LUCY & NIKKI ARE RADIO GOLD AND EXPAND NATIONAL NIGHTS WEEKEND SHOW ON THE HIT NETWORK

The Hit Network today announced that Lucy Jackson and Nikki Westcott, hosts of the Hit Network’s Saturday Nights show Lucy & Nikki and LiSTNR podcast Happy Hour with Lucy & Nikki, are extending their national radio show to include Friday nights.

From Friday 27 September, Lucy & Nikki will be heard from 7pm-10pm on Friday and Saturday nights across the Hit Network. Real and unfiltered, the girls discuss everything usually locked up in your friends’ group chat. With plenty of banter, infectious fun and party vibes, the show will continue to bring a killer playlist and all the LOLs to weekend Nights.

Jackson and Westcott’s expanded presence on the Hit Network follows a hugely successful break-through year with their show taking the helm as Australia’s #1 FM metro Night show for All People 10+ on Saturday nights*. In addition, since joining LiSTNR, the pair’s podcast, Happy Hour with Lucy & Nikki, has consistently featured in the top twenty of the Australian Podcast Ranker Top 200 Australian Podcasts**, with an average monthly audience of more than 250,000 listeners.

“Surprise!” Lucy said. “We’re excited to announce an extra night for the Lucy & Nikki national radio show on the Hit Network!”

Nikki continued, “We are just so overwhelmed with all the love from our listeners, that it felt only right to give them more laughs, candid chats, and unforgettable moments. Tune in for a bonus dose of fun as we extend the show for one more night!”

Head of Hit Metro Content, Amanda Lee, said: “We are thrilled to have Lucy and Nikki expanding their presence on the Hit Network. From their very first show, it was obvious that the girls were a natural fit for the Hit Network and the perfect way for our listeners to fire up their weekend nights.

“The Lucy & Nikki show on Saturday nights has been such a huge success, with our listeners loving the girls’ fun fuelled approach, that we couldn’t resist expanding the show to a second night.”

Listen to Lucy & Nikki on the Hit Network from 7pm to 10pm on Friday and Saturday nights and on LiSTNR. New episodes of Happy Hour with Lucy & Nikki also drop weekly on LiSTNR.

Sources:

GfK Radio 360 Metro Survey #5 2024, P10+, Sat 19.00-22.00, Market Share%.

** Australian Podcast Ranker, All Australian Top 200 Podcasts, Feb 2024 to date

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, 2Day, 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.

Tony Armstrong to leave ABC News Breakfast

Popular ABC presenter and Gold Logie nominee Tony Armstrong this morning told viewers he’s leaving ABC News Breakfast.

Armstrong, who has hosted a number of ABC series in recent years including Tony Armstrong’s Extraordinary Things, will host a new ABC show screening in 2025 that will be announced later this year.

A proud Gamilaroi man, Armstrong first charmed Australian audiences on News Breakfast as a fill-in sports presenter in 2020, before taking up the role full-time the following year. He quickly made a name for himself as a fresh and versatile television personality, winning the Graham Kennedy Award for most popular new talent at the 2022 Logie Awards. His meteoric rise continued when he won the 2023 Bert Newton Award for Most Popular Presenter and was shortlisted for the Gold Logie earlier this year.

Tony’s final day on the News Breakfast couch will be Friday 4 October.

Tony Armstrong: “I just want to thank Brekky and the broader ABC News team for welcoming me in with open arms and helping me grow over the past few years. I love live TV and those moments that are unplanned and unpredictable where anything can happen. I’ve been so lucky to be surrounded by an incredible team and it’s those friendships that I’m going to cherish the most.”

ABC Director, News Justin Stevens: “Tony Armstrong is a once in a generation talent and it has been fantastic watching him soar in his role at News Breakfast.  I can’t wait to see what he does into the future and see his career continue to go from strength to strength.”

ABC News Breakfast host Michael Rowland: “I am so sorry three years of talking sport and swapping gags with Tony is about to end. He is an engaging colleague and a good friend. In fact, there’s no one I would rather sit through an earthquake with. (We did. Google it.) All the best with what comes next, mate.”

