With disruption and change as constant forces transforming the creative industries, the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) has announced its fifth Digital Futures Summit – a free, interactive online event focused on the theme of Anticipation: Imagining the Screen and Audio Industry in 2030.  

Featuring five consecutive sessions on Thursday 26 June 2025, the summit is an opportunity for creative leaders, educators and policymakers in the Australian and international screen and audio industry to come together to anticipate, prepare for and help shape the future of the industry.    

Bringing together the bright minds at the forefront of innovative practice and policy, key speakers include: Doug Shapiro, author of The Mediator, independent advisor, strategist and media analyst; Lynette Wallworth, Australian artist and filmmaker;   Grainne Brunsdon, Chief Operating Officer, Screen Australia; Professor Marnie Hughes-Warrington AO, Provost and Chief Academic Office, Standing Acting Vice Chancellor, University of South Australia; and Jakob Kirstein Høgel, Head of Education and Research, National Film School of Denmark.  

Storytelling plays a pivotal role in crafting futures and this summit will explore both opportunities the industry has to shape the future, and the possibilities that may await us. Conversations will cover how we build capacity and infrastructure for sustainability and change and offer ideas for how we frame and build structures, spaces, relationships and learning environments for a better future.  

AFTRS CEO Dr Nell Greenwood said: “For the last 50 years AFTRS has proudly supported industry with research that allows us to keep an eye on a longer horizon, and we are thrilled to be hosting our fifth Digital Futures Summit on the theme of Anticipation. Bringing together big brains and deep thinkers to consider the future of our screen and audio industry, the range of panels will allow us to collectively anticipate the changes ahead, and consider strategies to create a resilient, sustainable and thriving industry.”  

AFTRS Head of Research Dr Alejandra Canales said: “This year’s theme of Anticipation is an opportunity to imagine possible futures across all sectors of our industry, and we invite everyone to be involved in these stimulating and thought-provoking sessions. We are pleased to present an outstanding line-up of speakers who will offer valuable insights into the foreseeable future of screen and audio, with consideration given to emerging technologies, global and local developments, and broader external influences. AFTRS is committed to fostering the exchange of ideas by bringing together experts and influential thinkers to reflect, imagine and articulate essential questions that can propel us forward, guided by a spirit of thoughtful, excited anticipation.”  

Featured speaker Doug Shapiro said: “The media business is grappling with deep structural challenges, many of them rooted in the disruption of content distribution, enabled by the internet. Now, a second wave is coming – the falling cost of content creation, enabled by generative AI. The pace of change can be overwhelming, but it will also present opportunities for those media companies that confront it head on.”  

Details of the five sessions are listed below:  

Session 1 | The Next Disruption of Media: In Conversation with Doug Shapiro  

The Summit opens with Doug Shapiro, author of The Mediator, independent advisor, strategist and media analyst. In an in-depth conversation with Australian media leader and communicator Paula Kruger, Shapiro will reflect on where we are today in the media and screen industry, how we anticipate emerging disruptions and better prepare for them, and an opportunity to imagine where we want the industry to go.  

Session 2 | Ingenuity and Imagination: The Future of Creative Education  

How will creative education evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing industrial and cultural landscape and be able to thrive? This panel brings together thought leaders in education, industry and research to explore and envision the future of learning environments, training and the role of technology in shaping tomorrow’s learners. AFTRS CEO Dr Nell Greenwood moderates this panel with speakers Professor Marnie Hughes-Warrington AO, Provost and Chief Academic Office, Standing Acting Vice Chancellor, University of South Australia, and Jakob Kirstein Høgel, Head of Education and Research, National Film School of Denmark.  

Session 3 | Producing 2030  

What skills and business models will producers need to develop or hone to thrive in the future? In this session – featuring Grainne Brunsdon, Chief Operating Officer, Screen Australia, and Michael Tear, CEO, WildBear Entertainment – experienced producers are invited to anticipate what producing could look like in 2030, in a landscape that may be vastly different to the ecosystem in which they built their careers. Gain valuable insights from leading practitioners and deep thinkers committed to anticipating the challenges and opportunities for local production, and the skills needed to navigate a new era of storytelling.  

