Nine’s Streaming and Broadcast division has today outlined its strategic direction as a new function, including a new leadership team and ways of working. 

The move, unveiled by Nine’s Managing Director Streaming and Broadcast, Amanda Laing, is designed to drive growth and revenue opportunities for Nine and accelerate key initiatives as part of the Nine2028 transformation program. It follows the new Group Operating Model and the creation of the Streaming and Broadcast Division announced in January. 

The key changes include the creation of new roles with expanded responsibility for Channel 9, 9Now and Stan for the first time, including: 

• Executive Director – Entertainment 

Michael Healy’s four decades of experience creating successful local content that resonates with Australian audiences will be leveraged across our free and subscription broadcast and streaming products. Michael has an innate sensibility of what Australian audiences want to watch, the talent they love, and the stories that will strike a chord.  

• Executive Director – Entertainment Content Acquisitions

Led by Cailah Scobie who has extensive experience across free and paid platforms, excellent credentials as a negotiator and deal-maker, and an ability to identify content which will drive advertising and subscription revenues. 

• Executive Director – News & Current Affairs

Fiona Dear will continue to lead News & Current Affairs and drive this integral division and its storytelling across all brands, as well as the transformation of 9News. 

• Sport

Sport is at the core of Nine’s DNA and the biggest single area of investment across the Nine Group. Wide World of Sports and Stan Sport are the foundation of our world-class reputation in sport production. To realise the full potential of this and drive efficiencies, these production teams will be brought together under the leadership of Brent Williams. 

Amanda Laing will lead a strategic program across all other elements of the Nine Group’s sport business to identify further opportunities for efficiencies and growth across advertising and subscription revenues, rights, and partnerships. 

• Chief Strategy Officer – Streaming and Broadcast

A newly created position to help drive strategic analysis, planning, decisions and execution across our suite of free and paid products. Nine will soon commence recruitment for this position. 

• Chief Marketing Officer – Streaming and Broadcast 

A newly created role to lead a coordinated marketing team of passionate brand specialists working across multiple platforms and channels. Nine will soon commence recruitment for this position. 

• Nine’s State Managing Directors

In QLD (Kylie Blucher), WA (Clive Bingwa) and SA (Sean O’Brien) will now report to Amanda Laing, to enable the growth of all Streaming and Broadcast businesses in those markets.

Complementing these structural and operational changes, three executives will have accountability for the P+L and strategic goals of Nine Group’s streaming and broadcast products. 

• Executive Director – Channel 9, 9 multi-channels and 9Now 

Hamish Turner will have responsibility for the P+L of these free television and free streaming businesses.

• Executive Director – Stan  

With Stan a core growth opportunity for Nine, Dan Taylor will be responsible for the P+L of Stan.

• Managing Director – Radio

As an important part of the Nine Group, Radio will continue to operate as it does today, delivering revenue and EBITDA contributions to the Nine Group under Tom Malone’s leadership.

Nine Managing Director Streaming and Broadcast, Amanda Laing said: “There is immense opportunity to drive growth for the Nine Group and strong momentum already underway. 

“While Nine’s streaming and broadcast brands have enjoyed independent success, our strength lies in the power of the Nine Group and today’s changes are the first step in unlocking that potential. 

“We’re lucky enough to have some of the industry’s top talent and I’m excited to leverage their experience across our streaming and broadcast brands.”

These changes are effective 1 July 2025 and all roles will report directly to Amanda Laing. 

More than 625,000 people listened to the ABC’s Mushroom Case Daily podcast in May according to the Triton Australian Podcast Ranker released today.

The result landed the podcast at number 5 in the top 200, up 136 places from April.

The podcast has been following the trial of Erin Patterson as it happens in a court in regional Victoria. Court reporter Kristian Silva, producer Stephen Stockwell and journalist Rachael Brown have been keeping audiences up to date with the trial with daily episodes covering the highlights from court and breaking down the legal process along the way.

