Month: October 2024

ABC announces new roles in 2025 for Patricia Karvelas and Greg Jennett

The ABC has announced new roles in 2025 for leading political and public affairs journalists Patricia Karvelas and Greg Jennett.

As announced earlier this month, Patricia Karvelas is farewelling Radio National after 10 years to take up an expanded role for ABC NEWS across platforms. In addition to presenting Q+A and weekly political wrap The Party Room, and writing analysis for ABC NEWS online, in the new year she will take over as presenter of Afternoon Briefing each weekday on ABC iview and the ABC NEWS Channel.

After presenting Afternoon Briefing for the past three years, Greg Jennett is moving into a senior role in the Northbourne, Canberra newsroom presenting the ACT 7PM News from Sunday to Thursday and conducting Stateline interviews. He will also work with the Canberra Parliament House team on the federal election coverage.

After a terrific two years in the chair, including his key role in this month’s ACT election coverage, current ACT 7PM presenter James Glenday will be going on to an exciting new project next year. More details of that will be announced in coming weeks.

Afternoon Briefing, which Karvelas launched in 2018 and Jennett has led since he returned from the ABC’s Washington Bureau in 2022, continues to go from strength to strength. Its interviews with key decision makers and stakeholders routinely break news and set the agenda on politics and national and global affairs.

Karvelas will also launch a new ABC NEWS politics podcast, Politics Now, which will bring the best political analysis to the podcasting space via the ABC Listen app. Politics Now will be daily during the federal election campaign and can publish additional episodes any time major political stories are breaking.

Patricia Karvelas: “I’m so excited to be anchoring a daily national affairs and politics program, especially at a time when Australians are seeking not just accountability but explanation of really complex issues. Afternoon Briefing has become appointment viewing and is a key part of the news agenda daily.

“Being able to launch a podcast which is fast and responsive and engaging on moving political stories has been my dream. It’s how I consume content and I know there’s a strong desire from our audience for non-appointment content that meets people in their headphones when it suits them.”

Greg Jennett: “I’m proud of what we’ve done with Afternoon Briefing these last three years. It has become an accessible place for politicians of all stripes and levels of experience to discuss and debate the issues of the day.

“Over the years I’ve been privileged to report on some of the most remarkable events in the life of our nation. In 2025 I’ll devote my energies to other stories around the nation’s capital, while still being close enough to hear that thrum from the Hill that’s been a constant in my reporting for the last couple of decades or so.  I’m looking forward to what comes next.”

ABC Director, News Justin Stevens: “Patricia Karvelas and Greg Jennett are among the best political journalists in the country and will ensure audiences get the most up to date insights and analysis on offer, bringing their huge experience to the biggest stories of the moment, here and overseas.
“They will be integral members of our coverage as we gear up for the next federal election.”

LiSTNR LAUNCHES ENTIRE NEW SEASON OF AWARD-WINNING SERIES SECRETS WE KEEP: PRAY HARDER

– A POWERFUL INVESTIGATION INTO AN AUSTRALIAN DOOMSDAY PASTOR EXPOSES VIOLENCE, SEXISM AND RACISM –

Listeners will be taken into a secretive religious group where every aspect of members’ lives are tightly controlled by their hardline pastor in the new season of LiSTNR’s podcast docuseries Secrets We Keep.

Secrets We Keep: Pray Harder, a new nine-part investigation hosted by award-winning Australian investigative journalist Richard Baker, reveals the sinister truth about the pastor who led the Geelong Revival Centre (GRC), a regional Victorian church with tentacles across Australia.

Survivors and ex-members bravely blow the whistle on abuse, violence and sexism from inside the group, which operated under the late Pastor Noel Hollins.

Available now exclusively on LiSTNR, the series exposes how Pastor Hollins led the GRC, which has affiliated assemblies around the world, blended the racist doctrine of the “British Israel” movement with doomsday predictions that Armageddon would soon be upon us.

Pastor Hollins dedicated his life to the movement and convinced followers he had a direct line to God. Under his leadership, members were encouraged to use physical punishment to discipline their children, women and girls were routinely oppressed, and abuse was not reported to authorities.

