ABC Radio National is proud to introduce a bold new initiative: Citizen Jury — a unique forum where every day Australians come together to tackle the big issues that directly affect their communities.

The inaugural Citizen Jury, presented in collaboration with Dubbo Regional Council and hosted by Natasha Mitchell of ABC Radio National’s Big Ideas program, will convene a diverse cross-section of the local community and other regional stakeholders to address a critical issue: the implementation of renewable energy infrastructure.

Over the past few weeks, this Citizen Jury has been meeting to explore the opportunities and concerns surrounding renewables in regional NSW. Their mission: to find practical, community-driven solutions that reflect the values and needs of the people who live there.

The process culminates in a live public event on Wednesday, 25 June, where the Citizen Jury will present their findings and recommendations on stage at the Western Plains Culture Centre in Dubbo. This powerful moment of civic engagement will be recorded for broadcast on ABC Radio National’s Big Ideas.

The live event is ticketed, and members of the public are warmly invited to attend.  To secure your free seat, please visit the Radio National events page here.

This Saturday at the MCG, The Fox’s Fifi, Fev & Nick and the Carlton Football Club bring back one of radio and the AFL’s most heartwarming moments, giving 22 deserving kids – The Underdogs – the experience of a lifetime.

The Underdogs will run out before the Carlton vs. North Melbourne match this Saturday, 21 June, with the experience brought to life on-air across 101.9 The Fox and Kayo’s match-day coverage. Now in its second year, The Underdogs celebrates a team of kids who have faced exclusion, bullying, illness or hardship, giving them the opportunity to play as part of a team and feel like footy stars for a day.

The Underdogs will get the VIP treatment: a locker room kitted out with a new team guernsey, footy boots and a gift pack. They will also receive a motivational pre-game address from Fox Footy’s Jonathan ‘Browny’ Brown and an exclusive visit to the Fox Footy commentary box. The team will be welcomed with a special message on the official Carlton banner, before being led by Brendan Fevola, Fifi Box and Nick Cody, joined by returning waterboy Andy Lee onto the ground.

Then, the magical moment as the kids run onto the MCG to kick the footy in front of a buzzing crowd and experience the once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Over the past fortnight, The Underdogs has captivated listeners with emotional stories aired on Fifi, Fev & Nick, including the story of 11-year-old Jordan from Curlewis, who was selected after a harrowing bullying incident left him too scared to return to school.

Fifi Box said: “Jordan is exactly why we created The Underdogs – for kids who feel excluded to know that they are valued, celebrated, and part of something special. There’s nothing like the magic of the MCG, and we want every child to know they deserve to feel like a star.”

Carlton Football Club captain, Patrick Cripps, said: “The Underdogs initiative is so great. The rush of adrenaline and the smile on your face you get when you run out onto the MCG is really special, so we are so excited to be able to give these kids the chance to experience what we get to on a game day.

“This is the stuff I love to do as an AFL player, to give back to the community. These kids will get a moment they won’t forget and will be with them the rest of their lives, and hopefully it builds a lot of confidence and self-esteem. I am sure every Blues fan there will make them feel more than welcome,” Cripps concluded.

The Underdogs will take the field before the 1:20pm bounce at the MCG tomorrow, Saturday, 21 June. Experience the magical moments of The Underdogs on-air and across socials on Fifi, Fev & Nick from 6-9am weekdays on 101.9 The Fox – or download the LiSTNR app and listen for free.

Don’t miss Carlton v North Melbourne, where the Blues will also be celebrating their Cultural Heritage Series game. Fans wanting to support The Underdogs live at the MCG can use the code ‘Underdogs’ via ticketek.com.au to receive 30% off tickets for the match.

Meet the 2025 Underdogs Team:

Adeline (9, Darley), Andi (9, Point Cook), Braxton (10, Point Cook), Dallas (12, Doreen), Declan (6, Darley), Ebony (7, Carrum Downs), Hailey (10, Balaclava), Harley (10, Clyde), Harry (10, Ferntree Gully), Hendrix (11, Avondale Heights), Hugo (9, Rye) Ivie (9, Doreen), Jordan (11, Curlewis), Josh (9, The Basin), Liam (6, Endeavour Hills), Logan (9, Mooroolbark), Ryder (10, Point Cook), Sebastian (8, Carlton) Sienna (11, Bonbeach), Xander (10, Berwick), Xavier (8, Wallan), and Zion (9, Strathulloh).

Watch the inspiring stories from the previous editions of The Underdogs:

HERE and HERE.