Since it began producing daily episodes, Mushroom Case Daily has become the ABC’s most successful podcast in a decade. It is the #1 podcast on Apple Australia’s podcast chart, is #2 on Spotify’s Trending chart, and has broken into the Spotify Top 20 – a first for an ABC podcast. This week, it also made Apple’s top 30 podcasts chart in the UK.

Mushroom Case Daily has also been featured on The Project, Mamamia and The Washington Post.

“This case is captivating Australia and the world and the ABC has endeavoured to create a responsible and honest portrait of the trial as it unfolds” said ABC Head of Audio on Demand, Jessica Radburn.

“Listeners are incredibly engaged with the show, with our team receiving hundreds of emails daily. I’m very proud that our team has been able to respond to this audience need and bring listeners as close to the court experience as possible.”

For the first time since joining the ranker, the ABC had 4 podcasts feature in the top 10 in May. Mushroom Case Daily joined ABC News Tops Stories which maintained its number 3 spot with ABC News Daily also holding their position at number 8 and Conversations climbing one rank to number 10.

The ABC had 3.2 million listeners across our podcast slate last month, our highest ever result and an increase of 410,000 listeners month-on-month.

The ABC retained our number 4 publisher spot and had more podcasts in the top 200 than any other publisher with 30 ABC titles making the list in May.

The full Triton Australian Podcast Ranker can be found here.

Audiences can enjoy every episode of Mushroom Case Daily for free and ad free on ABC listen.

The Australian Podcast Ranker is a regular monthly snapshot of Australia’s most popular podcasts. The Ranker has been reporting podcast listening in Australia since 2019 and includes a wide cross section of Australian podcast publishers, from both radio and non-radio backgrounds.

ARN has announced that acclaimed journalist and presenter Alex Cullen is joining The Christian O’Connell Show on GOLD104.3 as the show’s resident sports guru.

With more than two decades of experience across news and sport, Alex brings sharp insight, a quick wit and infectious energy to the top-rating breakfast show. Alex and his young family will be relocating to Melbourne ahead of his on-air debut in July this year.

Christian O’Connell said: “AIex is a real talent and a very funny and likeable guy. I called him out of the blue a few weeks ago and we hit it off like old mates. He came over for a rigorous interview with me, that to onlookers may have looked like a long lunch with flowing red wine, but we bonded over being dads and a shared love of storytelling and how sport could be delivered on my show. I can’t wait for him to join my team and start working together, we are going to be like the Chicago Bulls of the 90s, or the Dees of 2021.”

Alex Cullen said: “This is such an exciting next chapter for me. I actually started my career in radio, so to be coming back to it and joining a show that’s so loved and so full of heart is a real thrill. I can’t wait to be on air with Christian, Pats and Rio, and to get to know Melbourne – my family and I are thrilled to be making it our new home.”

The Christian O’Connell Show has consistently held the crown as Melbourne’s #1 FM Breakfast show, blending genuine connection, offbeat humour and great storytelling. Alex will bring daily sports updates along with his trademark warmth and perspective on all things footy, cricket, and beyond.

Alex has spent more than 20 years working across some of Australia’s major media networks, covering everything from international sporting events to major breaking news. His career began in regional radio before moving into television, and his passion for good storytelling has taken him around the world. A passionate advocate for brain cancer research, Alex is also a proud dad of three.

Stay tuned for his first official show – coming soon to GOLD104.3.

The latest official Australian Podcast Ranker has been released by Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) and Triton Digital. Below are the top five charts for May. The complete charts can be viewed here.

In May 2025, average weekly listenership hit 7 million, matching the record-breaking peak set in March 2025. This strong performance from our participating publishers reflects continued interest in on-demand audio from Australian listeners.

