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ARN is proud to announce that Fiona Ellis-Jones, Head of News & Information, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Maureen Kerridge AM Scholarship.

An experienced newsreader, journalist, and news executive, Fiona currently leads a large team of journalists across ARN’s network, including KIIS, Gold, Mix, CADA, ARN Regional, and iHeartRadio. She applied for the scholarship to further develop her leadership skills as she navigates the challenges of a rapidly evolving media landscape. With a strong background in journalism and management, Fiona is focused on adapting news distribution strategies for the digital era while ensuring content remains both relevant and commercially viable.

As part of the scholarship, Fiona will attend the Executive Leadership Development Program at Stanford University, saying: “I’m so grateful for the chance to study this course at Stanford, honouring Maureen Kerridge’s remarkable legacy and empowering more women to excel in leadership roles within the media industry. I’m excited to gain new perspectives, discover more about my leadership style, and make a meaningful impact on the future of news media in Australia.

“As a busy mother of four young children, I quite simply wouldn’t have had the opportunity to invest in my own development in this way without the support of CEW and the Kerridge Foundation,” she continued.

Recently honoured at the B&T Women in Media Awards, Fiona’s career in media spans over 15 years, including as a national newsreader for ABC TV and Radio. She later became the head of ABC’s Radio/Audio News division, overseeing news on Local Radio, NewsRadio, RN, Triple J, and all digital audio platforms. Prior to this, Fiona worked with Nine News Sydney as a producer and reporter. Her passion lies in local storytelling and transforming traditional broadcast news into on-demand formats that better serve today’s audiences.

Beyond her professional achievements, Fiona is a committed ambassador for the Red Nose Foundation, supporting bereaved parents and advocating to reduce stillbirth in Australia. As a mother of four young children and a daughter, Elizabeth, who was stillborn, Fiona’s advocacy is deeply personal. She also serves on the committee of Women in Media, Tasmania, and is based in Hobart.

–  FEATURING BEAU RYAN, NATARSHA BELLING AND AARON WOODS –

The airwaves of 104.9 Triple M Sydney will light up from Monday 20 January 2025 when Beau Ryan, former professional NRL player and host of The Amazing Race Australia, makes his Breakfast radio debut alongside one of Australia’s most experienced and versatile news presenters, Natarsha Belling, and former West Tigers Captain, Aaron Woods, for an all-new Breakfast show, Triple M Breakfast with Beau, Tarsh & Woodsy. As Australia’s fastest-growing network over the past two years*, Triple M’s evolution continues, and the network is thrilled to be bringing together three fantastic local Sydney voices to engage and entertain Sydney listeners.

Since retiring from his elite NRL career, Beau Ryan has proven himself to be a standout media host and performer who has gained national recognition for his hosting duties of Channel 10’s The Amazing Race Australia and Top Gear Australia, amongst his many other television and radio appearances including on Triple M’s The Rush Hour. Whilst this will be Ryan’s first full-time radio gig, his mischievous sense of humour and bloke-next-door demeanour is the ideal fit for Triple M listeners.

No stranger to the Triple M audience, over the past two years Natarsha Belling has been a wonderful contributor to the Mick & MG in the Morning Breakfast show and will now help steer the Breakfast ship as co-host, whilst continuing to deliver the morning news for Triple M. Rounding out the show’s hosts is Aaron Woods, who has recently been an outstanding contributor to Triple M Sydney’s The Rush Hour. Current Triple M Sydney Breakfast show anchor, Cat Lynch, will also keep the mornings on track as the show’s anchor.

In further good news for Triple M Sydney, Laura Bouchet has been appointed to the role of Content Director. A multiple award-winning Executive Producer, with almost two decades of audio experience including six with Triple M, Bouchet’s expertise and passion for the medium will be an invaluable asset to the station’s announcers and producers, helping lead Triple M Sydney into a new era.

