Lisa Millar to farewell ABC News Breakfast in August

After five years on the couch Lisa Millar this morning broke the news that she will leave ABC News Breakfast to focus full-time on her other exciting projects across the ABC.

The accomplished journalist and presenter departs as News Breakfast co-host on 23 August but will remain a regular presence on the ABC, continuing on from her success as narrator of hit series Muster Dogs – recently nominated for a Logie, guest presenter of Back Roads and co-host of popular podcast series The Newsreader.  Millar will also present Muster Dogs: Where are they now?  later this year.

Millar first presented News Breakfast in 2018 before joining fellow host Michael Rowland on the couch permanently the following year.

“What a blast the past five years has been, whether it was interviewing prime ministers and global thought leaders or getting karaoke encouragement from my childhood idol Gladys Knight,’’ Millar said.

“In 35 years of journalism I’ve never done anything so exciting, unpredictable, and fun. It’s only worked because of the awesome team in front of the cameras and behind the scenes who kept me laughing.

“Most importantly, I want to thank our viewers who brought me into their homes and lives every morning. I’ve loved sharing breakfast with you all.

“I’m excited to hit the road and discover more of the incredible stories that make up the remarkable tapestry of our culture. There are so many adventures ahead, whether it be with Back Roads, Muster Dogs, or new projects we’re cooking up. What a privilege it is to be a part of that future.”

Millar joined the ABC in 1993 and went on to establish herself as one of the finest journalists in the country.

She is one of the ABC’s longest-serving foreign correspondents, serving as Bureau Chief in both the US and Europe during periods of extraordinary global turmoil. She has covered stories including US presidential elections, the Boston bombing, the Sandy Hook school shooting, Hurricane Sandy, the terrorist attacks in Paris, as well as royal weddings and Olympic Games.

Director, ABC News Justin Stevens said: “Lisa Millar is a superb journalist and broadcaster who personifies the very best values and attributes of ABC journalists.  We value her immensely. While we’re sad to lose her from News, I’m excited to see her take up this opportunity and continue to go from strength to strength at the ABC.

“She’s done a fantastic job presenting News Breakfast over the past five years – one of the toughest jobs in Australian TV. The relentless hours never impeded her incredible warmth and energy, or her passion for delivering the best program for the audience.”

ABC Chief Content Officer Chris Oliver-Taylor said: “Lisa is an ABC legend. She has done just about everything there is to do in news journalism.

“I’m delighted to welcome her into the Content team full-time to continue her work on the hugely popular Muster Dogs and Back Roads as well as developing more shows over coming years. Our audience has always connected with her warmth and sincerity and will be delighted they will get to see more of Lisa right across the entire ABC.”

ABC News Breakfast Executive Producer Tyson Shine said Millar would be deeply missed and wished her well for the next phase of her career.

“Lisa brought decades of experience to News Breakfast, but it was her warmth and compassion in telling the human stories of some of the world’s biggest news events that has shone through,” he said.

“Whether it was helping lift spirits during the difficult COVID years or serenading everyone as she walked into the studio each morning — spoiler alert: there’s a reason she never sang on air — Lisa has been a much-loved member of the Brekky team.

“She is more than a colleague, she is a dear friend, and we will miss her immensely.”

SUPERCARS TAKES SUPER FANS BEHIND THE SCENES WITH DRIVERS IN NEW PODCAST ON LiSTNR, DRIVERS ONLY

Supercars, in partnership with LiSTNR, today announced a new podcast, Drivers Only, which takes super fans behind the scenes with some of the best Supercars drivers.

Launching today, Drivers Only offers fans unfiltered and raw insights directly from the drivers themselves, taking fans behind the scenes with the sport’s biggest names, allowing listeners to hear directly from their favourite drivers regularly between each round of the 2024 Repco Supercars Championship.

Each episode will be introduced by Greg Rust, from LiSTNR’s Rusty’s Garage podcast and the eight episode series will have candid conversations with drivers, with the first episode featuring Supercars drivers David Reynolds, Ryan Wood, and Thomas Randle.

The inaugural episode launches just days out from the NTI Townsville 500, which runs from 5-7 July.

