Karl Stefanovic, the famously mouthy presenter of Channel 9 Australia’s The Today Show, has ‘apologised’ for Thursday’s show when he branded Kiwis as dole-bludgers with an unhealthy relationship with their farm animals, and Indians as shopkeepers.
Cannes names Kiwi jurors – again
News stories in the Australian and NZ trade media on Friday “announced” that the Cannes Lions has appointed seven New Zealand jury representatives for the 2015 awards. This is not, of course, news – M+AD ran the story, with photos – under the heading Cannes taps seven Kiwis –over a month ago, on March 12 (when the information was first released by the Lions representative in NZ, Suzie Lamborne at Val Morgan).
NZ web giant goes awol while layoff rumours swirl

Yahoo NZ is apparently about to lay off all 10 of its editorial staff, according to unconfirmed media reports.
Global food giants announce merger

CHICAGO/PITTSBURGH: After a day of speculation in the financial media, food and beverage giants Kraft Foods and Heinz have confirmed that they will merge to create one of the world’s largest consumer groups.
PHD Group launches Brit hair legacy brand in NZ
British salon brand TONI&GUY arrives in New Zealand this week, and PHD Group’s integrated launch campaign is ensuring the hairstyling product range lands in the hands of fashion front-runners, showcasing the brand’s fashion roots and positioning hair as the new fashion instigator.
Can smartphones give you an orgasm?
Durex has unveiled the final step in their mission to reconnect Kiwi couples by releasing a smartphone app that synchronises your phones to sleep together, so you can too. Auckland agency Contagion is working on the social media campaign, alongside PPR NZ.
Southern Cross taps Zoo for digital chores
NZME herds all its driver titles together
NZME has launched driven.co.nz, a new website that brings all the publisher’s driver titles together in one place. NZME group commercial director Sandra King said the standalone site is in keeping with the company’s multi-platform strategy, and a powerful new quality environment for advertisers.
Five new spots make a debut

Happy hour
Colenso BBDO, which has been Tourism Fiji’s partner since 2013, has shot six new TVCs showcasing the islands, rebranding them as The Land Where Happiness Lives.