Secrets We Keep: Pray Harder showcases exclusive audio obtained by Baker as part of his two-year investigation of Pastor Hollins’ teachings. Baker also secured testimony from ex-members who share intimate details of their lives growing up in a highly controlled environment, where a culture of intense surveillance meant everyone reported on each other and normal human urges such as affection and attraction were suppressed and replaced with rules, judgement, fasting and prayer.

According to Pastor Hollins, the answer to any hardship, ailment, fear or desire was simply to ‘Pray Harder’.

“It’s astonishing what these former members have shared with me,” said Richard. “The amount of human wreckage, particularly within families, is shocking and I’ve come away from several interviews kind of numb and in a daze.

“Celeste is a voice you’ll hear in the series. She first came to the church as a vulnerable young girl and later returned as a single mother looking for solace having escaped a world of drug addiction and gang violence. However, the oppressive and controlling nature of the ‘church’ under Noel Hollins meant it didn’t feel like a place of solace, and she became increasingly concerned for the wellbeing of her young autistic son after he fell victim to the church’s practice of using physical violence to discipline children. Now in her early 30s, Celeste has left the church and reconnected with other ex-members to speak out.”

LiSTNR Head of Factual, Clair Weaver, said: “While the podcast is shocking and revelatory, I hope it drives real change. We have strong principles that accurate journalism, combined with powerful and immersive audio storytelling, can have a lasting impact on society.

“Our goal with LiSTNR’s Factual docuseries is to use our audio storytelling skills to enable great journalists like Richard to publish their investigations in an impactful way that engages audiences and motivates them to call for change.”

All allegations and experiences in this podcast pertain to those under the control of the assembly of Pastor Noel Hollins. They do not relate to or represent the church under the current leadership of the Geelong Revival Centre.

Pastor Hollins died at age 93 earlier this year.

All nine episodes of Secrets We Keep: Pray Harder are now available exclusively on LiSTNR. Download the LiSTNR app and sign-up to listen for free.

Notes to editor:

This is the first owned and original LiSTNR podcast to be mixed in Dolby Atmos. While listening on regular headphones, Dolby Atmos creates a 3D sound environment, offering listeners a next-level sonic experience as they are immersed in the world of Secrets We Keep: Pray Harder.

Regarding the Dolby Atmos sound mixing technique, Head of Audio Production and Sound Design – LiSTNR Original Podcasts, Darcy Thomson said: “Mixing in Dolby Atmos has opened new possibilities for our creative audio storytelling at LiSTNR and enables us to work with spatial effects, atmospheres, and ultra directional sound to create unique, dynamic audio environments. Speaking in tongues has never sounded more real!”

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

About Richard Baker:

Multi-award-winning journalist Richard Baker has partnered with LiSTNR’s in-house Factual team to develop new original investigative documentary series, continuing his reputation for compelling, narrative content. A long-time The Age and Sydney Morning Herald journalist, in recent years Baker has become renowned for his critically acclaimed podcast series, including Secrets We Keep: Baghdad Nights, Phoebe’s Fall, Wrong Skin, The Last Voyage of the Pong Su and The Confession, which sat at number one on the Australian and NZ podcast charts for several weeks in late 2022. Baker’s podcasts have garnered worldwide audiences, along with accolades at the New York Festivals, the Kennedy journalism awards and the Melbourne Press Club. Baker has won five Walkley Awards, Australia’s most prestigious journalism honour.

Richard Baker, Host of LiSTNR's Secrets We Keep: Pray Harder audio docuseries

9Podcasts launches Kids Cancer Conversations with Georgie Gardner

Every day in Australia, 3 families will hear the words: “Your child has cancer”.

In the daunting and unpredictable experience that follows diagnosis, a child needs as much stability and support from their family as possible. But when families are under pressure, it can be hard to hold it together, not only for their sick child but for the rest of the family

In Kids Cancer Conversations, 9News Presenter and Redkite Board Director, Georgie Gardner, Australia’s leading childhood cancer support charity, Redkite, and the 9Podcasts team have created a podcast that aims to help, educate and bring a deeper understanding of childhood cancer. The guest-led podcast provides listeners with insightful stories shared by those having lived experience of a child with cancer, supported with expert information from professionals.

