NOVA Entertainment today announced that news journalist and television presenter Sarah Harris will join Nova 96.9’s new Sydney Breakfast show, Ricki-Lee & Tim as the show’s resident newsreader.
NOVA Entertainment has announced hit Australian podcast Better Than Yesterday with Osher Günsberg will be joining the Nova Podcast Network from today.
The ABC was the leading free-to-air network at the 2026 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards, winning 11 awards at last night’s ceremony on the Gold Coast including four to The Newsreader.
The awards complete a superb year for ABC Screen, with wins across drama, comedy entertainment, children’s, documentary and lifestyle categories.
The Newsreader enhanced its reputation as one of the most celebrated dramas in Australian television. Last night the third season of The Newsreader took home the Best Drama Series award, completing a remarkable trifecta after winning the prestigious category for both season one in 2021 and season two in 2024. The Newsreader also won Best Screenplay in Television for Michael Lucas, Best Lead Actress for Anna Torv, and Best Supporting Actor in a Drama for Daniel Henshall. Produced by Werner Productions for the ABC, the standout series has now won 14 AACTAs across its three seasons.
Hard Quiz was also a major winner, recognised as Best Comedy Entertainment Program and popular host Tom Gleeson as Best Comedy Performer.
In its first Australian season, Portrait Artist of the Year hosted by Miranda Tapsell and Luke McGregor won Best Entertainment Program. The longest running children’s program on Australian television, Play School: All Together won Best Children’s Program. Grand Designs Australia took out the Best Lifestyle Program, the Best Stand-Up Special was secured by Celia Pacquola: I’m As Surprised As You Are and beautifully shot The Kimberley was honoured with the Best Cinematography in a Documentary award.
ABC Director Screen Jennifer Collins: “Congratulations to the ABC Screen teams whose exceptional work across our diverse and ambitious slate ensures these remarkable programs reach audiences around the country, and to our production partners whose craft and creativity make it possible to deliver these unmistakably Australian programs.”
The AACTA Awards (formerly the AFI Awards) honour screen excellence in Australia.
ABC 2026 AACTA Award Winners
In the lead up to Mardi Gras, rebels and resistance fuel Queer Renegades, a new SBS Audio podcast spotlighting the trailblazers who helped shape Australia’s queer history – stories often overlooked or erased.
Hosted by Iranian-Australian writer and broadcaster Farz Edraki, Queer Renegades challenges the heteronormative lens cast on history, centring the voices of daring trailblazers from the LGBTQ+ community who questioned the status quo and created change.
Timed to launch ahead of Mardi Gras, the series explores stories of queer activism and rebellion, from the legacy of Dykes on Bikes, who act as protectors of the LGBTQ+ community, to newly arrived refugees seeking queer connection, and First Nations artists and curators forging new cultural spaces.
“Let’s be honest – when it comes to history, queer stories are often erased by a default lens we’re rarely challenged to question,” said Edraki.
“The truth is, queer people exist in every culture, and shared queer identity can connect deeply diverse lives – there are incredible stories of camaraderie and bravery. People who have stood up to the status quo and made change possible. We want to highlight these people and their stories.”
David Hua, Director of Audio and Language Content at SBS said, “Australia offers comparatively greater freedom for many LGBTQ+ people, but that didn’t happen by accident. Queer Renegades creates space to hear from those who shaped it, lived it, and continue to challenge it.
“At SBS we’re here to champion the voices and stories we hear least, amplifying lived experiences and perspectives to build belonging, connection, and pride.”
Each episodes marks a key moment of activism – whether an event, moment or individual. Featured trailblazers include:
The eight episodes of Queer Renegades will drop weekly from the 11th of February 2026. Listen on the SBS Audio App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube, LiSTNR, SBS On Demand or wherever you stream your podcasts.
ABC International has continued to strengthen its regional partnerships in 2026, signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with broadcasters and media organisations in Malaysia, Mongolia and Timor-Leste.
Under the successful program which began in 2022, ABC International has signed 23 similar agreements with leading media organisations in Asia and the Pacific which focus on opportunities to share content, exchange expertise and knowledge, and undertake technical training and media development initiatives.
In the latest round of agreements, ABC International formalised tailored agreements with Timor-Leste’s public service news agency Tatoli, Mongolian National Broadcaster (MNB) and Malaysian state broadcaster Sarawak Media Group (SMG).
The MoUs with MNB and SMG facilitate opportunities for content sharing of news and current affairs, factual, sports and lifestyle programming, in addition to the exchange of technical advice and information, while the Tatoli agreement also includes provisions for ongoing collaboration with ABC International’s media development arm, ABC International Development, which has worked closely with Tatoli in recent years in launching an English-language news service and other capacity building initiatives.
ABC International Head Claire M. Gorman said, “ABC International has worked tirelessly over the past four years to fortify our relationships with like-minded, regional partners and formalise tailored agreements with them. Each MoU establishes a framework for collaboration across areas such as content and information sharing, and media capacity building, and in doing so, brings new opportunities for meaningful engagement.