Australian Podcast Ranker top five podcasts May 2025
Podcast		Producer	Monthly Listeners
1	The Mel Robbins Podcast	SiriusXM Podcast Network	1,034,681
2	Hamish & Andy	LiSTNR (SCA)	902,293
3	ABC News Top Stories	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	851,102
4	Mamamia Out Loud	Mamamia	625,692
5	Shameless Mushroom Case Daily	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	625,029

Australian Podcast Ranker top five genres May 2025
Genre		Monthly Listeners
1	Society & Culture	5,519,093
2	News	5,391,007
3	True Crime	4,725,502
4	Sports	4,314,486
5	Comedy	3,818,812

Australian Podcast Ranker top five podcast publishers May 2025
Publisher		Monthly Listeners
1	ARN/iHeart	4,435,726
2	LiSTNR (SCA)	3,728,429
3	SiriusXM Podcast Network	3,448,849
4	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	3,199,639
5	News Corp Australia	2,388,491

Top five sales representatives by monthly listeners May 2025
Sales representatives		Publishers represented	Monthly Listeners
1	LiSTNR (SCA)	LiSTNR (SCA) / SiriusXM Podcast Network / audiochuck / Wondery / DM Podcasts / NBCUniversal News Group	8,658,091
2	ARN / iHeart	ARN / iHeartMedia / Audioboom / AdLarge Media / Sport Social Podcast Network / The Athletic / The Investors Podcast Network / All Ears English / Sony Music / Clubby Sports / NZME / TED / BBC	7,551,499
3	NOVA Entertainment	NOVA Entertainment / News Corp Australia / Podshape/ Schwartz Media / Johns Media	3,814,565
4	News Corp Australia	News Corp Australia	2,388,491
5	Nine	Nine Radio / Nine Publishing	1,672,729

 About the Australian Podcast Ranker 

The Australian Podcast Ranker is a monthly snapshot of the top 200 podcasts listened to by Australians, the top 200 Australian podcasts, the 20 biggest publishers and the 20 most successful podcast sales representatives. 

The Australian Podcast Ranker is an industry initiative commissioned by CRA and published by Triton Digital. Results comply with IAB Podcast Measurement Technical Guidelines. 

Get ready to dive deep into one of Australian sport’s most fascinating trends. 3AW Football is thrilled to announce the launch of The AFL’s Irish Invasion, a compelling, feature-length podcast that pulls back the curtain on the booming recruitment of Irish talent into the AFL and AFLW. 

With a record number of former Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) stars gracing club lists in 2025, this special podcast explores why Ireland has become such a hotbed for Aussie Rules hopefuls.

Crafted and hosted by 3AW Football’s dedicated AFLW reporter, Laura Spurway, The AFL’s Irish Invasion takes listeners on a journey to understand the powerful draw of professional sport in Australia for these gifted athletes. Why are so many choosing to leave behind successful GAA careers for a game still relatively unknown beyond our shores?

You’ll hear firsthand from those who’ve made the leap, including former AFL players Marty Clarke (Collingwood) and Ciarán Byrne (Carlton), who share their unique experiences transitioning from junior Gaelic football standouts to AFL stars.

Spurway also spends time with Carlton Football Club’s latest AFLW recruits and lifelong best friends, Síofra O’Connell and Aisling Reidy. These inspiring women from GAA club Doora-Barefield offer a fresh, intimate perspective on their decision to chase a dream on the other side of the world.

“We’re incredibly proud to present this feature-length podcast,” says Luca Gonano, Head of 3AW Football. “It truly shines a light on the exceptional work being done by the AFL and its clubs to attract Irish athletes to our great game, showcasing the passion and talent that’s making this ‘invasion’ such a success story.”

The AFL’s Irish Invasion is available for download right now via 3AW.com.au or wherever you get your 3AW podcasts. 

About 3AW Football: 3AW Football is Australia’s premier voice for Australian Rules Football, delivering unparalleled news, insightful analysis, and vibrant commentary across radio and digital platforms.

Southern Cross Austereo: #1 Network 25-54 metro

Triple M: #1 Network 25-54 Men – 19 surveys in a row

Triple M Brisbane: #1 station & #1 Drive

Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) has extended its long-standing leadership in commercial radio’s key demographic – 25–54 – securing its 31st consecutive survey win across all five metro markets in GfK’s third radio survey result of 2025.

