Optus is making a second stage of changes to the VAST satellite service, affecting Community Radio Network (CRN), National Radio News (NRN), BBC World Service, and RPH feeds. Unlike the previous update (on 11 February 2025), this change requires action from stations that use these services on Tuesday 11 March.
What You Need to Do:
The change will cause Optus VAST certified Set Top Box receivers to default to another service audio feed channel. Each station will need to “re-select” the channel service feed on their receiver.
At 10:15am AEDT on 11 March 2025
Ensure your station is not actively using or broadcasting any live satellite audio feeds at 10:15am AEDT on Tuesday 11 March 2025.
After 10:15am AEDT on 11 March 2025
“Re-select” the wanted service feed channel on your VAST Set Top Box receiver at any time after 10:15am AEDT for these relevant channels:
629 BBC World Service
630 Community Radio Network – CRN 1
631 Community Radio Network – CRN 2
632 RPH Australia
Note: these are listed as radio channels on the receivers, not television channels.
Note: NRN bulletins will still be available via FTP.
Troubleshooting & Support:
If your station has trouble receiving any of the satellite feeds after 10:15am AEDT, you can:
Check that the VAST Set Top Box receiver is set to select the correct channel
These improvements are a step forward in ensuring a more stable and resilient satellite delivery system. We’re here to make sure they’re rolled out smoothly with minimal disruption to your stations –thank you for your action and attention to this important update.
Melbourne’s leading station 3AW is set to deliver another season of unmatched AFL coverage in 2025. Returning to the commentary box are some of the game’s most respected voices and biggest names to deliver live expert analysis, play-by-play coverage, and in-depth discussions for footy fans.
The 3AW AFL 2025 line-up includes:
Thursday Night Football:Jimmy Bartel and Matthew Richardson, with callers Anthony Hudson and Bruce Eva.
Friday Night Football:Jimmy Bartel and Matthew Lloyd, with callers Tim Lane and Matt Granland.
Saturday Footy Preview:Tim Lane, Caroline Wilson, and Leigh Matthews set the stage for the day’s action.
Saturday Early Game:Leigh Matthews and Joel Selwood, with callers Bruce Eva and Tony Leonard.
Saturday Twilight Game:Tony Shaw and Libby Birch, with callers Matt Granland and Shane McInnes.
Sunday Football:Tony Shaw and Matthew Richardson, with callers Bruce Eva and Matt Granland.
Adding to this year’s excitement, renowned journalist Laura Spurway will join the 3AW football team as the station’s first dedicated AFLW reporter, contributing to the Sunday coverage and appearing across all games.
Geelong champion Joel Selwood is joining the team rotating across all games. With his outstanding career as a player and captain, Joel brings all his footy knowledge fresh from the game to the 3AW team.
Additionally, Rory Sloane brings his wealth of experience to the broadcast team. Alongside his new role on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show, Sloane will be rotating into 3AW’s coverage, taking a seat next to AFL legend Leigh Matthews.
Along with our commentary teams and callers we also are thrilled to have back the boundary reporters Jacqui Reed and Carlton AFLW vice captain Abbie McKay.
Fans can also look forward to the return of the Eddie and Jimmy podcast in 2025, which will be publishing three episodes per week, available to listen to on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and to watch on 9Now.
Luca Gonano, Head of 3AW Football, said: “With a team of AFL greats, seasoned broadcasters, fresh voices and innovation in the games future, 3AW is proud to continue its tradition of delivering the most accurate, insightful and entertaining AFL coverage.”
Tune in for every key moment of the 2025 season, live on Melbourne’s own 3AW.
Sydney’s 2GB and Brisbane’s 4BC are set for another huge season of NRL action, with the iconic Continuous Call Team returning for their 39th year on air.
The 2025 coverage kicked off in style last weekend, broadcasting live from Las Vegas as the NRL season got underway. As always, fans can expect expert analysis, entertaining commentary, and the passion that has made the Continuous Call Team a listener favourite for decades.