The Repco Supercars Championship (formally Australian Touring Car Championship) is the premier motorsport category in Australasia and one of Australia’s biggest sports. Globally, it is recognised as the best touring car category in the world and a leader in motorsport entertainment.

Supercars Head of Broadcast, Nathan Prendergast, said: “This podcast gives Supercars drivers their own platform to talk about whatever they want in their own words and show off a lighter side not often seen at the racetrack. It’s a fantastic opportunity for fans to connect with the drivers on a more personal level.

Drivers Only not only boosts our digital offerings but also enriches the fan experience. It’s about giving fans unparalleled access to the personalities behind the helmets.”

Greg Rust, Broadcaster and Host of Rusty’s Garage, said“It’s a bit like handing the kids the keys to your favourite car! Supercars represented over 15 years of my TV life and I still love it immensely with several drivers, legends and team personnel featuring on my podcast. But what’s missing from that offering is a conversation, not steered by journos or a broadcaster like me, one that lets the fans eavesdrop on the drivers and the kind of stuff they talk about in the paddock. I’m really proud they’ve decided to add it to our Garage line-up.”

Launching today on LiSTNR, 2 July, Drivers Only will have eight 30-minute episodes to be released after each round of the 2024 Championship.

About LiSTNR

LiSTNR is a curated and personalised, free app offering radio, podcasts, music, and news, creating a new audio destination for all Australians. Featuring a fun and intuitive onboarding process, LiSTNR delivers an audio destination that is built for individual listeners’ routines and preferences. Highly personalised, it provides listeners a new world of audio entertainment, with their own daily feed of audio and easy discovery of new content through curated recommendations. Available across a large array of devices including both iOS and Android, CarPlay and Android Auto, Google Assistant and Alexa and Android TV, LiSTNR enables a fantastic listening experience, anytime and anywhere. Open your Ears to a new world of audio – download the free app today. LiSTNR.com

CBAA WEBINAR: Disability Access at Stations. Where are we now? What can we improve?

Join us as we deep dive into the world of access at stations with a stellar panel of broadcasters, managers, sector pioneers and researchers around disability and inclusion in Australia.
In this session we will talk through case studies and culture in the sector and touch on community media as a whole. We will discuss tools and operations that are already happening and working well to improve disability access at stations and open discussion about what we can do to improve.
Facilitated by Dr Kim Stewart, a CMTO Trainer and Mentor specialising in Access and Inclusion.  Kim is a social worker and radio producer at 4ZZZ 102.1fm where she became the nation’s first Station Advocate for People With a Disability in 2017. She is a Doctorate of Creative Industries candidate in the Digital Media Research Centre at QUT in Brisbane. Kim’s research includes developing disability awareness training for community radio stations in conjunction with the Community Media Training Organisation, to help facilitate the increased inclusion of people with a disability in the community media sector.
CMTO Logo 2023
Date: 3-4PM AEST, Tuesday, 9 July 2024
Presented by:
Arliah Pearce: Arliah is 2DRY’s superstar host from ‘Drive home with Arliah’ and graduate from CMTO’s Audio Ability Program.
Ren Cuttriss: Ren has been involved in the world of community broadcasting at 3MDR in Melbourne’s Dandenong Ranges since 2014. Prior to joining 3MDR Ren worked for many years in the areas of community services and education. In addition to looking after sponsorship, training, community engagement, digital marketing and of course, volunteer management at the station, Ren also co-hosts the award winning live and local music program The Dotted Line.
Paul Price: Paul is totally blind, and has been since birth. He has been volunteering at Reading Radio Brisbane since April 1999. He is currently a technical producer one day per week, and fills in on other days when required. He also undertakes on-air shifts when required. Paul has had involvement with DMA since 2004, as delegate and Independent member of the board. He was elected Vice Chair of (the former) RPH Australia in 2018. Paul has a Bachelor of Information Technology at Griffith University, and a Certificate 4 in I.T. Client Service.
Matt Field: Matt Field is the CEO of Attitude Foundation – a disability led media organisation shaping a new understanding of disability through the development and promotion of media content. Matt is also currently working with the Community Broadcasting Association Australia to provide leadership support to the Radio Reading sector and explore new opportunities to increase engagement with the broader disability community. Matt has a long association with the Community Media sector and was previously CEO of Melbourne’s Community TV Station, C31 and Secretary of the Australian Community Television Alliance (ACTA). Matt is passionate about the power of media to increase social cohesion through authentic portrayals of diversity.
Catherine Maitland: Catherine, an experienced researcher and educator, has been involved in the inclusion of people with disability in community radio for over 10 years. She is currently the Research Lead at Australian Disability Network, a peak body that helps organisations to be “disability confident” at (1) employing people with disability and (2) designing accessible products and services. Her recent research about workplace and recruitment adjustments may help stations to identify and tackle barriers to disability access.

