StW: Labor backs off on betting ads; Rex regrets; and digital ad levy firms up

Welcome to Start the Week, our Monday scene-setter for the week ahead.In today’s audio-led edition, the theme of the week is government intervention in betting ads; airline failures and the social media landscapeIf you’ve been thinking about upgrading to an Unmade membership, this is the perfect time. Your membership includes:* Member-only pricing for our HumAIn and REmade (October 1) conferences;* A complimentary invitation to Unmade’s Compass event (November);* Member-only content and our paywalled archives;* Your own copy of Media Unmade.Government set to back off on betting ad ban; Could Rex have marketed itself differently?; Digital levy loomsThe Australian government is currently navigating tricky questions about where to intervene across the media and business world.In a proposed crackdown on betting ads, the government seems to be watering down its threat to ban them from TV. Instead it might limit gambling brands to two ads per hour, which would create premium inventory for the networks. Meanwhile, the networks are asking for another discount on what they pay to access the public airwaves.The government is also weighing up what intervention might be needed to save regional airline Rex. Should the airline have stayed focused on the country?And a major new intervention around the digital platforms is looming, including the possibility of a digital levy.Further reading:* The Guardian: ‘A total cop-out’ if Albanese government refuses blanket ban on gambling ads, Pocock says* Australian Financial Review: TV networks to demand fee relief as $40m wagering hole opens up* Unmade: The levy is breaking coverToday’s episode features Tim Burrowes and Abe Udy.Editing was courtesy of Abe’s Audio, the people to talk to about voiceovers, sound design and podcast production.Time to leave you to start your week. We’ll be back with more tomorrow.Toodlepip…Tim BurrowesPublisher - [email protected] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit unmade.substack.com