Hitwise Australia top ten (entertainment - personalities category) website, and also offer gaming portals Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory. Now, with that disclaimer and background out of the way, let's swing into action...
Are online affiliate programs another version of "pyramid schemes" that would make Cleopatra roll over in her tomb? No, not quite, however there are some similarities, and both business sectors have more than their fair share of shonky operators and fly by nighters. Casino affiliate program buffs are unlikely to forget the name Grand Prive or Lucky Ace aka Platinum Affiliates in a hurry, but stay with us friends as we will also cover some of the most trusted and respected brands later in this number.
Some affiliate programs have some of the worst features of pyramid scams, yeah, not the best endorsement of the affiliate sector is it.
In b2b online world, some affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, prohibit the affiliates from ordering from their own accounts. Penalties range from loss of the commission, to termination from the affiliate program! In their "wisdom", these companies have decided that they do not wish people to sign up for an affiliate account just to have a way of ordering their own products at a discount. They just happen to be interested in collecting customer data from visitors to other websites! Schemes like that are frequently circumvented by doing ordering via deliver to friends, or even ordering through other affiliates sites as a reward for some service such as programming or web design and development help.
Unlike real world programs, online affiliate programs frequently have schemes (and scams) that unfairly limit the commissions that affiliates can receive, and deny the affiliate a commission for the orders that they caused to go to the affiliate program. Example: placing artificial limitations like 'customers must complete their orders within 24 hours of placing their orders' (hello Amazon), affiliate programs can steal aka rip off significant amounts of commission from the affiliates. Because not all visitors will complete their purchase the same day that they visit the affiliate program. Some of these programs have invested this stolen commissions in creating website features such as "wish lists" and long duration shopping carts that encourage visitors to delay their purchases until payday, or after a credit card payment comes through.
The vast majority of online affiliate programs, in the absence of requirements that affiliates must purchase product and / or services, instead set unrealistically high minimum commission pay out threshholds. In the United States there has been federal law passed, because of tax reasons, requires online affiliate programs to pay affiliates their accumulated earnings at the end of the year, whether or not arbitrary minimum threshholds were met, but surprise surprise...hardly any programs are compliant with this law, so another black mark on this industry thanks to affiliate programs breaking the law!
By setting very high initial payment threshholds, the online affiliate based marketing program is in face emulating some of the very worst features of real world programs that require an affiliate to move a considerable volume before having any hope in hell of receiving a direct deposit or cheque. Example: Amazon's policies typically require an affiliate to sell anywhere from 50 - 150 books in order to accumulate the minimum $100 payout. An affiliate also has the option to get a smaller payout in the form of non-negotiable, easy to loose, e-mailed gift certificates for later purchases at full price on Amazon! (Affiliates are not given any commission on the use of that gift certificate.) For a small website with say 20 or less visitors a day (95% of all websites, and typical conversion rates of only 1% - 2%, if the website sent every visitor to Amazon, they might only expect to sell 30 books a year. They might need to be an affiliate for 3 or 4 years just to receive their first $100 check.
Several real world affiliate programs charge some kind of "monthly maintenance fee". Many require the monthly purchase of "business building" materials in order to qualify for the highest bonuses. Typically these business building materials are not commissionable, and only a small group of very successful people in the organization get to design, produce, and actually make money from presenting these materials to everyone in the organization. Some of those people make more money from selling these so called motivational and instructional items aka "crap" than they make from sales of the companies real products.
Some folks think that affiliate programs are the only way to easily "make easy money" from their websites. Media Man and Casino News Media is prepared to go on the record and say that there's some serious money to be made, but online affiliates and casino affiliates is not "get rich quick"... but it can be "get rich slow" or "get rich mid pace"! Just don't think the affiliate program is some altruistic gesture of support from a large corporation! The website owner will need to know that they are pretty much on their own to make a success of their website, branding and the like. Website entrepreneurs would do well to invest in website promotion, traffic building, links et al to help make their website successful, and also look into having alternative affiliate income sources. You want to be the best, or right up there in the top ten, so quality is also a key consideration. If you can get a deal or a program in place with Google, go for it. Google "own" much of the internet world these days. Strong brands like Virgin and PartyGaming can also assist greatly. Happy testimonials, trade references and so on can also go a long way. Ok, what have we done to build a strong business? Media Man as example also runs events, ambush marketing stunts, media and publicity campaigns and talent management. Granted, not all business operations are going to be as successful as Media Man or our friends at Gambling911, but its something to aspire to none the less.