Session 4 | Hear-Say: Exploring the Future of Listening  

Radio isn’t dead, but it’s no longer alone. It’s just one part of a burgeoning, disrupted, rapidly evolving audio industry, where competition is fierce and revenue is in flux, yet opportunities are great. Join distinguished broadcasters and industry leaders as we imagine for the future of radio and audio and how we might continue this transformation. Moderated by AFTRS Discipline Lead, Radio & Podcasting, Andrea Ho, speakers are Dre Ngatokorua, Broadcaster, Umeewarra Aboriginal Media Association, and Suman Basnet, Regional Director, AMARC Asia-Pacific.  

Session 5 | Closing Keynote Address by Lynette Wallworth  

What new narratives can ignite our way forward? Which voices, narratives and methods of storytelling can connect us beyond the challenges of our everyday realities and constraints of our lives? In this session, Australian artist and filmmaker Lynette Wallworth reflects on the role and importance of stories, storytelling and storytellers, and articulates ideas that can propel us into the future.  

To join Digital Futures Summit, presented online by AFTRS, guests must register for each session they wish to attend. Sessions run from 12pm to 5.25pm on Thursday 26 June 2025, and registration for all sessions is free. See: AFTRS Digital Futures Summit 2025.  

The Fox’s Fifi, Fev & Nick is bringing back ‘The Underdogs’ -the beloved, feel-good footy team made up of kids who’ve missed out on playing sports due to illness, bullying or challenging times. Now, these kids are getting their chance to live out their dreams on the biggest sporting stage.

On Saturday, 21 June, The Underdogs will charge onto the hallowed turf of the MCG, playing the official curtain-raiser to the Carlton v North Melbourne clash in front of a sea of footy fans.

Fifi, Fev & Nick is on the lookout for this year’s group of Underdogs – kids who’ve faced hard times and missed out on the chance to play sport. Families can get in touch during Fifi, Fev & Nick to help give these kids the unforgettable opportunity to run out onto the MCG. Every story shared helps shine a light on local Melbourne kids who deserve their moment to feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

Launched in 2024, the initiative was inspired by an email from a listener whose son was experiencing bullying on and off the football field. In response, Fifi, Fev & Nick created The Underdogs: a team that gives excluded children a chance to be part of something truly special. With a new group of kids now being recruited, Fifi, Fev and Nick once again prove their undeniable connection with their listeners – and with Melbourne.

The launch of The Underdogs follows Fifi, Fev & Nick revitalising the struggling Dandenong Masalas local footy club, enlisting Brendan Fevola and Guy Sebastian to help break the team’s three-year losing streak. The match drew over 2,500 fans, raised vital funds for the club, and showcased the unique power of The Fox to create meaningful and impactful moments.

Co-host of The Fox’s Fifi, Fev & Nick, Fifi Box, said: “These kids are absolute stars, and they deserve to feel like it. Last year’s game moved us all to tears. We’re so excited to make more dreams come true this year, with more stories, more underdogs, and even more heart.”

SCA Head of Hit Metro Content and The Fox Content Director, Amanda Lee, said: “Fifi, Fev & Nick continue to be an industry leader through creativity, consistency and community-driven storytelling. The Underdogs is a shining example of the kind of scale and heart they bring to everything they do, embodying everything that great local radio is about. Nobody does it bigger or better than The Fox.”

The final team will take centre stage at the MCG on 21 June, with support across Fox Footy and AFL platforms. Follow The Underdogs journey on-air and across socials as Fifi, Fev & Nick recruit for this special team of kids from 6-9am weekdays on 101.9 The Fox – or download the LiSTNR app and listen for free.

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.

NOVA Entertainment has unveiled a bold new brand positioning and launch campaign for Nova FM, featuring the striking call to action: Don’t Think, Just Nova.

Developed in partnership with creative innovation company R/GA Australia, the new direction will be supported with a multi-channel brand campaign and marks the next evolution of Nova: future-facing and celebrating the spontaneity, simplicity, and unexpected joy it brings to its listeners.

In an age where algorithms dominate and choice paralysis is ever-present, Nova is positioned in this new campaign as the antidote to overthinking. With a focus on delivering good surprises in a world filled with noise, the network seeks to offer a refuge from the constant grind of daily life. Whether driving to work, working out at the gym or doing the school run, Nova invites listeners to switch off their inner monologues and experience a joyful, spontaneous, unscripted world.