ABC News Breakfast host Bridget Brennan: “How blessed we’ve been to have Tone on our screens every morning, bringing the sparkle, joy and heart that only Tony can! Tony is a wonderful friend and everyone at News Breakfast is going to miss his infectious and caring nature. I know it’s meant so much to me and to thousands upon thousands of First Nations viewers waking up to see Tony representing us on the daily. Can’t wait to see what you do next, Tone! Maybe sleep?!”

About Tony Armstrong

Tony grew up in rural NSW and is a former AFL player for Adelaide, Sydney Swans and Collingwood, where he played 35 matches from 2010-2015.

At the conclusion of his playing days he became an AFL commentator and also appeared on the Marngrook Footy Show. He later became the co-host of the Indigenous comedy football chat show ‘Yokayi Footy’ (2020) in a collaboration between NITV and the AFL.

In 2020 Tony joined the ABC as a sports producer and presenter and commentating for ABC Grandstand. He hosted the summer series of Offsiders and co-hosted ABC Radio in Melbourne with Sammy J. In 2021 he became ABC News Breakfast’s full-time sports presenter, replacing Paul Kennedy.

In 2022 he hosted ABC series A Dog’s World and Tony Armstrong’s Extraordinary Things. His other television credits include regular appearances on The Weekly with Charlie Pickering, The Yearly, The Project and Fox Footy. He has been a guest on numerous Play School specials and is the voice of Mr Flip on ABC Kids Reef School. 

ACMA remakes the high power open narrowcasting allocation determination

On 21 June 2024, we consulted on a proposal to remake the Radiocommunications (Allocation of Transmitter Licences – High Power Open Narrowcasting Licences) Determination 2014. The instrument was due to sunset in October.

On 19 September 2024, after considering submissions to the consultation, we made the Radiocommunications (Allocation of Transmitter Licences – High Power Open Narrowcasting Licences) Determination 2024. This replaces the previous determination.

You can now access the outcome and submissions on the consultation page. We thank all those involved in the consultation process.

 

KICPOD EXTENDS SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP WITH LISTNR

LiSTNR, Australia’s no. 1 podcast sales representation network*, is thrilled to announce that KICPOD, one of Australia’s most popular podcasts, has extended its partnership with LiSTNR.

Hosted by Laura Henshaw and Steph Claire Smith — two of Australia’s most successful entrepreneurs, authors, and healthy living advocates — KICPOD has become a standout in the podcasting world.

Launched five years ago, KICPOD regularly appears in Australia’s top 50 most listened-to podcasts**. Known for its deep and meaningful conversations on wellness, mental health, and life’s challenges, KICPOD offers listeners a relatable and engaging discussion on the topics that matter most.

Henshaw and Smith have built one of the world’s most holistic wellness empires with Kic, further establishing their influence in the wellness and lifestyle space. Their enthusiasm for continuing the partnership with LiSTNR highlights the platform’s role in amplifying their podcast’s reach and supporting their mission to deliver impactful content.

Henshaw and Smith said of the announcement: “We are thrilled to have signed on again with the incredible team at LiSTNR. What we have been able to achieve together over the last few years has been amazing, and we’re excited for what’s ahead!”

LiSTNR Original Podcasts Head of Entertainment and Culture, Sam Cavanagh, commented on the extension: “Steph and Laura are industry leaders in building community.  Their KICPOD podcast is a 2-way conversation with their audience and exemplifies the power and intimacy of podcasting.  We are excited to support their ongoing success and look forward to exploring new opportunities together for years to come.”

KICPOD, along with other popular LiSTNR podcasts, is available on the LiSTNR app. New KICPOD episodes are available every Monday and Wednesday morning.

Sources:

* Australian Podcast Ranker – Top Sales Representatives – August 2024

** All Australian Podcast Ranker – 2024

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

LiSTNR WINS TWO MAJOR PODCAST AWARDS AT THE 2024 AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL MEDIA AWARDS

LiSTNR has earned top honours at the 2024 Australian Football Media Association Awards (AFMA), with Footy Talk – Daily Australian Rules Podcast and the Ben and Harry Podcast both winning their respective categories.