So readers, how did you enjoy today's feature on online affiliate programs and casino affiliate programs? Tell us in the forum.
Gambling911 other reading...
What Is An Online Affiliate Program?
http://www.gambling911.com/gambling-news/what-online-affiliate-program-053110.html
Online Casino Affiliate Marketing Dirty Little Secrets
http://www.gambling911.com/gambling-news/online-casino-affiliate-marketing-dirty-little-secrets-041010.html
Media Man Profiles
Australia
Australian Casinos
Casino Affiliates
Affiliate Programs
Casino Reviews
The Late News...
Media Man Online Casino Of The Month: PartyCasino
Media Man Online Casino Affiliate Program Of The Month: PartyPartners
Runner up: Virgin Games and Virgin Games Affiliates
3rd place: Captain Cooks Casino and Rewards Affiliates
4th place: Roxy Palace Casino and Roxy Affiliates
Fast Mover: PKR Poker
Friendly reminder... bet with your head, not over it, and have fun, and that applies with both playing games and participating in affiliate programs.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming.
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Gambling911 and Media Man cover and work across about a dozen industry verticals, not just gambling, gaming, sports betting and entertainment, so we're covered the topic in a holistic fashion and in a way that both newbies and experts alike should be able to grasp.
For the uninitiated, Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company established a decade, and they own and operate over 20 website portals including a Hitwise Australia top ten (entertainment - personalities category) website, and also offer gaming portals Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory. Now, with that disclaimer and background out of the way, let's swing into action...
Are online affiliate programs another version of "pyramid schemes" that would make Cleopatra roll over in her tomb? No, not quite, however there are some similarities, and both business sectors have more than their fair share of shonky operators and fly by nighters. Casino affiliate program buffs are unlikely to forget the name Grand Prive or Lucky Ace aka Platinum Affiliates in a hurry, but stay with us friends as we will also cover some of the most trusted and respected brands later in this number.
Some affiliate programs have some of the worst features of pyramid scams, yeah, not the best endorsement of the affiliate sector is it.
In b2b online world, some affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, prohibit the affiliates from ordering from their own accounts. Penalties range from loss of the commission, to termination from the affiliate program! In their "wisdom", these companies have decided that they do not wish people to sign up for an affiliate account just to have a way of ordering their own products at a discount. They just happen to be interested in collecting customer data from visitors to other websites! Schemes like that are frequently circumvented by doing ordering via deliver to friends, or even ordering through other affiliates sites as a reward for some service such as programming or web design and development help.
Unlike real world programs, online affiliate programs frequently have schemes (and scams) that unfairly limit the commissions that affiliates can receive, and deny the affiliate a commission for the orders that they caused to go to the affiliate program. Example: placing artificial limitations like 'customers must complete their orders within 24 hours of placing their orders' (hello Amazon), affiliate programs can steal aka rip off significant amounts of commission from the affiliates. Because not all visitors will complete their purchase the same day that they visit the affiliate program. Some of these programs have invested this stolen commissions in creating website features such as "wish lists" and long duration shopping carts that encourage visitors to delay their purchases until payday, or after a credit card payment comes through.
The vast majority of online affiliate programs, in the absence of requirements that affiliates must purchase product and / or services, instead set unrealistically high minimum commission pay out threshholds. In the United States there has been federal law passed, because of tax reasons, requires online affiliate programs to pay affiliates their accumulated earnings at the end of the year, whether or not arbitrary minimum threshholds were met, but surprise surprise...hardly any programs are compliant with this law, so another black mark on this industry thanks to affiliate programs breaking the law!
By setting very high initial payment threshholds, the online affiliate based marketing program is in face emulating some of the very worst features of real world programs that require an affiliate to move a considerable volume before having any hope in hell of receiving a direct deposit or cheque. Example: Amazon's policies typically require an affiliate to sell anywhere from 50 - 150 books in order to accumulate the minimum $100 payout. An affiliate also has the option to get a smaller payout in the form of non-negotiable, easy to loose, e-mailed gift certificates for later purchases at full price on Amazon! (Affiliates are not given any commission on the use of that gift certificate.) For a small website with say 20 or less visitors a day (95% of all websites, and typical conversion rates of only 1% - 2%, if the website sent every visitor to Amazon, they might only expect to sell 30 books a year. They might need to be an affiliate for 3 or 4 years just to receive their first $100 check.