Beau Ryan said: “I’m so keen to start on Triple M Breakfast in 2025 with the fabulous Tarsh Belling and my good mate Aaron Woods. I grew up with Triple M; it was always on for every car trip and then, during my playing days, it got me through the long commute to training at the Wests Tigers and Cronulla Sharks. So now to be a part of the new Breakfast team is a wonderful full circle moment. I can’t wait to greet Sydneysiders with the new team in the new year. It’s a close-knit network with passionate listeners.  Let’s f*#*en go!”

Natarsha Belling said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Beau and Woodsy for this exciting new Breakfast show. I can’t wait to wake up with Sydney and share all the day’s news, sport and crazy stories. Strap yourselves in Sydney – we are live and local and anything can happen!!!”

Aaron Woods said: “Honestly, I can’t bloody wait to join the Triple M Breakfast show, it’s like a dream come true. My whole family love Triple M and my Nan would always have it on the stereo at home. To work with my ex-teammate Beau Ryan will be awesome. We know he’s a lunatic and God only knows what he will be coming up with on-air. And then there’s Natarsha Belling, what a legend!”

SCA Chief Content Officer, Dave Cameron, said: “In 2025, the Triple M network will continue to have a steadfast approach to locally focussed Breakfast shows across the country, hosted by much-loved local identities in each city that can connect with local audiences and clients. Sydneysiders know their city to be Australia’s most exciting, and they deserve something just as exciting, fresh and locally relevant to wake up to, instead of the tired same-same approach of other Sydney stations.

“We’re hugely excited to welcome this brand-new Breakfast team in Beau Ryan, Tarsh Belling and Aaron Woods to deliver a hilarious, completely Sydney-focussed, sport-flavoured, and genuinely mischievous way for Sydney to wake up. Beau and Tarsh are already well-loved and experienced Sydney media talent, and Woodsy, who is fresh off the footy field, will bring added cheekiness to the show.

“104.9 Triple M Sydney will lead the charge on creating a new and different Breakfast approach in Australia’s biggest city, which is simply screaming out for something fresh and locally connected. It’s time!”

Mark Geyer, who co-hosted the 104.9 Triple M Breakfast show with Mick Molloy, will not return to the Breakfast show in 2025. Reflecting on Geyer’s time with Triple M, Dave Cameron said: “We wish to thank MG for his incredible 17-year contribution to Triple M across many shows and NRL calls. We sincerely hope he will be a part of the Triple M family again at some stage in the future, and we wish him all the best.”

Triple M Breakfast with Beau, Tarsh & Woodsy kicks off on 20 January 2025, from 6-9am weekdays on 104.9 Triple M Sydney and LiSTNR.

See the video of the 104.9 Triple M Breakfast announcement here.

Source: GfK Metro Surveys 6-8 2022/Surveys 1-8 2023/Surveys 1-6 2024.  P10+, Mon-Sun ROS, Average Year Cume Reach (000’s).

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.

About Beau Ryan:

Beau Ryan is a loveable media performer with boundless energy. The former professional NRL player made 127 appearances for the Wests Tigers and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and represented the Australian PM team in 2012, until an injury cut short his career. Ryan’s cheeky sense of humour and bloke-next-door demeanour saw him make a seamless transition into the shiny world of television, including regular appearances on Nine Network’s The Footy Show NRL and a stint as the show’s co-host. Ryan’s television career has continued to grow by leaps and bounds, with Ryan hosting five seasons of The Amazing Race Australia, joining the cast of Dancing With The Stars, jumping headfirst into jungle life on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, and as a regular co-host on Channel 10’s morning show Studio 10. Ryan is also a co-host of the iconic Top Gear Australia alongside Mighty Car Mods Blair ‘Moog’ Joscelyne and Australian Survivor’s Jonathan LaPaglia, on Channel 10/Paramount+.

