ARN and the GOLD Network have launched Save Our Pub, a national, audience-led content initiative driven by The Christian O’Connell Show, celebrating the vital role local pubs play in Australia while rallying support for venues doing it tough across the country.
With principal partner XXXX on board, Save Our Pub calls on Australians to nominate the local pubs they believe deserve to be recognised and supported – the places where friendships are formed, milestones are marked and communities come together.
Over the coming weeks Christian O’Connell, known for his warmth and storytelling, will spotlight the stories behind these much-loved pubs – the people who run them, the locals who support them and the challenges they face – with five pubs across Australia each receiving a $5,000 boost.
Built on audience-led storytelling, the six-week initiative is a true cross-platform experience, extending across GOLD’s national network alongside digital, social, out-of-home, and on-ground activations – reinforcing ARN’s strategy to build scalable moments that live beyond radio.
ARN Chief Content Officer Kerri Elstub said: “Save Our Pub is a perfect example of how we’re building modern content experiences – radio‑first ideas that are designed to connect across audio, video, social and real life. At its heart, it’s about people, community, and shared stories.”
XXXX has partnered with the campaign as a natural fit for its commitment to celebrating connection, community and the role local pubs play in bringing people together, with the partnership brokered by EssenceMediacom.
Karen Sterling-Levis, Lion Core Beer Brand Director said: “XXXX has always stood for easy going good times shared with mates, and pubs are where those moments come to life every day. We’re proud to support this exciting project that recognises the important role the “local” plays in creating connection, community, and memorable moments – over a cold beer, of course.”
Jenni Lees, Director of Integrate by ARN, said the partnership demonstrates how brands can play a meaningful role in audience‑led content.
“The most effective partnerships today aren’t about interruption; they’re about enabling action. Save Our Pub shows how brands can support ideas that audiences genuinely care about, while still delivering scale and impact.”
Originally unveiled as part of ARN’s 2026 Upfront slate, Save Our Pub reflects ARN’s continued shift toward large-scale, culturally relevant ideas that connect brands with consumers across audio, video, social and live experiences.
Nominations for Save Our Pub open today via the GOLD website.
The Christian O’Connell Show can be heard from 6-9am weekdays on GOLD101.7 in Sydney, GOLD104.3 in Melbourne, GOLD DAB+ in Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane and via the free iHeart app.