ABC sets new podcast record in June

The ABC has a record number of podcasts in the latest Australian podcast ranker, featuring more titles in the top 200 than any other publisher.

ABC News Top Stories is the No.3 podcast in Australia based on results from the Triton Podcast ranker for June, while Conversations with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski climbed two spots into the No.6 spot. Conversations drew an additional +54k listeners in June, its highest result in four months. Audiences continue to turn to ABC News for trusted coverage, with ABC News Daily hosted by Samantha Hawley sitting at No.12.

The ABC has more podcasts in the ranker than ever before with 34 titles in the top 200.

June was a big month for some of the ABC’s premium titles, with the Dr Karl Podcast delivering its highest audience on record (144K) while Big Ideas (+14 ranks) and Ladies We Need to Talk (+11 ranks) achieved record high rankings.

Less than two weeks out from the 2024 Paris Olympics, the ABC also has the No.1 sports podcast in Australia with ABC Sport Daily. The podcast will play a key role in the ABC’s Olympic coverage, dissecting the biggest stories each day out of Paris on ABC Listen.

The ABC has Australian audiences covered throughout the Games, with Bruce McAvaney leading the ABC radio broadcast across various ABC capital city and regional stations from 26 July while Roy & HG will analyse the big, small and silly as only they can. Their Paris 2024 show, Roy & HG: People, Medals and Cheese airs across ABC Radio and as a podcast on ABC listen.

Late Night Live recorded its highest ever result as host Phillip Adams was farewelled after 33 years. LNL jumped up +19k listeners and +14 ranks. The results coincide with another big week on the program as Walkley award winning journalist David Marr starts his tenure as LNL host.

Not Stupid, the podcast from Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez which launched in May has already featured in the top 200 in June at No.109.

Head of Audio Content Ben Latimer said: “I’m delighted that the ABC was one of only three publishers to grow in the latest podcast ranking. We’ve seen again in these results that audiences continue to turn to the ABC for trusted news and expert sports coverage and analysis, while Conversations turned in another superb result, its best since early this year.”

LiSTNR IS AUSTRALIA’S NO.1 SALES REPRESENTATION NETWORK FOR A RECORD 22 TIMES

– Hamish & Andy remains Australia’s no.1 podcast –

– It’s A Lot with Abbie Chatfield celebrates largest audience ever –

LiSTNR is Australia’s no. 1 sales representation podcast network nationally^ for the 22nd time, reaching more monthly listeners^ than its competitors in June as per the Australian Podcast Ranker, with Hamish & Andy remaining in first place as Australia’s favourite podcast*.

One of Australia’s most prominent podcasters, Abbie Chatfield celebrated the largest monthly audience since launching It’s A Lot with Abbie Chatfield in 2019, with 315,587*monthly listeners.

Alongside Abbie Chatfield, LiSTNR’s sport focused podcasts led the charge with strong audience growth, including Triple M Footy AFL (up three places to 169,861 monthly listeners*), The Rush Hour with JB & Billy (up six places to 129,970 monthly listeners*) and Triple M Rocks Footy NRL, which was up seven places with 75,762 monthly listeners*, with Ben and Harry making their debut on the All Australian Podcast Ranker.

For the money-minded audience, Motley Fool Money jumped eight places to 54,166 monthly listeners* in June.

Popular podcasts in the top 20 included Hamish & Andy, which again claimed the number one comedy podcast, It’s A Lot with Abbie ChatfieldCrime Junkie7am with Schwartz Media and Happy Hour with Lucy & Nikki.

Overall, LiSTNR’s sales representation network had 63 podcasts in the Top 200 Australian Podcast Ranker* in June, and 38 titles in the All Australian Top 200.

LiSTNR’s owned and operated titles that grew their monthly listeners^^ year-on-year included Darling, Shine!, KICPOD, and CommSec Market Update.

“As LiSTNR continues to be the leading sales representation network, it’s great to see the LiSTNR sales team increasing its podcast revenue across June to finish +25% year-on-year,” Executive Head of LiSTNR Podcasts, Grant Tothill, said.

“For Hamish & Andy to continue as Australia’s favourite podcast, and for Abbie to achieve her best monthly audience, is a real credit not only to Hamish and Andy and Abbie, but also their respective teams.

“Podcasting continues to be a dynamic industry and it’s important to develop new podcast talent. So, to see Ben and Harry McKay making it into the Top 200 All Australian Ranker is just reward for the team and for them,” concluded Tothill.