With a commanding 35.7% share of the 25–54 audience – more than 9.8 share points ahead of any other commercial competitor – SCA maintains its market dominance in the ‘Audience That Matters’. These results affirm SCA’s strategic focus on live and local content, backed by a compelling mix of established and emerging talent across both the Hit and Triple M networks – reinforcing its position as Australia’s leading audio broadcaster.

The Hit Network continues building strong momentum, with Breakfast share increases across Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, and Perth. This growth reflects the successful focus on entertaining local content and distinctive voices across the network. In Brisbane, B105’s Stav, Abby & Matt delivered a standout performance, securing a 13.0% share in Breakfast – a strong sign of consistency for one of commercial radio’s most successful Breakfast teams. In Melbourne, The Fox’s Fifi, Fev & Nick added another 24,000 listeners, reaching an audience of 627,000 in Breakfast – making it the second most-listened-to Breakfast show in Melbourne.

Triple M remains the #1 network for Men 25–54 for the 19th straight survey, with a commanding 16.9% share in the demo. Triple M Brisbane continues to lead the pack, as the #1 station in Brisbane with a 12.8% share and 546,000 listeners, while local Drive show The Rush Hour with Dobbo & Elliott claimed the #1 Drive position (4pm–6pm). In Adelaide, Roo, Ditts & Loz held the #2 Breakfast slot with a 13.6% share, and continued their dominance across the workday. Triple M also continues its reign as Australia’s leading destination for footy fans, owning the space with market dominance in AFL and NRL coverage across the country. Triple M is the #1 AFL broadcast in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth, reaching 732,000 people 10+ across the weekend*, while maintaining the #1 NRL broadcast with 424,000 people tuning into the coverage in Sydney and Brisbane.**

Dave Cameron, SCA Chief Content Officer, said: “Today’s Survey 3 results once again reinforce the strength and consistency of SCA’s national duopoly, with the Hit and Triple M networks working side by side to deliver a dominant and growing Number 1 share in the 25-54 Audience That Matters – a position we’ve proudly held for 31 consecutive surveys.

“SCA has real momentum. We’re seeing green shoots and steady cume today across several key markets, and as 2025 continues to be a year of evolution for our content strategy to focus on fresh voices and fresh shows, it’s encouraging to see early signs of growth from a number of our new lineups on both the Hit and Triple M networks that’s driving our ongoing leadership in the Audience That Matters.

“It’s encouraging to see the Hit Network hold strong in competitive cities, including in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, where 2Day FM’s Jimmy & Nath Show with Emma, The Fox’s Fifi, Fev & Nick and B105’s Stav, Abby & Matt, all adding new listeners.

“Over on Triple M, it’s great to see Brisbane retain the Number 1 position along with the all-new The Rush Hour with Dobbo & Elliott also celebrating Number 1 in Drive, while in Melbourne, JB & Billy have just landed one of their best results since 2006.

“We are fully focused on supporting the long-term success of our new talent and content teams along with our established ones, and on delivering a compelling listening experience for audiences right across the country.”

Seb Rennie, SCAChief Commercial Officer, said, “SCA has now led the all-important 25–54 demographic for an extraordinary 31 consecutive surveys. It’s a milestone that highlights the strength, scale, and consistency of our brands. For advertisers, it means unmatched access to the most valuable consumer segment in the country.

“With the combined reach of SCA’s Hit and Triple M networks, plus ACE Radio, we now hold a 35.7% share of the metro Audience That Matters — a commanding 9.8 share points ahead of our nearest commercial competition.

“This sustained success is driven by our commitment to innovation, deep audience connection, and delivering impactful results across Australia’s leading total audio ecosystem. Congratulations to SCA’s content teams, who’s creativity and consistency continue to captivate audiences and keep them coming back for more.”

Source: Survey Key Highlights Source: GfK Radio 360 Metro Survey #3 2025.  P10+/P25-54/M25-54. Mon-Sun ROS/Mon-Fri 05.30-09.00/Mon-Fri 09.00-12.00/Mon-Sun 12.00-16.00/Mon-Fri 15.00-18.00/Mon-Fri 16.00-18.00, Market Share %/Commercial Share %/Cume Reach (000’s).