LiSTNR’s Footy Talk was awarded Best Podcast – Football News/Issues/Analysis. Hosted by a rotating panel of AFL legends, including Nick RiewoldtAbbey HolmesLeigh MontagnaHeath Shaw, and Dale ThomasFooty Talk has become the go-to source for AFL fans seeking daily news and expert analysis. Throughout the 2024 AFL season, key breaking news moments have included Nick Riewoldt’s ongoing advocacy for the Tasmanian Devils, Heath Shaw’s defence of Collingwood’s infamous ‘rat pack,’ and Abbey Holmes’ insider insights into the All-Australian selection process.

LiSTNR’s Ben and Harry Podcast, hosted by Carlton forward Harry McKay and Essendon defender Ben McKay, and umpired by The Marty Sheargold Show’s Will Ralston, was named Best Podcast – Football Entertainment. The show’s unique take on footy life, mixed with brotherly banter, has made it a fan favourite. A standout moment of 2024 was the much-anticipated Ben VS Harry episode, where the brothers previewed their first-ever AFL game against each other.

Footy Talk host, Abbey Holmes, said: “The footy world moves fast, and it’s brilliant to keep up with all the action on Footy Talk. We balance hard-hitting analysis with plenty of fun, all led by some of the best minds in the game.”

Ben and Harry Podcast host, Ben McKay, said: “It’s been a massive year for the show, and the team is thrilled to win this award among such great competition. We have loved connecting with Bombers, Blues, and footy fans every week, and we’re excited to take the podcast to the next level next season.”

Footy Talk – Daily Australian Rules Podcast and the Ben and Harry Podcast are available via LiSTNR.

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

Karmic lessons and laughs with new SBS podcast ‘Comedy Karma’

Join the ever-curious stand-up comedian Aditya Gautam as he chuckles with the funniest South Asian comedians in Australia exchanging stories, gossip and life lessons.

What’s the difference between an ‘assisted’ and ‘arranged’ marriage? What do Jesus and Sachin Tendulkar have in common, and why is it so embarrassing ordering mild food at Indian restaurants?

Laugh with some of the most exciting South Asian comics in Australia as they talk about jokes, race, culture, accents and so much more in SBS Audio’s hot new podcast – Comedy Karma!

Podcast host Aditya Gautam– anauthor, screenwriter and stand-up comedianoriginally from Delhi and now a proud Melbournian – invites those who make a living from making others laugh to spill the chai on the challenges of being a South Asian comedian and finding a sense of identity in a diverse Australia.

Aditya talks candidly about his own experiences, including becoming an Australian citizen and acknowledging his own privilege as a straight, middle-class man while drawing out the experiences of guests who, for example, identify as a “minority within a minority” including LGBTIQ+ people from South Asia.

“These are the funniest South Asian comedians in Australia, taking you into the world of being a funny, brown person and everything about identity, culture and comedy they have learned along the way,” he said.

Packed with anecdotes many of the South Asian diaspora will recognise and relate to, Comedy Karma runs the gamut of South Asian diversity across Bangladeshi, Indian, Nepali, Pakistani and Sri Lankan cultures, exploring identity in a diverse Australia in 10 episodes.

Guests include:

  • Dr Ahmed Kazmi believes laughter is the best medicine. After being ‘a funny doctor’, he decided to try stand-up comedy using his love-life as a gay Pakistani doctor as material. With Aditya he talks about how comedy and media influences culture and how to make a real difference in peoples’ lives.
  • Sashi Perera is a comedian, writer and recovering lawyer. Now a rising star nominated for Best Newcomer at the Melbourne Comedy Festival in 2023, Sashi talks about her previous life as a refugee lawyer, being mistaken as Indian, and being DM’ed by American comedian Hasan Minhaj.
  • You might recognise the very funny Suraj Kolarkar from God’s Favourite Idiot on Netflix or the SBS Audio podcast My First Year in Australia. The stand-up comedian and actor talks about growing up playing cricket in India, the strict teachers from his childhood, and how being heckled on the street before a gig stopped him telling a joke about being an Uber driver.
  • Suren Jayemanne is a comedian, writer and actor known for his comedy on SBS and the ABC. In his conversation with Aditya, he talks about how a flight to Edinburgh helped him write his most told joke and how he gets around being embarrassed when ordering mild food at Indian restaurants.
  • Melbourne comedian, writer and actor Urvi Majumdar has performed to packed audiences at Australia’s biggest writing and comedy festivals. On the podcast, she talks about her dad who loves a fresh fruit bargain, and how both her dad and partner love Excel spreadsheets.

