Following the re-election of the Albanese government last week, the Prime Minister has announced a new Cabinet, including changes to key Ministerial positions which work with the community broadcasting sector. 

Anika Wells will be our new Minister for Communications, following the promotion of Michelle Rowland to Attorney-General. We look forward to continuing our work with Minister Wells to achieve our sector’s goals in Roadmap 2033 and the sustainability review.  

The CBAA acknowledges the support we received from Minister Rowland, who was a regular visitor to community stations and a vocal advocate for our sector, helping achieve increased funding and the extension of community television broadcasting. 

New Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek, will replace our former Minister, Amanda Rishworth, who was instrumental in the establishment of the Powerd media platform made by and for people with disability.   

Dr Anne Aly will be the new Minister for Multicultural Affairs, with Tony Burke (who previously ran Multicultural Affairs) remaining as Minister for the Immigration and Citizenship and Minister for the Arts, among other roles. Senator Malarndirri McCarthy will continue as Minister for Indigenous Australians. 

The CBAA congratulates the members of the new Ministry.   

We are fortunate to have productive working relationships with the Government and other parties, and we will be reaching out to arrange meetings in the coming weeks. 

The Hon Anika Wells MP, the new Minister for Communications

Triple M has announced the final piece in its Drive offering, a brand new show airing nationally between 2pm and 4pm that brings Triple M’s trademark comedy to the drive home. 

Launching on Tuesday June 10, Lu & Jarch will deliver the laughs in true Triple M style, setting the tone before the much-loved, AFL and NRL sport-focused The Rush Hour shows kick off from 4pm to 6pm across the country. With its famous blend of ‘Good Times and Greatest Hits’, the drive home on Triple M is now complete, offering listeners a seamless afternoon of the best comedy and sport content from early afternoon through to evenings.

Luisa Dal Din and Jack Archdale have built a devoted cult following through their hit podcast We Mean Well and across their social media, where fans have connected with their unfiltered, chaotic take on life. With nearly 900,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram accounts and more than 28 million likes on their TikTok content alone, Lu and Jarch bring a loyal and highly engaged audience to early Drive. Their distinctive style is a natural fit for Triple M, aligning naturally with the network’s core pillars of sport and comedy.

On joining Triple M, Lu said: “From working in the industry on the other side of the microphone, this is truly a real dream come true. I’m so excited to be on the Triple M airwaves daily with Jarch!”

Jarch added: “SCA provided me with my first job out of Uni as a regional sales coordinator. To be coming back into the frey after 13 years, and be the bloke walking into the studio, is a huge full circle moment for me. I can’t wait to be a part of the Triple M family with Lu once again.”

Dave Cameron, SCA Chief Content Officer, said: “SCA continues to lead the charge in bringing exciting real talent to the industry. Lu and Jarch already host one of the funniest podcasts in the country with a massive social following. Now bringing their much-loved shenanigans to Triple M, alongside the Rush Hour with JB & Billy and our recently announced Rush Hour shows in NSW and Queensland, completes the drive home on Triple M nationally. We will unashamedly continue our pursuit to be the chosen home for Australia’s biggest and brightest content creators across our radio networks and LiSTNR. Lu and Jarch are about as authentically hilarious as they come.”

Lu & Jarch will air from 2pm to 4pm nationwide followed by The Rush Hour with JB & Billy in the AFL states (Victoria, Adelaide, Western Australia and Tasmania), The Rush Hour with Dobbo & Elliott in Queensland and The Rush Hour with Maroon in New South Wales.

Lu & Jarch can be heard weekdays from 2pm – 4pm from June 10, followed by The Rush Hour from 4pm – 6pm  weekdays on Triple M and on the free LiSTNR app. 

Nine today announced that Ashley Earnshaw, who has served as Director of Sales – Total Audio since 2021, is stepping down. During his tenure as a key commercial leader within Nine’s audio division, Ash has been instrumental in guiding Nine’s audio team through a period of positive evolution and growth.

“My time at Nine has been a truly valuable experience, and I’m incredibly proud of what the Total Audio team has accomplished as the audio landscape has continued its rapid digital transformation,” said Earnshaw.

“After careful consideration, I’ve decided the time is right to pursue new professional opportunities. While it’s a tough decision to leave a business that is primed for growth, I’m also excited by the prospect of applying my skills and experience in new areas to drive value.