Nine has been working with Redkite through its Nine Cares program since 2019.

This initiative connects charities like Redkite with Nine’s audience, fostering meaningful conversations around various social issues. Through Nine Cares, essential support is provided to organisations and individuals in need, amplifying their voices and making a positive impact.

Georgie Gardner has been an active Ambassador for Redkite since 2000. Championing their work, acting as MC at fundraising events, and lending her voice to campaigns to raise awareness.

Watch Georgie discuss the Kids Cancer Conversations podcast on Today Extra here.

“When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it quickly becomes a family illness, because everyone is affected. It’s also incredibly isolating because few want to even contemplate something so bleak and terrifying. This podcast explores all aspects of childhood cancer, through raw and compelling storytelling. We want it to be a useful resource, offering help and hope, to ensure no one faces the childhood cancer journey alone”, said Gardner.

Redkite CEO Monique Keighery said, “Redkite is enormously proud of our partnership with Nine and our collaboration on this podcast. The raw and courageous storytelling throughout the series will take you through the highs and lows of a childhood cancer journey, providing a powerful resource for both impacted families and the broader community.”

KIDS CANCER CONVERSATIONS WITH GEORGIE GARDNER
LAUNCHES TODAY WITH NEW EPISODES DROPPING WEEKLY ON
APPLE PODCASTS & 

SBS challenges media industry on narrow 25-54s demographic focus

National broadcaster SBS mounts case that media buyers need to focus on 35-64s demographic at SBS 2025 Upfronts.

Launches “The Premium Effect” highlighting the incremental reach that a media buy with SBS achieves.

Highlights uncluttered ad environment with only five minutes per hour of advertising and the unique audience achieved across SBS and SBS On Demand.

Hybrid funded national broadcaster SBS has used its 2025 Upfronts to challenge the industry over their ongoing focus on “outdated” narrow demographics, such as 25-54s, when it comes to buying audiences on television and broadcast video on demand.

Speaking at the Sydney Town Hall event, Keiran Beasley, National Sales Manager – TV and Digital, argued that smart brands were increasingly changing their briefs to media owners to recognise that the historical 25-54s demographic is no longer the pre-eminent category for driving consumer spend.

“It is no secret that Australians are facing a challenging economy and, in particular, a cost-of-living crisis which is particularly affecting younger people,” said Beasley. “Our challenge for this room amid a difficult economic environment is: why are we continuing to make the historical – and daresay I say outdated – demographic of 25-54s the keystone of television buying?

“Smart marketers are already seeing the benefits of briefing us against a 40+ or 35-64s demographic. The research clearly highlights that 40+ demographics have a strong disposable income and are looking to spend.” Beasley highlighted recent research from CommBank which showcased how total spend was going backwards among younger demographics, but was strong among older age groups.

“The numbers don’t lie. In the current economy those aged 25-34 have reduced cash for discretionary items and are eroding their savings for daily essentials. Now compare that to those aged 40+ who have higher disposable incomes and greater financial security.”

SBS also launched “The Premium Effect” research, which highlights the cost-per-reach efficiency across TV and BVOD that can be achieved by allocating 10% of a client’s linear TV budget and 27% of the BVOD budget to SBS, delivering 19% and 18% campaign cost savings respectively.

“This independent research once again proves the value of including SBS as an important part of your campaign,” said Beasley. “We have updated our research – to validate the findings for a VOZ world. At a time of transformation in the TV landscape SBS remains an essential part of any TV and BVOD schedule.”

Commenting on the need for a demographic rethink and the new “The Premium Effect” research, Jane Palfreyman, SBS Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer, noted: “For marketers and agencies, SBS needs to be part of their media schedule. We have a high value, hard to reach audience that is difficult to find elsewhere.”

The network also highlighted its unique advertising proposition of an uncluttered environment with only five minutes of advertising per hour and an audience which is very different to its free-to-air TV rivals.

“When you buy SBS you are buying a different type of consumer,” said Beasley. “The research shows clearly it’s not the same viewer as our traditional counterparts and especially with SBS On Demand we are playing in a premium pool of viewers who are not always easy to reach elsewhere.”