Several real world affiliate programs charge some kind of "monthly maintenance fee". Many require the monthly purchase of "business building" materials in order to qualify for the highest bonuses. Typically these business building materials are not commissionable, and only a small group of very successful people in the organization get to design, produce, and actually make money from presenting these materials to everyone in the organization. Some of those people make more money from selling these so called motivational and instructional items aka "crap" than they make from sales of the companies real products.
Some folks think that affiliate programs are the only way to easily "make easy money" from their websites. Media Man and Casino News Media is prepared to go on the record and say that there's some serious money to be made, but online affiliates and casino affiliates is not "get rich quick"... but it can be "get rich slow" or "get rich mid pace"! Just don't think the affiliate program is some altruistic gesture of support from a large corporation! The website owner will need to know that they are pretty much on their own to make a success of their website, branding and the like. Website entrepreneurs would do well to invest in website promotion, traffic building, links et al to help make their website successful, and also look into having alternative affiliate income sources. You want to be the best, or right up there in the top ten, so quality is also a key consideration. If you can get a deal or a program in place with Google, go for it. Google "own" much of the internet world these days. Strong brands like Virgin and PartyGaming can also assist greatly. Happy testimonials, trade references and so on can also go a long way. Ok, what have we done to build a strong business? Media Man as example also runs events, ambush marketing stunts, media and publicity campaigns and talent management. Granted, not all business operations are going to be as successful as Media Man or our friends at Gambling911, but its something to aspire to none the less.
So readers, how did you enjoy today's feature on online affiliate programs and casino affiliate programs? Tell us in the forum.
Gambling911 other reading...
What Is An Online Affiliate Program?
http://www.gambling911.com/gambling-news/what-online-affiliate-program-053110.html
Online Casino Affiliate Marketing Dirty Little Secrets
http://www.gambling911.com/gambling-news/online-casino-affiliate-marketing-dirty-little-secrets-041010.html
Media Man Profiles
Australia
Australian Casinos
Casino Affiliates
Affiliate Programs
Casino Reviews
The Late News...
Media Man Online Casino Of The Month: PartyCasino
Media Man Online Casino Affiliate Program Of The Month: PartyPartners
Runner up: Virgin Games and Virgin Games Affiliates
3rd place: Captain Cooks Casino and Rewards Affiliates
4th place: Roxy Palace Casino and Roxy Affiliates
Fast Mover: PKR Poker
Friendly reminder... bet with your head, not over it, and have fun, and that applies with both playing games and participating in affiliate programs.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming.
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Monday, October 4, 2010
American Wiseguys; Australian Wiseguys Uprising?, by Greg Tingle - 4th October 2010
Wiseguy hey? What is a wiseguy? The United States has them... heard of 'The Mob'? So does Italy. The casino and larger gambling industry is understood to be home to a few "wiseguys", some recently busted lurking in the entertainment - ticketing sector, and now speculation rises as to who may be a wiseguy down under in Australia. Media Man and Gambling911 load up the Cadillac, shovels, knock squad and navigate the odd horses' head with this special 'Wiseguys" report...
American Wiseguys online ticketing scheme...
Legal eagles for a foursome of Americans accused of illegally purchasing more than 1 million concert tickets online, then going on to sell them for a massive $30 million profit, are seeking to have the case thrown out of court.
The four Californian natives are charged with the serious offences of conspiracy and fraud.
They are accused of bypassing safeguards meant to restrict the number of tickets each customer can buy.
The US government alleges their company... wait for it...Wiseguy Tickets, resold the tickets for $30 million in estimated profit.
According to a 43-count indictment unsealed in March of this year, the foursome used a nationwide network of computers to flood websites such as Ticketmaster and Major League Baseball and even developed a computer program that could automatically get past web pages that require purchasers to manually type in sample words before they can proceed. Cleaver cookies hey.
The quad squad focused on highly coveted premium tickets to high-profile events such as concerts by Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Dave Matthews and Hannah Montana and sporting events such as the baseball playoffs, the 2009 Sugar Bowl and the 2007 BCS college football championship game, federal authorities have gone on record with.
The case is being prosecuted in New Jersey as many of the live events were held at Giants Stadium, Izod Centre and Prudential Centre; others were spread across the United States at venues in New York City, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Tampa, Florida, according to the indictment.
Kenneth Lowson, Kristofer Kirsch and Faisal Nahdi, all of LA, and Joel Stevenson, of Alameda, California, face charges that include conspiracy, wire fraud and unauthorised computer access.