*GfK Radio 360 Ratings. Metro Survey 3, 2025. 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 %.  

**GfK Radio Ratings. Metro Survey 3, 2025. Sydney / 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 Austereo

Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) is one of Australia’s leading media companies and the home of LiSTNR, as well as the Hit and Triple M networks. 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 2.2 million signed-in users, the LiSTNR digital audio sales network reaches an estimated eight 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 million listeners across the Hit and Triple M networks nationally.

Matt Romania’s career in marketing and communications had an unlikely but familiar beginning, at a regional Victorian community radio station, now part of UGFM. What began as a chance to host a weekly radio program quickly grew into a deeper connection with community media and its impact.

Behind the mic, Matt found his voice, building confidence, learning how to connect with audiences and developing a passion for storytelling. Off-air, he supported the station’s outreach efforts, helping with newsletter articles and fundraising posters to outdoor broadcasts and a local music festival.

Matt also joined the station’s committee, gaining early experience in not-for-profit governance and seeing first-hand the dedication it takes to keep a volunteer-run organisation running. These formative experiences taught him to work resourcefully, think strategically and understand the role community broadcasters play in fostering local connection and culture.

That early learning has stayed with him throughout his career, particularly in his work supporting charities and purpose-driven organisations. Matt has drawn on those experiences to develop Heart and Soul of Marketing, a guide to help community groups communicate their value, grow support and amplify their impact.

The book, released in June 2025, speaks to the needs of volunteers and small organisations navigating limited resources. It may be a helpful tool for stations looking to promote themselves, strengthen community engagement or plan their next campaign.

Find out more at heartsoulmarketing.com.

Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) has welcomed the latest GfK Survey 3 results, showing listenership for the 25-54 age group, crucial for advertisers, grew by 116,000 listeners year-on-year (YOY), reaching 6.2 million weekly.

Commercial radio saw a YOY increase of 53,000 listeners, with 12.5 million Australians tuning in weekly, while streaming grew to 3.3 million weekly listeners, up by 55,000 Australians YOY.

“The 25-54 demo growth tells you everything about radio’s commercial appeal; we’re adding 116,000 weekly listeners in the group that drives purchasing decisions,” said Lizzie Young, CEO of CRA.

“Streaming gives us new ways to reach them, but the fundamental advertiser value remains the same: engaged audiences during high-attention moments,” added Young.

In-car listening continues to deliver growth, adding 266,000 weekly listeners YOY to reach 10.3 million Australians weekly.

Time spent listening (TSL) to commercial radio at work also increased significantly, up 48 minutes year-on-year to 12 hours 48 minutes.

Commercial radio streaming in cars grew 11 minutes year-on-year to 1 hour 37 minutes, while home streaming remained steady at 3 hours 34 minutes.

For historical data and the 2025 metro survey schedule, visit: https://cra.au/metro-ratings

Source: GfK 360 Radio Ratings, SMBAP S3 2025, compared to S3 2024, All people 10+, Mon-Sun 12mn -12mn, Cume (000’s), unless otherwise stated. Weekly Time Spent Listening (hh). All numbers refer to commercial radio results unless otherwise stated.

TOTAL RADIO 

Nine Radio has dominated GfK Survey 3 2025, with 2GB in Sydney and 3AW in Melbourne the outright No.1 stations in their respective markets. This success is a clear signal of the strength of Nine’s live and local strategy and growing trend of Australians tuning into trusted talk radio for longer, valuing the depth of news, opinion, sport, and entertainment.

2GB stands out as Sydney’s No.1 station, with its share climbing to 13.6% (up 0.8 points). This growth is definitive across all dayparts, with Ben Fordham Live surging to a commanding 16.7% share in Breakfast (up 1.1), more than four points clear of his closest competitor. Mark Levy has also solidified his position as No.1 in Mornings with an impressive 15.5% share.

Both Fordham and Levy have delivered an unbroken winning streak for 2GB this year, consistently dominating their respective slots and showcasing the power of a refreshed, resonating lineup.

