Sky News Australia is navigating a period of significant transition, as the network prepares to lose its naming rights and has lodged six brand names with IP Australia for trademark approval. This strategic move comes ahead of a forced name change in December, when a decade-long deal with UK Sky News expires, prompting speculation about the future identity of the News Corp platform.
Sky News Australia's Trademark Submissions and Name Change
The six proposed trademarks awaiting regulatory approval include Australian News Channel, Australian Agenda, Agenda, Australia Channel, Australian Election Channel, and the notably provocative Lefties Losing It. Among these, Australia Channel appears a likely candidate, given its existing website, though it currently serves an international subscription service priced at six dollars per month.
This trademark activity hints at the network's rebranding efforts, with industry observers pondering whether it might adopt a name like Fox News Australia, in homage to the Murdoch family, or perhaps the informal moniker Sky After Dark. The outcome will shape the channel's public persona as it enters a new era without the Sky branding.
Controversy Over 'Lefties Losing It' and Zara's Opposition
One of the most contentious trademarks is Lefties Losing It, a YouTube program hosted by Rita Panahi that has garnered popularity among overseas viewers. However, the registration faces opposition from the Spanish fast fashion giant Zara, which has lodged an objection due to its well-established LEFTIES brand.
Zara describes its LEFTIES line as bringing fashion closer to everyone with an accessible approach, offering contemporary, essential, quality, and timeless pieces for every stage of life. This clash underscores the challenges media entities face in branding, especially when overlapping with global retail trademarks.
Aaron Patrick's Provocative Journalism Sparks Outrage
In related media controversy, Aaron Patrick, now chief writer at Kerry Stokes' The Nightly, has ignited fresh outrage with an opinion piece musing on why he wouldn't marry opposition leader Sussan Ley. The article, initially titled "Why I wouldn't marry Sussan Ley," was later changed to "Sussan Ley has some explaining to do" after widespread criticism.
Female politicians, including New South Wales Liberal senator Maria Kovacic and former Liberal Nicolle Flint, slammed the piece on social media, labelling it sexist. This incident echoes Patrick's history of controversial remarks, such as past criticisms of female journalists that led to complaints and removals by the Australian Financial Review.
In 2021, his piece on news.com.au political editor Samantha Maiden backfired when prominent journalists defended her, calling it bullying. Maiden recently had a measure of revenge by breaking the story on Patrick's latest article, highlighting the ongoing tensions in Australian media circles.
Editorial Responses and Broader Media Landscape
Christopher Dore, editor in chief of The Nightly, acknowledged the headline wasn't right and was changed, but defended the article as a legitimate criticism of Ley's leadership, intended without gendered overtones. He suggested the outrage served as a distraction from the Liberal party's leadership crisis, albeit temporarily.
Meanwhile, Latika Bourke maintains dual roles as a writer-at-large for The Nightly and a copresenter on ABC Radio National's Global Roaming, with management approval for both positions. This reflects the evolving nature of media employment and cross-platform collaborations in the industry.
ABC's Return with Investigative Programming
On a different note, ABC's Four Corners and Media Watch are set to return, with the investigative program offering a two-part special on the Bondi terror attack. Part one, titled Light Over Darkness, will be reported by Gold Walkley-winning journalist Mark Willacy, providing a minute-by-minute account based on verified evidence and firsthand testimonies.
Part two will examine national security failures with terrorism specialist Sean Rubinsztein-Dunlop. Media Watch, hosted by Linton Besser, returns after winning a Walkley award, showcasing the network's commitment to in-depth journalism.
Sky News Australia's Documentary on Bondi Attack
Sky News Australia is also producing a 90-minute documentary on the Bondi massacre by Sharri Markson, scheduled to air on 24 February. A promotional story highlights grieving parents' criticisms of the government, adding to the media coverage of this tragic event and underscoring the competitive landscape in Australian news reporting.