The wire fraud counts are the most serious and carry a maximum prison sentence of 20 years per count upon conviction.
Lowson, Kirsch and Stevenson have been freed on bail since their arrests, while Nahdi is a fugitive and is believed to be abroad... on the run, as they say.
Mark Rush, a lawyer for Lowson, argued in federal court on Monday that the foursome might have violated websites' terms of service - use, but are not liable under existing federal law.
Federal prosecutors sought to play down the unusual nature of the men's alleged crimes.
"We see cases like this in federal court all the time," Assistant US Attorney Erez Lieberman said during a motion hearing before US District Judge Katherine Hayden.
Lieberman said the defendants "lied, lied and lied some more" when they purchased tickets using hundreds of fake internet domain names and created a method of bypassing safeguards meant to limit the number of tickets available to individual buyers.
"Each and every step of the way it was a traditional fraud," Lieberman said.
The judge heard arguments on the defence's motion to dismiss the indictment on the grounds that federal law does not cover what Rush said were merely violations of the terms of use on internet sites including Ticketmaster.
Rush argued that while the defendants' actions might be deemed unsavoury to say the least, they did not rise to the level of criminal activity but should more appropriately be taken up as a civil matter.
"This isn't Ticketmaster versus Wiseguy, but perhaps it should be. But it shouldn't be the United States of America versus Wiseguy. Congress has not criminalised ticket brokers or ticket scalpers. What if they hired 100,000 people to all get on the site at the same time? Would we be here?" Rush asked.
"Or was it because it was a computer? If we are struggling to figure out if this is a violation of federal criminal law, then the indictment should be dismissed."
Australian Wiseguys Background And Uprising?...
Australian history books show a bit of ticketing "funny business" going back to Harry M. Miller circa 1982, with Computicket but that's ancient history now. If you want to find out more about Harry and Computerticket, you can buy his book 'Confessions of a Not-So-Secret-Agent'.
Speculation is rife about who is, or will be, the new breed of Australian born and breed "Wiseguys".
Casino, gambling and sports betting types have likely heard of the "Australian Gumleaf Mafia", but are they also the "Aussie Wiseguys"?
It's often been joked that "The Mafia" runs American media, Hollywood and Australia's entertainment, gambling, but how much is talked up and what's fact or fiction can be very difficult to ascertain.
Talk around 'Sin City' Sydney of late speculates that Kings Cross nightclub owner - operator John Ibrahim may be described as a "wiseguy". What is interesting is that in July 2009, Ibrahim's bodyguard, Semi "Tongan Sam" Ngata, was arrested following a raid on his home by a special gang violence taskforce that netted bulk quantities of a methamphetamine precursor. Ibrahim is portrayed by Firass Dirani in the 2010 television miniseries Underbelly: The Golden Mile. Media Man talent, part time bodyguard, and new 'Aussie Gumleaf Mafia' recruit, John 'Vulcan' Seru, also featured with Dirani on a number of 'Underbelly' episodes last season. A few months back Durani scored a role opposite Robert Di Niro in 'The Killer Elite'. Readers will recall that it was De Niro who played Sam "Ace" Rothstein (Frank 'Lefty' Rosenthal) in the Martin Scorsese film 'Casino'. Ah, small world isn't it.
So, who are Australia's real life 'Wiseguys'? Are they more likely to be Harry M. Miller types? 'Gumleaf Media types', sports betting fixes seen around the Australian - Indian - Pakistan cricket matches, or more of the types that are invisible to all but those in the underworld? We would suggest the later wiseguys!
Media Man Profiles
Australia
Mafia
Events
Punters, a friendly reminder... bet with your head, not over it, and have fun... Wiseguys!
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
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American Wiseguys online ticketing scheme...
Legal eagles for a foursome of Americans accused of illegally purchasing more than 1 million concert tickets online, then going on to sell them for a massive $30 million profit, are seeking to have the case thrown out of court.
The four Californian natives are charged with the serious offences of conspiracy and fraud.
They are accused of bypassing safeguards meant to restrict the number of tickets each customer can buy.
The US government alleges their company... wait for it...Wiseguy Tickets, resold the tickets for $30 million in estimated profit.
According to a 43-count indictment unsealed in March of this year, the foursome used a nationwide network of computers to flood websites such as Ticketmaster and Major League Baseball and even developed a computer program that could automatically get past web pages that require purchasers to manually type in sample words before they can proceed. Cleaver cookies hey.