Comprehensive Coverage Across the Weekend
Listeners can catch all the action across 2GB, 4BC, and network stations at the following times:
Fridays: 7:00pm–11:00pm (including full game call of the 8:00pm match)
Saturdays: 1:00pm–10:00pm (including full game calls of the 5:30pm and 7:35pm matches)
Sundays: 1:00pm–6:00pm (including full game call of the 4:00pm match)
The Continuous Call Team will also bring footy fans comprehensive coverage of every State of Origin and NRL and NRLW Finals matches.
A Star-Studded Line-Up for 2025
The Continuous Call Team welcomes a new addition in 2025, with one of rugby league’s most popular personalities, Mark Geyer OAM joining the roster. Geyer will appear alongside returning fan favourites Paul Gallen, Darryl Brohman, Mark Riddell, Josh Morris, Neil Breen, Allana Ferguson, and Jamie Soward.
Mark Levy continues as host and lead commentator for Friday nights and Saturday afternoons, with Mathew Thompson and Chris Warren returning to the commentary line-up.
In another exciting addition, Gavin Pitchford joins the team in 2025 as the Sunday afternoon host.
Nine Radio’s National Partnerships and Special Events Manager, Luke Davis said: “We are so excited to be back for another season of fun, frivolity and footy with the Continuous Call Team! It’s great to welcome in a couple of new voices alongside our much-loved team veterans as we bring Australia’s best rugby league coverage to our loyal listeners and partners. Our 39th year on air is shaping up as the best yet!”
With unmatched coverage and an all-star line-up, the Continuous Call Team remains the go-to destination for rugby league fans throughout the NRL season. Tune in on 2GB, 4BC, and network stations for every big moment.
Misty Fisher | AFTRS Student and host of Grafton’s 2GF – Bigger, Brighter Breakfast Show
APPLICATIONS FOR AFTRS’ GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN RADIO AND PODCASTING OPEN IN JUNE
Aspiring broadcasters and podcasters from around the country are encouraged to fast-track their career in this booming industry by applying for the Australian Film Television and Radio School’s (AFTRS) Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting.
AFTRS offers flexible study for this course with options to study on-campus or online, full-time or part-time.
Misty Fisher is just one of AFTRS’ students who is combining remote learning with a burgeoning broadcast career, having joined Clarence Valley’s 2GF last year. Misty is 2GF’s Breakfast host.
Learn more about Misty’s experience of flexible learning at AFTRS here:
Andrea Ho, AFTRS Discipline Lead, Radio and Podcasting said:
“Misty tells a truly wonderful story about becoming a part of the audio industry – living in a country town, realising your dream no matter when – and of course, about AFTRS.
As media strives to better reflect Australia, I’m proud that students can now study radio and podcasting at AFTRS where and when they wish, and that we can help connect them directly to industry.
Saying that, Misty is special – who rides their bike to the station to do a breakfast shift? She is amazing.”
Alumni from AFTRS’ Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting are working in Radio and Podcasting positions with some of Australia’s largest media organisations including Romy Sher, Podcast Producer, LISTNR; Tim Bolch, Drive Announcer/ Assistant Content Director – Krock 95.5; Guy Clifton, Power 100 presenter, Triple M 102.3; Dylan Saville, ABC Double J Programs Producer; Leah Porges, Audio Producer, Mamamia; Ellie Parnell, Content Producer, The Music Show, Radio National; Mitchell Coombs, Producer, Is it Just Me Podcast, iHeartRadio; Liza Harvey, ABC Producer; Zan Rowe, Double J; Ed Kirkwood, Executive Producer, Will & Woody at Australian Radio Network; Fiona Pepper, ABC Radio National, Features Producer; Clinton Maynard, Presenter/Reporter, 2GB; Grace Rouvray, Presenter and Producer Mamamia; Greg Byrnes, Head of Content, Nine Radio; and Alice Moldovan, Producer, Conversations with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski at ABC.
