John Singleton Media Man Int

John Singleton

News

Gambling on advertising billboards in Sydney NSW; Packer and Singleton: You Bet, by Greg Tingle - 3rd March 2012

A cashed up company part-owned by media tycoons James Packer and John Singleton will soon fully start to cash in on major Sydney motorways, headed up by the M2 motorway.

Construction work on advertising billboards owned by Packer and Singleton's firm first started about 6 month ago and its understood some campaigns are already up and running, but the firm is not disclosing its full client or campaign list, as you would expect - not that anyone else could likely give them much of a run for their money.

These are not any average billboards... they will cost about $500,000 each all told, "Packer and Singo" are looking for strong return on investment.

The concession to erect billboards over the M2 was purchased by Manboom, a company owned by JP, Singo and Robert Whyte, from the M2's owner, Transurban, back in 1998. Talk about forward planning.

For more than a decade Manboom was unable to erect signs over the road because of road blocks from local councils! The M2 passes through three council areas and only one, Hornsby, would permit advertising billboards.

But in 2007 the then planning minister, Frank Sartor, amended legislation that stripped away councils of the right to determine policies for signs over motorways. The Department of Planning became the sole consent authority for motorway advertising.

The Media Man agency strongly suspects that a strained economy (and diluting council coffers) lessened council opposition to the advertising proposal put forward. You know... "Money talks and BS walks", whispered a Media Man insider.

It is not clear how much income Manboom will make from the concession to advertise over the congested M2. The firm has agreed to annual payments to Hornsby Council, the Hills Shire and the City of Ryde in return for its signage rights.

It will also pay for public benefit works commissioned by Roads and Maritime Services.

Transurban's spokesman said months ago: "The installation of advertising signage will fund improvements to the aesthetics and operation of bridges on the motorway, including new bridge facade cladding.

"The project will deliver safety improvements to the motorway and a designated source of ongoing funding for safety enhancements to the motorway," he said.

"The use of advertising signage provides an important alternative source of funding for infrastructure improvements and enhancements."

The M2 is in the middle of a two-year upgrade.

The former RTA last year opposed four of Manboom's 15 proposed signs on safety grounds. It cited a fear about "sign clutter" and a concern the angle of one billboard would distract motorists.

The Department of Planning upheld the RTA's concerns about the four signs.

Some studies say billboard advertising helps keep drivers alert, whilst others suggest they are a dangerous distraction. Readers - what do you think? A gamble with saftey or a gamble on the investment?

Its a safe bet that Packer, Singleton and Whyte have done their sums.

In the meantime plenty of other Sydney councils are watching the project closely to see if they may be able to also benefit financially from extra advertising on their roads.

*the writer owns shares in Crown Limited, Network Ten and Virgin.

News

James Packer Casino King Tribute To Alan Jones Media King, by Greg Tingle - 5th November 2010

In a very special getting together in Sydney, Australia's gambling king, and up and coming media tycoon, James Packer, has paid tribute to Australian radio broadcasting legend Alan Jones, in a powerful and emotional speech. Media Man crosses now to the action...

Australian media and gambling business champion, James Packer, gave a powerful, emotional and heartfelt address overnight in tribute to talkback radio king and racing identity Alan Jones.

For the uninitiated, Jones is every part the living legend of media, racing and people power circles. Jones and the guest were celebrating his 25 years as a broadcaster in a glitz event at Sydney's Darling Harbour. Media Man favorite gambling tycoon, Packer headlined the impressive event.

Let's go through some of the highlights...

Packer's voice got croaky after describing how Jones had assisted thousands of people, many totally anonymously, showing just how giving of heart and spirit the great man was.

"Alan, no one will ever take your place. You are without peer my friend," Packer said, looking to get touch teary eyed.

Earlier in the evening he told the story of how his late father, Kerry Packer, has encouraged and then persuaded Jones to give up politics for life as a media commentator on Network Nine and then onto Radio 2UE, and before then representing competitor 2GB Radio.

"What do you want to be son...the Prime Minister or a millionaire," KP (Kerry Packer) said to Jones.

"Alan took the money, not the box."

The magical night, which was hosted by advertising and media legend John Singleton and attended by the whose who of politics, media, and arts, also featured tributes from people as diverse as Liberal Party powerbroker Michael Kroger and pop icons Human Nature.

