NZ’s two great radio networks – NZME and MediaWorks – pretty much share the honours in the finalists list for the 2015 Radio Awards, just announced. NZME scored 66 finalist spots against MediaWorks’ 63.

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).

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

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.

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.

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 Health Society has appointed Mt Eden-based Zoo Auckland to its master services advertising agency roster. Zoo’s role will be to work with Southern Cross on special projects in the digital space. 

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.