Many have gone on to win radio awards nationally and internationally and are in leadership roles in the industry both on-air and behind the scenes, including Pariya Taherzadah, Executive Podcast Producer at Vudoo and New York Festivals World Radio Awards Gold and Silver Winner for Escape from Iran; 2GB reporter Clinton Maynard won the ACRA for Brian White Award For Excellence In Journalism in 2023; Miles Martignoni, Head of Audio at Guardian Australia, podcasts include The Reckoning (New York Festival World Radio Awards, Winner of Gold and Grand Awards 2018) Breathless, and Witch Hunt; Tim Blackwell, NOVA’S Ricki Lee, Tim and Joel Show, and Kent Small (Smallzy), Smallzy’s Surgery, NOVA.
The Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting is a hands-on and dynamic course for emerging broadcasters, podcasters and radio producers. Through specialised training and collaboration, in class and during live broadcasts, students learn at an advanced level that the cornerstones of good content are communication, storytelling and knowing your audience. Register your interest to be notified when applications for the 2026 intake open in June.
Melbourne’s Number 1 Station, 3AW, has announced renowned journalist Laura Spurway will join the 3AW Football team as the station’s first dedicated AFLW reporter.
3AW is the first radio station to appoint a dedicated AFLW reporter, with the historic move reflecting the popularity of the women’s code and the station’s intent to help grow the sport.
Spurway will cover all elements of women’s football, including all state leagues, and her work will feature across Nine Radio’s websites, social media channels, and as part of the network’s news service. She will also work across the station’s AFL coverage.
Laura Spurway said: “It’s an absolute dream come true to join the 3AW Football team. This radio station is the heartbeat of Melbourne and their exceptional coverage extends way beyond that. I can’t wait to join the ranks of some of the most respected voices in the field for a huge 2025 and beyond.“
Stephen Beers, 3AW’s Station Manager, said: “We are delighted to have Laura join the team at 3AW Football in 2025. Laura brings a wealth of experience and is a great addition as we invest in AFLW right across the station to build on the best in AFL coverage.”
In a broadcasting career spanning almost two decades that has taken her across the world including as a writer/producer for CNN in Hong Kong and a placement at German radio giant Deutsche Welle, Spurway’s most recent role was as Sport Reporter for Seven News Melbourne.
Beginning her career as a producer for Sydney breakfast radio on 2UE, she has previously held roles as a producer/journalist for ABC NewsRadio, a Today Show producer, 9News Melbourne journalist, and Chief of Staff for The Project.
Many community broadcasters rely on grants to fund their operations, and it can be hard to keep track of the available options. There are also a range of discounts and offers for not-for-profits available to broadcasters for useful products and services which could enhance their capability and reduce operating costs. That’s why we’ve launched our Grants, Offers and Discounts webpage, which features resources relevant to community radio stations.
We regularly review and update these listings based on information supplied by the organisations listed. Unless otherwise stated we are not the providers of these resources and can’t guarantee that you will be able to access them. Make sure to review funder and supplier information thoroughly before applying.
If your station has been impacted in an emergency, for example a natural disaster, or has a time-limited opportunity and needs funding urgently we recommend reaching out to the Community Broadcasting Foundation and inquiring about their Quick Response Grants.
We hope that this resource empowers our members and helps them to become more sustainable. If you have any feedback on the page or the listings please contact us.
The Kyle & Jackie O Show are making history with Kyle & Jackie O’s $5 Million Dawn Dig, the most thrilling competition ever to hit Australian breakfast radio. With a jaw-dropping $5 million buried beneath the sand, one lucky listener could walk away with a life-changing fortune!
Starting Monday February 24, listeners can tune in to The Kyle & Jackie O Show every morning for a chance to enter this once-in-a-lifetime event. The stakes are high, and only the luckiest entrants will secure a spot at the highly anticipated Dawn Dig event.
Then, on Friday April 11, the Kyle & Jackie O Show will be broadcasting live from Melbourne’s St Kilda West Beach, where the competition will reach its peak. Among 200 buried bags, each containing various cash prizes, only one will hold the ultimate $5 million jackpot. The chosen winner will dig for their future—but will they strike gold?
