Sarah Macdonald will return to 702 ABC Sydney in March 2027, taking on one of the station’s most loved programs as the new presenter of Afternoons.

A familiar and much-loved voice for Sydney audiences, Macdonald returns to the ABC, where she built a strong connection with listeners across Weekend Nightlife, Evenings and, from 2023 to 2024, as presenter of Mornings.

Afternoons holds a special place in the hearts of 702 ABC Sydney listeners. The program was hosted by broadcaster James Valentine, who died earlier this year after 25 years of keeping the Afternoons audience company with his warmth, intelligence and unmistakable curiosity.

Macdonald said she was honoured to join a program with such a deep connection to its audience.

“James was my friend and a legend in my lunchtimes as both listener and colleague.  I am both emotional and thrilled to carry on his legacy. I have missed the ABC listeners’ wit and wisdom. I thank them for their support, and I look forward to hanging out again. I will do my best to inform, entertain and be with listeners as we together try to make sense of the big and the small issues in life.”

Manager 702 ABC Sydney Nick Lowther said he was thrilled to welcome Sarah back to the station. 

“Sarah is one of those broadcasters who builds a genuine, lasting bond with her audience, and that connection is at the heart of what makes 702 and ABC radio special. She has an instinct for the conversations people want to have, and a warmth that comes through every time she’s on air. Her return to the ABC is a genuinely joyful moment for our listeners across Sydney and New South Wales, and I know they will welcome her to the afternoon program that means so much to them.”

ABC Director Audio Ben Latimer said Macdonald’s return was a fitting next chapter for Afternoons and for 702 ABC Sydney audiences.

“We’ve heard just how much 702 ABC Sydney listeners have missed Sarah, and I’m delighted she has agreed to return” Latimer said. “There’s something special about Sarah taking on Afternoons.  She knew James well, she knows the audience, and she understands what the program means to them. I’m really looking forward to hearing her make Afternoons her own. 

“I want to thank James O’Loghlin and Kathryn Robinson, who have built a warm and engaging connection with the Afternoons audience. They have carried the program with great care during a difficult period, and I’m very grateful for their commitment.”

James O’Loghlin and Kathryn Robinson have become much-loved presenters on 702 and will remain regular voices on the station. James will continue presenting Afternoons until Sarah begins in March.

Craig Reucassel will continue on Breakfast in 2027, with Hamish Macdonald continuing on Mornings and Thomas Oriti continuing in Drive.

More details about the 2027 702 ABC Sydney lineup will be announced later this year.

Program or issue	Station/licensee	Description	Outcome	Report published
Licence condition	Meander Valley Community Radio Inc.	Encourage community participation in operationsEncourage community participation in programming	Did not breach of paragraph 9(2)(c)(i) of Schedule 2 to the BSA.Did not breach paragraph 9(2)(c)(ii) of Schedule 2 to the BSA(ref. BI-767)	7 October 2026

 From couture and celebrity culture to contested marks and country life, No Utes in the Valet is bringing its uniquely Australian mix of style, sport and seriously good banter to the iHeart Podcast Network, officially partnering with ARN’s digital arm.

Hosted by celebrity stylist and TV Presenter Elliot Garnaut and four-time AFL premiership player and Norm Smith Medallist Isaac Smith, No Utes in the Valet sits at the intersection of style, sport and pop culture, delivering conversations that span fashion, footy, entertainment and everything in between.

Dropping every Monday, No Utes in the Valet is the fast-talking, fashion-meets-footy podcast nobody asked for but somehow has something for absolutely everyone. Country-born Isaac and city-bred Elliot bring their wildly different perspectives to the microphone, creating a dynamic fuelled by cultural contrast, genuine friendship, sharp observations and the kind of sibling-like banter that has become the show’s signature.

From dissecting the business of the Oscars red carpet and whether sport is becoming entertainment, to AFL Grand Final week, Brownlow fashion, Kylie Minogue, Australian Fashion Week and the global spectacle of the NFL or celebrity and business culture, No Utes in the Valet has carved out its own lane.