About Natarsha Belling:

Natarsha Belling is one of Australia’s most experienced and versatile News presenters. For more than 30 years Belling has worked at Channel 10, Channel 7 and the ABC, delivering major stories that have shaped and changed Australians’ lives. Belling began her journalism career in rural NSW before joining the ABC where she presented her first international news bulletin at the age of just 21. In the ever-changing media landscape Belling continues to shine with her quick wit, passion for news and sense of humour, which have seen her diversify her skills in podcasting and co-hosting major radio and TV Breakfast shows. Belling is also a committed patron of a number of key charities including Vision Australia and The Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation.

About Aaron Woods:

Aaron Woods is a former Australian rugby league forward who captained Wests Tigers and played for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, St. George Illawarra Dragons and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in the National Rugby League. Debuting in 2011, Woods quickly gained recognition for his skill and work rate and represented NSW in State of Origin from 2013. After 14 years of playing. Woods announced the decision to retire from the NRL on Triple M. Off the field, Woods is thriving in media with Triple M, Fox Sports, and his LiSTNR Footy Talk podcast.

The ABC received five gongs, including Podcast of the Year, at the 2024 Australian Podcast Awards overnight which celebrates the nation’s best podcasts and creators.

Ladies, We Need To Talk, presented by Yumi Stynes, took out the Grand Prix Podcast of the Year and the Sex and Relationships category award. The highest honour award recognises outstanding presentation, original research / writing, sound design and boundary-pushing material that showcases the very best of what Australian podcasting can achieve.

Presented by Yumi Stynes, Ladies, We Need To Talk also beat a strong shortlist including stablemate triple j’s The Hook Up to take home the category prize.

Myf Warhurst and Zan Rowe, two of Australia’s most respected and most loved music journalists and presenters won the Best Host(s) category for their audio offering Double J’s Bang On where they debrief about music, art, life and stuff.

Unravel Firebomb about Chinese restaurants being firebombed in Perth in the 1980’s took out the stiff competition, including ABC’s Stop and Search and Mamamia’s True Crime Conversations, to win the True Crime category award.

The ABC was also successful in the Kids category winning the award for Play School: Ears On, audio adventures made for the broadcaster’s littlest listeners.

ABC Director Audio, Ben Latimer said: “The ABC continues to deliver creative and innovative content for our listeners across all ages in the podcast space.  To be recognised at these awards demonstrates the high-quality podcasts and storytelling the ABC delivers to Australian listeners.”

You can find all of the ABC’s podcasts, including radio, music and audiobooks, free on ABC listen.

Triple M has bolstered its cricket commentary lineup for the first Test between Australia and India, with cricket royalty Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, and Aaron Finch joining the call. With more than 675 international matches between them, these cricketing legends bring unrivalled expertise and insights to guide cricket fans through every ball, wicket, and boundary.

As India and Australia prepare to clash in a historic five-Test series — the first on Australian soil — Triple M cements its place as the home of cricket with a commentary lineup that is every cricket fan’s dream. Joining Johnson, Lee, and Finch in commentary are some of the biggest names in the game, including Mark Taylor AO, James Brayshaw, Mark Howard, Merv Hughes, Greg Blewett, Mark Waugh AM, Brad Haddin, Callum Ferguson, and Isabelle Westbury. International cricket royalty Lord Ian Botham OBE and Triple M’s Dan Ginnane and Jack Heverin complete this incredible lineup.

This summer kicks off the Triple M Network’s new seven-year agreement, securing exclusive FM metro broadcast, digital audio, and DAB+ rights. Cricket enthusiasts can catch all Australian men’s international games, including Tests, ODIs, and T20s, along with the women’s T20 internationals against England, live on Triple M and LiSTNR.

SCA Head of Sports Content, Ewan Giles, said: “It doesn’t get much bigger than Johnson, Lee, and Finch joining our iconic lineup. These cricket greats add another layer of expertise and energy to one of the most accomplished commentary teams Triple M has ever assembled. Whether fans are at the beach, on the road, or playing backyard cricket, Triple M is their ultimate cricket companion this summer.”