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Listeners who head down to St Kilda West Beach to catch all the action and meet radio’s most famous duo will also have the chance to dig for thousands worth in cash and exclusive prizes.
Melbourne is home to some of the country’s biggest events. And now, in their first outside broadcast in Melbourne since beaming into the southern state, the city will be home to the country’s biggest-ever competition, hosted by none other than the Australia’s most iconic radio duo in a major live event.
On this morning’s announcement, Jackie ‘O’ Henderson said: “We’re going back to where it all started, digging for cash. We’ve had success with digging. But this time, it’s not a million dollars. That’s small fry. You need a big chunk of cash like $5 million!”
Kyle Sandilands added: “We thought we should make it $2 million, but you’ve got nothing left if you buy a house. We thought we’d make it $3 million, but we’ve never liked the number three. $4 million sounds like a better number, and then we thought that we should make it $5 million buried on the beach.”
Will Australia’s next millionaire be revealed on St Kilda West Beach? There’s only one way to find out!
Don’t miss your chance to be part of history. Tune in to The Kyle & Jackie O Show from 6am Monday on KIIS 1065 in Sydney, KIIS 101.1 in Melbourne or on the free iHeart app, and be ready to call for your shot at the dig of a lifetime.
Total digital audio market expands 18% year-on-year, as CRA members capture greater market share with 30% YOY growth
Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) has welcomed the latest data from IAB Australia, which shows total digital audio advertising revenue reached $313 million in CY24, growing by 18% year-on-year (YOY), and reaching $90 million in the December quarter of 2024.
According to Milton Data, CRA members reported 30% YOY growth in total digital audio revenue1, outpacing the broader IAB total digital audio market, which grew 18% YOY.
The Australian Internet Advertising Revenue Report (IARR), compiled by PwC, confirms podcast advertising expenditure as the fastest-growing reported format for the second consecutive quarter. Podcast ad spend grew 24.3% YOY, totaling $33.6 million in Q4 2024, reflecting increasing advertiser confidence.
“It’s pleasing to see CRA members driving digital audio growth and capturing a larger share of the market. This momentum highlights a shift in market dynamics towards premium locally produced content, demonstrating the growth of digital distribution reaching audiences on their terms, and the opportunity for advertisers to leverage scale and engagement that is efficient and effective” said Lizzie Young, Chief Executive Officer, CRA.
The growth in podcast advertising reflects strong audience engagement, with 11 million Australians tuning into podcasts monthly2. Notably, 56% of 25–54-year-olds listen to podcasts at least once a month2, presenting an exceptional opportunity for brands in this unique on demand environment.
The IAB data also showed that streaming audio advertising experienced double-digit growth YOY, maintaining steady progress and generating $56 million in Q4 2024. Additionally, as a subset of this format, online radio streaming also continues to make strides, with 42% of 25–54-year-olds listening to online radio streaming in the last month – a figure that has almost doubled since 20213.
The full IAB Australia IARR report can be found here.
Sources:
(1): Milton Data
(2): Edison research, The Infinite Dial Australia 2024, Listened to a podcast in the last month, All People 10+ unless otherwise stated
(3): Edison Research, The Infinite Dial Australia 2024, Listened to AM/FM/DAB+ radio stations online in the last month, P25-54
As more Australian adults are diagnosed with ADHD, more questions are naturally arising. To shed light on coming to terms with a late diagnosis, the impacts, personality traits, gifts and challenges of ADHD, Cloud, a Life Uncut Production has now launched.
Hosted by broadcaster, podcaster and Life Uncut producer Keeshia Petit, Cloud is a 10-part mini-series podcast that will explore the intersection of ADHD with identity, relationships, career, and well-being. Each episode offers insight into a different aspect of ADHD from guests like Mark Manson, the author of ‘The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck,’ psychiatrist Dr Kieran Kennedy, focus and attention expert Johann Hari and international dating expert Logan Ury.