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.

One in three Australians aged 25–54 stream radio weekly, with half of Australians consuming podcasts monthly.

Commercial radio continues to dominate Australia’s audio landscape, reaching 15 million people weekly, four times more than ad-supported Spotify, according to The Infinite Dial Australia 2025 released today by Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) and Edison Research. 

The ninth annual report was presented at a webinar led by Edison Research President Larry Rosin, alongside panellists Margie Reid (CEO, Thinkerbell), and Lauren Joyce (Chief Audience and Content Officer, ARN). The findings reveal accelerated audio consumption across multiple platforms, with half of Australians (52%) choosing to consume audio or video podcasts monthly. 

“With one in three Australians aged 25–54 now streaming radio weekly, up 6.5% since last year, and half of Australians consuming podcasts monthly, the message is loud and clear: audio delivers scale, impact and connection and gives audiences what they want, when they want, however they want it,” said CRA CEO Lizzie Young. 

According to Edison President Larry Rosin, “The Infinite Dial 2025 Australia report highlights radio’s strong appeal across all age groups even as so many other options proliferate. Commercial radio delivers the most reach among all audio options for Australian advertisers.” 

Total radio remains the top choice for in-car audio, with 84% of Australians 18+ who travelled in a car in the past month tuning in while on the road. The format’s digital evolution is clear, more than one in four Australians stream radio in their cars, demonstrating how audiences are embracing new ways to access their favourite content. 

The report also reveals that smart speaker ownership remains a fixture for four in ten Australian households, maintaining its role as popular touchpoint for audience connection.  

“For advertisers, audio connects brands across the entire customer journey whether it’s trusted scale for brand awareness, precision targeting, or influencing highly engaged audiences – audio’s versatility makes it the most effective and essential medium in any media strategy,” added Young. 

Source: The Infinite Dial 2025, Edison Research. Data referring to Australians aged 10+ unless otherwise stated. 

About Infinite Dial: The Infinite Dial Australia 2025 explores Australians’ audio consumption across AM/FM, DAB+, and online platforms, alongside broader trends in online media usage and technology adoption. Now in its ninth year, the study is modelled on Edison Research’s U.S. Infinite Dial (est. 1998), the longest-running study of digital media behaviour globally. Enables direct comparisons across Australia, New Zealand, UK and the U.S.  National survey of 1,543 Australians aged 10+, conducted in Q1 2025 (fieldwork 25 March – 21 April 2025). – 1,240 interviews online | 303 interviews via telephone. Data weighted to national 10+ population figures. 

About Edison Research : Edison Research conducts survey research and provides strategic information to a broad array of clients worldwide, having conducted research in 75 countries. Edison Research’s The Infinite Dial® series has been the survey of record for digital audio, social media, podcasting, smart speakers, and other media-related technologies since 1998. The company’s Share of Ear® survey is the only single-source measure of all audio in the U.S. Edison Research is the leading podcast research company in the world, producing the only survey-based data on podcast listening in the U.S, Edison Podcast Metrics, and has conducted research for many companies in the space. Since 2004, Edison Research has been the sole provider of election data and analysis to the National Election Pool (ABC News, CBS News, CNN, NBC News) for every presidential primary and general election.    

About Commercial Radio & Audio: Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) is the peak industry body representing the interests of commercial radio broadcasters across Australia. CRA promotes the effectiveness of radio and audio to advertisers, manages audio research and insights, the metropolitan and regional audience measurement surveys, the official Australian Podcast Ranker, revenue reporting, industry innovation, industry codes and standards, and regulatory and legislative matters. CRA hosts the ACRA Awards and HEARD, the audio industry showcase. We also collaborate with the broader digital audio ecosystem to grow the total market and provide services to the public and part public audio broadcasting services.

Nine Radio today announced the appointment of Amanda Unwin as Sydney Director for Nine Audio Sales, effective July 1. This strategic hire underscores Nine’s significant investment in the audio landscape and its commitment to delivering unparalleled commercial solutions across its growing audio assets.

Unwin brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for audio to her new role, where she will report directly to Brian Gallagher, Nine’s Commercial Director – Audio. Her appointment is pivotal in supporting the change management of Nine Audio’s new sales structure and driving growth for Nine’s audio portfolio.

“As we transition Nine Audio sales to a new model, I’m excited that we have been able to attract talent of Amanda’s calibre and experience in audio,” said Gallagher. “She will provide our excellent Sydney team with the leadership they need to thrive in the new structure. Amanda is extremely well respected in the Sydney advertising market and we expect her to make a big impact on her return.”