The partnership announcement follows last week’s news that Elliot and Isaac will join KIIS 1011’s new Breakfast show alongside Ash London, launching Monday 26 October, further strengthening their growing presence across ARN’s audio network.

Since launching just over 12 months ago, No Utes in the Valet has cultivated a loyal and highly engaged audience and with the support of iHeart, the podcast is set to accelerate its growth, expand its reach and connect with even more listeners across the KIIS and iHeart ecosystem.

Speaking on joining iHeart, Elliot Garnaut said: “What started as a small chat between friends has grown exponentially into something that has become a central figure of the Aussie zeitgeist. We are so excited to be partnering with iHeart to take No Utes to more audiences and of course promise the signature chaos and Enlightenment along the way. We can’t wait!”

Isaac Smith added: “Elliot and I started No Utes in the Valet because we couldn’t stop talking about sport, fashion, culture and everything else going on around us – so it’s pretty surreal to see where it’s taken us. We’re excited to keep bringing the banter, new co-hosts and the big conversations and probably a few questionable opinions along the way.”

As part of the partnership, ARN will support advertising sales for the podcast and support audience growth across the iHeart ecosystem, building on the strong community already surrounding the show.

Head of iHeart Strategic Partnerships and Product Corey Layton said: “We’re thrilled to welcome No Utes in the Valet to the iHeart Podcast Network. Elliot and Isaac have created a genuinely unique show uniting sport, culture and style across audio, video and socials. Their chemistry is undeniable, and we’re excited to help grow the audience even further while connecting brands with their passionate and loyal community.”

New episodes of No Utes in the Valet are released every Monday morning and will continue to be available across all major podcast platforms, including the free iHeart app, and supported by video content on YouTube and iHeart channels.

• Southern Cross Austereo: #1 Network 25-54 metro – 42 surveys in a row
• Triple M: #1 Network Men 25-54 – 30 surveys in a row
• Hit Network: #1 Network Women 25-54 – 6 surveys in a row
• Brisbane: Triple M: #1 FM station, #1 Breakfast, B105: #2 FM station, #2 Breakfast
• Triple M Adelaide: #1 station and #1 Breakfast
• Triple M: #1 AFL and NRL broadcast

Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) has strengthened its leadership in the key 25-54 demographic, recording its 42nd consecutive ‘Audience That Matters’ win in GfK Survey 6, 2026, and delivered significant growth across the country’s most competitive radio markets. 

When combined with ACE Radio, the Hit and Triple M networks secured a combined 37.5% commercial share for the ‘Audience That Matters’. SCA is Australia’s number 1 audio broadcaster now reaching 9.26 million Australians.*

Today’s survey results were driven by continued leadership across both networks, with Triple M winning Men 25-54 for the 30th consecutive survey, while the Hit Network secured its sixth consecutive win among Women 25-54.  

Triple M delivered strong results across the country, with Breakfast growth across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, alongside a clean sweep as the Number 1 audio broadcaster for both AFL and NRL in 2026 following the conclusion of the respective finals series. 

In Adelaide, Triple M’s Roo, Ditts & Loz continued their extraordinary run as the city’s Number 1 Breakfast show, recording their 28th win in the past 29 surveys on a 14.3% share – more than two share points clear of any competitor (Roo, Ditts & Loz have also achieved 31 of 32 outright FM wins). The Rush Hour with JB & Billy retained the Number 1 Drive position in Adelaide for a fourth consecutive survey. 

Triple M Melbourne grew, recording the biggest share increase in the market, rising 1.2 share points to 7.3% (10+). Following the success of Triple M Fest, Mick in the Morning with Roo, Titus & Rosie was the biggest mover among Breakfast shows, increasing 1.1 share points to 6.5%.  In Perth, Xav & Katie rose to Number 2 in Breakfast on a 12.2% share (up 0.8 share points), with 92.9 Triple M recording its strongest Breakfast audience since Survey 8, 2020 with 246,000 listeners. 