REGISTER

POSITION: Station Manager, 2OCB, Orange NSW

Station Manager Role

  • Work from our studio in the beautiful city of Orange to provide a 24/7 community broadcast across the Central West
  • Orange Community Broadcasters Ltd. – FM107.5 – has operated a community radio licence to broadcast across Blayney, Cabonne and Orange Local Government Areas since 1998.
  • We have recently updated our broadcast equipment and moved our transmitter on Mount Canobolas (Gaanha-bula), and our broadcasts can now be heard across the Central West and as far as Mount Victoria.
  • 20CW is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee and a charity, managed by a Board of Directors and supported by members and presenters.
  • Our volunteers, members, sponsors and listeners help shape the sound of the region and provide an independent voice for the whole of the community.
  • For over 20 years we have broadcast in community languages to welcome people from diverse communities to the region.

The role: This is a full time role with flexible hours that requires a Working With Children Check

About you:

  • Previous experience in the community/commercial broadcasting sector.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the guiding principles of community broadcasting, the Broadcasting Services Act Codes and associated Codes of Practice for community radio.
  • Proven track record of raising advertising/sponsorship revenue at community and/or commercial media level
  • Ability to manage radio programming schedules on a daily basis.
  • Experience in presenting and producing community based programs with strong on-air presentation skills.
  • Technical knowledge of community broadcasting systems.
  • Proven ability to lead and work effectively in a team of volunteers.

For a full information pack and how to apply email:  secretary@fm1075.com.au

To chat about the opportunity call:

Gerry Faulkner | Director | Ph:  0414 420 619

Closing Date: 11pm, 15th July 2024

POSITION: Station Manager, 3ZZZ, Melbourne VIC

Remuneration negotiable.

Application Close: Fri. 19th July 2024

The Radio Station Manager provides leadership and direction for the 3ZZZ team and, efficient and smooth running of the station.

Radio 3ZZZ is the largest ethnic community station in Australia. Located at 92.3 on the FM radio band, 3ZZZ started broadcasting on a regular basis in June 1989. Working from studios in the Melbourne suburb of Brunswick, the station is heard across the Melbourne metropolitan region, as far as Geelong to the west and Macedon to the north. Broadcasting 24 hours a day, it is estimated that more than 400,000 people listen to 3ZZZ every week. Since October 2000, the station can also be heard across all Australia and the rest of the world through internet broadcasting.

To be successful, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Australian Citizen/Permanent Residency/Full Working Rights in Australia are essential.
  • Be able to provide two reference checks.
  • For further information contact https://www.3ZZZ.com.au/contact/

All applications are treated with complete confidentiality. To apply please send your resume with a covering letter to the president:

George Salloum sallcorp@tpg.com.au

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. All applicants will be acknowledged.
Key Accountabilities/position Activities

  • Assist in developing and implementing the strategic vision/direction of 3ZZZ in alignment with its mission and goals of the organisation.
  • Work closely with the Board of Directors to formulate and execute strategic plans ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.

Operational Management:

  • Ensure the smooth daily operation of the organisation, and provide an effective process are in place
  • Bring your people leadership skills.
  • The Radio Station Manager provides leadership and direction for the 3ZZZ team and, efficient and smooth running of station.
  • Participate in fundraising events and grant writing.
  • Work closely with sponsorship administrator and advertising sales staff and agents.
  • Must have enough technical knowledge to understand the operation of all station equipment.

Financial Oversight:

  • Ensure the financial health and sustainability of the 3ZZZ through sound financial management, budgeting, and fundraising strategies, reporting to the executive committees and the board through the president.
  • Oversee the preparation of annual budgets, financial reports, and audits, ensuring transparency and accountability.
  • Regularly monitor government and non-government funding available
  • Prepare funding submissions and ensure acquittal reporting completed and submitted.

