Most Read of 2024: Australia’s Biggest Stories

It’s no surprise that Lea Walker’s op-ed takes out top spot on our list of most read articles. After a few years of ups and downs, Lea’s perspective about fatigue and upheaval struck a chord, plus she expertly provided ways we can work together to alleviate these pressures. 

Second on the list is a scoop by AUNZ managing editor Brittney Rigby, charting The Monkeys Melbourne leadership trio’s big move. 

It’s been a big news year for the The Monkeys broadly, with the rebadging to Droga5, the promotion of Mark Green to global CEO, and the local elevation of Bronwyn van der Merwe and Matt Michael to fill the leadership gap.

This piece charts the start of the initiative spurred on by FINCH’s Rob Galluzzo and Nova’s Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli. 

Reporter Casey Martin has been following the campaign across the year, which culminated in the government agreeing with 36 Months that the minimum social media age should be 16, and passing legislation to that effect.

TABOO’s creative director, Charlotte Adorjan, explains why she was "milliseconds away from quitting adland for good" before doing a 360 and changing her mind. 

There’s been plenty of discussion this year about being a woman in adland, and the industry’s ageism. Charlotte’s writing is a truthful and fresh contribution to that conversation.

Another LBB exclusive from managing editor Brittney Rigby, revealing that a chunk of one of the country’s biggest accounts is up for pitch. A McDonald's Australia spokesperson confirmed the closed pitch features only agencies already on the brand’s global agency roster.

Reporter Tom Loudon asked directors and producers across the globe to nominate a piece of work that made them envious this year. The result is a collection of brilliant global work, and brilliant commentary to accompany it.

Local work celebrated included Telstra's 'Better on a Better Network', Modibodi's 'Fear Not', Kia's 'Getting a Ute', and AAMI's 'When Our Athletes Are in the Making'.

ALDI and BMF built a boat-sized gravy boat and ensured the turkey was saved for Christmas lunch in this year’s festive spot, tied to the ‘Good Different’ brand platform. Reporter Casey Martin explained why and how ALDI decided to ‘Go A Little Extra’ this Christmas.

From Australian Olympic swimmer to Clemenger BBDO’s business manager, Mack Horton spoke to LBB’s Casey Martin about how swimming and business go hand in hand. Mack started his first ever 9-5 in March after retiring from swimming, and quickly realised he enjoyed the pace of agency land. 

He detailed the parallels between coach and athlete versus agency and client. “There has to be a level of respect in the relationship so that both parties are able to have tough conversations and find solutions that align. Neither party is more superior, they just have different knowledge and experience.”

In a follow-up interview with managing editor Brittney Rigby, Chris Howatson, Renee Hyde, and Hoang Nguyen explained why the “unicorn” is “good, fast, and cheap”, and will give marketers more for less. Plus Also Studios sits separately from Howatson+Company because the propositions are different, and already has a headcount of 41. One to watch in 2025.

Rounding out the list is the mischievous Humbug from Myer’s Christmas campaign, created by Clemenger BBDO. CCO Adrián Flores told managing editor Brittney Rigby, "We opted to push against the schmaltz with a misdirect on a misdirect that’s designed to give everyone a wry seasonal smile."

‘Share The Joy’ followed the journey of a cranky, bauble-smashing creature as he finds a friend in a little girl who also enjoys stomping on baubles.