With Don’t Think, Just Nova, the brand is redefining its purpose around the idea of ‘good surprise’ – a concept that embodies Nova’s bold nature, the ability of live radio to provide moments of unprompted joy and the fact that it takes at least one of life’s decisions – namely what to listen to – off your to-do list.

Adam Johnson, NOVA Entertainment’s Chief Growth Officer said, “Coming off the back of consistent ratings growth and some record audience figures, we could have taken an “if it ain’t broke…” approach. However, Nova never stands still and, if anything, there was an opportunity to regain some of the brand’s distinctive edge whilst also shining a light on the category we love like all good market-leading brands should.”

NOVA’s Marketing Director Troy Pearce added, “Our partnership with R/GA has been pivotal in shaping our approach to redefining Nova’s brand positioning. The new campaign we have built together embraces something universally human, the endless loop of the overthink. Don’t Think, Just Nova shows how Nova understands the constant barrage of choices our listeners are forced to make every day and says, ‘it’s OK, we’ve got this one,’ when it comes to their audio selection.”

Seamus Higgins, Chief Creative Officer, Australia at R/GA said, “Radio is the last bastion of true spontaneity, and Nova thrives on that energy. We loved partnering with the team at Nova to do something disruptive in this category. Having fun with the overthinking and overanalysing that floods our minds daily and positioning Nova as the antidote is what helps this campaign to feel both fresh and highly relatable.”

To launch the new creative platform, Nova will be going to market with a multi-channel brand campaign across Cinema and TV, BVOD, Social and Digital. Designed by R/GA and brought to life by street artist Sofles, a 30-second brand film and extensive OOH campaign tap into the theme of overthinking, portraying an inner monologue of overwhelm, with switching on Nova providing the release.

Out of Home placements will appear across large format roadside, transit, street furniture, retail spaces, gyms and office buildings, reinforcing Nova FM as the antidote to overthought. The media campaign will run throughout 2025, supported by always-on social activity and brand activations that continually reinforce the new platform and brand positioning.

Credits:
NOVA Entertainment
Chief Growth Officer: Adam Johnson
Marketing Director: Troy Pearce
Marketing Campaign Manager: Sara Correia 

Senior Brand Designer: Dave MacCue

Creative Innovation Company: R/GA
Managing Director: Victoria Curro
Chief Creative Officer: Seamus Higgins
Creative Director: Drew Singleton
Creative Director: Rachel Blacklaws
Creative Director: Henry Cook
Group Account Director: Josh Agnew
Executive Content Producer: Kyle Belcher
Senior Producer: Sebastian Leat
Executive Strategy Director: Marie Conley

Production Company: Collider
Director: Chloe de Brito
Managing Partner & Executive Producer: Rachael Ford-Davies
Executive Producer: Tom Slater
Producer: Georgia Moraitis
DOP: Lucca Barone-Peters
Editor/Animator: Sam Wickham
Colourist: Marcus Friedlander
Sound: Rumble Studios
Casting: Wayward Casting
Talent: Lib Campbell

Media Agency: Mindshare
Street Artist: Sofles, represented by Blank Walls

About RGA

R/GA is a global creative innovation company across the United States, Europe, South America and Asia Pacific. We help brands and businesses define, connect with and create more human futures. This includes brand, experience, relationship and communications design; media planning and buying; technology services, and specialised offerings: R/GA Health and R/GA Ventures.

About NOVA Entertainment

NOVA Entertainment is Australia’s leading independent audio entertainment business. NOVA Entertainment owns and operates the Nova Network, the Smooth FM Network, FIVEAA Adelaide, Star 104.5 NSW Central Coast and a suite of DAB+ stations including Smooth FM, Smooth Relax, Nova Throwbacks, Nova 90s and Coles Radio. The company’s broadcast offering is complemented by a range of on-demand assets across digital, social, mobile and podcasting.

Ready or not, Melbourne… your favourite radio game returns!

Nova 100’s Jase & Lauren have teamed up with Underworks to bring back their $250,000 Hide & Seek in 2025, and it’s bigger, bolder and sneakier than ever, because this time not even the hosts know where they are.

In the coming weeks, the Nova 100 Breakfast trio will go into hiding at a secret Melbourne location and the lucky listener who pieces together the clues and cracks the location first could walk away with a life-changing $250,000.

“It’s the same game and the same jaw-dropping cash, but this time even we’re in the dark,” said Lauren Phillips. “We’re on your side Melbourne, so find us quick!”