Comedy Karma is available to listen now on the SBS Audio app through the new destination channel SBS South Asian, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, LiSTNR and wherever else you stream podcasts.

KICPOD EXTENDS SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP WITH LISTNR

LiSTNR, Australia’s no. 1 podcast sales representation network*, is thrilled to announce that KICPOD, one of Australia’s most popular podcasts, has extended its partnership with LiSTNR.

Hosted by Laura Henshaw and Steph Claire Smith — two of Australia’s most successful entrepreneurs, authors, and healthy living advocates — KICPOD has become a standout in the podcasting world.

Launched five years ago, KICPOD regularly appears in Australia’s top 50 most listened-to podcasts**. Known for its deep and meaningful conversations on wellness, mental health, and life’s challenges, KICPOD offers listeners a relatable and engaging discussion on the topics that matter most.

Henshaw and Smith have built one of the world’s most holistic wellness empires with Kic, further establishing their influence in the wellness and lifestyle space. Their enthusiasm for continuing the partnership with LiSTNR highlights the platform’s role in amplifying their podcast’s reach and supporting their mission to deliver impactful content.

Henshaw and Smith said of the announcement: “We are thrilled to have signed on again with the incredible team at LiSTNR. What we have been able to achieve together over the last few years has been amazing, and we’re excited for what’s ahead!”

LiSTNR Original Podcasts Head of Entertainment and Culture, Sam Cavanagh, commented on the extension: “Steph and Laura are industry leaders in building community.  Their KICPOD podcast is a 2-way conversation with their audience and exemplifies the power and intimacy of podcasting.  We are excited to support their ongoing success and look forward to exploring new opportunities together for years to come.”

KICPOD, along with other popular LiSTNR podcasts, is available on the LiSTNR app. New KICPOD episodes are available every Monday and Wednesday morning.

Sources:

* Australian Podcast Ranker – Top Sales Representatives – August 2024

** All Australian Podcast Ranker – 2024

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

Fran Kelly to present the 2024 Andrew Olle Media Lecture

Respected radio presenter, journalist and political correspondent Fran Kelly will deliver the 2024 Andrew Olle Media Lecture at W Sydney on Friday 18 October.

Fran is currently the host of Saturday Extra on Radio National and previously hosted RN Breakfast for a remarkable 17 years between 2005 and 2021.

Of the opportunity, Fran said “I’m thrilled to have been asked to deliver the Andrew Olle lecture.

“As someone who’s spent most of my career in radio, its humbling to be associated with Andrew, a man who brought such warmth, intelligence, and journalistic integrity to the airwaves and had such a deep connection and affection with his audience. As a young radio journalist just starting out at the ABC, Andrew Olle represented a journalistic standard and style to strive for”.

ABC Head of Audio Ben Latimer said: “Fran exemplifies the ideals we honour in the Andrew Olle Media Lecture.

“For more than 20 years, Fran has been a pioneering presenter at the forefront of holding the powerful to account and her career is testament to her skill, determination and her ability to adapt.”

About Fran Kelly

Fran is a respected radio presenter, current affairs journalist and political correspondent.

She has held positions including chief political correspondent for the AM and PM programs, political editor of the 7.30 Report and ABC Europe correspondent based in London.

In 2005 she became host of Radio National’s agenda-setting Breakfast program, a seat she filled until 2021.

She then took on a new role hosting her own TV talk show Frankly talking to some of Australia’s biggest names and brains. Fran also created and co-presents political podcast The Party Room with Patricia Karvelas and presented a special six-episode podcast series Yours Queerly.

Since 2024 Fran has presented Saturday Extra on ABC Radio National.

About the Andrew Olle Media Lecture

The Andrew Olle Media Lecture is held in honour of one of the ABC’s iconic broadcasters, Andrew Olle and will raise funds for The Brain Cancer Collective. It will be delivered at a black-tie dinner at W Sydney, Darling Harbour on Friday 18 October. ABC Radio Sydney Drive presenter Richard Glover will host the evening.

The event also serves as an opportunity to announce the Andrew Olle Media Scholarship winner.

