Inside the MFW Playbook: Do Advertisers Really Listen?
Our Executive Director Media and Data Ben Willee talks to Irene Hulme and Craig Bruce (two of Australia’s most experienced radio minds) about key metrics for radio trading, the Mad F’ing Witches, Kyle Sandilands, Karl Stefanovic and much more. Listen to Ben speak here: Check out the podcast here: Game Changers Radio: Inside the MFW Playbook: Do Advertisers […]
What can supermarket aisles tell us about consumer confidence?
For the clearest read on consumer sentiment right now, just walk the aisles of your local supermarket. While official figures show that consumer confidence is down 17.5 points from the 2025 average, grocery is where the country’s mood shows up in real time. It’s where sentiment stops being a number and turns into decisions playing […]
The federal governments proposed gambling advertising bill faces a senate enquiry
Ben Willee, Executive Director – Media and Data at Spinach Advertising, talks to Scott Haywood on Money News about the changes to gambling advertising the government is proposing in their bill. Listen to Ben speak here: Check out the podcast here: Money News with Scott Haywood Thursday 2nd July Or read the transcript here: Scott […]
Have you lost the battle before the click?
For a generation of retail marketers, the playbook for capturing customer intent has been written in a single language: Google SEO and SEM. If a consumer wanted to buy a new skillet or find the best cookware set for an induction cooktop, they opened a browser, typed a few keywords, and clicked a link. But […]
Ooh Media on notice as Brisbane Airport reviews advertising contract
Speaking to Mumbrella, Spinach Media executive director of media and data Ben Willee said airports remain among the most valuable environments in outdoor media. “Airports are premium inventory that, when done well, are the jewel in the crown for outdoor media companies. “You have business people when they’re in business mode, and you have a […]
Why convenience alone no longer wins customers
Consumers today expect convenience. That much is obvious. Follow the thinking of Tom Goodwin on LinkedIn, and you’ll find some sharp observations about the modern consumer and the growing importance of making things as easy as possible for customers. He’s right. Amazon, Uber Eats and Apple have set the bar high for digital services. Bricks-and […]
What Fox’s Roku takeover means for Australian advertisers
Ben Willee, executive director – media and data at Spinach Advertising, said the Australian approach wouldn’t hedge on streaming, but on Roku’s data capture. “Fox’s bet is that owning the customer relationship, audience data, and advertising platform could be worth more than owning another TV channel,” Willee told AdNews. “For Australia, the immediate impact is likely […]
Why click and collect is winning Australia’s fuel price crunch
As we move into the second quarter of 2026, the retail landscape is being reshaped by a factor once thought to be a relic of a bygone era: the geopolitical volatility of the Persian Gulf. For those of us with long enough memories, the current headlines carry a distinct sense of déjà vu. While I […]
David Jones must stick to its guns and prioritise its premium store experience
Retailers are seeing a massive push toward agentic AI – AI bots making purchases on behalf of consumers. The Navigators AI Brandscape Report found 39 per cent of Australians are already using AI to make shopping decisions, 31 per cent act on AI recommendations, and 27 per cent are open to buying directly via an […]
Agencies urge clients to look past the April ad slump
Ben Willee, executive director of media and data at Spinach, put it more plainly. “Right now, the advertising industry feels like it’s standing in the corner with its wallet out, counting the notes twice before spending anything,” Willee told AdNews. “As the market’s largest advertising category, continued weakness from the retail sector will be difficult for […]