“I thought last year’s hiding spot was tough,” Clint Stanaway added. “But this time, I’ve been told to pack extra snacks and an emergency escape plan.”

Jase Hawkins said, “Here we go again… locked in a mystery room with Lauren and Clint. The cash is great, but freedom is even better. Melbourne, save us!”

Melburnians should tune in to Nova 100 from 6am on weekdays to find out when the clock will start ticking, because the moment it does, the $250,000 prize pool starts counting down. It’s simple; the faster someone finds them, the more cash they win.

After last year’s huge success, Hide & Seek has become a highlight on Melbourne’s calendar. With more listeners than any other Melbourne Breakfast show, over 622,000 tuning in according to GfK Survey 2 2025*, this year’s game promises to be even bigger as more than half a million Melburnians attempt to crack the code and find their favourite breakfast team.

Nova Network’s Group Programming Director Brendan Taylor said: “Hide & Seek has quickly become essential listening across Melbourne, and this time we’ve up the stakes by keeping the location hidden from Jase, Lauren and Clint. With a life changing amount of money on the line, Hide & Seek is an absolute must play.”

Check out @jaseandlauren on socials for updates and to see the latest clues. Plus, tune in to Nova 100’s Jase & Lauren from 6am every day for live clues and all the behind-the-scenes action. 

 Jase & Lauren can be heard from 6am to 9am on Nova 100 in Melbourne.

Listeners can stream the show live or catch up with the daily podcast by downloading the Nova Player.

*Source: GfK Radio360 Survey Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, Survey #2 released on 1 May 2025 Mon-Sun 5.30am-12MN

NOVA Entertainment has announced that for the first time as a solo artist, Calum Hood will take the stage live in Nova’s Red Room at Pleasure Club in Newtown on Wednesday, 11 June 2025.

Calum toured the globe with 5 Seconds Of Summer for over 14 years and is now giving fans exclusive insight into his new music and storytelling as a solo musician. Calum will be performing tracks from his unreleased album live, two days before the album is released, with fans being some of the first in the world to see these songs performed live.

Calum Hood Live In Nova’s Red Room will see the multi-talented singer, songwriter and bassist showcase music from his highly anticipated debut solo album ORDER chaos ORDER to a room of only 170 fans. Calum will also take part in a live Q&A with host Smallzy between tracks, giving fans an exclusive insight into the stories and inspiration behind his new music.

Calum said of the upcoming special performance, “This solo project is incredibly personal to me, so getting the chance to perform these songs live in such an intimate setting and share the stories behind them with Smallzy and the fans feels really special. I can’t wait.”

This exclusive performance comes off the back of Calum’s latest single ‘Call Me When You Know Better’, a vulnerable and sonically rich track that sets the tone for his solo debut. The full album ORDER chaos ORDER is set for release on Friday, 13 June via Island EMI.

Nova Network’s Group Programming Director, Brendan Taylor, added, “We’re beyond excited to have Calum Hood in his first solo Nova’s Red Room. This is the kind of rare, intimate experience that makes the Red Room such a special event. To have Calum back in Sydney on home soil… this one is going to be very special.”

Listeners can win their invites for this exclusive Nova’s Red Room event by listening to Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie locally on Nova 96.9 or Smallzy’s Surgery nationally at night or by entering via The Nova Player

About Nova’s Red Room

Australia’s premier intimate live music brand Nova’s Red Room has seen over 300 international and local artists perform live for fans, including Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Lizzo, Miley Cyrus, Tones And I, The Kid LAROI and Billie Eilish. Fans can check out previous performances and content from Nova’s Red Room events, as well as the latest Nova’s Red Room Global Tour, via The Nova Player or on Nova’s socials.

SCA announces the appointment of Dave Box as Head of Agency and Digital Sales for the Brisbane market. 

In this key leadership role, Box will drive the strategic direction and execution of Total Audio sales across agency and digital audio channels. He will lead SCA Brisbane’s Agency and Digital Sales teams, working closely with internal departments to deliver integrated, market-responsive solutions that align with client objectives and SCA’s broader commercial goals. Emphasising innovation and cross-platform integration, Box will play a vital role in maintaining SCA Brisbane’s market leadership and delivering exceptional value to clients and partners.