“We are proud to announce these latest agreements with Tatoli, MNB and SMG, and look forward to the emerging possibilities for closer collaboration and how we can best work together to support and serve our respective audiences through these partnerships.”
The ABC has also recently renewed its partnership with Canadian national broadcaster CBC/Radio-Canada, signing an updated MoU to support content and distribution-related initiatives, including the development of a new children’s co-production It’s Andrew! set to premiere in Australia in 2026.
After an extraordinary 25 years behind the mic on Afternoons, James Valentine will farewell 702 ABC Radio Sydney with a special two‑hour retrospective program this Friday afternoon.
“I won’t be coming back this year to the microphone and the Afternoons program” James said “it’s time for me to retire”.
“This decision has been hard for me to make but I need to focus on getting better and being with family and friends and making sure I’m giving my health my best shot.”
“This coming Friday, Jen Fleming, long-time producer of the program and myself want to present a retrospective; the best of Afternoons, to capture what we’ve made in those 25 years.” James said as he announced the program on Monday.
Across the week, James’ loyal audience is invited to share favourite memories, moments and stories on the 702 ABC Radio Sydney Facebook page. These will be reflected on during Friday’s special broadcast as the station celebrates the legacy of one of its most loved presenters.
ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks said James’ contribution to the ABC has been remarkable and enduring. “James is one of the great creative forces in Australian broadcasting.
“He has an extraordinary gift for turning everyday moments into joyful, smart and surprising radio, and the connection he has built with his audience over decades simply cannot be overstated.
“We’re proud to celebrate everything he has brought to the ABC, and we wish him strength and support as he focuses on his health.”
James began his media career in the mid‑1980s, hosting cartoons on ABC TV’s The Afternoon Show. He went on to work across several ABC television programs before moving into radio at 666 ABC Radio Canberra. He then moved onto the Mornings program in Sydney.
In 2001, James found what he describes as his true home at the ABC when he began presenting Afternoons on 702 ABC Radio Sydney, then known as 2BL. He has held the role for more than two decades, with a brief detour presenting Breakfast in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, James announced he would be stepping away from the program to receive treatment for oesophageal cancer.
The James Valentine Afternoons: Retrospective special program will air on 702 ABC Radio Sydney at 12.30pm AEDT on Friday 6 February, and across NSW at 1.30pm.
James will also step away from his ABC Jazz program Upbeat, where he has shared his passion for jazz with audiences since the program launched in 2020.
| Program or issue | Station/licensee | Description | Outcome | Report published |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licence condition | Tasman Community Broadcasters Association Inc. | Encourage community participation in operationsEncourage community participation in programming | Breached paragraph 9(2)(c)(i) of Schedule 2 to the BSADid not breach paragraph 9(2)(2)(ii) of Schedule 2 to the BSA(ref. BI-744) | 19 December 2025 |
| Licence condition and code matters | Great Lakes Area FM Community Radio Association Inc. | Encourage community participation in operations | No breach of paragraph 9(2)(c)(ii) of Schedule 2 to the BSA(ref. BI-749) | 18 December 2025 |
| Licence condition and code matters | Tamar FM Inc (7TFM) | Have in place, abide by, and regularly review constitution and key governance policiesEncourage community participation in operations | No breach of Code 2.1(a) of the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice 2025No breach of Code 2.1(b) of the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice 2025No breach of paragraph 9(2)(c)(i) of Schedule 2 to the BSA(ref. BI-750) | 11 December 2025 |
LiSTNR today announced that KICBump, the parenting podcast from the team behind KICPod, has officially launched as a standalone weekly show, marking the next stage in the KIC brand’s evolution and expansion within Australia’s digital audio landscape.
Originally introduced in 2021 as a fortnightly episode within the KICPod feed, KICBump has cultivated a deeply loyal audience that has grown alongside KIC co-founders Steph Claire Smith and Laura Henshaw, following their journeys through pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.
While KICPod will continue to release two episodes each week, KICBump will now deliver its own weekly episode, expanding the brand’s overall podcast output and unlocking new opportunities for audience growth and commercial partnerships across the KIC ecosystem.
The first standalone episode features Laura Henshaw’s never-before shared birth story, setting the tone for a dedicated, in-depth space for honest and supportive conversations around pregnancy, birth, postpartum and parenting.
Laura Henshaw and Steph Claire Smith, KICBump Co-Hosts said: “For the past six years, KICPod has been a place where our community has come to catch up with us every week. We’re so excited for KICBump to now have a dedicated feed, so we have the space to share the parenting sides of our lives too. We’ve both been sharing our lives online for the past 12 years and as our families change and grow, we want to continue including our community in these parts of our lives, as well as reaching new parents who are looking for authentic, relatable, judgement-free and more modern parenting content.”
Since joining LiSTNR in 2022, KICPod has continued to grow as one of Australia’s most engaged lifestyle podcasts, with a highly loyal listenership of over 107,000** unique Australian listeners per month, and strong performance across health and wellbeing categories.
