Latest news with #lifestylebrand
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
How the ABC bungled a $4billion payday - as Aussie show among the biggest in the world makes major move
The ABC has been left red-faced after the UK channel that airs Bluey announced it is set to make even more money off one of Australia's most successful cultural exports. This week, the BBC revealed plans to transform Bluey into a full-fledged lifestyle brand, marking another major commercial leap for the animated juggernaut. Alongside the expansion of its already booming merchandise empire, a Bluey feature film is now in the works, set to be released in 2027 and distributed globally by Disney. In just 2024 alone, Bluey was the driving force behind a bumper $4billion in commercial profits for BBC Studios through global licensing, product deals, and themed experiences. That staggering haul is more than four times the annual budget of the ABC, which is funded by the federal government and Australian taxpayers. The ABC was among the original co-commissioners of Bluey, which first aired in 2018, but failed to secure any significant merchandising deals. Despite being developed and produced in Brisbane by Ludo Studio, most of the benefits of show's commercial success has flowed offshore. Since its debut, Bluey has become a global sensation, celebrated for its heartwarming storytelling, gentle humour, and uniquely Australian character. Bluey-branded merchandise ranges from plush toys and puzzles to camping gear, clothing, and even nappies. In 2024, a large-scale Bluey-themed attraction, Bluey's World, opened in Brisbane, and was recently named one of Time Magazine's 'World's Greatest Places' for 2025. In the same year, Bluey was the number one most viewed show in the United States, recording more than 55billion minutes of viewing time on Disney+. 'From a retail sales standpoint, we are generating about £2.7bn in global retail sales across our entire portfolio and Bluey is a really, really big chunk of that,' Suzy Raia, who heads global consumer products at BBC Studios, told The Guardian. Yet despite its deep Australian roots, the ABC has reaped little financial reward from Bluey's explosive global success. As reported by The Courier-Mail in February, the ABC made no attempt to secure merchandising rights during the show's early development. Then-managing director David Anderson was present at the meeting where Bluey was first pitched to the network. 'We don't make money out of Bluey,' Anderson told the ABC in 2023. 'What Bluey does is provide joy to children and families all over the country and now all over the world. And that would be priceless.' In 2024, ABC Chair Kim Williams addressed the Australian Press Club, warning of declining public funding for the broadcaster and calling for greater government support. Just a few months later in June, the ABC slashed at least 50 jobs in a round of budget cuts, under the new leadership of Managing Director Hugh Marks. Among the casualties was the long-running current affairs program Q&A, once a flagship forum for national political and cultural debate. In an email sent to ABC staff, Marks justified the changes were part of the ABC stepping back from 'areas that no longer align with our priorities'.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Marriott International Completes Acquisition of citizenM Brand
Transaction Expands Company's Global Lifestyle Offerings BETHESDA, Md., July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Marriott International (Nasdaq: MAR) has completed its acquisition of the innovative lifestyle brand citizenM. As Marriott focuses on further growing the company's select-service portfolio globally, this transaction provides even more lodging offerings for guests and Marriott Bonvoy members in exciting destinations around the world. The current citizenM global portfolio includes 37 open hotels, comprising 8,789 rooms, across more than 20 cities in the U.S., Europe, and Asia Pacific. citizenM's current pipeline of two hotels totaling over 300 rooms are also anticipated to be added to Marriott's portfolio. "As travelers continue to seek innovative lodging offerings that blend technology with genuine, people-first hospitality, the citizenM brand is the perfect addition to our portfolio," said Anthony Capuano, President and CEO of Marriott International. "Marriott has proven success in growing select-service lifestyle offerings, including our AC, Moxy, and Aloft brands, and we look forward to accelerating citizenM's global reach with our guests and Marriott Bonvoy members around the world." With the acquisition complete, Marriott will now begin the process of integrating the citizenM portfolio into its systems and platforms. Until citizenM properties are fully integrated, anticipated later this year, they will remain bookable on citizenM's digital channels. At this time, members of the award-winning citizenM subscription program will continue to enjoy benefits, with more details to come about how the program will work following integration. Additionally, once integration is complete, citizenM will become a fully participating brand within the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, unlocking even more value for members. The citizenM brand is known for its genuine service, tech-savvy in-hotel experience, highly efficient use of space, and focus on art and design. The brand, founded in 2008, caters to a growing demographic of value-conscious travelers looking for technology-driven accommodations with features like smart in-room design, indoor and outdoor common spaces featuring immersive artwork and local artifacts, comfortably appointed living rooms that serve as collaborative workspaces, creative meeting rooms, grab-and-go food and beverage options, and lively rooftop decks. Access the full gallery of high-resolution citizenM property images here. NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTSAll statements in this press release are made as of July 22, 2025. Marriott undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of federal securities laws, including statements related to growth expectations and opportunities; the citizenM pipeline; the benefits of the transaction; customer trends and expectations; systems and platform integration; loyalty program integration, member benefits and the citizenM subscription program; and similar statements concerning possible future events or expectations that are not historical facts. Marriott cautions you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous evolving risks and uncertainties that the company may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including Marriott's ability to successfully integrate and grow the citizenM brand and the other risk factors that Marriott describes in its U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including the company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations Marriott expresses or implies in this press release. ABOUT MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 9,500 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 144 countries and territories. Marriott operates, franchises, and licenses hotel, residential, timeshare, and other lodging properties all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel platform. For more information, please visit our website at and for the latest company news, visit In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram. Marriott encourages investors, the media, and others interested in the company to review and subscribe to the information Marriott posts on its investor relations website at or Marriott's news center website at which may be material. The contents of these websites are not incorporated by reference into this press release or any report or document Marriott files with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and any references to the websites are intended to be inactive textual references only. IRPR#1 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.