Box has built a strong reputation for driving innovation and performance over more than 15 years of agency and media experience in Brisbane. He has spent the past nine years at SCA, most recently serving as LiSTNR Digital Group Sales Manager for the last two years. In that role he led high-performing teams in Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth, championing the rapidly growing digital audio landscape and delivering innovative solutions to a diverse range of national and local clients. 

Prior to joining SCA in 2016, Box spent seven years in senior positions at leading agencies Carat and Mitchell & Partners. Since joining SCA he has held multiple commercial management roles, including four years as TV Group Sales Manager, before moving into his most recent digital leadership role. 

Carla Mathisen, Head of Sales Brisbane said: “We’re excited to announce Dave’s appointment as Head of Brisbane Agency & Digital Sales team. Dave is highly respected both within our Brisbane office and across the broader market for his leadership, professionalism and collaborative approach. His confidence, fairness, and positive demeanour makes him a trusted leader and valuable asset to the business. I have full confidence in his ability to lead and inspire the team with energy and purpose and to continue to drive the Total Audio conversation in impactful ways.”

Commenting on his appointment, Dave Box said: “It’s a real privilege to help lead the Brisbane team during such an exciting time of transformation and opportunity. The calibre of content and innovation coming from SCA and LiSTNR positions us better than ever to partner with brands and agencies in delivering high-quality work that drives meaningful results. I’m energised by what lies ahead and inspired by the incredibly talented individuals I get to work with — both within our team and across the broader Brisbane market that I’m proud to be part of.”

Dave Box reports to Carla Mathisen and commenced in his new role this week.

WA, we missed you! After nearly a decade, triple j’s One Night Stand returned to Western Australia, with over 15,000 music lovers pouring into Barnard Park, Busselton on Wardandi Boodja for one huge, unforgettable night of Australian music.   

Saturday 24 May 2025 marks a One Night Stand we’ll be talking about for years to come. WA icons Spacey Jane lit up the stage with a soul-stirring singalong, every lyric echoed back at them with love. LUUDE followed with an explosive masterclass in drum and bass to round out the night. Ruby Fields brought raw emotion to the stage, her vocals hitting even harder live. 3% took command with a fiery sunset set, dropping a powerful moment that featured a surprise special guest appearance from Inkabee and Flewnt. Blusher were a total force, blending slick choreo with a cameo from Jordi of San Cisco. Velvet Trip shimmered on the big stage, while local legends and triple j Unearthed Competition Winners Fool Nelson proved they were right at home in Busselton. 

triple j’s One Night Stand 2025 was a loud reminder of the incredible music being made in our own backyard, with a lineup that resonated from the stage to the screen, and far beyond. Check out the highlights:  

• $230,000 and counting raised for One Night Stand charity partners including Australian music industry charities Support Act and The Push, and local organisations Karri Karrack Aboriginal Corporation and Undalup Association.  
• Four million views and counting on One Night Stand content across the campaign on triple j socials and YouTube. 
• 30% increase in streams of triple j on Saturday 24 May via web and app. 
• Over four hours of live Australian music beamed straight into the hearts (and headphones) of music lovers across the country. 
• Four packed out More Than A One Night Stand Sessions for emerging local artists and industry featuring Spacey Jane, DICE and Fool Nelson, run in partnership with West Australian Music and Music Australia. 

Head of triple j, Double J and ABC Country Lachlan Macara shares: “What a day! And what an undeniable display of both the calibre of artists this country produces and the appetite for live Australian music in the regions. A number of the artists on this year’s bill grew up in regional towns and had formative experiences at past editions of triple j’s One Night Stand. We can only hope there were plenty of young people on that oval on Saturday equally inspired to feature in a future One Night Stand. See you again somewhere around the country in 2026!” 

triple j is incredibly grateful for the amazing support from West Australian music lovers. A huge thank you to our audience, artists, production crews, staff, partners and the entire town of Busselton – we couldn’t have done it without you. 

To relive all the best moments and live performances from triple j’s One Night Stand, follow triple j’s TikTok,Instagram, andYouTube all this week, and listen to triple j’s Live At The Wireless.

ARN’s 1029 Hot Tomato has kicked off 2025 with the juiciest results! Reaffirming its dominant position as the Gold Coast’s leading station, Hot Tomato has claimed the #1 spot across every daypart in the year’s first survey.

