Category: Australian

LiSTNR DRIVES FURTHER TECH CAPABILITIES WITH INTRODUCTION OF THE LiSTNR WEB PLAYER VERSION 4

Following the game-changing LiSTNR app update and the introduction of the industry-leading LiSTNR AdTech Hub, SCA has unveiled the LiSTNR Web Player Version 4 at play.listnr.com, continuing the tech innovation of the Australian-built, owned and operated digital audio ecosystem.

The Web Player advancements allow LiSTNR content to be consumed online anywhere and anytime on any device with a browser. This clearer, faster and more personal user experience also makes content easier to share on social platforms, through posts and direct messaging, a key driver for content discovery and audio consumption. In addition, LiSTNR has created a seamless transition between the app and the web with a new deep linking capability, ensuring that anyone with the app installed can easily use it to listen.

For advertisers, the LiSTNR Web Player Version 4 enables LiSTNR to continue to build its addressable audience by accelerating the transition from unknown to known users. In the fast-growing digital audio sector, LiSTNR has more than two million signed up users and provides unparalleled first-party data that delivers highly measurable advertising opportunities. This is the key to LiSTNR’s sales revenue growth and why LiSTNR is considered amongst the world’s best in terms of audio advertising.

SCA Executive Head LiSTNR Product & Technology, Chris Johnson, said: “The new LiSTNR Web Player, together with the updated LiSTNR App, creates a seamless user experience across a wide range of devices. The personalized platform makes it easy for audiences to find their favourites or continue where they left off. With the fully signed-in Web Player, advertisers can leverage our first-party data to achieve the same exceptional campaign performance they’re already experiencing on mobile.”

Find the new LiSTNR Web Player at play.listnr.com. To learn more about the LiSTNR Web Player advancements check out this video.

About LiSTNR:

LiSTNR is a curated and personalised, free app offering radio, podcasts, music, and sport, creating a new audio destination for all Australians. Featuring a fun and intuitive onboarding process, LiSTNR delivers an audio destination that is built for individual listeners’ routines and preferences. Highly personalised, it provides listeners a new world of audio entertainment, with their own daily feed of audio and easy discovery of new content through curated recommendations. Available across a large array of devices including both iOS and Android, CarPlay and Android Auto, Google Assistant and Alexa and Android TV, LiSTNR enables a fantastic listening experience, anytime and anywhere. Open your Ears to a new world of audio – download the free app today. LiSTNR.com

Vale Philip Shine

Community broadcasters are mourning the loss of community broadcasting pioneer Philip Shine who passed away on Wednesday.

A vibrant and colourful character, Philip was a stalwart of community broadcasting and recipient of the 2022 Michael Law Award for outstanding lifetime achievement.

Philip’s journey in community broadcasting began in the early 1990s at Sydney’s Eastside Radio, where he started as a volunteer and rose to become Station Manager. His leadership was instrumental in establishing Eastside as a hub for creative jazz and roots music.

Following his success at Eastside, Philip took on the role of Station Manager at 2SER for a decade. During his tenure, he balanced the academic needs of the university station’s educational licence while expanding 2SER’s reach and reputation for innovative programming.

Philip’s contributions extended beyond individual stations. He served on the CBAA Board, where he was known for his passionate advocacy for station independence and sector-wide collaboration. In 2010, he took charge of implementing the sector’s Digital Radio Project (DRP), advancing this groundbreaking initiative.

In 2011 Philip moved to Byron Bay, where he became Station Manager at BAY FM after he finished leading the CBAA DRP. Under his guidance, BAY FM flourished into one of Australia’s most innovative and award-winning regional stations.

The 2022 Michael Law Award recognised Philip’s lifetime of dedication to community broadcasting. His friend Seth Jordan described him as “a very inspiring and remarkable man, a truly dedicated community broadcaster and a very dear friend to many.”

Philip’s impact on community broadcasting in Australia was profound and far-reaching. His legacy will continue to inspire and shape the sector for years to come. The CBAA extends its deepest condolences to Philip’s family, friends, and colleagues. He will be greatly missed by many members of the community broadcasting family.

2024 CBAA Annual General Meeting

The 2024 CBAA Annual General Meeting will be held as a hybrid meeting on Friday, 18 October 2024.

The meeting will be held at the Pipeline 1-2 Room, Ground Floor, QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD and online at:

  • 4:30pm ACDT – South Australia
  • 4:00pm AEST – Queensland
  • 5:00pm AEDT – NSW, ACT, Victoria and Tasmania
  • 3:30pm ACST – Northern Territory
  • 2:00pm AWST – Western Australia

Formal notice of meeting has been distributed to CBAA Members and is available PDF icon here.