Sources: *Australian Podcast Ranker Top 200 Podcasts – June 2024, ^Australian Podcast Ranker – Top Sales Representatives – June 2024, ^^ LiSTNR owned and operated published podcast titles, ** All Australian Podcast Ranker – June 2024

POSITION: Book Keeper, 3MDR 97.1fm, Upwey South VIC

3MDR 97.1fm is a not for profit community radio station licenced to serve the communities of the Mountain Districts RA1 licence area, covering the shires of Cardinia, Yarra Ranges and Knox.

Since 1985, community radio 3MDR 97.1FM has been at the heart of our community. Founded by locals in response to the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires, 3MDR brings people together – through radio, online platforms and events – so that our community can continue to connect and thrive together.

We are looking for a bookkeeper to join our team. Tasks include managing financial records, processing transactions, and maintaining accurate accounts.

We are looking for someone local to the Dandenong Ranges who is familiar with community organisations to support the station’s operations by ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency. This is mostly a remote position.

Bring your attention to detail and passion for community service to contribute to our mission of broadcasting excellence.

Skills required: Proficiency with Quickbooks

Hours per week and hourly rate: $35/hr for average two hours per week.

Please send a cover letter and CV to secretary@3mdr.com by 31st July.

POSITION: General Manager, National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters’ Council, Melbourne VIC

Print 
  • Exciting new role reporting directly to Board
  • Part-time: (30.4 hours per week, worked over 4-5 days per week on set hours per day to be agreed)
  • Pay rate: SCHADS SACS Level 7 – $58.23 per hour (+superannuation)
  • Melbourne based

ABOUT NEMBC

NEMBC promotes and develops ethnic community broadcasting in Australia and is the peak organisation representing ethnic community broadcasters across Australia. More information about NEMBC can be found at nembc.org.au.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This role is the Senior Leadership role for NEMBC and is responsible for the people, operational, compliance, fundraising and financial management of the organisation to ensure NEMBC’s growth and sustainability. Reporting directly to the Board the role works closely with the Board to implement the Strategic Plan.

ABOUT THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

You will have a proven track record in senior leadership within a peak body or a not-for-profit community-focused or member-based organisation with proven achievements in implementing strategic plans, engaging stakeholders and financial management. A passion for community broadcasting, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse environment are essential.

MORE INFORMATION AND HOW TO APPLY

To apply to join NEMBC in this critical role and make a significant impact on multicultural representation in Australian media, please email sally.basser@nfpsuccess.com.au

For a confidential discussion or more information please feel welcome to email sally.basser@nfpsuccess.com.au or call anytime, including evenings or weekends, on 0488 667 075.

PDF icon Read the position description.

 

APPLY

AUSTRALIAN PODCAST RANKER – JUNE

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

Australian Podcast Ranker top five podcasts June 2024
Podcast Producer Monthly Listeners
1 Hamish & Andy LiSTNR (SCA) 848,612
2 Casefile True Crime Audioboom 842,060
3 ABC News Top Stories Australian Broadcasting Corporation 586,919
4 Mamamia Out loud Mamamia 498,046
5 Bronwyn News Corp Australia 496,544

 

Australian Podcast Ranker top five genres June 2024
     Genre Monthly Listeners
1 Society & Culture 4,491,611
2 True Crime 4,263,561
3 News 3,596,741
4 Sports 3,316,842
5 Comedy 3,278,610

 

Australian Podcast Ranker top five podcast publishers June 2024
     Publisher Monthly Listeners
1 ARN/iHeart 4,483,075
2 LiSTNR (SCA) 3,316,333
3 Australian Broadcasting Corporation 2,489,656
4 Audioboom 2,088,948
5 SiriusXM Podcast Network 1,894,460

 

Top five sales representatives by monthly listeners June 2024
    Sales representatives Publishers represented Listeners
1 LiSTNR (SCA) LiSTNR (SCA), Schwartz Media, SiriusXM Podcast Network, audiochuck, Wondery, DM Podcasts, NBCUniversal News Group 6,790,489
2 ARN/iHeart ARN, iHeartMedia, Audioboom, AdLarge Media, Sport Social Podcast Network, The Investors Podcast Network, All Ears English, Sony Music, Clubby Sports, NZME, TED, The Athletic, Johns Media 6,568,373
3 NOVA Entertainment NOVA Entertainment, News Corp Australia,  Podshape 2,627,290
4 News Corp Australia News Corp Australia 1,889,871
5 Nine Nine Radio / Nine Publishing 1,374,813

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.

