The 2026 upfronts from Foxtel have set a bold new direction for the Australian media giant. Held in Sydney, the event revealed a wave of innovations in advertising, streaming upgrades, and branded storytelling that could reshape how brands connect with audiences.

At the center of the pitch was Foxtel Media CEO Mark Frain, who framed gaming and immersive engagement as the future of advertising. Speaking to partners, Frain noted, “There’s a convergent collision between sports, entertainment, and gaming. Our role is to play authentically in that world.”

Gaming Moves to the Core

Perhaps the most surprising reveal was Foxtel Media’s multi-year partnership with Livewire, a global gaming marketing company. This deal will allow advertisers to tap into audiences across platforms like Roblox through immersive activations.

A key feature is the launch of Kayo Sports Stadium on Roblox from February 2026. The virtual arena will feature mini-games, family co-play opportunities, and even interactions with sporting stars in real time. By creating a branded in-game environment, Foxtel is giving advertisers a credible way to enter the gaming ecosystem while reaching highly engaged users.

The partnership also includes Foxtel Media’s Characters segmentation tool, integrated into Livewire’s data system, powered by its Gamer.ID identity solution. This ensures privacy-compliant targeting across gaming environments, aligned with GDPR and CCPA standards.

Frain emphasized that safety would remain paramount: “We’ll be age-based in targeting and cautious on brand safety—it’s a top priority as we move forward.”

Next-Gen Ad Formats

From early 2026, Foxtel will introduce new digital ad products on Kayo Sports and BINGE. These include:

• L-Bars wrapping brand messaging around live content without disrupting the action.
• Pause Ads that appear when viewers halt playback, offering a clutter-free placement.
• Bumper Ads (three to six seconds) before live matches, ensuring brands dominate high-attention moments like the opening round of the NRL or AFL.

These formats reflect Foxtel’s ambition to integrate advertising seamlessly into the viewing experience, rather than disrupt it.

Kayo Buddy: AI Meets Sports

One of the most talked-about announcements was Kayo Buddy, an AI-powered viewing companion. Designed for sports fans, Kayo Buddy will provide real-time updates, player stats, and personalized highlights. Over time, its capabilities will expand, aiming to become the “ultimate companion” for live sports enthusiasts.

Kayo Sports will also undergo a connected TV upgrade, with carousel integrations and sliding drawer sponsorships. Meanwhile, its social presence will expand on YouTube, leveraging Foxtel’s 14 million followers across Kayo and Fox Sports to deliver brand-safe, long-form content for younger demographics.

BINGE Redesign and Subscriber Growth

BINGE will roll out a redesigned interface, improved navigation, and a new TV guide to help audiences discover shows more easily. This follows a mobile upgrade introduced in mid-2025.

The move comes amid strong growth: Kayo Sports reported a 9% rise in subscribers year-on-year, with a 20% increase over two years. Viewing time also climbed 8% in 2025, with connected TV usage jumping 29% in one year. BINGE matched the momentum with its own 9% subscriber lift.

Retail Plus: Blending Shopping and Streaming

Foxtel also unveiled Retail Plus, a retail media division linking premium video with e-commerce. The division’s first partnership is with Chemist Warehouse, focusing on pharmaceuticals and beauty. Soon, it will expand into grocery, fashion, electronics, and more.

A highlight is second-screen retail advertising via a partnership with allt.tv. This technology links mobile apps with TV in real time, allowing viewers to shop instantly. Imagine ordering food delivery during a live A-League match or adding groceries to a cart while watching a cooking show—Foxtel wants to make that seamless.

Narratv: Storytelling for Brands

Another headline announcement was Narratv, a new branded storytelling division led by Alexandra Hazlehurst. This arm will produce both episodic series and short-form content, aimed at building authentic audience connections.

Hazlehurst pointed to recent collaborations like Gen Well (with Amcal Pharmacy), which lifted brand health by 3.6x and improved customer intent by 69%. Travel series Luxury Escapes also returned after attracting 4.8 million stream starts and 1.1 million viewing hours across its first two seasons.