The quad squad focused on highly coveted premium tickets to high-profile events such as concerts by Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Dave Matthews and Hannah Montana and sporting events such as the baseball playoffs, the 2009 Sugar Bowl and the 2007 BCS college football championship game, federal authorities have gone on record with.
The case is being prosecuted in New Jersey as many of the live events were held at Giants Stadium, Izod Centre and Prudential Centre; others were spread across the United States at venues in New York City, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Tampa, Florida, according to the indictment.
Kenneth Lowson, Kristofer Kirsch and Faisal Nahdi, all of LA, and Joel Stevenson, of Alameda, California, face charges that include conspiracy, wire fraud and unauthorised computer access.
The wire fraud counts are the most serious and carry a maximum prison sentence of 20 years per count upon conviction.
Lowson, Kirsch and Stevenson have been freed on bail since their arrests, while Nahdi is a fugitive and is believed to be abroad... on the run, as they say.
Mark Rush, a lawyer for Lowson, argued in federal court on Monday that the foursome might have violated websites' terms of service - use, but are not liable under existing federal law.
Federal prosecutors sought to play down the unusual nature of the men's alleged crimes.
"We see cases like this in federal court all the time," Assistant US Attorney Erez Lieberman said during a motion hearing before US District Judge Katherine Hayden.
Lieberman said the defendants "lied, lied and lied some more" when they purchased tickets using hundreds of fake internet domain names and created a method of bypassing safeguards meant to limit the number of tickets available to individual buyers.
"Each and every step of the way it was a traditional fraud," Lieberman said.
The judge heard arguments on the defence's motion to dismiss the indictment on the grounds that federal law does not cover what Rush said were merely violations of the terms of use on internet sites including Ticketmaster.
Rush argued that while the defendants' actions might be deemed unsavoury to say the least, they did not rise to the level of criminal activity but should more appropriately be taken up as a civil matter.
"This isn't Ticketmaster versus Wiseguy, but perhaps it should be. But it shouldn't be the United States of America versus Wiseguy. Congress has not criminalised ticket brokers or ticket scalpers. What if they hired 100,000 people to all get on the site at the same time? Would we be here?" Rush asked.
"Or was it because it was a computer? If we are struggling to figure out if this is a violation of federal criminal law, then the indictment should be dismissed."
Australian Wiseguys Background And Uprising?...
Australian history books show a bit of ticketing "funny business" going back to Harry M. Miller circa 1982, with Computicket but that's ancient history now. If you want to find out more about Harry and Computerticket, you can buy his book 'Confessions of a Not-So-Secret-Agent'.
Speculation is rife about who is, or will be, the new breed of Australian born and breed "Wiseguys".
Casino, gambling and sports betting types have likely heard of the "Australian Gumleaf Mafia", but are they also the "Aussie Wiseguys"?
It's often been joked that "The Mafia" runs American media, Hollywood and Australia's entertainment, gambling, but how much is talked up and what's fact or fiction can be very difficult to ascertain.
Talk around 'Sin City' Sydney of late speculates that Kings Cross nightclub owner - operator John Ibrahim may be described as a "wiseguy". What is interesting is that in July 2009, Ibrahim's bodyguard, Semi "Tongan Sam" Ngata, was arrested following a raid on his home by a special gang violence taskforce that netted bulk quantities of a methamphetamine precursor. Ibrahim is portrayed by Firass Dirani in the 2010 television miniseries Underbelly: The Golden Mile. Media Man talent, part time bodyguard, and new 'Aussie Gumleaf Mafia' recruit, John 'Vulcan' Seru, also featured with Dirani on a number of 'Underbelly' episodes last season. A few months back Durani scored a role opposite Robert Di Niro in 'The Killer Elite'. Readers will recall that it was De Niro who played Sam "Ace" Rothstein (Frank 'Lefty' Rosenthal) in the Martin Scorsese film 'Casino'. Ah, small world isn't it.
So, who are Australia's real life 'Wiseguys'? Are they more likely to be Harry M. Miller types? 'Gumleaf Media types', sports betting fixes seen around the Australian - Indian - Pakistan cricket matches, or more of the types that are invisible to all but those in the underworld? We would suggest the later wiseguys!
Media Man Profiles
Australia
Mafia
Events
Punters, a friendly reminder... bet with your head, not over it, and have fun... Wiseguys!
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
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