With a career spanning over 12 years in Sydney with Southern Cross Austereo (SCA), and most recently as Head of Sales for SCA Perth, Unwin has a proven track record of driving success in the audio sector. She has worked with Australia’s top advertisers, including Telstra, McDonald’s, the Federal Government, Woolworths, and Harvey Norman, demonstrating her ability to forge deep brand connections and exceed client expectations.

“I’m thrilled to be back in the Sydney market and once again working under Brian’s leadership,” said Unwin. “His clear vision for Nine’s Audio Sales comes at a pivotal time for our industry, and I’m energised by the opportunity to contribute to such a defining chapter.”

“It’s a privilege to keep championing a channel I’m deeply passionate about, and I’m especially looking forward to exploring a new format to drive meaningful growth for our partners. I can’t wait to reconnect with the brilliant minds across Sydney.

“Unwin’s expertise and dedication to people leadership, fostering teams to reach their highest professional potential, align perfectly with Nine’s collaborative sales culture. Her problem-solving abilities and unwavering drive will be instrumental in delivering exceptional service to Nine’s clients.

This strategic move reinforces Nine’s Total Audio approach, which forms an integral part of Nine’s overall sales strategy and unrivalled commercial offering across Total TV, Total Publishing, and Total Audio. This integrated approach ensures clients can reach the widest and most diverse audiences in Australia, playing to Nine’s strengths of scale and reach across platforms. It also provides greater capability to unlock more advertising opportunities in what talk radio does best – live, local, and deeper brand connections with listeners.

The refreshed audio sales teams will further enhance Nine’s capability to deliver campaigns that suit clients big or small, national or local, helping them engage and grow connections with audiences. Whether a multi-platform campaign or more local, immediate, and radio-specific initiatives, this structure offers the best of both worlds for brands looking to leverage the power of audio.

Nine’s Streaming and Broadcast division has today outlined its strategic direction as a new function, including a new leadership team and ways of working. 

The move, unveiled by Nine’s Managing Director Streaming and Broadcast, Amanda Laing, is designed to drive growth and revenue opportunities for Nine and accelerate key initiatives as part of the Nine2028 transformation program. It follows the new Group Operating Model and the creation of the Streaming and Broadcast Division announced in January. 

The key changes include the creation of new roles with expanded responsibility for Channel 9, 9Now and Stan for the first time, including: 

• Executive Director – Entertainment 

Michael Healy’s four decades of experience creating successful local content that resonates with Australian audiences will be leveraged across our free and subscription broadcast and streaming products. Michael has an innate sensibility of what Australian audiences want to watch, the talent they love, and the stories that will strike a chord.  

• Executive Director – Entertainment Content Acquisitions

Led by Cailah Scobie who has extensive experience across free and paid platforms, excellent credentials as a negotiator and deal-maker, and an ability to identify content which will drive advertising and subscription revenues. 

• Executive Director – News & Current Affairs

Fiona Dear will continue to lead News & Current Affairs and drive this integral division and its storytelling across all brands, as well as the transformation of 9News. 

• Sport

Sport is at the core of Nine’s DNA and the biggest single area of investment across the Nine Group. Wide World of Sports and Stan Sport are the foundation of our world-class reputation in sport production. To realise the full potential of this and drive efficiencies, these production teams will be brought together under the leadership of Brent Williams. 

Amanda Laing will lead a strategic program across all other elements of the Nine Group’s sport business to identify further opportunities for efficiencies and growth across advertising and subscription revenues, rights, and partnerships. 

• Chief Strategy Officer – Streaming and Broadcast

A newly created position to help drive strategic analysis, planning, decisions and execution across our suite of free and paid products. Nine will soon commence recruitment for this position. 

• Chief Marketing Officer – Streaming and Broadcast 

A newly created role to lead a coordinated marketing team of passionate brand specialists working across multiple platforms and channels. Nine will soon commence recruitment for this position. 

• Nine’s State Managing Directors

In QLD (Kylie Blucher), WA (Clive Bingwa) and SA (Sean O’Brien) will now report to Amanda Laing, to enable the growth of all Streaming and Broadcast businesses in those markets.

Complementing these structural and operational changes, three executives will have accountability for the P+L and strategic goals of Nine Group’s streaming and broadcast products. 

• Executive Director – Channel 9, 9 multi-channels and 9Now 

Hamish Turner will have responsibility for the P+L of these free television and free streaming businesses.