The Independent
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Bluey to be made into a ‘lifestyle brand' by BBC
The BBC has announced plans to transform its popular children 's TV show, Bluey, into an all-encompassing 'lifestyle brand' targeting all age groups. The Emmy -winning Australian cartoon has already generated significant retail success, contributing to BBC Studios ' record £2.16bn in commercial sales last year. Suzy Raia, head of global consumer products at BBC Studios, stated the aim is to make Bluey a 'generation-defining brand' and expand into the 'adult space'. Bluey's global popularity is evident, being the most-watched show across all genres in the US in 2024, with over 1 billion music streams and 21 million social media subscribers. There is already a immersive theatre production, Bluey's World, and a feature film, Bluey the Movie, set for release in 2027.
The Guardian
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
BBC targets adults in the latest adventure for its top dog Bluey
Each episode may only last seven minutes, but the bite-size length of Bluey's adventures has not held back the world's most popular blue dog from creating endless money-spinning opportunities for the BBC. Grateful executives are open about Bluey's status as the golden goose driving a record £2.16bn in sales from commercial operations last year, spawning branding deals for everything from headphones to baked beans. They are now clear on the next target: turning Bluey from one of the world's top preschool favourites to an all-encompassing 'lifestyle brand' for all ages. 'Bluey's role is quite enormous,' said Suzy Raia, who heads global consumer products at BBC Studios, the corporation's commercial arm. 'We're just at the beginning of something that I hope will be a generation-defining brand for children and then families today. From a retail sales standpoint, we are generating about $3.6bn (£2.7bn) in global retail sales across our entire portfolio and Bluey is a really, really big chunk of that.' The popularity of the cartoon heeler – an Australian dog bred to herd cattle – is a phenomenon. Bluey was the most watched show in the US across all genres in 2024 and kept that spot in the first half of this year. Its music is also a hit and has been streamed 1bn times, as of last week. The show has spawned a dizzying array of product deals. Fans can buy Bluey-inspired paddling pools, bumper cars, tents, hot-water bottles, board games and nappies – on top of the usual merchandise staples of lunch boxes, pyjamas, books and toys. There is already a Bluey theatre production and Bluey's World – a 'one-of-a-kind guided immersive experience' – has opened in Queensland. Meanwhile, Bluey has an unprecedented deal with Lego covering regular Lego sets and Duplo, which is designed for preschool children. Despite the BBC's background in traditional broadcasting, it has been the ability of BBC Studios to exploit digital channels such as YouTube and TikTok that has led executives to conclude Bluey can appeal to parents and young adults. Bluey's official channels now have more than 21 million subscribers, amassing 13bn lifetime views. The show has almost 5 million TikTok followers. Evan Shapiro, a Hollywood producer turned media analyst, said BBC Studios was leading the way in its understanding that digital platforms were now the drivers of brands and popular culture. 'The case study is Bluey,' he said. 'It isn't just a hit on TV. It is the size of [YouTube's biggest creator] MrBeast. Fandom is the engine of economics and growth. You follow the audience wherever they are.' Raia said Bluey was on the way to becoming 'a true lifestyle brand' across the generations. 'Within seven months, we had a million TikTok subscribers,' said Raia. 'That was a moment where we were really able to find the fans that are not purely preschool – young adult audiences and teens really started to get this exposure. 'We want to be No 1 in preschool, which we're well on our way to achieving. We have so much more to do in terms of growing in the adult space and thinking about what those adult purchasers are open to.' Bluey, produced by Ludo Studio in Australia, was originally co-commissioned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the BBC. However, BBC Studios owns Bluey's global distribution and merchandising rights. The BBC's annual report revealed its record commercial revenues were driven by 'the licensing of the Bluey brand in particular'. Bluey's rise is to continue with the arrival of a movie in 2027. Disney has already announced it will be the first non-Disney children's brand to feature in its parks. Hardened fans may worry about overexposure. However, Raia said her team remained cautious in its acceptance of product tie-ups. 'We say no, quite honestly, a lot more than we say yes,' she said. Kathryn VanArendonk, a critic who is writing a book about the Bluey phenomenon, said its success as a brand came down to the evocative nature of the storytelling. 'Almost no children's television in the history of that genre has managed to do the thing that Bluey does,' she said. 'It is just as entertaining, accessible and emotionally meaningful for adults as it is for kids. 'Multiple audiences see their own desires, interests, concerns and challenges reflected back at them. That's just so hard to do and it's so incredibly appealing when something can pull it off.'