GET SET FOR A MASSIVE SUMMER OF CRICKET WITH AUSTRALIA’S BEST COMMENTARY TEAM ON TRIPLE M AND LiSTNR

Having signed a new, seven-year agreement that retained Triple M Network’s exclusive FM metro broadcast rights and digital audio and metro DAB+ rights for cricket, Triple M has now unveiled its unrivalled cricket commentary team for summer.

For the first time in Australia, India will take on the Aussies across five Test matches and Triple’s M stellar commentary line up will be there for every ball, boundary and wicket. Leading the network’s ‘first XI’ commentary team is cricketing icon, former Australian captain and Triple M’s Mark Taylor AO, who will be joined behind the mic by James Brayshaw and Mark Howard along with Australian cricketers Merv Hughes, Greg Blewett, Mark Waugh AM, Brad Haddin, Callum Ferguson and Isabelle Westbury. The line up is bolstered by international cricket royalty Lord Ian Botham OBE and Triple M’s Dan Ginnane, with further names to be announced soon.

Throughout a hot summer of cricket, Triple M and LiSTNR will broadcast the Australian men’s international games played in Australia, including Tests, One Day Internationals and T20 internationals, and the three Australian women’s T20 international games against England. The games will be broadcast on Triple M stations in the five metro cities and are available to stream on LiSTNR, meaning cricket fans never have to miss a minute of the action on Triple M.

The first match to be broadcast on Triple M and streamed on LiSTNR will be played on Monday, 4 November, when the Australian men’s team takes on Pakistan in a One Day International at the MCG.

Mark Taylor AO said: “I’m looking forward to what will be an exciting summer of cricket, both on the field and in the Triple M commentary box. The cricket will no doubt be very competitive with the Aussies looking to avenge recent series losses to India here in Australia. I’m personally looking forward to watching it all unfold and the fun that we will have commentating on it. Bring it on!”

SCA Head of Sports Content, Ewan Giles, said: “Triple M’s cricket coverage this summer is going to be huge. We have five tests of the Aussies v India, the one-day-ers and T20 games. Plus, the team is excited to be calling the women’s matches. Whilst it gets hot out on the pitch, it also heats up in the commentary box and I know the team is fired up for the first match next week when the Aussies take on Pakistan in the day-night One Day International.”

Don’t miss a moment of Triple M Rocks Cricket across the metro Triple M network and also hear it all anytime, anywhere on LiSTNR. To catch the cricket action on LiSTNR, simply download the LiSTNR app and sign-up to listen for free.

Find images here

 

About Triple M: 

For more than 40 years, Triple M continues to be one of Australia’s best-known radio entertainment brands and the only radio network that provides its listeners with a unique combination of Rock’s Greatest Hits, Sport and Comedy. With 49 stations across Australia, including DAB+ stations, Triple M 80s, Triple M 90s, Triple M 2000s, Triple M Almost Acoustic, Triple M Classic Rock and Triple M Country, Triple M has become known for playing the greatest hits, good times and its iconic talent and shows that get people talking.

The iconic brand entertains more than 3.17 million radio and on demand listeners each week and is home to some of Australia’s biggest sporting heroes, comedians and music gurus including Marty Sheargold, Mick Molloy, Mark Geyer, Margaux Parker, Leisel Jones, James Brayshaw, Billy Brownless, Gorden Tallis, Greg Martin, Mark Ricciuto, Laura O’Callaghan, Chris Dittmar and Peter ‘Spida’ Everitt to name just a few! All Triple M’s content is available live or on demand on the LiSTNR app.

New podcast ‘Australia Fair’: The long tail of the White Australia Policy

How did Australia go from a White Australia policy to a multicultural country? Journey through the milestones that created a nation of immigrants with host and journalist Janak Rogers.

Australia Fair is the new SBS podcast with some challenging history lessons for everyone who calls Australia home, chronicling the key moments contributing to our national identity.

Interviewing academics and high-profile Australians, host Janak Rogers travels back in time to examine everything from ‘blackbirding’ South Pacific Islanders and settling ‘Ten-Pound Poms’, to attitudes towards the first Vietnamese refugees arriving on Australian shores by boat and African youth ‘crime gangs’. The series charts Australia’s growing pains through successive waves of immigration, and our nation’s ongoing efforts to make multiculturalism work.