RESILIENT RADIO BOUNCES BACK IN SECOND QUARTER

Australian commercial radio is proving its resilience, with the metro ad revenue increasing in the second quarter of 2024, according to new figures released by Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) which for the first time include both Broadcast Radio and Digital Audio ad revenue.

Total metro ad revenue (broadcast plus digital) in Q2 2024 was up 2.6% to $200.7 million, compared to the same time last year. Q2 2024 Metro revenue broadcast only was $178.172 million, up 0.1% on Q2 2023, while digital audio revenue increased by 27.1%.

Jo Dick, CRA chief commercial officer, said the results were extremely positive after a challenging start to 2024.

“Market conditions are tough right now – but radio is once again showing that it is resilient, reliable, and the best bang-for-buck when advertising budgets are tight.

“We are seeing incredibly strong growth for digital audio ad revenue, up 27.1% in Q2 2024 – which really highlights that one of radio’s greatest strengths is adapting with changing listening habits and embracing new technologies.

“The data also shows us that for the first six months of 2024 total radio ad revenue, including both broadcast and digital, remains steady, up 0.2% on the first half of 2023,” said Ms Dick.

The quarterly broadcast radio ad revenue figures were compiled by media data analytics company Milton Data for CRA.

CRA has previously only released metro ad revenue figures for Broadcast Radio, not Digital Audio. CRA digital audio ad revenue figures are included in the Australian Online Advertising Expenditure Report (OAER), compiled by PwC and released by IAB Australia.

ABC welcomes the launch of the Government’s Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy

Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Managing Director David Anderson has welcomed the launch of the Australian Government’s Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy (IPBS) which calls out ABC International as a leading implementation partner.

Pre-empting the release of the strategy, the Federal Government provided an additional $32 million over four years in the October 2022 budget for ABC International to expand content production, transmission, and media assistance across the Indo-Pacific region. In the May 2023 budget, the Government announced a further $8.5 million over four years for regional transmission and distribution.

The ABC has invested this new funding to support the key pillars of the IPBS by boosting the availability of Australian content, deepening media connections and strengthening the resilience of media outlets in the region. The ABC’s work in this area continues to support mutual understanding of Australia and our region.

ABC Managing Director David Anderson welcomed the Government’s release of the much-anticipated strategy and said the ABC is “well-placed to deliver on its key pillars.”

“No other Australian media organisation has the regional knowledge, relationships, distribution networks and platforms, and the development expertise necessary to fully deliver the IPBS’ aims that are in the national interest,” Mr Anderson said.

ABC International Head Claire M. Gorman said: “The additional funding provided by the Federal Government under the IPBS is already being invested across the Indo-Pacific region by ABC International in a range of key areas including enhanced distribution networks, premium bespoke content for international audiences and high-impact media development programs.”

To date, the ABC has made significant progress on many deliverables outlined in the IPBS. Examples include;

ENHANCED DISTRIBUTION

  • Over the past year, ABC International has launched new ABC Radio Australia 24-hour FM services in six strategic locations including Palau, Nauru, Tuvalu, Pohnpei (Federated States of Micronesia), Kokopo (Papua New Guinea) and Gizo (Solomon Islands) and will deliver new services in a further six locations in the second half of 2024.
  • In October 2023, ABC International divided the previously single ABC Australia broadcast service into two separate schedules: one for the Pacific region and one for Asia, allowing the ABC to better serve audiences with content and time slots tailored to the respective regions.

BESPOKE CONTENT

  • In June 2023, ABC Radio Australia launched a new schedule, tripling its Pacific-focused content with bespoke programs including morning show Nesia Daily, sport show Nesian Footy, music shows In the Fale and On the Record, a special series of the popular podcast Days Like These and Stories from The Pacific, drawing audiences into the lives of Pacific Islanders who have seen and done amazing things.
  • In the past 12 months, ABC International has delivered extensive multi-platform coverage across ABC Australia, ABC Radio Australia, ABC Pacific and ABC Asia of major elections in India, Indonesia, and the Solomon Islands, and coverage of regional events such as the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara and the 2024 Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture in Hawai’i.
  • Additionally, ABC Australia has broadcast two special election series this year – Indonesia Decides and India Votes 2024 – which were produced by ABC News’ Asia Pacific Newsroom for international audiences, delving into voter concerns and key political figures and providing insights beyond the headlines.
  • Also, this year, ABC Australia launched Kids Club, a brand-new lineup of kids’ programming specially curated for Pacific audiences, on its Pacific service.
  • In April 2023, ABC Australia launched a flagship pan-Pacific current affairs program, The Pacific, which covers the major news events in the region through the year and looks at the rich culture and history of the region. The program is supported by a network of experienced local journalists across the Pacific region.
  • Over the past 12 months, ABC Australia has delivered programming targeting Indo-Pacific audiences, including special editions of ABC favourites Gardening AustraliaForeign Correspondent, Compass, Backroads and Landline as well as documentaries The Cloud Under the Sea on undersea telecommunications cables, Price of Progress: Indonesia’s Nickel RushRunning Dry on water scarcity in Asia, and the two-part series Project Wild.