Zawya
10-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Hilton signs first Tapestry collection by Hilton in Saudi Arabia with Al Musbah Group
Hilton to debut lifestyle brand in the Kingdom with a locally inspired property in the heart of Madinah RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the signing of Diyar Ajwa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, in partnership with Al Musbah Group – marking the debut of the lifestyle Tapestry Collection brand in Saudi Arabia. Expected to open later in 2025, the new signing reinforces Hilton's continued expansion in the Kingdom and adds to its growing presence in one of the world's most significant religious tourism destinations. With this addition, Hilton remains on track to reach its milestone of 100 hotels trading and in the pipeline across Saudi Arabia. Strategically located north of the central Haram area in Madinah, Diyar Ajwa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, will offer direct pedestrian access and views of Al Masjid Al Nabawi, providing guests with a convenient and comfortable stay. The property will benefit from strong transport links, including proximity to Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport and connectivity via the Haramain High-Speed Rail, which links Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah. Mohammed Almusbahi, Director, Al Musbah Group, commented: 'We are proud to partner once again with Hilton to introduce the first Tapestry Collection by Hilton in the Kingdom. With its unique identity rooted in local heritage, this hotel will offer visitors and pilgrims an authentic and memorable stay in the heart of Madinah. Our continued collaboration with Hilton reflects our shared vision to support the Kingdom's hospitality goals and deliver world-class offerings across key cities.' The hotel will offer 221 guest rooms and suites, along with an all-day dining restaurant, a café, and a fitness centre. The property's design narrative will be inspired by the revered Ajwa date, grown exclusively in Madinah, adding a rich cultural touch to the guest experience. Carlos Khneisser, chief development officer, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said: 'We are delighted to introduce the Tapestry Collection brand to Saudi Arabia with the signing of Diyar Ajwa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, in partnership with Al Musbah Group. This signing builds on our longstanding relationship and highlights Hilton's commitment to growing and diversifying our portfolio as we introduce more of our award-winning brands in key destinations across the Kingdom.' Tapestry Collection by Hilton is a global portfolio of independent hotels, each with an original, vibrant personality. Every hotel's unique story comes to life through elevated design and food & beverage inspired by the locale, offering guests authentic experiences across an array of destinations worth exploring. Hilton currently operates 20 hotels across Saudi Arabia, with 77 more in the pipeline, representing a quarter of all branded hotel rooms under construction in the country. Most recently, Hilton signed Spark by Hilton Makkah Aziziyah with Al Musbah Group, marking the premium economy brand's debut to the Middle East and Africa region. Hilton's robust pipeline in Saudi Arabia underscores the company's role in shaping the future of hospitality in the Kingdom and its alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. About Al Musbah Group Al Musbah Group (AMG) is a Jeddah based privately owned successful network of companies thriving in diverse businesses across Saudi Arabi and the Middle East region. Commencing business as a retailer of perfumes, the Almusbah Group has since expanded business into a wide range of sectors including Real Estate, Retail, Construction, Food & Beverage, Travel Retail, gifts & souvenirs, IT development and IT services, Telecom and Fibre solutions Hospitality and car parking and related technology, to name a few. Winning the bid to inaugurate Duty Free Shops in Saudi, we successfully launched and operated the Kingdom's first Duty Free Shop in Jeddah airport followed by two more shops in Riyadh and Dammam airports. Our parking subsidiary Mawgif which manages over 300,000 car spaces every day including winning the largest airport parking concession contract at Dubai International airports. Brew92 is our Saudi developed multi award winning coffee roastery developed inhouse. With our global and local team, we bring international experience and local understanding across the business. See more at About Hilton Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 24 world-class brands comprising more than 8,600 properties and nearly 1.3 million rooms, in 139 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No. 1 World's Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 218 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. About Tapestry Collection by Hilton Tapestry Collection by Hilton is a portfolio of nearly 160 independent hotels each with an original, vibrant personality, encouraging guests to enjoy off-the-beaten-path experiences in destinations worth exploring. While each property has a unique story to share that comes to life through uplifting design and unique food & beverage, every Tapestry Collection property is united by the reliability that comes with the Hilton name, in addition to the benefits of the award-winning Hilton Honors program. Experience Tapestry Collection by Hilton by booking at or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits.