Triple M’s growth continued across Brisbane, where SCA’s duopoly saw Triple M and B105 take the Number 1 and Number 2 FM station spots and Breakfast shows. Triple M is Brisbane’s Number FM 1 station on 11.3% share (up 0.4 share points), with Marto, Margaux & Dan taking the top spot in Breakfast on 13.6% (up 1.9 share points), while B105’s Stav, Abby & Matt is Brisbane’s Number 2 Breakfast show with a 12.5% share. 

The Hit Network also delivered growth in key priority markets, with Fifi, Fev & Nick on Melbourne’s 101.9 The Fox and Nath & Emma on Sydney’s 2DayFM both increasing their Breakfast share.

Fifi, Fev & Nick grew to a 9.2% share, up 0.3 share points, with The Fox also increasing its share across every major daypart – Breakfast, Mornings, Afternoons and Drive. In Sydney, Nath & Emma increased their share for a fourth consecutive survey to 4.9%, following their content arcs, including a successful Guinness World Record and Really Cool Ride to School community initiative.

Matthew O’Reilly, SCA’s Head of Broadcast Content, said: “The Hit and Triple M Networks are heading into the final survey period of the year with real momentum. We’re seeing growth across all key markets, reinforcing the value of staying consistent, backing great talent, and giving our shows time to build.

“In Sydney, that patience continues to pay off. Nath & Emma on 2DayFM and Beau Ryan, Cat & Woodsy on Triple M both grew their Breakfast share this survey. We’ve backed these teams, and it’s great to see more Sydney listeners coming along for the ride.

“Brisbane is once again an SCA town in Breakfast, with our duopoly sitting at Number 1 and Number 2 FM. Marto, Margaux & Dan have taken Triple M to the top spot, with B105’s Stav, Abby & Matt right behind. We’re pleased to see the great content in Melbourne be rewarded with solid momentum, as both The Fox and Triple M grow in Breakfast and across major dayparts in one of the country’s most fiercely competitive radio markets. 

“In Adelaide, Roo, Ditts & Loz remain unbeatable – 28 wins from the past 29 surveys is an extraordinary run, complemented by The Rush Hour with JB & Billy at Number 1 in Drive. In Perth, Mix94.5 is the Number 2 station and Xav & Katie has Triple M at Number 2 in Breakfast.

“The story for us all year has been consistency. We know who we are, we know what our audiences want and we have strong teams around the country delivering it every day. As we head into the final survey periods we’re not taking our foot off the pedal.”

John Kelly, Southern Cross Media Group’s Managing Director, Audio, said: “Today’s results reinforce the strength of Southern Cross Austereo, delivering one of our best commercial share results among the audience that matters most to advertisers, 25–54s.

“Across the Hit and Triple M Networks, our unrivalled scale and reach across metro and regional Australia puts us in an incredibly strong position. We’ve never been better placed to connect brands with audiences, combining the power of live, local radio with major events and content like The Underdogs, Triple M 1000 and our recently announced racing broadcast, Triple M Racing.

“We’ve remained focused on what we do best: delivering great content, building loyal audiences and creating meaningful opportunities for our commercial partners. That consistency is paying off, and with strong momentum across the business, we’re heading into the final stretch of the year with plenty of confidence.”