 Advocacy and Representation:

  • Represent the 3ZZZ at various forums, including government, industry, and community events, advocating for the interests of ethnic broadcasters.
  • Support multiculturalism and ethnic broadcasting and volunteerism.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, media organisations, community groups, and sponsors.
  • Provide ongoing advice to the executive committee and board on policy matters.
  • Develop policy submissions and policy statements as mandated by the Board of Directors.
  • Oversee the development and implementation of policy, programs and initiatives that support ethnic community broadcasting and any targeted groups, in consultation broadcasters/committees of these groups and approval of executive committees and board.
  • Ensure the delivery of high-quality services and resources to 3ZZZ volunteers, ethnic groups, members and the broader community.

  Governance and Compliance:

  • Ensure the organisation operates in compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards.
  • Work with the Board of Directors to ensure effective governance practices are in place.
  • Ensure all HR policies and procedures are compliant with legal and regulatory requirements.

Leadership:

Provide strong leadership to the 3ZZZ team including staff and volunteers, fostering a positive and collaborative workplace culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.

  • Handle employee and volunteer management issues with sensitivity and fairness, ensuring an engaged, harmonious and respectful workplace.
  • Encourage open communication, teamwork, and a commitment to the 3ZZZ’s purpose and values.
  • Proven track record in senior leadership roles within non-profit organisations, social enterprises, or community-focused institutions.
  • Comprehensive understanding of non-profit governance, regulatory compliance, and financial management.

Communication:

Written and/or personal communication skills are required as this role has responsibilities in monitoring organisational performance, encouraging best practice and reporting outcomes – working with others is key to success in this role.

Technology:

Technology proficiency is key to success in this role and providing timely information to the executive and wider organisation is critical.

Qualifications:

Tertiary qualifications, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.

Experience:

  • Significant and progressive leadership experience in peak bodies or membership focused associations.
  • Extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, including working with Boards, donors, community leaders, and government officials.
  • Strong background in financial oversight, including budgeting, fundraising, and resource allocation.

Fundamentals:

  • Current VIC Driver’s license
  • Clear national criminal check
  • Clear working with children checks.

Celebrating 50 Years for the CBAA

This week, we are truly honored to acknowledge and celebrate our 50th Anniversary with all community broadcasters.

The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) was originally founded as the Public Broadcasting Association of Australia (PBAA).

On 5-6 July 1974 our founding members met at the University of NSW in Sydney for an Independent Seminar on Public Broadcasting.

On Sunday 7 July 1974 they issued a public statement to announce their decision to form the PBAA:

“The first organization to link together, on a national basis, the burgeoning number of local groups, who are working towards establishing new public broadcasting stations…”

“The Association, which is non-party political and non-profit, already draws its support from all mainland capitals, Newcastle and Bathurst. All 16 groups attending the seminar supported its formation and future operations.”

“Widely diverse groups in the public broadcasting movement found that they all face an extensive set of common problems before they can get on the air. As a result of the formation of the Association, groups as widely distinctive as student broadcasters and university institutional broadcasters, classical music and pop music broadcasters, local suburban regional and metropolitan-wide broadcasters, public affairs and cultural broadcasters, colleges of advanced education and adult education broadcasters, will work closely together in a united front to establish the new public broadcasting sector.”

“This new sector will provide a wider and richer diversity of programmes than possible through the existing commercial and ABC sectors. They will use the new FM and extra AM frequencies which are now becoming available.”

We all, as the contemporary custodians of our sector, now known as community broadcasting, are eternally grateful for the vision and dedication of this founding generation of broadcasters.

Today, community broadcasters deliver over 500 AM/FM/DAB+ services and 2 dedicated TV services that reach over 5.19 million people across Australia each week – almost one quarter (24%) of Australians.

The social and economic impact of community broadcasting is driven by over 17,000 volunteers and almost 1000 employees who together play an increasingly important role in connecting Australian communities that are underserved by media. As per the vision of the founding generation of community broadcasters, our services enrich and strengthen the social and cultural fabric of Australian society.

From the outset, the formation of CBAA has been driven by and integral to sector presenting a unified and strong view to Government.