With a commanding share of 18.5% and a record 222,000 listeners tuning in, Hot Tomato has achieved its highest cume ever – extending its winning streak and notching up a 15^th consecutive survey as the Gold Coast’s leading radio station.

The powerhouse Breakfast duo Galey & Emily Jade led the charge in the morning, achieving a share of 18.5% and attracting 136,000 listeners, with Moyra & Big Trev driving the station’s success later in the day, securing a share of 19.5% and engaging 96,000 loyal listeners.

Hot Tomato also retained its clear lead in the key P25-54 demographic, delivering a 23% share and engaging 120,000 listeners – 23,000 more than any other station on the Gold Coast.

Key Highlights:

• #1 Station Overall: 18.5% share and a record-breaking 222,000 listeners – the highest number of listeners ever recorded for the station, and nearly 60,000 more than its closest competitor.
• #1 Station P25-54: 23% share and reaching 120,000 listeners.
• #1 Breakfast with Galey & Emily Jade: 18.5% share, reaching 136,000 listeners.
• #1 Drive with Moyra & Big Trev: 19.5% share, reaching 96,000 listeners.
• #1 Mornings with Olivia: 16.6% share, reaching 90,000 listeners.
• #1 Weekends result: 18.5% share and 137,000 listeners.
• #1 Afternoons with Christo: 18.9% and reaching 102,000 listeners.
• #1 Evenings record-results with Big Kahuna: 21.8% share, up 8.1% – the biggest growth in market – and reaching 39,000 listeners.

Today’s results build on Hot Tomato’s remarkable 2024, where the station achieved #1 ratings with a clean sweep across all dayparts in every survey. This consistent performance reinforces Hot Tomato’s dominant position on the Gold Coast and its deep connection with the local audience.

Hot Tomato Content Director, Brendon “Whippy” Dangar, said: When I asked chat GPT what to say, it said… ‘This audience result is a testament to how powerful radio still is when it’s done right – with local voices, real stories and genuine heart.’ Seems like something I’d say…”

Michael Stephenson, Chief Operating Officer of ARN, said: “Number 1 in breakfast, Number 1 in mornings, Number 1 in afternoons, drive, evenings and all weekend. Our leading radio platform in combination with our live streaming, playlist and podcast content on iHeart creates a marketing platform for brands to connect with audiences at scale. Our audience performance is delivering brilliant results for brands, when you combine our scale, big creative ideas and a deep understanding of the Gold Coast, you build something truly valuable. That’s what Hot Tomato does better than anyone.”

Triple M, the NRL’s #1 audio network, has unveiled its powerhouse commentary team for the 2025 State of Origin series, promising fans the biggest names, sharpest insights, and boldest opinions from both sides of the border as the NSW Blues and Queensland Maroons take centre stage.

From the moment the Origin Rumble kicks off at 6pm, listeners will be taken inside the biggest sporting rivalry in the country with Emma Lawrence, Gorden Tallis, and Nathan Hindmarsh delivering all the pre-game interviews, predictions, and expert Origin opinions that sets Triple M’s coverage apart.

This year’s call welcomes one of rugby league’s most revered figures, Shane Webcke, back to the mic for Origin. The Queensland enforcer and four-time premiership winner made 21 Origin appearances and captained the Maroons in a career defined by toughness and humility. Known for his no-fuss, straight-talking commentary, Webcke joins Dan Ginnane, Wade Graham, and Ben Dobbin in an experienced call team that mixes experience, authenticity, and passion in every play from kick-off at 8:05pm.

State-by-state coverage is also firing on all cylinders. In New South Wales, Triple M’s The Rush Hour, hosted by Anthony Maroon,continues to dominate Drive with a cast of Nathan Hindmarsh, four-time NRLW premiership winner Millie Elliott, journo and podcast host Adam Peacock, and NRLW stars Sam Bremner and Keeley Davis. The chemistry is strong, and the footy chat is sharper than ever. Meanwhile, north of the border, The Rush Hour with Dobbo & Elliott is the voice of Queensland footy fans. Hosted by Ben ‘Dobbo’ Dobbin and Elliott Lovejoy, the show features a rotating cast of some of the most exciting voices in the game– including Ali Brigginshaw, Romy Teitzel, Jaime Chapman, and Mackenzie Weale – delivering expert takes and big energy.