“Five years ago, branded content lacked emotional connection,” Hazlehurst said. “Today, storytelling is at the heart of brand engagement. Narratv brings that craft with commercial clarity.”

Why It Matters

Foxtel’s 2026 upfronts mark a turning point for the company. By combining gaming, AI, immersive advertising, and storytelling, Foxtel is positioning itself not just as a broadcaster, but as an innovation platform.

As CEO Mark Frain put it, the future lies in convergence—where sports, entertainment, and gaming collide. Advertisers now have a broader, more interactive playground, and audiences can expect richer, more engaging experiences.

Stay updated with Daily Global Diary for more on Foxtel’s innovations and what they mean for the future of media.

The sun is shining again on Cousins Beach, but this time it’s not just the waves crashing—hearts are, too. Season 3 of The Summer I Turned Pretty officially premieres July 16 on Amazon Prime Video, bringing fans back to the iconic shores where Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah have tangled in love, loss, and growing up.

But this isn’t just another season—it’s the final one. And fans are already holding their breath for what promises to be the most emotionally charged chapter yet.

“Her future seems set… until it isn’t.”

Lola Tung returns as Belly Conklin, now a college junior, who’s seemingly ready to embrace a summer filled with laughter, sand, and a relationship with Jeremiah, played by Gavin Casalegno. But the past, in the form of her brooding first love Conrad Fisher (Christopher Briney), isn’t done with her yet.

According to the official Season 3 logline, Belly is “on the brink of adulthood” and “must decide which brother has her heart.” And if you’ve followed the rollercoaster journey through Seasons 1 and 2, you know this is no simple choice.

The romantic tension, familiar summer nostalgia, and layered character dynamics have made this show a breakout success. Based on the bestselling trilogy by Jenny Han, The Summer I Turned Pretty has become a cornerstone of modern YA drama—with Belly’s coming-of-age journey striking chords with millions around the globe.

New Season, New Stakes

While Belly’s love triangle takes center stage, the series doesn’t shy away from exploring other relationships and personal growth. Viewers can expect stronger arcs for Steven (Sean Kaufman), Belly’s brother, and Taylor (Rain Spencer), her fiery best friend.

Also returning are familiar names like Jackie Chung as Belly’s mother Laurel, and past characters such as Susannah Fisher (Rachel Blanchard), Cam (David Iacono), and Aunt Julia (Kyra Sedgwick), adding emotional depth to the already tangled web of relationships.

What Time Does It Drop?

The first two episodes will be available on Wednesday, July 16 at 12:00 a.m. PT / 3:00 a.m. ET exclusively on Prime Video. After that, the series adopts a weekly drop schedule every Wednesday—building anticipation week by week:

• Episodes 1-2: July 16
• Episode 3: July 23
• Episode 4: July 30
• Episode 5: August 6
• Episode 6: August 13
• Episode 7: August 20
• Episode 8: August 27
• Episode 9: September 3
• Episode 10: September 10
• Finale (Episode 11): September 17

This season is longer than the previous ones, with 11 episodes giving more room for the story to breathe—and for viewers to agonize over who Belly finally chooses.

Where to Watch

The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. If you’re not already a subscriber, memberships begin at $14.99/month or $139/year, with special rates for students and eligible assistance recipients.

Even without a Prime subscription, viewers can rent or purchase the episodes individually—a great option for those who just want to dip their toes into Cousins Beach.

Cast Highlights

Let’s face it—TSITP wouldn’t be what it is without its perfectly cast leads:

• Lola Tung as Belly
• Christopher Briney as Conrad
• Gavin Casalegno as Jeremiah
• Sean Kaufman as Steven
• Rain Spencer as Taylor
• Jackie Chung as Laurel
• Rachel Blanchard as Susannah
• David Iacono, Kyra Sedgwick, Elsie Fisher, and Tom Everett Scott round out the recurring cast.

Each cast member brings a vulnerability and charm that’s been instrumental in building the show’s loyal fanbase.

Why It Matters

More than just a teen romance, The Summer I Turned Pretty is about grief, growing pains, and the uncomfortable beauty of becoming. As the characters say goodbye to adolescence and confront who they’re becoming, so too do we say goodbye to a series that captured the electricity of young love better than most.