Jones's long-time colleague at 2UE and a veteran of more than 6 decades in radio, John Brennan said Jones was the best broadcaster he had ever heard because of his ability to connect with listeners and his efficiency of description.

"I think that Alan Jones is the Roger Federer of radio," he wasn't afraid to share with the audience.

Even former Aussie prime minister John Howard touched on a remark from Packer that Jones would "pick and stick" by his mates and friends, describing the legend as "an Australian who never let his cobbers down".

He said Jones, more than anyone else, understood the power of talkback radio to influence politics.

"Alan has understood the temperament and the nature of the Australian people They don't like being told by self-appointed cultural dietitians that we should be ashamed of our past - Alan understood that", Howard shared.

He said he had appreciated Jones's support while in office and paid tribute to the broadcaster's record of winning a massive 155 radio ratings surveys.

Jones, who went on to speak last, said Howard was in his mind "the best prime minister Australia has had".

He thanked the people who attended - friends, family and other guests, including some of his listeners, as well as generously paying tribute to his support team at Radio 2GB.

Jones advised his main campaign would be against opencut mining which he thinks turns too much rich pastoral land into wastelands for profit. He elaborated and said he was hopeful he would be able to continue to make people feel better as a result of his work, both broadcasting, community and more.

"The aim of power in this world is to lift people, not crush them," he shared.

Jones has also greatly contributed to the Australia gaming and horse racing industry, with speaking on what's best for Australian racing being one of his passions. It was Jones who basically told Australian racing to lift its game or see more competition knocking on the door of Australia. Jones and his team are aware of the PartyGaming - PMU deal inked earlier this year, and Jones has also offered commentary in the past on Packer's Betfair and the like. Jones is understood to be a supported of regulated gaming and racing, and a believer in responsible gaming, as is Gambling911 and Media Man.

Well done to everyone involved, and Alan, thank you for assisting some of my mates over the years also, which in turn assisted me, and James, thank you also for the opportunity to offer commentary on you, your company, initiatives like GenerationOne, and to offer some b2b to some of your companies showcase events like Crown Casino Aussie Millions Poker Championship. It is truly appreciated and never taken for granted. Long live the Jones, Packer and 'Singo' (Singleton) legends. All Aussie champions of business, community and people power.

Wrap Up...

It was wonderful to hear about the good deeds of media tycoons wasn't it We salute both Packer, Jones, and the good folks who helped put together such a fantastic happening. It was also a nice change to read about big time Australian media players without all the agro and such. Stay tuned for more of the best on gambling, media, entertainment and sports right here.

If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.

John Singleton is the founder, major shareholder and Director of STW Group Limited, a publicly listed company on the Australian Stock Exchange. STW Group Limited owns a controlling interest in Singleton Ogilvy & Mather, one of Australia's largest advertising and communications companies and also has significant shareholdings in J. Walter Thompson (Australia and New Zealand) and the S.C.T.V. television network in Indonesia.

John Singleton is the major shareholder of the Macquarie Radio network - Radio 2GB and 2CH in Sydney. He is a partner with Gerry Harvey and Rob Ferguson in the Magic Millions Thoroughbred Racing and Sales company. He is also a shareholder of Lonely Planet Publications.

He has also served on the Board of John Fairfax Holdings Limited, the Sydney Opera House and Television and Telecasters Limited (Channel 10).

John Singleton was awarded the Order of Australia in 1994 for service to the community through personal support and fundraising activities for charitable, sporting and research organisations.

Bio: Credit STW Group official website) - notified office on 26th Nov 2003

Websites

STW Group

Singleton Ogilvy & Mather

Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide

JWT

Indonesian Television Network, PT Surya Citra Television (SCTV)

Macquarie Radio Network

Media Man Australia: Profiles

Media Man Australia: Media Companies

Campaign Profiles

Bluetongue Premium Lager

Whale Safe Beer

Magic Millions Thoroughbred Racing and Sales company

Profiles

2GB

Gerry Harvey

STW Group

*Website visitors: Media Man Australia does not represent John Singleton, STW Group or any of John Singleton's companies in any capacity. Should you have an enquiry for STW Group, please contact them directly.