“Australia Fair is a podcast that examines the contradictions of being a modern multicultural country where some racist attitudes continue to prevail. The podcast looks for ways forward while shedding light on what is, at times, a very dark history,” he said.

“I’ve always thought deeply about my own identity and connection to this country. I was born in Australia, but my mother was an Indian socialite and my father a British soldier. No one looked like me growing up, so I couldn’t help but question whether I belonged here and what it means to be Australian.

“As a storyteller, I also think it’s crucial we consider what stories we tell and who tells them. Australia Fair has a wide line-up of guests who all have a story and a voice in this conversation, from politicians and experts, to refugees, activists, and more.”

Australia Fair also includes a huge range of archive audio and news clips documenting the changing voices of the nation over time.

Australia Fair is available to listen now on the SBS Audio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, LiSTNR and wherever else you stream podcasts.

Australia Fair was soft launched on Monday 21 October, and officially released on Monday 28 October.

For further information or interview requests please contact:

Deb Han | deborah.han@sbs.com.au | 0451 855 711

Episode summary:

The eight-episode series captures key moments in Australian history:

  • Episode one starts with those who were here first – Australia’s First Nations peoples. Featuring lawyer and environmental activist Jacqui Katona, Senator Lidia Thorpe, former Australian Race Discrimination Commissioner Tim Soutphommasane, and more, Rogers delves into the economic and racial motivations behind maintaining a white majority.
  • The discovery of gold brings gold fever and anti-Chinese sentiments that continue today. From invasion fears to discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rogers speaks with screenwriter and director of SBS’s award-winning series New Gold Mountain, Corrie Chen.
  • What did Australians think of the White Australia policy in the years following Federation? Rogers delves into the shameful history of ‘blackbirding’ South Pacific Islanders, where people were tricked or forced into indentured labour, interviewing guests like founding chair of the Association of South Sea Islanders, Emelda Davis, who shares her family’s personal story.
  • Post-war Australia was focussed on racially-driven policies to ‘populate or perish’, including settling British migrants for 10 pounds, later known as the ‘Ten-Pound Poms’. Rogers also speaks with Holocaust survivor Peter Gaspar and visits Bonegilla, where hundreds of thousands of post-war migrants were held on their arrival to Australia. Rogers also shares his own family story of immigration.
  • The Vietnam War led to a wave of migration as refugees fled and the White Australia policy was abandoned. Prominent Vietnamese-Australians join the conversation including Ms Dai Le MP, former journalist and Member for Fowler; Tu Le, lawyer and former politician; and Tam Tac Lam, who arrived on the first refugee boat from Vietnam in 1976.
  • Episode six captures key moments in history under the Howard Government including 9/11, the 2001 Tampa affair, and the ‘children overboard’ scandal. Assadullah Nazari, a survivor of Tampa, shares their reflections. Award-winning Kurdish writer and human rights activist Behrouz Boochani speaks of his years in detention on Manus Island, and we hear from refugees stuck in limbo for over a decade in Australia.
  • Much closer to the present day, Rogers unpacks the narrative around African ‘gangs’ and crime waves exploring how media coverage directly affects communities. Communityactivist Bol Mayan, journalist Jim Malo,and filmmaker Mariam Koslay share their stories.
  • The season finale of Australia Fair tackles the profound effects of the Israel-Gaza conflict on Australia’s social fabric and the surge in anti-Semitic and Islamophobic incidents. Independent Senator Fatima Payman joins Rogers to talk about her outspoken criticism of Israel and departure from the Labor Party.

BERNIE VINCE AND EMMA G KICKSTART 2025 EARLY WITH SAFM’S NEW BREAKFAST SHOW

SCA has today confirmed that Adelaide is set to wake up to a new SAFM Breakfast show with Bernie & Emma G from Monday 11 November. Adelaide’s favourite son, Bernie Vince, has found a new home at SAFM and in exciting news is teaming up with his best mate and fellow Adelaidean Emma ‘Emma G’ Georgiadis to bring a fresh new sound to the streets of Adelaide.