MEDIA DEVELOPMENT

  • Over the past 12 months, ABC International Development (ABCID), has launched the Indonesia Media Development Program focusing on digital storytelling, safety and resilience.
  • ABCID has also launched the Timor-Leste Media Development Program to strengthen Timor-Leste’s media landscape. This program provides support to the media sector through technical and craft skills training. This support includes collaborating with the Timor-Leste Press Council and supporting the public broadcaster, Rádio e Televisão de Timor-Leste (RTTL), with the launch of a weekly English language news program.
  • ABCID has developed the Media Education for Development and Information Access (MEDIA) platform, an invite-only online learning resource which offers modules on journalism, capacity-building courses and resources to individuals and partners across the Indo-Pacific, to complement in-person training and mentoring.

About ABC International Services

Since 1939, the ABC has been broadcasting to audiences overseas. The International division reaches an estimated 14,224,065 unique monthly overseas audiences through owned and operated platforms including ABC Australia, ABC Radio Australia and ABC websites and apps including ABC Pacific and ABC Asia. The ABC’s international audiences come from all corners of the globe. ABC Australia, the ABC’s international television service available in 37 markets throughout Asia and the Pacific, has a monthly viewership of at least 3,905,050. ABC Radio Australia, the ABC’s international radio service available via FM in the Pacific and Timor Leste, has a monthly listenership of at least 321,225. Outside Australia, ABC websites and apps have an average global monthly usership of 9,997,790 which includes approximately 7,505,085 users across the Americas, Europe and Africa and 1,865,655 users in Asia.

*Figures based on the ABC 2022-23 Annual Report

About ABC International Development 

ABC International Development (ABCID) is the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s media development unit. ABCID supports partner organisations in the Indo-Pacific region to pursue quality journalism, tell engaging stories and build strong connections with their communities. It leverages ABC regional expertise and sources the best Australian and Indo-Pacific talent in journalism, program-making, thematic content, organisational development and research to support capacity building in media organisations across the Indo-Pacific region.

MYDRIVESCHOOL AND LiSTNR LAUNCH IMPORTANT NEW PODCAST SERIES AIMED AT SAVING LIVES, KEEP YOUR WHEELS ON

myDRIVESCHOOL, in partnership with LiSTNR and funded by the Australian Government, today announced a new podcast, Keep Your Wheels On, which aims to educate drivers on safe driving habits and techniques.

Launching today, Keep Your Wheels On is a collection of drivers reflecting on times that they have experienced unsafe driving situations, and features guidance from driver education experts who provide advice for safer driving.

Hosted by Greg Rust, from LiSTNR’s Rusty’s Garage and Lisa Skaife, Founder and CEO of myDRIVESCHOOL, each podcast episode features a special guest sharing their driving history. With guests including actor Shane Jacobson, former Supercars racer and four-time Bathurst 1000 winner Greg Murphy, and Victoria Police – Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn WeirKeep Your Wheels On explores important driving lessons to help listeners become safer and more aware drivers.

Lisa Skaife, Founder and CEO myDRIVESCHOOL, said: “Loved doing this podcast with Rusty, and some amazing guests with great insights and mind-blowing stories. We laughed, cried and learnt some, and I hope the listeners will too … all the best and keep your wheels on!”

Todd Stevens, Senior Executive Producer ‑ Branded Podcasts, said: “The stories revealed in this new podcast series are incredible; from Samantha who crashed her car driving tired, but then became paralysed when her ambulance driver also fell asleep and crashed, to Angela who ended up $70,000 in debt by deciding to drive her new car uninsured.

“It is true that this podcast features expert commentary that could help you to become a safer driver, but it is also about much more than that.  It is about learning from the experiences of real people who showcase just how quickly a crash can happen, and the longstanding impacts that can occur when it does.

