August 2025 – Page 2

ABC International Development launches international media networking platform

The Indo-Pacific Media Network launches this week, linking “alumni” from ABC International Development (ABCID) programs and creating a dynamic way for journalists and media professionals in Asia and the Pacific to exchange ideas, build relationships and identify career development opportunities.

The Network will operate via a newly created private Facebook Group and is open to anyone who has participated in ABCID programs.

ABCID Manager Jo Elsom said, “We are building a cross-border community to harness the unlimited potential of approximately 6,000 media professionals across 23 countries in the Indo-Pacific region who have been part of ABCID programs since 2020.”

“This will be a dedicated space for ongoing learning and professional development, where media professionals who are passionate about serving their communities and the public interest can lean on each other to navigate industry challenges such as information integrity, skills development, business sustainability, artificial intelligence and mis- and disinformation.”

ABCID will manage the network, developed in consultation with media from 10 countries in Asia and the Pacific. ABCID supports leaders, journalists, content makers, broadcast technicians and media organisations working in news, sport, content production, behaviour change communications and media sector development.

Learn more about how to join the Indo-Pacific Media Network here.

ABC appoints Milla McPhee as Director, Audiences

Posted Yesterday at 9:22am, updated Yesterday at 9:26am

Portrait image of Milla McPhee, ABC Director Audiences

ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks has announced the appointment of Milla McPhee as Director, Audiences.

Milla is currently Chief Strategy Officer of Droga5 and Managing Director at Accenture Song. Previously she was Head of Brand and Creative Strategy for Amazon in Europe, leading brand and strategy development across Amazon’s global portfolio of brands.

Milla is a recognised leader in brand positioning, audience insight and creative strategy. She has helped develop strategies for some of Australia’s most complex and trusted brands including NRMA, Telstra, Optus, Tourism Australia, Australia Post and Qantas.

Milla McPhee: ”It is an extraordinarily rare opportunity to help reflect how a nation sees itself. The ABC is one of our most vital public institutions and enduring cultural icons. Its role as our most trusted source of understanding and shared meaning has never been more essential. 

“I’m honoured to join the leadership team at such a critical moment for media, creativity, and Australia’s cultural identity.”

Hugh Marks: “Milla clearly has an incredibly strategic and creative mind that will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen the relationship between the ABC, its programs and services, and all Australians.

“She will bring a unique perspective and audience focused approach to the leadership team, contributing to the ABC’s delivery of memorable and distinctive content experiences.”

Milla starts with the ABC on 8 September 2025.

CRA REPORTS $309 MILLION TOTAL RADIO REVENUE FOR Q2

Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) has reported total radio revenue of $309.2 million for Q2 2025, remaining stable year-on-year (YOY) as strong digital growth powers performance.

Metro broadcast radio remained stable at $177.1 million, while regional radio saw a 5.3% YOY dip to $103.4 million. The flat result comes amid election-related advertising shifts and softness in a few key brand categories.

Digital audio revenue continued its upward trajectory, rising 27.4% to total $28.7 million.

CRA noted that it had several major projects in train set to drive future growth, including the CRA Audio ID solution to deliver smarter targeting, an upgraded RadioApp to enhance consumer engagement, and a new national campaign showing brands the Power of Audio.

Lizzie Young, CEO of CRA said: “The strength of digital growth and the consistency of metro broadcast are clear signals of audio’s enduring value. While there are challenges in the broader advertising sector which we have felt in some regional markets, it’s clear to us where the market is shifting, and we’re acting to capture more of that demand.”

“Advertisers are requiring more certainty for investment confidence. They need more insight, more efficiency, more return; audio is perfectly positioned to deliver on all fronts. With CRA Audio ID launching, our upgraded RadioApp rolling out, and our Power of Audio campaign hitting the market, we’re giving advertisers the tools and proof points they need to unlock audio’s full potential. Supporting it with a clear total audio strategy to perform at their best.”

Source: CRA revenue results were compiled by media analytics firm Milton Data. Broadcast revenue includes metro and regional advertising, while digital audio encompasses streaming and podcasting.

ARN Appoints Angelo Sinibaldi To Lead Data Product Strategy And Commercialisation

ARN has appointed one of Australia’s most respected data experts, Angelo Sinibaldi, as Director of Data Product Strategy and Commercialisation, a newly created role responsible for leading the strategy, development and commercialisation of ARN’s data offerings.

Reporting to Ben Campbell, Director of Digital Strategy, Data & Digital Ventures, he will lead ARN’s commercial data product portfolio – developing the go-to-market strategy, building strategic partnerships, and driving new revenue streams through innovative, insight-led data products.

ARN has three million registered users via iHeart – the leading digital platform for live radio streaming, podcasts, music streaming and artist radio.