These former workmates (Georgiadis previously anchored The Rush Hour alongside Vince) are great mates in real life and, now back together, they are brimming with excitement as they prepare to launch their new show. Their chemistry is undeniable, and with so much to catch up on, they are ready to dive into engaging conversations, share hilarious stories, and keep the morning energy high.

Fans can expect a show filled with plenty of laughter, playful banter, and spontaneous fun as they reconnect and bring their dynamic friendship to the airwaves, creating an entertaining and lighthearted atmosphere that listeners will love.

Bernie Vince is a former Adelaide Crows and Melbourne Demons Best and Fairest recipient who retired from professional footy in 2018. In 2019 Bernie joined Triple M as part of the footy commentary team and was regularly heard on Dead Set Legends. Beloved for his wit, humour, and AFL insights, who can switch from discussing sports to lifestyle and pop culture, Vince was a fan favourite on Triple M’s The Rush Hour and is now set to reconnect with his longtime mate.

Most recently from the Hit Network’s national Late Nights show The Pulse, Georgiadis has worked in the entertainment and media industry for almost 20 years. A born and bred Adelaidean, with a background in teaching, Emma risked it all to follow her dream as a radio announcer and has amassed an impressive radio resume, including anchor of Triple M’s The Rush Hour, co-host of the Hit Network national Late Nights show and as a Workday announcer on 2DayFM. Now, back in her hometown of Adelaide, Georgiadis is ready to wake up the city with her high energy and passion for music.

Bernie Vince said: “SAFM Breakfast alongside my mate Emma G, how exciting! She is a star, and I can’t wait to get started with this amazing opportunity for the both of us to build something new, even though we’ve worked together on-air for several years. We are both passionate about S.A. and having fun on the radio and I cannot wait ‘til the 11th to give you the pre-season listen to 2025!”

Emma Georgiadis said: “As a passionate Adelaidean, I’m super excited to be back on the airwaves in my hometown, and on the station I listened to and loved growing up. Bern has a magnetic energy and is a legend to work with. We can’t wait to wake up with Adelaide every morning!”

SCA Chief Content Officer, Dave Cameron, said: “Absolutely nothing beats a new Breakfast show that is built on genuine friendship and fun. We cannot wait for Bernie and Emma G’s amazing chemistry, which already exists in their strong relationship, to come to life on air.

“SAFM listeners are in for a fresh new level of energy and cheekiness with these two, who have a long history of working together but now get to do it with their own, exciting new show. Adelaide already loves Bernie, and they’re about to fall in love with Emma G’s infectious vibe. And best of all Adelaide gets an early sneak peek into 2025 with Bernie and Emma G starting in two weeks.

“We would like also to thank Bec and Soda for their passion and contribution during their time on SAFM Breakfast, and wish them all the best for the future,” Cameron concluded.

The SAFM Breakfast show with Bernie & Emma G can be heard from 6am to 9am, Monday to Friday. The new show begins on Monday 11 November.

 

About The Hit Network

The Hit Network is Australia’s biggest radio network broadcasting across metro and regional markets with a unique collection of 50 FM and DAB+ stations. The Hit Network targets people aged 25 – 54, skews female and features a mood focused, ‘feel great’ pop music format alongside the most entertaining local breakfast and national drive shows. It is home to popular personalities including Carrie Bickmore, Tommy Little, Fifi Box, Brendan Fevola, Nick Cody, Abby Coleman, Matty Acton, Stav Davidson and many more.

The Hit Network entertains more than 6 million Aussie radio listeners across B105, 2DayFM, The Fox, SAFM, Mix94.5, Sea FM, 41 Hit stations plus DAB+ stations including Oldskool 90s Hits, Buddha Hits, Oldskool 80s Hits, RnB Fridays Radio and Dance Hits. All Hit Network’s content is also available live or on demand on the LiSTNR app.

Nine Audio launches contextual short form finance advertising solution

Nine today announces the launch of Nine Audio: Finance, a new premium short-form advertising solution adjacent to the network’s finance reports that will enhance the Nine Audio offering and allow for brands to connect with audiences during crucial “lean-in” moments.

With finance content never being in more demand, Nine Audio: Finance is designed to meet growing demand in the finance category and will provide an additional 10 second high-frequency, standalone audio advertising solutions and prominently feature across Nine’s audio assets.

