ARN has unveiled a fresh marketing campaign for The Kyle & Jackie O Show in Melbourne, centred around the bold new tagline: “Radio Gone Rogue!”.

Created entirely in-house, the campaign celebrates the show’s raw, unfiltered energy and marks the next phase in ARN’s strategy to grow its Melbourne audience.

Rolling out across outdoor, digital, social and TV, the campaign is headlined by a tongue-in-cheek TV commercial that launched yesterday. Based on a hugely successful concept the show has run previously, the next instalment is once again set in a focus group where participants share their brutally honest opinions on Kyle Sandilands and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson – while the pair secretly watch on. Multiple executions of the TVC will roll out in the coming weeks, each highlighting different unscripted and unfiltered reactions to the show.

The new creative direction builds on ARN’s previous Melbourne campaign, We’re Behaving, which launched in early 2025 and successfully reignited listener interest, driving both re-trial and ratings growth. Now, nearly six months on, the focus shifts to attracting new listeners, with this next phase celebrating what has always made The Kyle & Jackie O Show truly stand out.

Lauren Joyce, ARN’s Chief Audience & Content Officer, said: “The only thing routine about The Kyle & Jackie O Show is the timeslot – every morning it is unexpected and goes against the grain of formulaic radio. It’s a little bit rogue, in the best possible way.
“Radio Gone Rogue! taps into what listeners, both loyal and new, tell us they love most about the show; it’s bold, it goes where others won’t and frankly, it’s unswitchoffable.”

The integrated campaign is now live across Melbourne’s key outdoor sites, digital platforms, and social media, with TV coverage continuing in the coming weeks.

CREDITS
Chief Audience & Content Officer – Lauren Joyce
Head of Marketing – Donna Gordon
KIIS Senior Brand Manager – James Duffield
Head of Creative Production – Sean Vandenberg
Creative Director – Ante Miocic
Director – Phoebe Edwards
DOP – Becky Lillyman
Cameraman – Josh Hayes, Luke Rodely, Lucas Corroto
Creative Servies Coordinator – Prue Bowtell
Music – West One Music
Sound Design – Todd Falusi
Graphic Effects & Grade – Nik Palin
Graphic Design – Gabrielle Revells & Mikey Fleming

ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks has announced the appointment of Freya Campbell as Director of Communications.

Freya brings strong credentials in stakeholder engagement, issues management, government relations and developing communications across channels and platforms. 

Currently Freya is Executive Director Strategic Communications at UNSW Sydney, managing external and internal communications, including media and the Vice-Chancellor’s communications.

Previously she was Assistant General Manager of Marketing and Communications at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), managing a team responsible for communications across 80 locations in 48 markets. 

Freya Campbell: “I’m excited to join the ABC at a time when trust in media has never been more important. Like so many Australians, I grew up with the ABC’s iconic 7PM News theme signalling the nightly ritual of trusted national and global news beamed into the family lounge room. 

“My media consumption across platforms has evolved over the years but the ABC has remained my preferred source of entertainment and information.”

Hugh Marks: “We’re incredibly fortunate to have someone of Freya’s background and skills join the ABC Leadership Team. I can see how much she’ll bring to how we talk about the vital role of the ABC with employees, stakeholders, media and audiences.” 

Freya will start with the ABC on 7 July.

• Opportunity to make an impact
• Responsible for leading the Powerd Media project
• Alexandria location, flexible working arrangements available

The role

We are looking for an expert who will provide oversight across Disability Media activities for Powerd Media including developing and implementing new content and collaborating with Reading Radio stations and other Disability Media organisations to ensure Powerd Media is meeting the needs of the Sector.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee Powerd Media initiatives based on grant funding requirements.
• Coordinate all Powerd Media partnerships, collaborations, interviews and other productions and events.
• Actively pursue grant opportunities for Powerd Media initiatives.
• Provide support and guidance to broadcasters.
• Manage Powerd Media planning, schedules and budget as per the content strategy and plan.
• Work with CBAA departments to promote Powerd Media initiatives to the sector and government.
• Collaborate with the News Network Director and Disability Rights Reporter on news and current affairs opportunities for Powerd Media.
• Engage with key stakeholders including Disability Media Australia to understand their needs to support their goals.

Your experience includes:

• Previous demonstrated experience in a similar role
• Deep understanding and experience of the role of community broadcasting and the disability media sector
• Be able to build partnerships with disability organisations and advocates utilising existing networks
• Have strong connections to and have a deep understanding of the disability community and culture, language etc
• Demonstrated ability to champion and drive change
• Superior problem-solving skills including the ability to identify risk and implement solutions
• High level interpersonal and relationship building skills
• Proven ability to work autonomously
• Results-focused and ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
• High levels of personal drive and energy
• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability
• Willingness to work outside standard hours when required, specifically where workload or
• deadlines require
• Experience within the Not-for-Profit community based or membership-based organisations

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 Apply Now on 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 matt.field@cbaa.org.au using the subject line: Powerd Media Lead enquiry via the CBAA website.