The first five-day Test begins today, Friday, 22 November, as the Australian men’s team takes on India at Optus Stadium, Perth, setting the stage for a thrilling series opener in the battle for the coveted Border–Gavaskar Trophy.

Don’t miss a moment as Triple M Rocks Cricket, live across the metro Triple M network and streaming on LiSTNR. Download the LiSTNR app and sign up for free to catch every ball, wicket, and boundary.

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 Rock’s Greatest Hits, Sport and Comedy. With 49 stations across Australia, including DAB+ stations, Triple M 80s, Triple M 90s, Triple M 2000s, Triple M Almost Acoustic, Triple M Classic Rock and Triple M Country, Triple M has become known for playing the greatest hits, good times and its iconic talent and shows that get people talking.

The ABC achieved strong results across platforms in 2024, including:

• ABC iview was #1 BVOD choice for on-demand programming
• ABC NEWS was Australia’s #1 digital news brand in September
• ABC Radio is Australia’s #1 digital live streaming network

In 2025 Australian audiences can look forward to even more innovative world class content across ABC TV, ABC NEWS, ABC iview and ABC listen with a line-up unparalleled in its breadth and diversity.

Chief Content Officer Chris Oliver-Taylor: “As the largest commissioner of Australian content we’re thrilled to share our 2025 slate, including 23 new titles across all genres. Audiences will see original premium homegrown drama, a comedy slate that delivers some of our country’s biggest hits, children’s content that connects with kids not only in Australia but all over the world, impactful factual programming and documentaries that resonate with Australians in the city and country. Our unrivalled arts coverage includes six primetime series in 2025 complementing live music events, Mardi Gras and New Year’s Eve celebrations that bring Australians together. The ABC is the home of Australian content in 2025.”

Director, Audio Ben Latimer: “In 2025 ABC Local Radio stations will remain the true pulse of the cities they serve. With a mix of new hosts and returning favourites, our Local Network will continue to connect deeply with the unique character and personality of each city, reflecting what matters most to their communities. ABC Radio National is reaffirming its role as Australia’s premier audio gateway, offering audiences a window into the rich tapestry of intellectual and creative life in this country. Next year, triple j will celebrate an extraordinary milestone — 50 years as Australia’s most influential and impactful music network. In the on-demand space, our market-leading podcast slate will continue to provide distinctive, high-quality audio content, while our ABC listen platform evolves to become more personalised — delivering the content our audiences want, whenever and wherever they want it.”

Director, News Justin Stevens: “The role of ABC NEWS in delivering news and information people know they can trust is becoming increasingly important and will be vital in a federal election year. This year we saw huge audiences for our award-winning journalism and in 2025 we’ll offer even more to all Australians across all platforms, from returning flagship brands to fresh content initiatives, news breaking investigations and essential emergency broadcasting when people need us most.”

ABC 2025 Upfronts announce highlights include:

SCREEN – SCRIPTED

The ABC’s scripted slate continues to be broad, diverse and world class in 2025.

Based on bestselling Australian author Sally Hepworth’s novel of the same name, The Family Next Door  tells the story of enigmatic Isabelle (Teresa Palmer), who moves into a small seaside cul-de-sac where her obsessive drive to solve a mystery casts suspicion on four neighbouring families.

Jenna Owen, Vic Zerbst and Charles Firth are the masters of spin in new six-part comedy series Optics which premieres Wednesday 29 January on ABC TV and ABC iview.

The critically acclaimed and multi-award-winning Mystery Road: Origin returns for a second season continuing to delve into the early years of Detective Jay Swan (Mark Coles Smith).

Unmissable favourites Bay of Fires, Austin and Mother and Son all return for second seasons in 2025, with Return to Paradise also in development and planned to return in 2025. The multi award winning The Newsreader will return for season three on Sunday 2 February on ABC TV and ABC iview.