Triple M’s commitment to the code runs deep year-round. Each weekend kicks off with the Thursday Scrum hosted by Emma Lawrence, James Graham, and Wade Graham, setting the agenda for fans ahead of the round. The Saturday Scrum and Sunday Sin Bin keep fans across every angle of the game with bold opinions and insider stories from some of the game’s biggest names, including Brent Read, Tony Squires, Michael Chammas, Gorden Tallis, James Hooper, and more.

Fans hungry for a deeper analysis of the game can look no further than LiSTNR, where they can stream The Journos Podcast, hosted by Danny Weidler, Michael Chammas, and Adam Peacock, as they bring an unfiltered look at the biggest stories in the game. And for those who want to hear the personal stories behind the legends of Origin, The Howie Games features interviews with the likes of Wally Lewis, Andrew Johns, and Craig Bellamy.

SCA Head of Sport Content, Ewan Giles, said: “NRL is hitting new heights in 2025, and we’re beyond proud of the Triple M State of Origin lineup we’ve put together. We know fans come to us for more than just the call. It’s the personality, the insight and the love of the game that makes Triple M special.”

Lift Ya Footy Game with LiSTNR and Triple M, and don’t miss a moment of expert analysis, exclusive interviews, and the biggest names in footy. State of Origin Game I coverage kicks off tonight from 6pm AEST in Queensland and NSW across the Triple M Network, with match coverage also on 105.1 Triple M Melbourne – or download the LiSTNR app and listen for free.

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 Greatest Hits, Sport and Comedy. With 49 stations across Australia, including six digital stations, Triple M 80s, Triple M Classic Rock, Triple M 2000s, Triple M Country, and Triple M 90s, Triple M has become known for playing Rock’s Greatest Hits, and its iconic talent and shows that get people talking.     

The iconic brand entertains more than 4.9 million radio and on demand listeners each week and is home to some of Australia’s biggest sporting heroes, comedians and music gurus including Mick Molloy, James Brayshaw, Billy Brownless, Nick Riewoldt, Beau Ryan, Aaron Woods, Leisel Jones, Dan Anstey, Margaux Parker, Greg Martin, Mark Ricciuto, Laura O’Callaghan, Chris Dittmar, Xavier Ellis, Katie Lamb, and Peter ‘Spida’ Everitt to name just a few! All Triple M’s content is available live or on demand on the LiSTNR app.  

Donnybrook Balingup Community Radio (DBCR) began broadcasting in 2016, serving the vibrant and close-knit community of the Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup in Western Australia. With a passionate team of around ten part-time presenters, the station delivers a diverse mix of music and local storytelling. Programs such as Business and Community Round-Up, Jackie’s Local, and More Than Books reflect the unique voices and stories of the region, alongside content created with local schools and regular segments like What’s On and Live and Local, promoting arts and music events.

While Donnybrook Balingup Community Radio is committed to serving its local community, the station faced a significant barrier: not all residents could reliably access the broadcast. Some people no longer have traditional radios, and the station’s FM signal didn’t reach every area within the Shire. For a community-focused station, this meant some locals were missing out.

Additionally, their previous streaming provider wasn’t compatible with widely used platforms like Google Chrome or the iHeartRadio app—limiting the ability for both locals and broader audiences to connect online.

With support from the CBAA, Donnybrook Balingup Community Radio upgraded to a new streaming service through Triton Digital. CBAA’s Alex Nagl and Andrew Morris, alongside tech support from Ben Menaglio, guided the station through the setup and training process. They now have a stable and accessible streaming solution that’s compatible across all major platforms.

The stream has helped expand access, and visitors who discover the station while in town have also become online listeners, drawn in by its eclectic and ad-free music mix – curated by program manager Neil Simpson. While some may view the music programming as primarily appealing to older audiences, the variety and lack of ads have built a growing base of younger listeners too.

With training from the CBAA team, station staff now use Triton’s analytics to track listener numbers and trends—vital data for shaping programming and growing their reach.

Thanks to the new streaming service and support provided, Donnybrook Community Radio is now more accessible than ever—reaching listeners across the Shire and beyond. For a community that values connection, the stream is a lifeline.

As Neil Simpson puts it:
“The functionality and metrics available on the Triton website are very useful once we were trained by Alex Nagl and will be a vital tool going forward in tracking our streaming listener numbers. The service is very stable compared to our previous provider.”