Fans are already calling this season “the One Tree Hill of Gen Z”—and if early social media reactions are any indication, we’re in for a tear-jerking finale.

So whether you’re Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah, brace yourself for a summer where choices will be made, hearts will be broken, and Belly’s story comes to its stunning conclusion.

Stay tuned to Daily Global Diary for more updates, cast interviews, and episode recaps throughout the season.

In a moment that has sent shockwaves through the French media landscape, Audrey Crespo-Mara, one of France’s most recognized journalists, took to the platform X (formerly Twitter) on July 14 to blast what she called an “inhumane” false report announcing the death of her husband, Thierry Ardisson—a man she revealed was still “fighting for his survival” at that time.

The emotional and furious message was triggered by an earlier post from celebrity columnist Clément Garin, who prematurely reported Ardisson’s death to his hundreds of thousands of followers. The backlash was swift, raw, and heartbreaking—especially as the veteran TV host passed away just hours later.

“SHAME ON YOU! NO, MY HUSBAND IS NOT DEAD.”
— Audrey Crespo-Mara on X, July 13, 2025

The powerful statement was not just a defense of her husband’s dignity in his final hours but a damning critique of the modern media rush for viral scoops—even at the cost of basic human decency.

The Rumor That Sparked National Outrage

It began on the evening of July 13, when Clément Garin—known for his insider access to French celebrities—posted that Thierry Ardisson, the iconic television presenter and TV producer, had died. No official confirmation had been issued at the time, and the news spread like wildfire across social media platforms.

Hours later, Audrey Crespo-Mara—who had been noticeably absent from the TF1 news program she was scheduled to present—broke her silence in a strongly worded post.

“To think you have the right to announce the death of a man while he is still fighting for his survival, surrounded by his loved ones, is inhumane,” she wrote, directing her anger at Garin.

The absence of Crespo-Mara on July 12 and 13 had already raised concerns among viewers. The anchor, who typically hosts the weekend news, was quietly replaced by Anne-Claire Coudray, who gave no explanation for the substitution. Ironically, just a week earlier, Crespo-Mara had closed her broadcast with an upbeat promise to return on July 14.

“Next Friday, you will be seeing Audrey Crespo-Mara again. Have a great week, and see you on July 14—I’m counting on you!”
— Audrey Crespo-Mara on TF1, July 6, 2025

“Fighting for Survival”… But the End Was Near

In her now widely circulated post on X, Crespo-Mara revealed the heartbreaking reality: her husband was still alive—but gravely ill.

“Fighting for his survival, surrounded by his loved ones.”

That sentence hit the public hard. France, which had long admired Ardisson’s sharp wit and avant-garde TV style, was not ready to let go. Known for his signature black attire and biting interviews on shows like “Tout le monde en parle”, Ardisson was a staple of French pop culture—a television icon who challenged conventions and courted controversy.

But it wasn’t just fans who were unprepared. Even as the truth emerged, the emotional toll on the family became evident.

Legal Storm Brewing: “We Will Not Let You Go”

Crespo-Mara ended her post not with sadness—but with a vow of justice.

“Along with Thierry Ardisson’s children and my own, I will immediately take legal action against you @clem_garin. And we will not let you go.”

In an era where speed often outweighs accuracy in the media world, this moment has ignited a broader debate on ethics, privacy, and journalistic responsibility—especially during life-and-death situations.

French media personalities, fellow journalists, and even political figures have begun weighing in, expressing solidarity with Crespo-Mara and condemning Garin’s actions. The controversy may also lead to legal scrutiny of how unverified death announcements are handled in digital spaces.

A Nation in Mourning, A Family in Pain

Hours after Crespo-Mara’s final update, official news confirmed the worst: Thierry Ardisson had passed away.

No further statement has yet been released by the family, but the sequence of events has left a lasting impact—not just on the grieving family but on the national psyche. For many, it was a cruel reminder that behind public figures lie private battles, families, and moments that deserve respect.

Daily Global Diary will continue to follow updates on the legacy of Thierry Ardisson and the fallout of this media controversy. You can also read our coverage of past media ethics cases on our website.