The CBAA has appointed Vero Voting who are an independent voting and AGM service to manage the AGM. The Vero Voting AGM portal will allow members to view the AGM, direct vote and ask questions.

The notice of meeting includes an explanatory memorandum and the list of nominees for the CBAA Board and their information, and initial information on how to use the Vero Voting AGM and voting portal.

AGM registration will open to the official representatives of CBAA members on or about Tuesday, 8 October 2024. The registration process is being managed by Vero Voting – member representatives will get a personalised email directly from them with unique registration details.

Direct voting, and appointment of proxies will also open at that time.

Votes must be cast prior to 4.15pm AEST on 18 October 2024 and the outcomes of the election will be announced at the Annual General Meeting.

Registration for non-members, guests and other stakeholders will open closer to the Annual General Meeting and will be announced on the CBAA website.

Gareth Parker appointed Network News Content Director

Gareth Parker appointed Network News Content Director

Nine today announced the appointment of Gareth Parker, currently 9News Perth’s Director of News, to the newly created role of Network News Content Director.

Reporting to the 9Network’s Director of News and Current Affairs, Fiona Dear, this position will see Parker relocate to Sydney and work from the Network’s headquarters, where he will oversee and help coordinate critical news coverage to Channel 9’s state-based newsrooms.

From the latest political news out of Canberra, to finance, health, tech and major event reporting, Parker will manage the quick and cohesive distribution of news content nationally across 9Network’s key platforms to better inform audiences, evolving the 9News structure and setting an industry-leading precedent.

Dear is looking forward to welcoming Parker to this strategic new position, which will help ensure diverse content is better delivered to consumers who are craving trusted up-to-date news whenever and wherever they are.

“The 9News Network desk is a critical piece of our transformation project in terms of delivering expert content for the entire network. Gareth has done an incredible job leading the team in Perth and significantly growing that audience and I can’t wait to see what he achieves with this new network project.”

Parker is proud of the achievements of the Perth team during his tenure and will continue to work closely with the local 9News division in his new role.

“We have grown audiences significantly over the past two years in Perth, and this is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the team, with more and more viewers trusting and turning to 9News.

“I can’t thank the entire Nine Perth team for their unwavering support and hard work in the service of our audiences and I look forward to getting stuck into this national role to maximise the reach and impact of our talented reporting teams right around the country.

“Thanks especially to Nine Perth Managing Director Clive Bingwa for his support, and to Fiona Dear for her faith in me.”

Stepping in as interim 9News Perth Director of News, is Michael Genovese. A seasoned senior reporter and presenter, having worked on the national Today show as well as overseas as US correspondent, he will lead the local team during this transitional period.

“Having worked at Nine for over a decade this appointment is a privilege, and I’m eager to step in and continue to grow audiences and lead the team to continue to deliver Perth’s best news, from Today Perth in the morning, to our afternoon and flagship 6pm bulletins,” Genovese said.

“Gareth leaves big shoes to fill. He has done a tremendous job in Perth and we wish him all the best for his new Network appointment.”

Dean Lewis, Baker Boy, The Screaming Jets, and IVANA Join Forces with Radio Icons for 2024 ACRA Awards

Get ready to turn up the volume! The 35th Australian Commercial Radio & Audio (ACRA) Awards are taking over The Star Sydney on Saturday, 12 October, promising a spectacular celebration of Australia’s top radio and music stars.

Presenters sharing the stage will be some of Australia’s most iconic audio talent, including Brooke Blurton & Matty Mills, Deb Knight, Jimmy Smith & Nath Roye, Katie Woolf, Melissa Doyle & Richard Wilkins, Neil ‘Wilko’ Wilcock & Courtenay ‘Courts’ Kneen, Ray Hadley, Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald & Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli with Kate Richie, Steph Claire Smith & Laura Henshaw, Tim Blackwell & Joel Creasey, and Will McMahon & Woody Whitelaw.

“Radio is at the centre of Australian culture, offering vital information, entertainment, and connection around the clock. This year’s ACRA Awards will unite the industry’s pioneers and rising trailblazers who continue to reimagine the future of audio,” said Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) Chief Executive Officer Lizzie Young.

The awards celebrate outstanding on-air talent and recognise excellence across content, production, podcasting, sales and marketing. The event underscores the crucial role the industry plays in shaping media and connecting communities nationwide acknowledging campaigns focussed on local communities and radio’s use within marketing. CRA is also honoured that Minister for Communications, the Hon. Michelle Rowland MP will make a special appearance to present the awards for Best Community Campaign and Diversity and Inclusion.

Joining the celebrations are prominent voices shaping the Australian music scene. Rock legends The Screaming Jets will bring their signature high-octane energy to the stage, with lead singer Dave Gleeson sharing, “From a listener to a presenter I love everything about radio. I can’t wait to perform at the ACRA Awards, such a great night with all the luminaries of Oz radio in one room.”