It builds on the success of the Nine Traffic Network (NTN) to expand the range of premium advertising contextual opportunities and create a compelling solution for clients.

Contextual advertising has proven to increase purchase intent by up to 37% (Nielsen Catalina 2024) and allows Nine Audio’s highly-respected finance reports to provide a premium environment for brands to tap into the daily finance conversation.

This new initiative will debut alongside existing premium finance content, with reports airing hourly. Brands will be able to leverage the Nine Audio: Finance reports, which include:

  • Finance updates airing hourly from 6 am to 7 pm, and from 5:30 am to 8:30 am during Breakfast.
  • Adjacent 10-second short-form ad spots, complementing 30-second ads and other finance assets such as Money News.

Additionally, Nine Audio: Finance will offer a range of content under its umbrella, including:

  • Sponsorship and integration opportunities with the Money News Show.
  • Money News Catch Up and Market Wrap podcasts.
  • Finance updates in key programs across the day, including “UNPACKED,” a segment focused on finance topics such as investing.
  • Digital audio coverage across news, business, and finance categories, targeting relevant audience data segments.
  • Further premium ad products in finance, with upcoming extensions into sport and weather.

“Nine Audio: Finance is a game-changer for advertisers in the finance sector,” said Nine’s Director of Sales – Total Audio, Ashley Earnshaw. “It’s a premium, brand-safe environment that allows brands to leverage the higher trust and credibility associated with finance content while connecting with audiences during moments of high engagement.”

Nine Audio: Finance will launch on October 28, with additional audio verticals planned to follow in the new year. 

GET READY, MELBOURNE! FIFI, FEV & NICK ARE THROWING MELBOURNE’S BIGGEST PARTY AND YOU’RE INVITED!

As a huge thank you to The Fox listeners, Melbourne’s #1 FM Breakfast show, Fifi, Fev & Nick, are set to throw Melbourne’s Biggest Party – an epic live music event! This exclusive event will light up the city and features an all-star line-up of Australia’s hottest music acts, including Tones And I, Peking Duk, Illy, Sheppard, Oliver Cronin, Jolyon Petch, Yo! Mafia, and DJ Shergz.

Melbourne’s Biggest Party will take over the iconic 170 Russell on Saturday, 2 November, with tickets exclusively available to The Fox listeners. Fifi, Fev & Nick will bring their trademark energy and a killer soundtrack to Melbourne’s best live music venue for a night listeners won’t forget!

Fifi, Fev & Nick have a proven track record for creating unforgettable Melbourne experiences. From their beloved Brekky in the Burbs shows to the heartfelt Underdogs campaign, the trio consistently brings their audience together for something truly special and Melbourne’s Biggest Party promises to be their greatest event yet!

Hosts of Melbourne’s #1 FM Breakfast show, Fifi Box, Brendan Fevola, and Nick Cody said: “We are so excited to throw this party to say thank you to Melbourne for their incredible support! After the amazing response to our regular Brekky in the Burbs shows, we knew we had to make this party bigger, better, and louder than ever before. We’ve got some massive surprises planned, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you, Melbourne. It’s going to be huge!”

SCA Head of Hit Metro Content and The Fox Content Director, Amanda Lee, said: “Melbourne’s Biggest Party isn’t just another concert – it’s a celebration of Fifi, Fev & Nick’s incredible connection with their loyal listeners and a big thank you for a fantastic year. Only Melbourne’s #1 FM Breakfast show could pull off something this big; it’ll be a party to remember!”

Live music will take the party to the next level. The event will be headlined by Melbourne’s global sensation, Tones And I, who shared: “Thank you, Fifi, Fev & Nick, for inviting me! I haven’t had a party in a while, so I’m pretty excited. You guys did the Singles Party and Las Vegas, and I’ve been wanting to party with you ever since!”

Peking Duk said: “Melbourne! We had so much fun last time we played in your city, and we are coming back for Melbourne’s Biggest Party with our mates Fifi, Fev and Nick! Let’s get sweaty.”