“I’m fully committed to ensuring a smooth and effective handover and will be working closely with the team in the coming months as they transition to the new operational framework. I’m grateful for the professional relationships and friendships I’ve built here and extend my best wishes to Nine Radio Managing Director, Tom Malone, Chief Sales Officer Matt James, and all my colleagues at Nine.”

Tom Malone, Managing Director – Nine Radio, said: “Ash has provided steady and effective leadership to our Total Audio sales division during a time of considerable change. His dedication to the business and his team has been clear, and we appreciate his commitment to supporting a seamless transition to a new structure.”

Earnshaw will remain with Nine to the end of June to facilitate a smooth transition to the new operating model for the Total Audio sales team. The process for identifying his successor is currently underway, and further details will be communicated in due course.

Sydney, 09. May 2025

METRO MARKETS:    

Sydney Radio 360 Survey 2, 2025

Melbourne Radio 360 Survey 2, 2025

Brisbane Radio 360 Survey 2, 2025

Adelaide Radio 360 Survey 2, 2025

Perth Radio 360 Survey 2, 2025

REGIONAL MARKETS:

Canberra Survey 1, 2025

Gold Coast Survey 3, 2024 

Newcastle Survey 1, 2025

Archive:

Archive of Previous Surveys

The ABC has announced the New Wave program to support Australian comedy podcast talent and discover the country’s next great comedy podcasts.

Applications open today for emerging and mid-career comedy podcasters to submit their bold new podcast ideas to the ABC. New Wave is a commitment to nurture the next generation of comedy podcasters; those that are already in podcasting and those comedians exploring podcasting as a means to reach new audiences. We’re looking for fresh, laugh out loud podcasts that will appeal to an under 40s audience. Writers, directors, creators and podcasters are encouraged to apply to the New Wave program, which includes a funded development period and paid attendance to a series of workshops in Sydney taking place from 14 to 17 July.

“A sense of fun and irreverence is part and parcel of being Australian. Our comedians and content creators are world class and we’re hopeful that this opportunity opens up podcasting as a way to spread more laughter,” says Jessica Radburn, ABC Head of Audio On Demand.

From the pool of applicants, 4 successful teams will be selected to attend 4 days of paid workshops in Sydney, with informative and practical sessions designed to boost participants’ podcasting skills. The teams will then enter a funded development period to produce development materials for their podcast. During this period, teams will have access to the ABC’s best-in-class production resources as well as support and training. At the end of the development period, teams will have the opportunity to pitch their podcast to ABC commissioners for series funding.

Applications for the New Wave program are now open and submissions can be made HERE.

Applications close on Sunday 25 May with successful teams announced on Monday 16 June. The ABC encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous Australians, people with disabilities, and LGBTIQA+ individuals.

LiSTNR’s 1 in 5 Mothers, 1 in 10 Fathers returns today with a powerful third season, created in partnership with Gidget Foundation Australia. Hosted by journalist and news presenter Davina Smith, the series continues to shine a much-needed spotlight on Perinatal Depression and Anxiety (PNDA), a condition affecting 1 in 5 new mothers and 1 in 10 new fathers in Australia.

Through raw, honest conversations with parents and expert voices in the field, the podcast breaks down stigma, encourages early intervention, and offers tangible support for those navigating the often-isolating journey into parenthood. A study conducted for Gidget Foundation Australia found as many as one in five (21%) parents have experienced perinatal mental health symptoms and have not sought professional help.  1 in 5 Mothers, 1 in 10 Fathers helps bridge the gap by empowering listeners with knowledge, compassion, and community.

This season introduces new voices and stories, including Paralympian and media personality Ellie Cole, The Wiggles’ Caterina Mete, and TikTok personalities Georgia Sian and Zac Norris. Expert contributors include respected paediatrician Dr Golly, holistic reproductive health expert Dr Leah Hechtman, and Tara Hunter from Full Stop Australia.

Davina Smith, host of 1 in 5 Mothers, 1 in 10 Fathers, said: “I’ve been in the trenches – unwell with PNDA, I know how hard it can be. And I know how helpful it is to know you’re not alone. This season has something for every parent – no matter their circumstance. Like me – You’ll be inspired! You’ll laugh! You’ll cry! Listeners will be in awe of the superhuman strength of these Mums and Dads and will discover that same strength is hidden inside them!” Smith concluded.