“…the bad singers, we were directed to keep them, that was part of the format, not a part of my career that I’m proud of, to ridicule somebody who clearly doesn’t have talent is just cruel.” Stephen Tate, former Australian Idol Executive Producer

It’s a seductive dream factory: ordinary Australians with musical talent offered the opportunity to become overnight stars via a TV talent show. 

But a new LiSTNR podcast documentary The Moment It Changed: Touchdown lifts the lid on the reality of how we’ve been manipulated by blockbuster shows, from Popstars to Australian Idol and The Voice.

Listeners will hear confronting stories of exploitation, deceit and humiliation from former judges, producers and contestants, as well as the extraordinary journeys of those who achieved euphoric fame and success. 

Among those speaking out candidly in the podcast are former Australian Idol judges Mark Holden and Ian “Dicko” Dickson, past winners Dami Im, Casey Donovan, Karise Eden and Katie Underwood, and ex-contestants Rob “Millsy” Mills and Bella Farraro.

The Moment It Changed: Touchdown was produced by respected music journalist Cameron Adams, senior producer Jake Morcom and LiSTNR’s Factual team. The series is hosted by Nic Kelly, a former record label executive, DJ and now co-host of The Hot Hits with Nic & Loren across the Hit Network.

Host, Nic Kelly, said: “I was a huge fan of the original Australian Idol growing up, and reality music TV helped develop my love for music and pop culture in general. But as someone who works in both media and music, I knew what we see on TV isn’t the whole story. I hope some of what we have uncovered will open people’s eyes to what goes into a musician’s choice to appear on these shows, and what could be done to make them more effective for new artists.”

LiSTNR Head of Factual, Clair Weaver, said: “Millions of us have laughed, cheered and cried our way through music talent shows on Australian TV over the past 25 years. But now The Moment It Changed: Touchdown exposes the confronting truth about what happens behind the scenes and how we’ve all been played. This is an important podcast from the LiSTNR Factual team and Nic Kelly brings extraordinary passion, experience and expertise as host.”

For the first time, discover the truth about what really happens behind the scenes of your favourite music reality TV show on The Moment It Changed: Touchdown, listen for free on the LiSTNR app. 

Podcast credits:
Journalist & Producer: Cameron Adams 
Senior Producer: Jake Morcom
Senior Producer: Romy Sher
Producer: Holly Mitchell 
Host: Nic Kelly

Host bio:
Nic Kelly is a passionate advocate for Australian music, and co-host of the Hit Network’s national night show The Hot Hits with Nic & Loren. With over a decade of experience in the music industry, Kelly has hosted various music-focussed shows across the Hit Network, launched Night High Records in collaboration with EMI, and founded leading youth-targeted music media platform Project U. 

About LiSTNR:
LiSTNR is a curated and personalised free app offering radio, podcasts, music, and news 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, 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 

The 3AW family is deeply saddened by the passing of Robert Walls, an iconic voice and valued member of our football commentary team for over 15 years. Robert’s unique, no-nonsense style wasn’t just commentary; it was a force that reshaped how the game was discussed on air and played a pivotal role in cementing 3AW’s enduring legacy as the leading voice of AFL.

Robert’s arrival at 3AW was almost fate. A chance encounter orchestrated by a determined Anthony Hudson, who bravely approached him during his final days as Richmond coach, led to an insightful interview that was so compelling, it seamlessly transitioned into a permanent role in the 3AW Football box.

For over a decade, Robert became an indispensable part of our broadcasts, his sharp analysis and unwavering opinions shared alongside legendary figures like Rex Hunt, Clinton Grybas, Tony Shaw, Sam Newman, Graeme Bond, Dennis Cometti, Tony Leonard, Gerard Healy, Mike Sheahan, and Caroline Wilson. His direct approach wasn’t always conventional, but it was always authentic and undeniably Robert. He brought a new dimension to the special commentator role, challenging norms and enriching the listener experience.

The energy and chemistry of Robert’s broadcasts with Rex, the passion he shared with Clinton, the banter with Shawry, and the camaraderie with Bondy created truly unforgettable radio moments – broadcasts that have become legendary within the 3AW archives and live on in the memories of our listeners.

Robert Walls was more than just a commentator; he was a character, a presence, and a friend to so many within the 3AW family, both on and off-air. His impact on our football coverage is immeasurable, and his legacy as a true great of football broadcasting will endure. We will forever cherish his contributions and the unique flavour he brought to every Saturday afternoon.

We extend our deepest sympathies to Robert’s family and friends during this sad time.

For those wishing to share their memories of Robert Walls, please feel free to engage with 3AW’s platforms.

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.