Underworks Founder and Managing Director, Sam Todaro, said: “Having been a part of some of their most iconic moments over the years, Underworks is proud to be partnering again with The Fox for Melbourne’s Biggest Party in 2024. Much like the familiar feeling of putting on your favourite socks each day, Fifi, Fev & Nick are a comforting staple in the morning routine of Melbourne households, and we’ve always felt a special synergy with the show.

“As a family brand, born and raised in Melbourne for over 25 years, Underworks has a unique connection to this city and the community. We’re excited to be getting behind this fantastic initiative to bring the community together, celebrate our homegrown talent and to do something that makes us feel good, that’s what Underworks is all about.”

Melbourne’s Biggest Party tickets are exclusively available to listeners of 101.9 The Fox. Tune in or register now at hit.listnr.com/w/melbourne/ to secure your spot. Hurry—tickets are limited, and they’re going fast!

About The Hit Network

The Hit Network is Australia’s biggest radio network broadcasting across metro and regional markets with a unique collection of 50 FM and DAB+ stations. The Hit Network targets people aged 25 – 54, skews female and features a mood focused, ‘feel great’ pop music format alongside the most entertaining local breakfast and national drive shows. It is home to popular personalities including Carrie Bickmore, Tommy Little, Fifi Box, Brendan Fevola, Nick Cody, Abby Coleman, Matty Acton, Stav Davidson and many more.

The Hit Network entertains more than 6 million Aussie radio listeners across B105, 2DayFM, The Fox, SAFM, Mix94.5, Sea FM, 41 Hit stations plus DAB+ stations including Oldskool 90s Hits, Buddha Hits, Oldskool 80s Hits, RnB Fridays Radio and Dance Hits. All Hit Network’s content is also available live or on demand on the LiSTNR app.

LiSTNR INVESTIGATES A CHILLING TALE OF COERCION AND MURDER IN NEW PODCAST DOCUSERIES CRIME IN FOCUS: KILLER CHARM

The disturbing case of a suburban grandmother who orchestrated the murder of her ex-partner via a woodchipper takes centre stage in the new LiSTNR exclusive docuseries, Crime In Focus: Killer Charm.

Host and acclaimed investigative journalist Tara Cassidy examines how and why Queensland woman Sharon Graham coerced two lovers to stage Bruce Saunders’ death as an accident on a friend’s rural property.

After five years of following the story Cassidy uncovered new information about Sharon Graham and the case, and secured interviews with Graham’s former best friend, as well as her daughter and several ex-lovers who are speaking out for the very first time.

In the six-part series, listeners get access to forensic evidence, witness statements, never-before-heard covert surveillance recordings and police interviews. The investigation exposes patterns of control, greed and coercion, and sheds light on the dangers of how these behaviours emerged in a seemingly harmless woman.

Graham, who was fondly referred to as ‘Muffin’ by those close to her, was more than 90 kilometres away from the scene when the murder took place. However, prosecutors were able to successfully prove that she convinced one of her lovers into committing the crime, and another to help cover it up.

Tara Cassidy was the only journalist who attended every day of Graham’s murder trial and mistrials, giving her unique insights into the case in order to piece together a narrative of multiple murder plots, a complex and tangled love quadrangle, and a long-standing trail of coercion. Her coverage delves into the dark motivations behind Graham’s actions and exposes the intricate web of deceit that ensued.

“This case has intrigued me from the moment it came to light,” Tara Cassidy said. “As an investigative journalist I have covered every step of it and, in this series, I explore what drives someone to such extremes and discover if there were signs that went unnoticed before tragedy struck.

“I was able to secure unheard surveillance recordings and interviews with some of the key people in Sharon’s life, including her own daughter, to give listeners a front row seat to one of Queensland’s most notorious murder cases in recent history.”

LiSTNR Head of Factual, Clair Weaver, said: “The LiSTNR factual team continues to deliver our audiences compelling investigative true crime stories including this extraordinary case. Crime in Focus: Killer Charm promises a fascinating exploration of human behaviour and the consequences of coercion.”

Episodes one and two of Crime in Focus: Killer Charm is available exclusively on LiSTNR. New episodes of the six-part series drop on Wednesdays. To listen to Crime In Focus: Killer Charm, download the LiSTNR app and sign-up to listen for free.

Sharon Graham and Gregory Roser have lodged appeals against their murder convictions.

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