On 3 July the Department of the Media held a conference to consult on introduction of public broadcasting and the subsequent formation of the PBAA was in part motivated by the sector’s desire to influence the outcome. Experimental community broadcasting licenses (Australia’s first experimental community radio licenses) were subsequently approved at a Cabinet meeting held on 23 September 1974.

Today we continue to work closely with our members and the Government to underpin the sustainability and community impact of our sector into the future

CBAA today retains the hallmarks of the original PBAA focus with our purpose to support strong and successful community broadcasters.

The diversity of voices and the creative, unique and specialist content that broadcasters amplify remains key to the identity of our sector.

CBAA continues to focus on increasing our capacity and the capability of all our broadcasters and our sector collectively. As technology continues to evolve, along with media audiences, we strive to support all stations with affordable, quality services to make stations accessible to all communities on all platforms.

50 years is a long time. But it is remarkable how the vision of our founders has held up. The need for community broadcasters to work together on “common problems” remains, today we just call them “strategic priorities”!

As a truly national association without extensive financial resources, the opportunity for us to get together and meet face-to-face is rare and does not often allow us to celebrate as much as we should.

Although we don’t have the collective resources to get together to celebrate this birthday in person, we will make time to do so together at the CBAA Conference on the Gold Coast 17-19 October 2024, 50 years after our original members met in Sydney and put down the building blocks of our sector today.

50 Years of Community Broadcasting – Telling Our Shared Story

John Martin OAM, the Chair of 2RPH, Past President of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia and the Community Broadcasting Foundation presents this reflection on the Australian community broadcasting sector featuring figures from sector bodies and community broadcasters. Our thanks to guests including:
– The late Tony Staley AO

– Ian Stanistreet

– Keith Conlon OAM

– Penny Mulvey

– Wayne Bynder

– Ada Hulshoff

– Dr Juliet Fox

– Ange Barry

– Andy Colvin

RADIO IS AUDIO OF CHOICE FOR 8 OUT OF 10 AUSTRALIANS

Australian radio has grown its audience to 81% of the population and is the number one choice for in-car listening, according to Infinite Dial 2024 Australia released today by Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) and Edison Research.

The 8th annual report, presented at a webinar by Edison Research president Larry Rosin and CRA chief commercial officer Jo Dick, also found Australian radio’s reach is five times larger than ad-supported music streaming such as Spotify, with just one third of Spotify listeners able to be reached by advertising.

“The Infinite Dial 2024 Australia shows that more than 8 out of 10 Australians are tuning in to radio, with significant engagement across all demographics, proving Australia is a world-leader for radio listening,” Ms Dick said.

“The number of 25-54 year olds listening to radio online has more than doubled in the past three years, demonstrating audiences are embracing the way radio and audio fits into their lifestyle.

“The results show Australian radio continues to go from strength to strength, delivering content to audiences whenever and wherever they choose to listen,” Ms Dick said.

Mr Rosin said: “The Infinite Dial 2024 Australia study demonstrates the strong global position of the Australian audio industry, with robust engagement across different platforms, including traditional AM/FM/DAB+ radio, online radio, and podcasts.

“These findings underscore the industry’s ability to adapt and innovate, providing diverse and compelling audio content for listeners.”

Radio is the top choice for in-car listening, with 88% using it as an audio source in cars, and in-car streaming radio listening has risen 75% in two years.

“Radio continues to be a popular and important part of people’s everyday lives, but the findings are also timely reminder of why we need to work with both government and industry to ensure that radio remains easily and reliably accessible in connected cars and on smart speakers,” said Ms Dick.

The report also showed smart speaker ownership in Australia has doubled in four years, now matching US adoption rates, with 65% of owners listening in the past month. For more insights from the Infinite Dial 2024 Australia, click here.

About Infinite Dial:
The Infinite Dial 2024 Australia study explores the penetration of audio in Australia including radio listening as well as the online platforms Australians are using. It mirrors the Infinite Dial US report, the longest running survey of digital media consumer behaviour in the U.S. The study was conducted by Edison Research in the first quarter of 2024 in a national survey of 1,719 respondents in Australia aged 12 and over. The research was sponsored by CRA, SCA, Nine Radio, ARN, and Nova Entertainment.