Inspired by Keeshia’s own late diagnosis with hyperactive and inattentive ADHD a year and a half ago, Cloud looks at how ADHD is a difference, not a deficit. The name derives influence from the experiences of many late-diagnosed women, including Keeshia, who describe finally feeling like a “cloud was lifted” after learning more about the different ways that their brains work and how they ‘fit’ into society.
Keeshia Pettit, Host of Cloud said: “I spent a lot of my life feeling as though I wasn’t fully present for it. There is a lot of airtime going to ADHD right now, but Cloud feels like a different type of conversation. This series breaks down some of the existing narratives about what people with ADHD are like and focuses on the ways that we can lift the cloud on the different ways our brains are wired so that we can live fulfilling and present lives.”
Cloud marks the first production from the team behind Australia’s #1 Relationship and award-winning podcast Life Uncut, which was founded by co-hosts Brittany Hockley and Laura Byrne in 2019.
Brittany Hockley and Laura Byrne, Life Uncut co-founders said: “For the past six years Life Uncut’s primary focus has been to have the conversations that people have been having in private; conversations that empower and uplift women, which is why it is so exciting to expand the business with the launch of Life Uncut Productions. Kicking off this new venture with our first miniseries Cloud – hosted by our executive producer Keeshia Pettit – felt like the perfect way to do it. We all feel so very proud of this series and the incredible guests and conversations that it contains.”
Alive 90.5 FM YOUR community radio station serving Parramatta, Cumberland and the Hills since 1992 https://www.alive905.com.au/.
Our station is run by volunteers, to entertain, inform, promote inclusiveness and resilience in our communities. Our programs include Breakfast and Drive with regular news, weather and traffic updates, special guests, plus a range of special interest programs. You’ll also hear a wide range of special interest programs catering to different music interests, cultures, languages and communities.
Key Activities: Broadcasting news, events and special interests of residence of Parramatta, Cumberland and the Hills Shire council. Our goal is to be the town square across a broad range of multicultural, first nations people, youth, older and LGBTQI communities. We undertake outdoor broadcasts where our volunteers engage directly with the community at a number of charitable and community events where Alive 90.5FM aims to ensure that Every Voice Matters and Every Beat Connects Us! We aim to empower and highlight voices of our communities through engaging interviews with local sport teams, community changemakers and local councils to ensure our listeners remain engaged with our community!
The Alive FM Board meets monthly between a virtual session and our physical station (Seven Hills Road, Balcombe Heights Estate, Baulkham Hills NSW 215. There are 10 to 11 Board meetings per year, with board papers being provided by the first Thursday of each month. Committee meetings (Programming, Information Technology and Social media and marketing) occur every Month. Meetings are held in person and online.
Alive 90.5FM is committed to providing a transparent and inclusive platform for all residents of Cumberland, Hills Shire and Parramatta City Council. We believe in fostering an open channel of communication, ensuring that everyone in our community has the opportunity to connect and express themselves through our accessible services. Our diverse range of programming reflects our dedication to serving the varied interests and needs of our audience.
Responsibilities
Alive 90.5FM Cumberland Community Radio invites applications from eligible individuals who wish to be considered to fill a Casual Vacancy on the Board. The role of a director is a voluntary position.
The Board is seeking to balance the skills across the Board and hence is considering a variety of capabilities to fill this position. Those capabilities being considered include:
Community Engagement
PR & Communications
Information Technology
Sponsorship, Media and Partnership Management
Selection Criteria
The nomination process is being run by the Nominations Committee who will conduct the interviews in Quarter 1 2025 Candidates should possess the following personal attributes:
A commitment to the highest standards of governance and integrity
Demonstrated passion and time to make a genuine and active contribution to the Alive 90.5FM Community, Board and committees
Well-developed strategic thinking capabilities and ability to contribute to the effective decision-making of the Board
Excellent communication skills with a collaborative approach
Experience in broadcasting is preferred but not mandatory
Candidates will be expected to provide the following if shortlisted for the position:
Working with Children check; National Police Check;