Source: GfK R360 Metro Survey #6 2026.  P10+/P25-54/M25-54/F25-54, Mon-Sun ROS/Mon-Fri 05.30-09.00/Mon-Fri 9.00-Midday/Mon-Fri Midday-16.00/Mon-Fri 16.00-19.00/Mon-Fri 16.00-18.00/Mon-Fri 15.00-18.00, Market Share %/Commercial Share %/Cume Reach (000’s)/Cume Reach (%).  *National Reach Source:  GfK R360 Metro Survey #6 2026, Canberra Survey #3 2026, Gold Coast/Newcastle Survey #2 2026, Xtra Insights SCA Regional Markets Surveyed as at 8/10/2026, P10+, Mon-Sun ROS, Cume Reach. AFL Source: GfK Radio 360 Ratings. Metro Survey 6, 2026. Melbourne – Thursday 1800-2230, Friday 1800-2230, Saturday 1130-2230, Sunday 1300-1930. Adelaide – Thursday 1800-2200, Friday 1730-2200, Saturday 1100-2200, Sunday 1230-1900. Perth – Thursday 1600-2030, Friday 1600-2030, Saturday 0930-2030, Sunday 1100-1730. P10+ / P 10-69 / P25-54. Cume / Market Share %.  NRL Source: GfK Radio 360 Ratings. Metro Survey 6, 2026.Sydney – Thursday 1800-2200, Friday 1800-2000, Saturday 1200-1700, Sunday 1200-1600.Brisbane – Thursday 1800-2200, Friday 1800-2000, Saturday 1200-1700, Sunday 1200-1600.  P10+ / People 10-69 / People 25-54 .  Cume Reach / Market Share %

About Southern Cross Media Group 

Southern Cross Media Group (ASX:SXL) (Southern Cross) is one of Australia’s most prominent media companies, with a market-leading presence across broadcast television, audio, publishing and digital. 

SCA’s audio assets include the LiSTNR digital audio app, offering free and compelling digital audio content including SCA’s FM, AM, and DAB+ radio stations, live AFL, NRL, and international cricket coverage, over 50 music playlists, local news and over 800 podcast titles from leading Australian and global creators. With more than 2.5 million signed-in users on the LiSTNR app and with a total LiSTNR Audience Network that reaches an estimated ten million* people each month.  

SCA owns 104 radio stations across FM, AM, and DAB+ radio under the Triple M and Hit network brands and provides national sales representation for 56 regional radio stations, with more than 9.2 million listeners across the Hit and Triple M networks nationally. 

It’s the ultimate watercooler debate, the source of countless pub arguments, and a question that has never truly been settled: what is the greatest song of all time?

Now, Triple M is turning to the people trusted to make the call, the music loving public of Australia, with the inaugural Triple M 1000 countdown.  

Starting today, the six-week voting window opens, giving Australians the chance to pick their favourite songs of all time, any decade and any genre. Simply use the free LiSTNR app, and enter up to ten tracks to help shape the most authoritative and definitive countdown in Australian radio history. 

Before the countdown begins on Monday, November 23, Triple M’s announcers will be shamelessly rallying behind their personal favourites, launching on-air campaigns for their top picks, and fiercely debating why their chosen tracks deserve the crown. They won’t be alone; legendary artists and musicians will also be dropping in throughout the voting period to share their own picks, and the fascinating and sometimes wild, behind-the-scenes stories that made those songs famous. 

Jamie Angel, Head of the Triple M Network, said: “At Triple M, we live and breathe music, and we’ve spent decades proudly championing live music and the legendary tracks that have shaped our lives. But we’re also not afraid to stir the pot a little. Everyone has a passionate, completely unshakeable opinion about what the best song ever written is. We want to hear them all, even the wildly wrong ones. 

“The Triple M 1000 gives the keys of the station to our listeners to settle the score once and for all. Does this mean you might hear a few surprises along the way, well we certainly hope so. It depends entirely on you.”

Aside from championing your favourite track, there are 50,000 other reasons to cast a vote. One lucky music lover will walk away with a massive $50,000 cash prize, drawn at the end of the countdown. The Triple M 1000 will blast across the airwaves for two epic weeks, culminating in a huge final day on Saturday, 5 December.