Angelo brings 25 years’ experience in senior data roles in Australia. He has led the development of data strategy and monetisation for Acxiom, Experian and Australia Post’s former data division, First Direct. Most recently, he was the Director – Data Commercialisation and Strategy at Nine Entertainment Co. He has been a long-standing member of the IAB Australia Data Council and has played an active role in shaping industry-wide data standards and infrastructure.

Ben Campbell, Director of Digital Strategy, Data & Digital Ventures at ARN, said: “Digital audio is the fastest growing channel in Australia and globally, with the iHeart Network reaching more than seven million Australians every month. The opportunity to leverage ARN and iHeart’s powerful first-party data to enhance how brands connect with our massive audience is enormous. Angelo is one of Australia’s data leaders with deep expertise in this space. We couldn’t be happier to welcome Angelo to the ARN team and look forward to the contribution he’ll make in shaping ARN’s data strategy and products for our advertisers.”

Angelo Sinibaldi said: “Australians are consuming more digital audio than ever before. ARN has a leading first-party data asset via its long-standing strategic partnership with iHeart, with deep insight into Australians’ demographics, listening habits, behaviours, and interests. There’s huge potential to unlock value for clients and agencies.”

Angelo commences at ARN today, Monday 11 August 2025.

XAV & KATIE SIGN MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT WITH 92.9 TRIPLE M BREAKFAST

92.9 Triple M has today announced that Xavier Ellis and Katie Lamb have signed a multi-year deal with the station, continuing their run as hosts of Perth’s popular local breakfast show.

The new deal will see Triple M’s Xav & Katie continue to wake up Perth, bringing their unmistakable chemistry and genuine friendship to the airwaves each weekday morning.

Since launching the show in 2024, the duo has struck a powerful chord with listeners across the city, recently delivering the best-ever Breakfast result in Triple M Perth’s history, with a 13.4% share*, and the strongest on the 92.9 frequency since 2010. The show also recorded an increase of 41,000 listeners, reaching a cumulative audience of 239,000. Xav & Katie also claimed the coveted #1 spot in the ‘Audience that Matters’ (All People 25–54) with a 24.1% share* and recorded a #1 result with Men 25–54 (31.9%)* in the latest GfK radio ratings survey.

Xav said: “People receive medals for winning races, returning from war and working multiple years with Katie Lamb. It’s a privilege to speak daily with our friends throughout Perth every morning and I’m so happy to be able to extend that into the future. I can’t wait to meet Katie’s beautiful daughter and beyond that, I’m excited to spend each morning with Katie next year.”

Katie said: “Really excited to lock in a few more years at Triple M with Xav and his four nipples!

“I’ve loved working on the breakfast show so far, so many laughs on and off the air, it makes those 4am alarm clocks totally worth it! Can’t wait to return next year with plenty more content being a new Mum, any advice and guidance from our listeners will be welcome as I literally have no idea what I’m doing…

“Looking forward to more people joining in on the banter with X-man and me for your morning commute!”

James Speed, Group Content Director Perth SCA, said: “Since joining forces in 2024, Xav & Katie have taken off in the breakfast slot. Their genuine friendship and chemistry are unreal, it’s like listening to a bunch of mates having a laugh, and the audience is loving it. The show’s already made its mark in the market, and we’re only just getting started.

“Today’s announcement is a reflection of how much belief we have in this team and where they’re headed. They’ve already delivered some outstanding results, and the momentum is building. Triple M’s made a real statement in 2025, the ratings tell us Perth is on board, and we’re pumped to keep delivering local content that hits home. We’re also focused on working closely with our clients and partners to achieve genuine, long-term success together.”

Katie will return to the show in 2026 following parental leave. In the meantime, Dani Shuey will continue to join Xav in the Triple M studio each morning from 5:30am.

Kent ‘Smallzy’ Small to leave NOVA Entertainment after 23 years

Kent ‘Smallzy’ Small has decided to leave NOVA Entertainment after 23 stellar years on the network.

In what is genuinely an ‘end of an era’ moment, Smallzy will sign-off one last time from Smallzy’s Surgery at the end of this week.

The numbers speak for themselves with the Surgery dominating its timeslot, having spent over 13 years and 92 surveys as the #1 choice for Australians.

Smallzy’s Surgery effectively invented the format in this country and, year after year, listeners have come to Nova FM every weekday evening for a unique take on pop culture, music news and celebrity gossip. All of this has been underpinned by the relationships Smallzy has built, and the unparalleled access he enjoys to the world’s biggest stars.

A word from the man himself:

“The time has come to hang up the headphones in Smallzy’s Surgery. What a ride. I’m so proud to have been part of the Nova network since the beginning. When I started the show, I never would have imagined getting to do the things I have done, from celebrity interviews, to Nova’s Red Room and travelling the globe covering the biggest events. They’ve all made the show something very, very special.

Thank you to everyone who’s been part of the show, including the wider NOVA team behind the scenes. I leave with fond memories, lifelong friendships, but most importantly I’m grateful to every single person who has ever chosen to spend their night with me.”