• Executive Director – Stan  

With Stan a core growth opportunity for Nine, Dan Taylor will be responsible for the P+L of Stan.

• Managing Director – Radio

As an important part of the Nine Group, Radio will continue to operate as it does today, delivering revenue and EBITDA contributions to the Nine Group under Tom Malone’s leadership.

Nine Managing Director Streaming and Broadcast, Amanda Laing said: “There is immense opportunity to drive growth for the Nine Group and strong momentum already underway. 

“While Nine’s streaming and broadcast brands have enjoyed independent success, our strength lies in the power of the Nine Group and today’s changes are the first step in unlocking that potential. 

“We’re lucky enough to have some of the industry’s top talent and I’m excited to leverage their experience across our streaming and broadcast brands.”

These changes are effective 1 July 2025 and all roles will report directly to Amanda Laing. 

More than 625,000 people listened to the ABC’s Mushroom Case Daily podcast in May according to the Triton Australian Podcast Ranker released today.

The result landed the podcast at number 5 in the top 200, up 136 places from April.

The podcast has been following the trial of Erin Patterson as it happens in a court in regional Victoria. Court reporter Kristian Silva, producer Stephen Stockwell and journalist Rachael Brown have been keeping audiences up to date with the trial with daily episodes covering the highlights from court and breaking down the legal process along the way.

Since it began producing daily episodes, Mushroom Case Daily has become the ABC’s most successful podcast in a decade. It is the #1 podcast on Apple Australia’s podcast chart, is #2 on Spotify’s Trending chart, and has broken into the Spotify Top 20 – a first for an ABC podcast. This week, it also made Apple’s top 30 podcasts chart in the UK.

Mushroom Case Daily has also been featured on The Project, Mamamia and The Washington Post.

“This case is captivating Australia and the world and the ABC has endeavoured to create a responsible and honest portrait of the trial as it unfolds” said ABC Head of Audio on Demand, Jessica Radburn.

“Listeners are incredibly engaged with the show, with our team receiving hundreds of emails daily. I’m very proud that our team has been able to respond to this audience need and bring listeners as close to the court experience as possible.”

For the first time since joining the ranker, the ABC had 4 podcasts feature in the top 10 in May. Mushroom Case Daily joined ABC News Tops Stories which maintained its number 3 spot with ABC News Daily also holding their position at number 8 and Conversations climbing one rank to number 10.

The ABC had 3.2 million listeners across our podcast slate last month, our highest ever result and an increase of 410,000 listeners month-on-month.

The ABC retained our number 4 publisher spot and had more podcasts in the top 200 than any other publisher with 30 ABC titles making the list in May.

The full Triton Australian Podcast Ranker can be found here.

Audiences can enjoy every episode of Mushroom Case Daily for free and ad free on ABC listen.

The Australian Podcast Ranker is a regular monthly snapshot of Australia’s most popular podcasts. The Ranker has been reporting podcast listening in Australia since 2019 and includes a wide cross section of Australian podcast publishers, from both radio and non-radio backgrounds.

ARN has announced that acclaimed journalist and presenter Alex Cullen is joining The Christian O’Connell Show on GOLD104.3 as the show’s resident sports guru.

With more than two decades of experience across news and sport, Alex brings sharp insight, a quick wit and infectious energy to the top-rating breakfast show. Alex and his young family will be relocating to Melbourne ahead of his on-air debut in July this year.

Christian O’Connell said: “AIex is a real talent and a very funny and likeable guy. I called him out of the blue a few weeks ago and we hit it off like old mates. He came over for a rigorous interview with me, that to onlookers may have looked like a long lunch with flowing red wine, but we bonded over being dads and a shared love of storytelling and how sport could be delivered on my show. I can’t wait for him to join my team and start working together, we are going to be like the Chicago Bulls of the 90s, or the Dees of 2021.”

Alex Cullen said: “This is such an exciting next chapter for me. I actually started my career in radio, so to be coming back to it and joining a show that’s so loved and so full of heart is a real thrill. I can’t wait to be on air with Christian, Pats and Rio, and to get to know Melbourne – my family and I are thrilled to be making it our new home.”

The Christian O’Connell Show has consistently held the crown as Melbourne’s #1 FM Breakfast show, blending genuine connection, offbeat humour and great storytelling. Alex will bring daily sports updates along with his trademark warmth and perspective on all things footy, cricket, and beyond.