Key dates for the Triple M 1000

• Voting period:                        Tuesday, October 6 to Sunday, November 15
• Vote counting begins:           Monday, November 16
• The Countdown begins:        Monday, November 23
• The Grand Finale:                  Saturday, December 5

As inaugural partners for Triple M 1000 Countdown, Einhell Professional, McDonald’s, Penrite and Sleeping Duck will be integrated across the entire multi-platform campaign on air and via LiSTNR. 

The Triple M 1000 will be supported by a fully-integrated marketing campaign which was produced in-house at SCA. Mick Molloy and Beau Ryan front the campaign in which the pair realise that finding the greatest song of all time is a much bigger job than they thought. The TVC teaser first ran during the AFL Grand Final on Seven, and the campaign will roll out from today across the Seven Network, Triple M, LiSTNR, out of home, digital and social to encourage participation across voting and countdown phases.

Australians can cast their vote via the free LiSTNR app.

About Triple M: 

For more than 40 years, Triple M has been one of Australia’s most recognisable radio brands, providing listeners with a unique blend of Greatest Hits, Sport, and Comedy. With 49 stations nationwide – including six digital stations – Triple M is renowned for delivering music’s greatest hits, alongside iconic talent and standout shows that lead the way in sport and entertainment. 

Reaching more than 4.9 million radio and on-demand listeners each week, Triple M is home to some of the country’s most respected sporting legends, beloved comedians, and music personalities, including Mick Molloy, James Brayshaw, Billy Brownless, Luisa Dal Din, and Jack Archdale – to only name a few! Triple M’s content is available live or on demand on the LiSTNR app.  

CommSec has partnered with Southern Cross Media Group and News Australia to launch The CommSec Desk,a new cross-media initiative designed to help Australians better understand the forces shaping their financial lives.

Developed alongside WPP Motion Entertainment, at the centre of the partnership is the launch of The CommSec Desk, a new financial news platform that embeds CommSec’s share market experts within the daily news cycle across Seven, SCA, and News Australia.

The collaboration marks a new approach to media partnerships, bringing together three of Australia’s major media organisations. By leveraging their strength and reach across news, television, radio, digital audio, podcasts, video, and social media, The CommSec Desk will deliver CommSec’s financial expertise across each platform, creating a seamless flow of share market insights throughout the day.

Designed for a complex financial landscape in which Australians navigate an unprecedented volume of financial information and opinion, the partnership meets Australians where they are – from morning market updates on the daily commute, to afternoon trading news and closing market analysis.

News Australia will provide context, interpretation and daily market relevance through its digital news and publishing ecosystem. SCA will embed CommSec into Australians’ daily audio routines across broadcast radio, while Seven will provide mass-scale visibility for CommSec experts and financial analysis within its broadcast and digital news environments.

Together, the three networks create a connected journey across the day, from morning share market updates and news coverage, through to radio, afternoon news updates, live television crosses, and the evening market wrap.

The partnership will also extend into CommBank’s owned ecosystem through CommBank Connect, allowing relevant The CommSec Desk content to reach audiences throughout their financial journey and creating a connection between media engagement and deeper consideration.

The CommSec Desk is powered by Gillian Bowen, Head of Media and Markets, James Gruber, Equity Market Strategist, Steven Daghlian, Equity Market Commentator, Laura Besarati, Equity Market Commentator, and James Tao, Equity Market Commentator.

Ultimately, the collaboration represents a shift from a traditional media campaign towards a connected media ecosystem built around a shared purpose: helping Australians understand what’s happening today, and what it means for tomorrow.

Stephen Norton, CommSec Chief Operating Officer said: “Markets can be fast-moving, noisy and complex, and trusted expertise can help Australians make sense of what is happening.

“Every day. CommSec provides timely, trusted share market insights to help people cut through the noise, build their knowledge and make sense of the developments that could matter to them – so if they choose to invest, they can invest smarter.

“The CommSec Desk brings that expertise to more Australians in a new way, making timely market insights accessible through the news and media they already consume– whether they’re experienced investors or just starting out.”