SCREEN – ENTERTAINMENT 

From satire to panel shows and stand-up comedy, a plethora of ABC favourites return for 2025.

Hands on buzzers for the return of crowd-drawing hits Spicks & Specks, Guy Montgomery’s Spelling Bee and Hard Quiz. The laughs and good times keep coming with more Gruen, The Weekly with Charlie Pickering and Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

2025 will see Costa and the team unearth more tips in Gardening Australia while Offsiders unpacks the sporting news of the week. New favourites Shaun Micallef’s Eve of Destruction and A Bite To Eat with Alice are in development to return.

ABC is proud to support emerging voices through the Fresh Blood initiative with Screen Australia which will see three debut projects hit screens in 2025 – Going Under, Urvi Went to an All Girls School and Westerners. Our joint initiative with Screen Australia continues to be the ABC’s launchpad for the careers of some of Australia’s best comedy writers, directors, and performers. People like Aunty Donna, Greta Lee, Adele Vuko, Nina Oyama and Angus Thompson to name a few.

SCREEN – DOCUMENTARY & SPECIALIST

In 2025, the ABC will continue to deliver compelling documentary, specialist, science and natural history content.

Groundbreaking series The Role of a Lifetime sees Amanda Keller and an ensemble of comedians explore parenting dilemmas alongside sketches featuring Kate Ritchie and Nazeem Hussain.

Dr Ann Jones gets up close and personal with some of the most reclusive creatures on the planet in Dr Ann Secret Lives. Explore Western Australia’s natural history in new documentaries Orca: Australia’s Megapod and The Kimberley, and Miriam Margolyes embarks on a long-awaited adventure to New Zealand in Miriam Margolyes: Made in NZ.

Curious minds will delight on Tuesday 7 January on ABC TV and ABC iview when Tony Armstrong explores a radical culinary solution to the invasive plants and animals attacking Australia’s unique biodiversity in Eat The Invaders and Dr Karl steps behind factory doors to see how products are made in Dr Karl’s How Things Work.

Tony Armstrong is on a mission to find global solutions to the rising tide of racism in Australian sport and inspire lasting change in End Game. And new ABC Indigenous original format, Hear Me Out will tackle the often contentious discussion surrounding Australia Day from a First Nations point of view.

On Sunday 2 February on ABC TV and ABC iview, audiences will fall in love with a new litter of puppies as Muster Dogs returns for season three. There will be a twist on the experiment to see who will be crowned Champion. This time both Kelpies and Collies put to the test.

Audience favourites I Was Actually There, The Assembly, Grand Designs Australia, Restoration Australia, Back Roads, Landline and Compass all return for new seasons.

And Annabel Crabb and the team that brought you Kitchen Cabinet and Ms Represented are in development, with a new series investigating the barely-believable true story of how Australia’s globally unique voting system came to be.

SCREEN – MUSIC, ARTS & EVENTS

The ABC continues to be the home of compelling Arts, Music and Live Events content in 2025.

Exciting new series The Piano sees everyday pianists take on the opportunity of a lifetime, guided by renowned expert musicians Harry Connick Jr and Andrea Lam.

Acclaimed art lover and actor Rachel Griffiths will return to the ABC with When the War is Over to deep dive into how art has helped shape our attitude to wars.

In Portrait Artist Of The Year, artists from across Australia will compete in a battle of creative skill, as they complete portraits of famous sitters.

More artistic stories will be celebrated in new seasons of Creative Types with Virginia Trioli, The Art Of with Namila Benson, Take 5 with Zan Rowe and Rage.

Spend an enchanting Christmas with Australia’s finest musical theatre talent as they grace the stage with the sounds of the festive season for A (Very) Musical Christmas on Friday 20 December on ABC TV and ABC iview.

ABC is proud to again host the biggest events that unite the country with Australian of the Year, Australia Day Live Concert, ANZAC Day, New Year’s Eve, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, NAIDOC and the Classic 100 Concert.