Alex has spent more than 20 years working across some of Australia’s major media networks, covering everything from international sporting events to major breaking news. His career began in regional radio before moving into television, and his passion for good storytelling has taken him around the world. A passionate advocate for brain cancer research, Alex is also a proud dad of three.

Stay tuned for his first official show – coming soon to GOLD104.3.

The latest official Australian Podcast Ranker has been released by Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) and Triton Digital. Below are the top five charts for May. The complete charts can be viewed here.

In May 2025, average weekly listenership hit 7 million, matching the record-breaking peak set in March 2025. This strong performance from our participating publishers reflects continued interest in on-demand audio from Australian listeners.

Australian Podcast Ranker top five podcasts May 2025
Podcast		Producer	Monthly Listeners
1	The Mel Robbins Podcast	SiriusXM Podcast Network	1,034,681
2	Hamish & Andy	LiSTNR (SCA)	902,293
3	ABC News Top Stories	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	851,102
4	Mamamia Out Loud	Mamamia	625,692
5	Shameless Mushroom Case Daily	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	625,029

Australian Podcast Ranker top five genres May 2025
Genre		Monthly Listeners
1	Society & Culture	5,519,093
2	News	5,391,007
3	True Crime	4,725,502
4	Sports	4,314,486
5	Comedy	3,818,812

Australian Podcast Ranker top five podcast publishers May 2025
Publisher		Monthly Listeners
1	ARN/iHeart	4,435,726
2	LiSTNR (SCA)	3,728,429
3	SiriusXM Podcast Network	3,448,849
4	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	3,199,639
5	News Corp Australia	2,388,491

Top five sales representatives by monthly listeners May 2025
Sales representatives		Publishers represented	Monthly Listeners
1	LiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA) / SiriusXM Podcast Network / audiochuck / Wondery / DM Podcasts / NBCUniversal News Group	8,658,091
2	ARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeartMedia / Audioboom / AdLarge Media / Sport Social Podcast Network / The Athletic / The Investors Podcast Network / All Ears English / Sony Music / Clubby Sports / NZME / TED / BBC	7,551,499
3	NOVA Entertainment	NOVA Entertainment / News Corp Australia / Podshape/ Schwartz Media / Johns Media	3,814,565
4	News Corp Australia	News Corp Australia	2,388,491
5	Nine	Nine Radio / Nine Publishing	1,672,729

 About the Australian Podcast Ranker 

The Australian Podcast Ranker is a monthly snapshot of the top 200 podcasts listened to by Australians, the top 200 Australian podcasts, the 20 biggest publishers and the 20 most successful podcast sales representatives. 

The Australian Podcast Ranker is an industry initiative commissioned by CRA and published by Triton Digital. Results comply with IAB Podcast Measurement Technical Guidelines. 

Get ready to dive deep into one of Australian sport’s most fascinating trends. 3AW Football is thrilled to announce the launch of The AFL’s Irish Invasion, a compelling, feature-length podcast that pulls back the curtain on the booming recruitment of Irish talent into the AFL and AFLW. 

With a record number of former Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) stars gracing club lists in 2025, this special podcast explores why Ireland has become such a hotbed for Aussie Rules hopefuls.

Crafted and hosted by 3AW Football’s dedicated AFLW reporter, Laura Spurway, The AFL’s Irish Invasion takes listeners on a journey to understand the powerful draw of professional sport in Australia for these gifted athletes. Why are so many choosing to leave behind successful GAA careers for a game still relatively unknown beyond our shores?

You’ll hear firsthand from those who’ve made the leap, including former AFL players Marty Clarke (Collingwood) and Ciarán Byrne (Carlton), who share their unique experiences transitioning from junior Gaelic football standouts to AFL stars.

Spurway also spends time with Carlton Football Club’s latest AFLW recruits and lifelong best friends, Síofra O’Connell and Aisling Reidy. These inspiring women from GAA club Doora-Barefield offer a fresh, intimate perspective on their decision to chase a dream on the other side of the world.

“We’re incredibly proud to present this feature-length podcast,” says Luca Gonano, Head of 3AW Football. “It truly shines a light on the exceptional work being done by the AFL and its clubs to attract Irish athletes to our great game, showcasing the passion and talent that’s making this ‘invasion’ such a success story.”

The AFL’s Irish Invasion is available for download right now via 3AW.com.au or wherever you get your 3AW podcasts. 

About 3AW Football: 3AW Football is Australia’s premier voice for Australian Rules Football, delivering unparalleled news, insightful analysis, and vibrant commentary across radio and digital platforms.