Ahead of his sell out Australian tour and highly anticipated third album, The Epilogue, ARIA & APRA award winning and 14 billion streaming artist Dean Lewis will grace the ACRA stage. “I’m looking forward to performing at radio’s night of nights. To be invited to perform at the 2024 ACRA Awards is an honour,” said Lewis.

Award-winning Yolŋu hip hop artist Baker Boy is set to ignite the stage with an electrifying performance, and IVANA, the breakout star from Australian Idol, will bring her fresh, vibrant energy. Baker Boy said, “I’m so excited to be invited to perform at this year’s awards. We’re going to bring the party to the 2024 ACRA Awards.”

“The ACRA Awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the community that supports us as artists. I can’t wait to take the stage and be a part of a night to remember,” added IVANA.

For more information visit www.acras.com.au. This event is made possible thanks to the support of our sponsors: GfK, RCS, Audata, AudioNet, AFTRS, MusicMaster, aim, Campaign Boss, Xtra Insights, Triton, RadioInfo, and Radio Today.

TRIPLE M ROCKS THE 2024 AFL GRAND FINAL WITH MARK HOWARD, LUKE DARCY, JASON DUNSTALL AND NATHAN BROWN

The 2024 Toyota AFL Grand Final is set to be one of the most thrilling footy finales in recent history, and there’s no better place to experience the action than live on Triple M, Australia’s #1 AFL audio broadcaster*.

Triple M has announced its star-studded commentary line-up for the Grand Final showdown between the Sydney Swans and the Brisbane Lions, making sure footy fans won’t miss a moment of the excitement. Leading the call, from the roar of the opening bounce to the elation of the final siren, are expert commentators Mark Howard and Bulldogs great Luke Darcy. They will be joined by AFL legends Jason Dunstall and Nathan Brown for special comments and expert analysis throughout the day.

The Triple M Grand Final call, will mark the last for Darcy, who after more than 15 years and 400 footy calls, recently decided to hang up the microphone in 2025, making Saturday a must-listen on Triple M.

On the boundary, St Kilda’s Michael Roberts will deliver real-time insights, while veteran stats man Ash Chua will dig deep into the numbers to define the last Saturday in September.

It’s been a standout year for Triple M Footy, which has extended its dominance with 162 consecutive survey wins over all other commercial competitors*. With a history of calling some of the game’s most iconic moments, Triple M continues to be the home of the AFL’s most exciting on-air action. From Mark Howard’s unforgettable ANZAC Day call of Jamie Elliott’s gravity-defying mark; “You’ll see that all around the world! He flew, and he hung, and he hung! Unbelievable grab!”, to Luke Darcy’s immaculate call of Jack Higgins’ boundary-line miracle; “You can’t do that! You can’t do what he’s just done!”, Triple M has delivered signature footy commentary moments in 2024.

SCA Head of Sports Content, Ewan Giles, said: “The Grand Final is the pinnacle of the AFL season, and we’re excited to bring fans the best commentary team in the game. Triple M’s coverage will be second to none as Sydney and Brisbane battle for the premiership.”

Acknowledging Luke Darcy’s retirement from AFL commentary, Giles said: “With Luke Darcy making his final call, it’s a special moment for all of us at Triple M. His impact on footy broadcasting has been immense, and we’re honoured to have him finish this chapter of his iconic career with us.”

Triple M’s 2024 AFL Grand Final Commentary Team:

  • Callers: Mark Howard, Luke Darcy
  • Special Comments: Jason Dunstall, Nathan Brown
  • Boundary: Michael Roberts
  • Stats: Ash Chua

Triple M’s Grand Final Day coverage begins with Dead Set Legends from the live site at the AFL Footy Festival at 10am, followed by the Saturday Rub at midday.

Don’t miss any of the action — tune in to the Triple M Network from 2:30 pm for full coverage of the AFL Grand Final on Saturday, 28 September, or catch the game live and on-demand on LiSTNR.

Source: GfK Radio Ratings. Metro Survey 5, 2024. Melbourne – Thursday 1800-2230, Friday 1800-2230, Saturday 1200-2230, Sunday 1300-1930. Adelaide – Thursday 1800-2200, Friday 1730-2200, Saturday 1130-2200, Sunday 1230-1900. Perth – Thursday 1800-2030, Friday 1745-2030, Saturday 1000-2030, Sunday 1100-1730. P10+ / P 10-69 / P25-54P10+ / P 10-69 / P25-54. Cume / Market Share %.

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.