Smallzy will broadcast his final show this Friday 15th August from 8pm-10pm.

NOVA Entertainment would like to thank Smallzy and we wish him all the best for what comes next.

CRA REPORTS $309 MILLION TOTAL RADIO REVENUE FOR Q2

Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) has reported total radio revenue of $309.2 million for Q2 2025, remaining stable year-on-year (YOY) as strong digital growth powers performance.

Digital audio revenue continued its upward trajectory, rising 27.4% to total $28.7 million.

Source: CRA revenue results were compiled by media analytics firm Milton Data. Broadcast revenue includes metro and regional advertising, while digital audio encompasses streaming and podcasting.

The 2025 CBAA Conference program is here

We’re excited to unveil the 2025 CBAA Conference program!

Taking place in Hobart from 23–25 October, the program will feature sector leaders and experts exploring the many facets of community broadcasting. We hope you’ll find it educational, entertaining and inspiring.

Some program highlights

Putting Your Station on the Map: on awareness, talent branding and station identity, featuring Mona’s DarkLab Music Director Kimberley Galceran, RTRFM‘s Pamela Boland and author Matt Romania.
The Next Step in Station Fundraising: join 3MBS‘s Stephen Pyk in exploring how to identify, attract and retain donors.
The Future Is Accessible: Innovation Through Inclusion: experts in disability media break down the benefits of inclusion for broadcasters and people with disability.
Small Station, Big Impact: a hands-on workshop for smaller stations with big ambition featuring representatives from the Community Broadcasting Foundation (CBF) and Technorama.
AI and Media: Opportunities, Challenges and Audience Trust: Dr Michael Davis from UTS will summarise how news and media industries are using AI technology in 2025

Sessions by stream

This year’s program continues the popular three-stream format, Business, Content and Foundations, so you can easily find sessions tailored to your role and interests.

Business of Broadcasting
Dive into practical sessions on topics like risk management, donor strategy and international trends. This stream is ideal for station managers, board members and anyone working on governance, income and sustainability.

Content of Broadcasting
For program makers, content curators and music lovers, this stream covers everything from music programming to news and specialty storytelling. If you’re passionate about what goes to air, this stream is for you.

Foundations of Broadcasting
In partnership with the Community Media Training Organisation (CMTO), this stream offers introductory sessions on core skills, including sport broadcasting, on-air branding and archival. This stream is ideal for newer broadcasters or those looking to sharpen the basics.

Register now to save

The second release of conference tickets is on sale now for $695, but only until 14 September. After this date, prices rise to $895.

POSITION: Station Manager, Orange Community Broadcasters, Orange NSW

The Role

Manage the local community radio station based in Orange NSW and serving local communities across The Central West. A full-time role working 38 hours a week. Some weekend and evening work required. The successful applicant must have the ability to obtain a Working With Children Check.

About Us

Work from our studio in the beautiful city of Orange, to provide a 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 received the funding to upgrade our broadcast equipment. You will be working in state-of-the-art digital studios. We can be heard across the Central West of NSW
FM107.5, 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.
Demonstrated ability to meet strategic plan milestones and budget goals.
High editorial judgement skills and ability to contribute to a broad spectrum of community program planning.

About you

Previous experience in the community/commercial broadcasting sector.
A demonstrated understanding of the role the community sector plays in the Australian media landscape.
Proven track record of raising advertising/sponsorship revenue at community and/or commercial media level.
Experience in management of the presentation and production of local radio programs, preferably with strong on-air presentation skills.
Technical knowledge of broadcasting systems.
Proven ability to lead and work effectively in a team of volunteers.

To chat about the opportunity call:

Indi Wood, Manager – Ph: 0421 154 426 or email secretary@fm1075.com.au using the subject line: Station Manager – Orange enquiry via EthicalJobs.

THE ORGANISATION

Orange Community Broadcasters Ltd. (OCB) – FM107.5 – operates a community radio license to broadcast across Blayney, Cabonne and Orange Local Government Areas and surrounding parts of the Central West of NSW. The studio is located upstairs above the Senior Citizens’ Hub in Orange and the transmitter is on Mount Canobolas (Gaanha-bula), both in Wiradjuri Country.

OCB 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.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The purpose of the Station Manager role is to manage operations and growth of the station and collaborate with the Board to achieve the strategic plan and to build the capacity of FM107.5 to ensure the long-term sustainability of the radio station, including the ongoing funding of this role.

To achieve this objective, the manager will be required to acquire sponsorship income, donations, gifts and grants.

Salary Package/Benefits

Minimum $35 per hour (depending on experience and qualifications of applicant) + 11.5% superannuation

Hours/Days

Minimum 38 hours per week. Some weekend and evening work is required for events, volunteer support and meetings. Flexible to work additional hours to deliver projects funded by grants.