Lindsey Green, KICBump Executive Producer said: “KIC’s dedicated community has evolved with Steph and Laura in real time, from fitness and wellbeing to identity and motherhood. Launching KICBump as its own weekly podcast allows us to speak more directly with new parents, while also unlocking new opportunities for partners looking to connect with this audience in an authentic way. This evolution demonstrates LiSTNR’s commitment to helping creators strategically grow their audience and revenue opportunities.”
KICBump and KICPod are published weekly on the free LiSTNR app.
RTRFM is The Sound Alternative: an independent, non-profit community radio station in WA that provides an alternative voice for Boorloo and beyond through innovative music and talks programming. Founded in 1977, we take pride in being a platform for local news and issues, with a strong focus on the arts, culture, social justice, politics and the environment. We especially champion local music and support musical diversity through 50+ specialist music programs and a huge program of events.
This is an opportunity to help define, reinforce and drive the musical ethos of one of Australia’s most exciting music outlets. Ahead of our 50th anniversary, we are seeking a new Music Director who can not only contribute to RTRFM’s storied legacy, but also has an innovative imagination when it comes to the future of the station.
At the role’s core, the Music Director is responsible for sourcing music across all genres for the station, selecting the weekly Features, administrating RTR2, managing the volunteer Music Team and keeping all presenters informed about what is happening within the local/national music scenes. The Music Director also coordinates music interviews and studio performances in collaboration with staff, and they help encourage quality and diversity within RTRFM’s specialist & peak music collectives.
Key Responsibilities:
Selection Criteria:
Essential
Preferable
Please note: RTRFM is located on the first level of 642 Beaufort St in Mount Lawley, which is only accessible via staircase. Successful applicants will need to get Working With Children checks completed (RTRFM will cover the expense).
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: $53,040.00 – $57,657.00 per year
Expected hours: 30 per week
Work Authorisation:
Work Location: In person
Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) today announced a new two-year partnership with Orange Sky and Diabetes Australia as part of its flagship charity program, SCA Embrace in 2026.
Since its launch in 2016, SCA Embrace has reflected SCA’s ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility, supporting charities that have a meaningful impact on the lives of Australians.
Through the partnership, Orange Sky and Diabetes Australia will receive significant in-kind advertising campaigns, strategic support and consumer insights across SCA’s radio and digital platforms. SCA employees will also be supported to contribute through volunteering opportunities, community initiatives and advocacy support.
Stephen Haddad, SCA Chief Operating Officer said: “We believe in the power of media to create meaningful impact. Orange Sky and Diabetes Australia are both delivering vital support to Australians at critical moments in their lives, and we’re proud to welcome them as our SCA Embrace charity partners for 2026–2027. Through SCA Embrace, we’re able to amplify important conversations, increase awareness and help connect communities with the support they need.”
Established in Brisbane in 2014, Orange Sky is the world’s first free mobile laundry and shower service, supporting people experiencing homelessness or hardship through clean clothes, warm showers and genuine human connection. Orange Sky currently operates 83 services across 55 locations in Australia, staffed by volunteers who provide a safe, positive and supportive environment for those doing it tough.
Lucas Patchett, Orange Sky Co-Founder and CEO said: “Homelessness and hardship is a reality that can impact anyone. A rental increase, an unexpected expense or the loss of employment is sometimes all it takes for someone to fall on tough times. As cost-of-living pressures continue to rise, we’re seeing more Australians — many for the first time — reaching out to us for support, and we’ve never been more in demand.
“We are incredibly excited and proud to be named one of the 2026–2027 SCA Embrace charity partners. This partnership will help amplify conversations about homelessness and hardship and strengthen the impact of our services across the country.”
Established in 1937, and the second oldest diabetes organisation in the world, Diabetes Australia is the national peak body supporting people living with, and at risk of, diabetes.
Working in collaboration with people with lived experience and the health sector, Diabetes Australia are leading the national response to Australia’s largest health crisis. Their work focuses on supporting people with diabetes to live well, providing information, resources, and support services as well as investing in prevention, and reducing the impact of diabetes on people, health systems and society. Diabetes Australia advocates for positive change that will create a healthier future for everyone.
Justine Cain, Diabetes Australia Group CEO said: “Every five minutes an Australian is diagnosed with diabetes, yet community awareness of the risks and symptoms remains low, and widespread misinformation continues to fuel stigma and discrimination.”
“We are grateful for the opportunity that SCA’s Embrace partnership presents. Increasing access to accurate information about diabetes will have a positive impact across the community, and we’re excited to work with SCA to help drive greater understanding and support for Australians living with diabetes.”
Over the past decade since its inception in 2016, SCA Embrace has delivered hundreds of millions of dollars in-kind advertising to Australian charities, leveraging SCA’s national reach and expertise to help organisations drive awareness, education and meaningful community impact.
For more information on the charities please visit:https://orangesky.org.au/ and https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/