The iconic brand entertains more than 4.6 million radio and on demand listeners each week and is home to some of Australia’s biggest sporting heroes, comedians and music gurus including Mick Molloy, Marty Sheargold, Mark Geyer, Gus Worland, Margaux Parker, Ryan Girdler, Leisel Jones, James Brayshaw, Billy Brownless, Gorden Tallis, Greg Martin, Mark Ricciuto, Laura O’Callaghan, Chris Dittmar, Peter ‘Spida’ Everitt and Andrew Jarman to name just a few! All Triple M’s content is available live or on demand on the LiSTNR app.

Celebrating 50 Years of Community Broadcasting

Print 

Today, 23 September 2024, we are marking a significant milestone in Australian media history—the 50th anniversary of the Whitlam Government’s decision to establish community broadcasting. This landmark Cabinet decision in 1974 paved the way for a third broadcasting sector in Australia, alongside the national broadcaster (ABC) and commercial broadcasters, giving life to the sector we are proud to be a part of today.

PDF icon Read the decision and supporting documentation here.

Listen to a congratulatory message from the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP.

Stations that want to share this message with listeners can download it here.

 

A Landmark Moment

Before 1974, Australian media was dominated by two voices – public and commercial. The introduction of community broadcasting transformed this landscape, offering a platform where all Australians could be heard. It was a decision intended to amplify diverse voices and meet the interests of communities that had previously been underserved. Enabled by the introduction of FM radio technology, community broadcasting began as a bold experiment and has since become an essential pillar of Australia’s media landscape.

Among other groups community broadcasting was envisioned as being for:

“those who represent organisations that think they have something to say and want some better means of saying it”

“those who are associated with communities cut off from their rights and entitlements”

From 1974 Cabinet document.

2MBS Jazz presenter Kevin Jones with first station manager David James. 2MBS was Australia’s first stereo FM broadcaster. 2MBS will celebrate its 50th anniversary in February 2025.

 

The Growth of a Sector

Over the past 50 years, community broadcasting has grown substantially. Today, it boasts over 500 AM, FM, and DAB+ services across the country, alongside two dedicated television services. These services reach more than 5.19 million Australians every week – nearly a quarter of the population.

This reach speaks to the importance of community broadcasting as a medium that empowers local voices and celebrates cultural diversity. Community stations provide a platform for people from all walks of life, whether they’re sharing stories in their own language, championing local musicians, or keeping communities informed and connected.

 

A Shared Milestone

As we celebrate our own 50-year anniversary this year, we reflect not only on the journey of our organisation but also on the collective achievements of the sector. From the experimental licenses granted in 1974 to the diverse network of stations that serve communities today, none of this would have been possible without the Whitlam Government’s initiative to establish community broadcasting and the work of the subsequent Fraser Government to cement and extend the reforms. This bipartisan spirit exists through to today, with politicians across the political divide expressing their support for our sector.

This anniversary is also an opportunity for each community broadcaster to reflect on their own contributions to our media landscape. Each station’s journey is unique and embodies a sector dedicated to giving Australians a voice and serving their communities.

 

Looking to the Future

We remain committed to growing our sector’s capacity to serve diverse and underrepresented communities, providing essential services in times of need, and championing local music and arts. We look forward to the next 50 years and further innovation and inclusivity in Australian media, reinforcing the critical role of community broadcasting in ensuring that every voice is heard.

For a vision of the future to come for community broadcasting read Roadmap 2033: Community broadcasting’s plan for greater impact in every Australian community.

 

CBF and CBAA with the Hon Michelle Rowland MP at Roadmap 2033 Launch

CBF President Ian Hamm, CBF CEO Jo Curtin, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, CBAA CEO Jon Bisset and CBAA Vice President Peter Rohweder at Roadmap 2033 Launch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sources:

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

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

About the Hit Network

The Hit Network is Australia’s biggest radio network broadcasting across metro and regional markets with a unique collection of 50 FM and DAB+ stations. The Hit Network targets people aged 25 – 54, skews female and features a mood focused, ‘feel great’ pop music format alongside the most entertaining local breakfast and national drive shows. It is home to popular personalities including Carrie Bickmore, Tommy Little, Fifi Box, Brendan Fevola, Nick Cody, Abby Coleman, Matty Acton, Stav Davidson and many more.

The Hit Network entertains more than 6 million Aussie radio listeners across B105, 2Day, The Fox, SAFM, Mix94.5, Sea FM, 41 Hit stations plus DAB+ stations including Oldskool 90s Hits, Buddha Hits, Oldskool 80s Hits, RnB Fridays Radio and Dance Hits. All Hit Network’s content is also available live or on demand on the LiSTNR app.

Tony Armstrong to leave ABC News Breakfast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Tony Armstrong

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

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

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

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

ACMA remakes the high power open narrowcasting allocation determination

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

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

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