Todd Stevens, Branded Podcasts Producer at LiSTNR, said: “From the very beginning, the goal of this podcast has been to spark honest conversations about the sometimes tough and often unspoken moments that can accompany parenthood. Season three continues to showcase these conversations with episodes that explore parenting with a disability, navigating the complexities of being a young parent, and the resilience of parenting as a survivor of complex trauma.”

Launching today, Wednesday 7 May, download the LiSTNR app and listen for free.1 in 5 Mothers, 1 in 10 Fathers will comprise eight fortnightly episodes.

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 Gidget Foundation Australia:

Gidget Foundation Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that exists to support the emotional wellbeing of potential, expectant and new parents, to ensure they receive timely, appropriate and specialist care.   As the national leading provider of perinatal mental health services Gidget Foundation Australia offers year-long, free, specialist perinatal mental health psychological services, via face-to-face and telehealth; and invests in retention, engagement, and development of its 175+ clinicians through an innovative training, mentoring and supervision workforce development program. Gidget Foundation Australia

About Gidget:

Gidget was the nickname of a vibrant young mother who tragically took her own life while experiencing postnatal depression, a diagnosis she kept close to her heart. Together her loving family and friends created Gidget Foundation Australia determined that what happened to Gidget would not happen to others.

About the Citations

The data by Gidget Foundation Australia was carried out on a sample of 505 expectant parents and parents with children under 3 in May 2024. Methodology: The data sample was weighted against ABS data for age, gender and location using an online survey that was independently conducted and verified by PureProfile.

Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) has welcomed the latest GfK Survey 2 results, confirming another strong result for commercial radio, with 12.6 million Australians tuning in weekly.

In-car listening remains dominant, rising 7% year-on-year (YOY), to reach 10.4 million Australians weekly.

Listeners like to start their day with radio, as breakfast continues to go from strength to strength, as seen by its YOY audience growth, now reaching a total of 8.9 million weekly listeners.

Across all demographics aged 10–64, commercial radio’s weekly listenership grew YOY. The 25-54 age group, crucial for advertisers, grew by 220,000 listeners YOY, reaching 6.2 million.

Survey 2 also highlighted over 3.2 million Australians choose to listen to commercial radio via streaming. Notably, compared to the same period last year streaming is up 12% in the mornings, and 11% in-car.

“Radio continues to deliver consistent, sustainable growth by meeting listeners where they are,” said Lizzie Young, CEO of Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA).

“Our unique position delivering real-time connection, accessible anytime and anywhere. This is exactly what audiences value and importantly delivers a platform for brands to connect in a trusted environment,” added Young.

For historical data and the 2025 metro survey schedule, visit: https://cra.au/metro-ratings

Note: Due to Cyclone Alfred, Gold Coast Survey 1 fieldwork has been extended to May 10. The updated release date is Thursday May 29. Revised schedule available at: Radio Audience Measurement Australia – Resources

Source: GfK 360 Radio Ratings, SMBAP S2 2025, compared to S2 2024, All people 10+, Mon-Sun 12mn -12mn, Cume (000’s), unless otherwise stated. Weekly Time Spent Listening (hh). All numbers refer to commercial radio results unless otherwise stated.

We’re excited to announce that registrations are open for the 2025 CBAA Conference!

Taking place in Hobart from 23–25 October, the CBAA Conference is the premier national event for the community broadcasting sector. Each year, it brings together station teams, sector advocates, volunteers, technologists and media professionals from across the country to share ideas, develop skills, and celebrate the vital role community media plays in Australian life.

The 2025 program will feature thought-provoking keynotes, practical workshops, and sector-led conversations on topics like funding, governance, audience engagement and digital innovation. We’re thrilled to welcome keynote speakers Craig Reucassel, acclaimed for his work on War on Waste and Fight for Planet A, and Adrian Sargeant, a global leader in nonprofit fundraising strategy.

The conference will once again culminate in the CBAA Community Broadcasting Awards Gala Dinner, a celebration of the stations, programs and people making a lasting impact in their communities.

Registrations are now open, along with:

• CBAA Community Broadcasting Awards entries
• Conference scholarship applications

Now’s the time to book your place, plan your trip, and get involved.

Visit the official conference website to register and find full details: https://conference.cbaa.org.au

We can’t wait to welcome you to Hobart!