In Melbourne, 3AW continues its market dominance with a 12.5% share. Breakfast with Ross and Russel remains the undisputed No.1, with a strong 18.7% share, while Tom Elliott’s Mornings program remains the favourite with listeners, delivering a 15.0% share.

Beyond the major cities, Brisbane’s 4BC and Perth’s 6PR also reported audience gains, with listeners spending more time engaged with their local talk content.

Greg Byrnes, Nine’s National Content Manager, said: “These figures show Sydney has embraced 2GB’s new sound with big increases right across the day. What Ben Fordham and Mark Levy have achieved is remarkable.” 

“3AW dominates all key shifts throughout the week in Melbourne. 6PR is number one talk in Perth and 4BC has recorded further share increases in Brisbane. Across the country we’ve also recorded a big jump in 40+, and 25-54s are up 8%.

“If you’re not listening to talk you’re missing out, and we thank the loyalty shown by our listeners each day.”

COMMERCIAL RADIO SHARE	TOTAL RADIO CUME
16.5 (4 markets)	1.738 million listeners each week

STREAMING

Nine Radio No.1 National Streaming 

Nine’s live audio streaming audiences have surged in Survey 3, recording an incredible 22% increase on last survey, and claiming the undisputed number one national streaming title with a 33.9% commercial share (up 2.3%).

Both 2GB and 3AW are leading the charge in streaming listenership, with commercial shares of 40% and 36.6% respectively. Streaming figures are strong across all key shifts, including:

• Ben Fordham Live: 55.9%
• Breakfast with Ross and Russel: 55.5%
• Mornings with Tom Elliott: 40.4%
• Mornings with Mark Levy: 39.7%

Greg Byrnes said: “Our talk product is unmatched in streaming right across the country. Our content sounds great, is easily accessible and ensures you’re always connected. A 22% jump in listeners is extraordinary and proves more and more listeners are discovering the benefits of engaging via digital device.”

COMMERCIAL STREAMING SHARE	STREAMING CUME
33.9 (up 2.3%)	421,000 (up 22% on Survey 2)

PODCASTS 

Record rating month for Nine Podcast Network

The Nine Podcast Network achieved its second-highest rating month on record in May 2025. This milestone underscores the network’s robust growth in the Australian podcasting landscape, reaching over 1.97 million listeners and accumulating 4.76 million downloads in May alone. This represents a strong 26% year-on-year audience growth, demonstrating Nine’s increasing influence in the digital audio space.

A significant highlight for May was the compelling debut of The Mushroom Trial: Say Grace, which captivated audiences globally, reaching over 242,000 listeners. This new podcast brought listeners directly into the courtroom during the highly anticipated trial of Erin Patterson.

Other strong performers contributing to the network’s success include the consistent popularity of Ben Fordham Live, which reached 195,000 listeners, and 9News, with 169,000 listeners. Additionally, The Saints resonated with 76,000 listeners, further diversifying the network’s engaging content offering.

Mia Stern, Nine Radio’s Head of Digital Growth, said: “We are incredibly proud to have delivered our second highest rating month on record in May. Reaching nearly 2 million listeners and close to 5 million downloads underscores the breadth and depth of audio storytelling and the opportunity for podcasts as a medium in reaching new audiences.” 

“The outstanding results of The Mushroom Trial: Say Grace is a testament to our commitment to creating compelling and diverse audio content that resonates with audiences. We are excited about the continued momentum and look forward to delivering even more exceptional listening experiences.”

MAY 25 TOTAL DOWNLOADS	MAY 25 TOTAL LISTENERS
4.11 million	1.67 million

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, Survey 3 2025, Mon-Sun 5.30am-12MN, Market Share % Total, Market Share Streaming %, Commercial Streaming Share %, Cume (000s) Total and Streaming, 3AW Breakfast Mon-Fri 5.30am-8.30am, 3AW Mornings 8.30am-12pm, AP10+, Nine Radio – 2GB, 3AW, 4BC, 6PR, unless otherwise specified.

Source: Triton Podcast Metrics, May 2025, Downloads, Listeners, Nine Entertainment, unless otherwise specified.