SCREEN – CHILDREN and FAMILY

The ABC continues to be the #1 Network for Australian children.

Multi-talented Andy Lee brings his best-selling book series to life in the new animated series Do Not Watch This Show.

New preschool series, Knee High Spies combines live-action and puppetry and get ready to see our trusted Heeler family like you’ve never seen them before, as they’re brought to real life in a recording of their live show Bluey’s Big Play. 

Summer holiday viewing kicks off with new Kangaroo Beach splashing onto screens on Boxing Day and Gardening Australia Junior on New Years Day. Beautiful and soothing animation Piki Lullaby with Christine Anu will be available from 13 January on ABC Family and ABC iview.

Returning favourites include Space Nova, Fizzy & Suds, Good Game Spawn Point and Good Game Spawn Squad, Hard Quiz Kids and Play School. Plus Teenage Boss: Next Level is in development to return.

SCREEN – ACQUISITIONS

The commissioned slate continues to be complemented by a suite of acquisitions in 2025.

We will farewell hit crime drama Vera as the series concludes with two epic films combining murderous intrigue with heart and soul.

Titles Walking with Dinosaurs, Bergerac, Douglas is Cancelled, Until I Kill You, The One That Got Away and Darby and Joan will also hit screens.

NEWS

Australia’s most trusted news organisation, ABC NEWS continues to bring viewers agenda-setting journalism and analysis, in-depth investigations, compelling storytelling and essential information across our digital and broadcast platforms. Returning flagship TV programs in 2025 include ABC News Breakfast, Insiders, 7.30, Australian Story – next year with six more episodes, Four Corners, Q+A, Foreign Correspondent – in a new timeslot of 8.00pm Tuesday, Planet America, BTN and Afternoon Briefing with new host Patricia Karvelas. Also returning are audio flagships AM, PM, Radio National Breakfast with new host Sally Sara and The World Today with new host Andy Park. And Fran Kelly will be presenting new program The Radio National Hour.

MEDIA WATCH

It’s the show everybody loves … until they’re on it. Media Watch returns next year with a new host and a new look. Sitting in the hot seat will be Linton Besser, an investigative reporter and former foreign correspondent who will be picking up the mantle from Paul Barry, who ends a stellar 11-year run.

AUDIO – triple j

Next year will see triple j celebrate an incredible 50 years as Australia’s most impactful music network. Like A Version is heading across international waters, with a special run of performances recorded overseas, and One Night Stand makes another regional town a live music capital for one unforgettable night.

AUDIO – Radio National

Wake up with award-winning journalist Sally Sara hosting Breakfast. Bookend your day with the return of Fran Kelly hosting a new daily 6pm program The Radio National Hour. Join Marc Fennell on an adventure through history with his new program complimented by a new umbrella feed for history content. Media hound Tim Burrowes will host a new program, MediaLand.

AUDIO – Local

Taking the wheel on 702 ABC Radio Sydney Drive is Chris Bath. In Melbourne, our new Breakfast duo of Bob Murphy and Sharnelle Vella are ready to hit the ground running and Brigitte Duclos is joining us to host Afternoons. Ellen Fanning will host Drive in Brisbane with legend of the airwaves Gary Adshead taking Drive in Perth. In Adelaide the beloved Spence Denny will return to host Evenings with Rory McLaren the new host of Mornings.

Sport lovers can expect more magic moments across our local radio network in 2025. After a successful return in 2023, the Australian Open will once again be heard on the ABC in January as part of a new five-year agreement for audio rights. The Australian Open 2025 will air on ABC local radio and ABC listen from the 12 – 26 January.

AUDIO – On Demand

When two campers vanished in Victoria’s high country, no one imagined the culprit would be a quiet, diligent pilot from the suburbs. The revelations took a darker turn when it emerged that he’d burned their bodies and concealed their remains. So how did an accomplished airline captain become a killer? Through exclusive interviews, Unravel: Huntsman tells the story of Greg Lynn, uncovering early indicators of a volatile temper and a disturbing capacity for cruelty. Those close to his first wife, Lisa, say the warning signs were there all along.