Natalie Harvey, Southern Cross West Media’s Chief Revenue Officer, said: “Financial news impacts every Australian, whether they consider themselves an active investor or are simply keeping an eye on household budgets. By bringing CommSec’s share market specialists into the daily 7NEWS news cycle, we can make complex market data and economic trends more accessible to millions of viewers, while giving CommSec a consistent presence around the financial stories that matter to Australians.

“Audio also plays a vital role in bringing market context into Australians’ daily routines. Across SCA’s national networks, The CommSec Desk will deliver market commentary throughout the day, giving CommSec the opportunity to connect with audiences in a different context while providing listeners with a familiar and accessible window into what is happening across global and domestic markets.”

Lou Barrett, News Australia’s Chief Revenue Officer, said: “Our partnership with CommSec brings together trusted journalism and credible share market commentary to support the daily news cycle. By combining the expertise of both teams, we can provide news.com.au readers with the latest share market news, trends and updates in a clear and accessible way helping them stay informed and better understand the developments shaping the economy and their financial lives.”

Lisa Squillace, General Manager of WPP Motion Entertainment, said: “Modernising and deciphering the noise around the share market is what The CommSec Desk is all about.  I am delighted that for the very first time we can join the largest newsrooms in the country. The CommSec Desk is truly a market first, holding a seat at the very table that Australians news headlines are developed every single day.”

The implementation of The CommSec Desk began last week, with the partnership rolling out across SCA, Seven, and News Australia.

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About Southern Cross Media Group 

Southern Cross Media Group (ASX: SXL) is one of Australia’s most prominent media companies, with a market-leading presence across broadcast television, audio, publishing and digital.

The company owns some of Australia’s most renowned media businesses and platforms, including Seven, 7two, 7mate, 7flix and 7Bravo; 7plus; 7NEWS.com.au; LiSTNR; the Hit and Triple M radio networks; The Nightly; The West Australian; The Sunday Times; and PerthNow.

Commercial radio reaches 12.7 million Australians weekly across the five metropolitan markets — up 2.8% year on year — according to the GfK Metro Survey 6, 2026 results released today.¹ Weekly metro audiences have now held above 12 million for more than four years.²

Commercial radio’s audience grew year on year across every demographic, daypart and place of listening. Australians are also spending more time each week with commercial radio.¹

Lizzie Young, CEO of Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA), said: “Australians are giving commercial radio more of their time, and audiences are growing at every age and wherever they listen. It’s the only commercial media that’s 100% locally owned and operated, delivering consistent, trusted and measurable scale. Where audiences spend their time, brands should spend theirs. And when brands invest in local media, they’re backing Australian jobs, Australian voices and Australian stories.”

Looking ahead, summer shifts in listening are worth planning for. Weekly listeners aged 25 54 lift 7% across summer³, and time spent listening is up 7% on weekend breakfast³. More Australians are spending more time with free, local radio. That’s where brands are heard.

GfK Metro Survey 7, 2026 results will be released on Tuesday 24 November 2026. GfK’s 2027 radio ratings survey schedule is available here.

Sources:  1. GfK Radio 360 Ratings, SMBAP S6 2026. All people 10+, Mon-Sun 12mn-12mn, Cume (000s), unless otherwise stated. All numbers refer to commercial radio results unless otherwise stated. Historical results available on request. Age demographics: 10-17, 18-24, 25-39, 40-54, 55-64, 65+ 2. GfK Radio 360 Ratings, SMBAP S5 2022 – present. All people 10+, Mon-Sun 12mn-12mn, Cume (000s) 3. GfK MediaWatch Panel, SMBAP, P10+, commercial radio, Mon-Sun 12mn-12mn, listening for 1 min or more within defined period. Weekly reach & TSL, Pre-Summer (26 Oct – 29 Nov 2025) vs Summer (30 Nov 2025 – 31 Jan 2026). 