Previous speakers include Leigh Sales AM, Ita Buttrose AC OBE, Peter FitzSimons, Lisa Wilkinson, Caroline Wilson, Joseph Kahn, Waleed Aly, Helen McCabe, Kate McClymont, Mark Colvin, Laurie Oakes, Ray Martin AM, John Hartigan, John Doyle AM, Lachlan Murdoch, Kerry Stokes AC and Jana Wendt.

Tickets can be purchased here.

4BC Breakfast to take on a new direction

4BC Breakfast to take on a new direction

Laurel, Gary and Mark have been part of the morning routine for millions of Brisbane listeners for over 30 years thanks to their chemistry, music and determination to make people laugh.

Head of Content for Nine Radio, Greg Byrnes, said: “Laurel, Gary and Mark have played a crucial role in our live and local content strategy. It’s been a privilege to have them engage with Brisbane through 4BC but we’ve decided to take a new approach to Breakfast.

“Their loyal listeners, and all of us at 4BC, will miss them greatly, but we’ll be sending them off in a style worthy of their remarkable careers.”

Laurel, Gary and Mark will take their planned survey break next week and return on Monday, September 23, for a final week of cheers and tears as they reflect on their most memorable moments and farewell their 4BC listeners.

Their final day on air will be Friday, September 27.

An announcement on Brisbane’s 4BC Breakfast lineup for the remainder of 2024 will be made soon.

TRIPLE M: YOUR ULTIMATE NRL FINALS DESTINATION

As the 2024 NRL Finals Series begins, Triple M stands ready to deliver every exhilarating moment – from the high-octane kick-off to each exhilarating try and tackle. As Australia’s #1 NRL call, Triple M provides an unmatched listening experience for fans eager to follow every twist and turn of the finals.

With the race for the NRL premiership reaching new heights, Triple M is leading the charge in radio coverage.

This year, Triple M has set new benchmarks, achieving record-breaking audience shares and reach in Sydney and Brisbane. With a dominant streak of 162 consecutive wins over all other commercial competitors, Triple M continues to be the premier choice for NRL finals coverage this September and October.

Our NRL finals lineup features a stellar cast of commentators and experts, including play-by- play commentators Dan GinnaneAnthony Maroon, and Ben Dobbin, along with renowned experts James GrahamGorden TallisRyan GirdlerWade GrahamAaron Woods, and Jason Demetriou. Their insights and commentary promise to deliver the ultimate finals experience.

Throughout the month, Triple M’s popular sports shows will keep the excitement rolling with in-depth analysis and engaging commentary. Don’t miss The Rush Hour Drive shows, The Saturday ScrumThe Sunday Sin Bin, and Dead Set Legends for all the latest action and lively discussion.

For those who want to dive deeper, SCA’s LiSTNR offers a suite of podcasts like Footy Talk – Rugby LeagueThe Monday Scrum, and MG’s Rugby League rundown, providing thorough game breakdowns and exclusive insights.

SCA Head of Sports Content, Ewan Giles, remarked: “Triple M is the epicentre of NRL excitement. Our lineup of experts is unparalleled in Australian sports broadcasting, and we’re thrilled to guide fans through this thrilling journey to the grand final.

“With top-tier commentary, insightful analysis, and a touch of humour, Triple M is your go-to for every moment of the Finals’ Series. In a season as competitive as this, you won’t want to miss a second of the action with Triple M.”

Catch Triple M’s NRL coverage and exclusive sports shows on the Triple M Network and on-demand via LiSTNR.

Source: GfK Radio Ratings. Metro Survey 5, 2024. Sydney – Thursday 1800-2230, Friday 1800-2230, Saturday 1200-2230, Sunday 1300-1930. Brisbane – Thursday 1800-2200, Friday 1730-2200, Saturday 1130-2200, Sunday 1230-1900. Melbourne – Thursday 1800-2030, Friday 1745-2030, Saturday 1000-2030, Sunday 1100-1730. P10+ / P10-69 / P25-54. Cume / Market Share.

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 4.6 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, Marty Sheargold, Mark Geyer, Gus Worland, Margaux Parker, Ryan Girdler, Leisel Jones, James Brayshaw, Billy Brownless, Gorden Tallis, Greg Martin, Mark Ricciuto, Laura O’Callaghan, Chris Dittmar, Peter ‘Spida’ Everitt and Andrew Jarman to name just a few! All Triple M’s content is available live or on demand on the LiSTNR app.