Also in 2025, Conversations turns 20 and Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski hit the road to celebrate.

Sources

Source: OzTAM VPM data (On Demand), Jan-Oct 2024, ABC iview minutes are underrepresented in March 2024 due to measurement interruptions. 

Source: OzTAM Metro Panel

Source: Ipsos iris Online Audience Measurement Service 

Source: GfK radio ratings

In 2025 a reimagined ABC Radio National will be at the centre of big conversations and create a space where audiences can expand their worldview while engaging with the world’s best thinkers.

Award-winning journalist Sally Sara will lead the day on Radio National Breakfast joined by political correspondent Melissa Clarke, business correspondent Peter Ryan and news presenter Luke Siddham Dundon.

Fran Kelly will make her return to Radio National in a 1-hour weekday evenings program The Radio National Hour from 6-7pm. The program will focus on the big news stories shaping our world.

Fran said: “I’m thrilled to back on Radio National in a bigger way next year.

“This new show is a chance to go deeper into the news of our time, speaking to the best thinkers and creators and opinion shapers every day. And it’s an election year… I can’t wait!”

Current Drive host Andy Park will remain part of the network and become the presenter of flagship current affairs program The World Today.

Joining Fran and Sally on ABC Radio National next year is Nick Bryant as host of Saturday Extra.

ABC Radio National Manager Dina Rosendorff said: “In 2025 ABC Radio National will be at the heart of national and global conversations and reestablish itself as a trusted source of thoughtful analysis and deep thinking.

2025 will see the Network go even further to cultivate a space for profound insight and meaningful conversations with an expanded range of programs and voices across science, technology, the arts, culture, history, religion and set the agenda in current affairs.

“Radio National will cement itself as the ‘go-to’ space where ideas spark, perspectives broaden and inquiring minds find their home.”

The new year sees an emphasis on returning to a live, flow format through the addition of Cassie McCullagh and Hilary Harper as the Voices of Radio National who will thread Radio National’s programming together throughout the day.

Hilary and Cassie will guide audiences through the live schedule across news and current affairs programs into our unmatched range of specialist content.

Program highlights

Also in 2025, Radio National will expand its history offering with new global and Australian historical series and a landmark history show hosted by Australia’s favourite history buff, Marc Fennell.

Richard Glover is leaving the ABC at the end of the year, but his popular show Thank God It’s Friday! will remain, presented by Charlie Pickering and heard on Radio National, ABC Radio Sydney and ABC Radio Melbourne.

The Big Weekend of Books returns in October as ABC Radio National’s Top 100 Books, a countdown in which audiences can vote for their favourite books of the 21^st Century. As always, the event will showcase authors around the world talking about their new releases.

We are adding to our roster of specialist content with some of the brightest minds in their field.

Tim Burrowes and Vivienne Kelly host a new program, MediaLand, examining the media landscape in Australia and abroad.

In news to delight the scientifically minded, Lab Notes, presented by Belinda Smith will cast a lens on fresh scientific discoveries and other things we didn’t know last week – from major breakthroughs to surprising curiosities.

Peter Martin hosts a new business program, The Economy, Stupid, and Jonathan Green sinks his teeth into all things food with Every Bite.

Tegan Taylor becomes the new host of Life Matters with Beverley Wang continuing to present Friday’s talkback program. Dr Preeya Alexander joins Norman Swan on The Health Report.

David Marr continues as host of Late Night Live. Daniel Browning presents Arts in 30 a weekly wrap of what’s happening in the world of art and culture in addition to presenting The Art Show.

Rae Johnston steps in to host Australia’s number one technology podcast Download This Show.