Sydney, 8 October 2026

METRO MARKETS:

Sydney Radio 360 Survey 6, 2026

Melbourne Radio 360 Survey 6, 2026

Brisbane Radio 360 Survey 6, 2026

Adelaide Radio 360 Survey 6, 2026

Perth Radio 360 Survey 6, 2026

REGIONAL MARKETS:

Canberra Survey 3, 2026

Gold Coast Radio 360 Survey 2, 2026

Newcastle Survey 2, 2026

Archive:

Archive of Previous Surveys

Alan Kohler has announced that after three decades with the ABC he will be retiring at the end of this year.

Alan joined the ABC in 1995 as business and economics correspondent for the 7.30 Report. Since 2002 he has been the lead 7PM News finance presenter, delivering incisive and immensely knowledgeable analysis with his trademark dry humour and unexpectedly creative use of graphs.

His “And that’s finance” sign-off has become a 7PM tradition.

Alan says: “I love the ABC, always have, even more so after I joined it.

“I find it very hard to imagine this wonderful place not being part of my life, but I’m 74 and it’s time to spend more time with my family, including the six grandchildren.”

ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks: “Alan has made an extraordinary contribution to the ABC, our audiences and the nation. For decades, he has helped Australians make sense of complex issues with insight, clarity and a uniquely engaging style, always delivered with warmth, humour and that trademark cheeky grin.

“I can’t thank Alan enough for everything he has given to the ABC and our audiences. While this marks the end of an incredible chapter, it is certainly not the end of Alan’s contribution, just the beginning of a new one.”

ABC Director, News Simon Robinson: “For 31 years we at the ABC have had the pleasure and privilege of working with one of Australia’s most respected and admired business commentators, Alan Kohler.

“Sadly for us, and for the audiences who treasure him, Alan has decided to call time on this distinguished ABC tenure at the end of this year. Alan will remain connected to the ABC and we’ll be talking to him about future ideas and projects.

“We’ll have much more to say about Alan and his remarkable contribution closer to his departure date. We’ll also be tackling the difficult task of selecting his successor on the 7PM bulletin and will make that announcement in coming weeks.”

Alan’s career has spanned more than half a century. His many achievements include editing the Australian Financial Review and The Age and founding online platforms Eureka Report and Business Spectator. 

He was awarded the Order of Australia in 2019 for his significant service to the print and broadcast media as an editor, journalist and finance commentator and inducted into the Australian Media Hall of Fame.

His other roles at the ABC have included hosting Inside Business and he currently writes a weekly column for the ABC NEWS website and app and hosts Friday podcast That’s Business with Alan Kohler. 

Alan will present his final 7PM News finance report on 16 December.

ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks has announced the appointment of Dr Trent Dickeson as Chief Operating Officer.

Trent joins the ABC after more than a decade in senior executive roles at Seven West Media, most recently as COO. During his 13 years with the company, he led major business, finance, technology and operational initiatives across the organisation.

As COO, Trent oversaw operations and strategy for a workforce of more than 3,000 employees, leading business continuity, modernisation programs and large-scale technology and infrastructure projects.

He began his career at Deloitte, advising global organisations on strategy, supply chain optimisation and operating model transformation, helping drive productivity, efficiency and sustainable business outcomes.

Trent Dickeson:

“I’m honoured to be joining the ABC. As Australia’s public broadcaster, the ABC plays a vital role in our democracy. It has a strong foundation of trust, creativity and service to audiences. I look forward to working with colleagues across the organisation to strengthen the ABC’s operations, support its people and help ensure it remains sustainable, innovative and well-positioned to serve audiences into the future.”

Hugh Marks:

“Trent arrives at the ABC at a really important time for the organisation. The breadth of experience he has across finance, operations, technology and organisational transformation, will be vitally important to the work we are doing to strengthen the ABC for the benefit of all Australians. I look forward to working with Trent to grow our ability and capacity to tell Australia’s important stories.”

Trent will start with the ABC on 19 October.