Sky News Australia is navigating a complex rebranding phase, having submitted six brand names for trademark registration with IP Australia. This move comes as the network anticipates losing its naming rights to "Sky" in December, following the expiration of a decade-long agreement with UK Sky News.
Proposed Trademarks and Potential New Identity
The six names awaiting regulatory approval include Australian News Channel, Australian Agenda, Agenda, Australia Channel, Australian Election Channel, and Lefties Losing It. Speculation abounds regarding the network's future identity, with possibilities ranging from Fox News Australia to the informal Sky After Dark. Notably, Australia Channel appears a frontrunner, as it already operates a website for an international subscription service priced at $6 per month.
Controversy Over 'Lefties Losing It'
The trademark application for Lefties Losing It, a YouTube program hosted by Rita Panahi that has garnered popularity among overseas viewers, faces opposition from fashion retailer Zara. Zara has lodged an objection, citing its well-established brand, LEFTIES, which the Spanish fast-fashion giant describes as offering accessible, contemporary fashion pieces. This clash highlights the challenges in securing intellectual property in a crowded market.
Aaron Patrick's Provocative Journalism
In related media news, Aaron Patrick, now chief writer at The Nightly, has sparked outrage with an opinion piece titled Why I wouldn't marry Sussan Ley, later amended to Sussan Ley has some explaining to do. The article, which critiques the opposition leader's leadership through a hypothetical marital scenario, drew criticism from figures such as NSW Liberal senator Maria Kovacic and former Liberal Nicolle Flint, who labelled it sexist on social media.
Patrick's history of controversial remarks includes past incidents at the Australian Financial Review, where references to female journalists like Sharnelle Vella and Bridget Rollason were removed after complaints. His 2021 piece on Samantha Maiden, described as bullying by peers, resurfaced in discussions, with Maiden recently reporting on the backlash to his latest article. Patrick was acquitted in 2022 on an animal cruelty charge, adding to his contentious profile.
Christopher Dore, editor-in-chief of The Nightly, defended the article as a legitimate critique of Ley's leadership, stating the headline was changed as it "wasn't right" and emphasising the piece aimed to address political marriage metaphors without gendered overtones.
Latika Bourke's Dual Roles
Meanwhile, journalist Latika Bourke balances roles as a writer-at-large for The Nightly and a copresenter on ABC Radio National's Global Roaming. Management at both outlets has approved her dual employment, with Global Roaming expanding to four days a week with new presenters Bourke and Kylie Morris joining Hamish Macdonald and Geraldine Doogue.
ABC and Sky News Coverage of Bondi Attack
In programming updates, ABC's Four Corners returns with a two-part special on the Bondi terror attack, titled Light Over Darkness. Part one, reported by Mark Willacy, provides a minute-by-minute account using verified evidence and witness testimonies, while part two, by Sean Rubinsztein-Dunlop, examines national security failures. Media Watch also returns, fresh from a Walkley award win.
Sky News Australia is producing its own documentary, Bondi: A Timeline of Terror, a 90-minute film by Sharri Markson set to air on 24 February. Promotional material highlights emotional responses from victims' families, including claims of government betrayal from the parents of 12-year-old Matilda Britvan.