Siobhan Marin will host Quick Smart

Scheduling changes (AEDT)

A new early AM and News Daily at 5.30am

PM moves to 5pm

Late Night Live repeat moves to 3pm

Conversations moves to 4pm

The new Radio National Hour will be heard at 6-7pm

The Music Show will move to 10am on weekends

Radio veteran Brigitte Duclos will spearhead Afternoons on 774 ABC Melbourne in 2025 while Charlie Pickering will help us celebrate the end of the week with a new show on Fridays.

Brigitte promises to bring great interviews and engaging conversations to your afternoon, having had a successful radio career spanning three decades.

“Radio has been a 30-year passion of mine and I am so looking forward to getting back behind the microphone to deliver a show that informs, excites and, most of all, focuses on the topics important to Melbourne,” Brigitte said.

“The ABC listeners are the soul of this city and I look forward to them sharing their stories, struggles and triumphs.”

Current Afternoons presenter Trevor Chappell will return to his role as Overnights presenter in 2025.

Trevor said he had enjoyed presenting Afternoons but was looking forward to reconnecting with his Overnights audience.

“Trev is one of the nicest men in radio and it’s been a pleasure to have him around during the day,” Acting Local Manager Shelley Hadfield said. “His national Overnights audience will be delighted to welcome him back into their nights. We are grateful to Michael Pavlich for being such good company to them during the past 18 months.”

To wrap up the week and celebrate the start of the weekend, Charlie Pickering returns to 774 to host a new show on Fridays from 5-6pm. Thank God It’s Friday (TGIF) will follow Ali Moore’s Drive program, bringing together comedy, music and the week’s news in front of a live audience from our Southbank studios.

In other news, station favourites Jacinta Parsons and Brian Nankervis will get your weekend off to a great start, taking over Saturday morning programs.

Brian will present Saturday Breakfast, with Alice Zaslavsky making the decision to step away from the show next year so she can spend weekends with her daughter.

And, Jacinta will take over Saturday Mornings. Current presenter Matt Preston has announced he will step away from show next month after three years.

“I’ve loved doing what is one of the best jobs in radio, so it has been a tough decision,” Matt said. “I’m so grateful to the people I’ve worked with on the show and the top-level co-hosts that have taught me so much.

“I’ve been lucky enough to interview so many of my heroes both old and new over the journey. And it has been priceless spending time with such an intelligent, passionate and often very funny audience.”

Saturday’s Cat and Matt show, with Matt and Catherine Murphy, will wind up. Catherine will still appear on programs across the station.

Alice Zaslavsky said helping Melbourne wake up every Saturday had been a privilege.

“Though I’ll be stepping away from the show, I won’t be leaving the 774 family,” Alice said. “You can look forward to hearing my voice as ABC’s food guru, as well as the odd cameo back behind the mic.

“Thank you to the Saturday Breakfast regulars – both our guests and our listeners, who have enriched our weekends with worthwhile tidbits. It’s these voices and views that make a show like ours vibrate with vitality.”

Jacinta and Brian will continue presenting The Friday Revue.

Last week, Sammy J revealed he will finish up as Breakfast host next month, with award-winning journalist Sharnelle Vella and Western Bulldogs’ great Bob Murphy set to wake up Melburnians in 2025 with a mix of news, sport, weather and fun.

774 ABC Melbourne is excited by the new line up, which also includes Raf Epstein on Mornings (8.30am-11am), Richelle Hunt on The Conversation Hour (11am-noon), Ali Moore on Drive (3pm-6pm), David Astle on Evenings (6.45pm-10pm) and Lisa Leong on Sundays (10am-noon).

Acting Local Manager Shelley Hadfield said it was hard to say goodbye to much loved presenters and colleagues and she had no doubt they would continue to be regulars on the station.

“We are excited to shake things up with this new line-up and we are confident that it will hold us in good stead to make sure that we remain the voice of Melbourne,” Shelley said.

Brigitte will start presenting Afternoons over the summer break.