• Opportunity to make an impact
• Responsible for all CBAA communications programs and activities
• Alexandria location, flexible working arrangements available
  

The role

We are looking for a proactive and experienced Marketing and Communications Coordinator to deliver consistent, high-quality marketing and communications for the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia and its 500+ member services.

Responsibilities:

• Draft, format, schedule and publish approved content across CBAA websites, social media and email platforms ensuring clear and timely information is shared with CBAA’s members, stakeholders and public audiences.
• Support the delivery of campaign content and events.
• Coordinate content requests from internal teams and support the Marcomms team with implementing content plans.
• Use digital tools to manage content workflows and publishing ie CMS, email systems, scheduling.
• Optimise content for readability, accessibility and engagement.
• Support metadata entry, tagging, image formatting and version control.
• Ideate and execute graphic design, photography and multimedia production for all CBAA channels.
• Monitor basic performance metrics across digital platforms.
  

Your Experience:

• Relevant qualifications and/or equivalent work experience in marketing and communications.
• Previous experience in a similar role (desirable).
• Strong sense of design and ability to use design software.
• Experience in delivering impactful and engaging communications across a variety of mediums and audiences.
• Excellent verbal and written skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Passion for community broadcasting and promoting Australian music.
• Willingness to work outside standard hours when required, specifically where workload or deadlines require.
• Willingness to travel and attend events as required.
• Strong computer literacy and willingness to use/learn to online tools (Salesforce, MS Office suite etc.).
  

Application Process

We are committed to improving outcomes for our communities, and value diversity and inclusion. We actively seek and welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and with lived experience in the communities we aim to serve (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with a disability, culturally and linguistically diverse people, the LGBTQIA+ community and people of diverse genders and faiths).

We are happy to consider flexible employment arrangements, including other locations and virtual/hybrid work arrangements for the right candidate.

To apply submit your resume (max three pages) and a cover letter (max two pages) addressing the requirements and reason for application via Seek or Ethical Jobs. Successful applicants will be contacted for interview.

Suitable candidates may be shortlisted for interview as applications are received. For enquiries about this role, please email jobs@cbaa.org.au using the subject line: Marketing and Communications Coordinator enquiry via CBAA website

5 Triple Z is a small South Australian community radio station, serving the Fleurieu Peninsula, driven by its passion to support local and independent musicians. The station provides a vital platform for South Australian artists who may not receive mainstream airplay. One of its flagship programs, The Local, hosted by Music Director Kym-Maree Kuijpers, is dedicated entirely to playing independent and locally produced music.  

Operating on a tight budget (with reported revenue of just over $20,000), 5 Triple Z faces significant challenges in sourcing new Australian music. With limited space for a physical library, the station relies on artists submitting tracks, and presenters often bring their own collections. For Kym-Maree, who oversees both station-wide programming and The Local, keeping up with fresh local music is crucial to meeting their audience’s needs – but without the right resources, it would be difficult to maintain a steady stream of new, local releases.  

Amrap.org.au has been an essential resource for 5 Triple Z, making it easy to access and filter Australian music by genre. This ensures presenters can find music that aligns with their programs, helping the station meet and exceed Australian music quotas. Importantly for all stations, the Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (AMRAP) removes financial barriers, allowing broadcasters to play new music without the costs associated with purchasing tracks. 

Presenters at 5 Triple Z actively use amrap.org.au to diversify their playlists, and the station has embedded amrap.org.au into its training process, ensuring all new presenters learn how to use the platform to discover and integrate Australian music into their shows. Kym-Maree encourages local artists to upload their music to amrap.org.au, strengthening the connection between community radio and the independent music scene and delivering for the Government’s Revive cultural strategy.

Amrap.org.au helps presenters find and promote touring artists, and Kym-Maree regularly searches for visiting musicians from other states, giving them airplay before they perform locally. This exposure benefits both the artists and the station, offering listeners a richer mix of Australian music.  

For 5 Triple Z, amrap.org.au is an invaluable resource that helps sustain and grow its music programming. As Kym-Maree puts it: “AMRAP is a brilliant service that every community radio presenter should be using. It makes it so easy to support Australian music.” Continued support for AMRAP ensures that stations like 5 Triple Z can keep championing homegrown talent, connecting communities through music. 
 

Kym-Maree Kuijpers from 5 Triple Z with South Australian artist Melanie Cowmeadow, who Kym-Maree discovered on AMRAP.