“Rusty and Lisa had not heard these crash survivor’s stories until they sat down in the recording studio and so their reactions are real and unfiltered.  We catch the laughs, but also hear the real frustration and tears as they unpack these moments with their expert guests.”

Launching today on LiSTNR, 16 July, Keep Your Wheels On will have eight weekly episodes.

About LiSTNR:

LiSTNR is a curated and personalised, free app offering radio, podcasts, music, and news, 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

Award-winning 9News podcast team launches new investigative series

On a day that left an indelible mark on the state and shook the nation, a routine callout to a remote property in Wieambilla, west of Brisbane, plunged four young police officers into the grip of unimaginable evil.

Constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold died in a cold-blooded execution at the property, while their colleagues, Constables Randall Kirk and Keely Brough, bravely risked their lives to call for backup. Despite sustaining injuries, they miraculously escaped and survived the ambush. Innocent neighbour Alan Dare, who courageously sought to investigate the unfolding chaos, was also shot dead.

The Ultimate Sacrifice, led by the acclaimed duo of 9News Queensland presenter Melissa Downes and producer Jessica Lodge, who made the award-winning podcast Hannah’s Story, confronts the haunting question: how did a routine callout lead to Queensland’s deadliest police shooting and Australia’s first Christian terrorist attack?

In four compelling episodes dropping in the first two weeks, The Ultimate Sacrifice meticulously examines the events leading up to the deaths of six people, including the three killers.

The podcast will revisit the six-hour gun battle waged by the police officers, and explore the long-term investigation into conspiracy and religious extremism that reveals how the murderers – once respected teachers – turned to heinous violence. It also covers the arrest of an American man, discovered nearly a year after the ambush to be connected with the killers.

From Monday, July 29, the podcast will continue by tracking the four-week coronial inquest into the massacre with frequent episodes. Listeners will receive updates on unfolding evidence and conclusions, including testimonies, new details, previously unheard recordings, and crucial evidence revealing the heroism and camaraderie displayed on that tragic day.

Melissa Downes said: “December 12, 2022, is a day that left a lasting impression on us all, a stark reminder of how unexpected tragedy can profoundly touch our community forever. The Ultimate Sacrifice is our heartfelt exploration into the events of that unforgettable day and an earnest pursuit of answers. It is a tribute to the police lives lost and a solemn recognition of the bravery shown by all who responded.”

Jessica Lodge said: “Having witnessed the impact of our first 9News podcast, Hannah’s Story, we approached this new project with a sense of privilege and responsibility. As we uncover new evidence during the upcoming inquest, we hold the highest regard for Rachel and Matthew, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Our goal is to ensure their courage and the events of that fateful day are honoured with the utmost respect.”

Head of 9Podcasts, Mia Stern, said: “The team behind The Ultimate Sacrifice is exceptional,  bringing award-winning talent to this new podcast. It will serve as a tool for understanding, education and emotional reflection as Australia revisits that harrowing day. With Melissa and Jessica leading the way, we have the perfect duo to navigate the complexities of this story with expertise and empathy.”

The Ultimate Sacrifice is available now wherever you get your podcasts (SpotifyApple Podcasts). It is produced in a partnership between 9News and 9Podcasts.

Community Broadcasting’s submission to the inquiry into the Australian live music industry

CBAA’s submission to the inquiry into Australia’s live music industry, that spotlights the vital role that community broadcasters play in nurturing emerging talent, helping artists build their audience and income, promoting events and festivals, developing local live music capacity and innovating to bring more live music to their communities.

Read more about the incredible work our sector does for live music PDF icon here or on our submissions page.

Australia’s network of community radio stations is the critical infrastructure to reach geographically and socially diverse audiences with local music and the promotion of local gigs, festivals and events.
Our submission emphasises that a sustainable community radio sector is integral to grow the live music industry.
Community radio stations:
  • Have a close and co-operative relationship with local artists, live music venues, concert promoters and organisers.
  • Manage programs, events and initiatives that are vital for artist development and career pathways.
  • Support artist income with music licensing fees and event bookings and promotions.
  • Host events and undertake activities that support skills development in music production, sound engineering, AV, promotions and event management that build local capacity in event and festival production

For the first time we have accompanied our written submission with a video submission. The video submission shares just a fraction of the incredible work community broadcasters do to connect their communities through live music. The video captures some of the brilliant examples of the mutually supportive relationship between live and local music and community radio:

Music credit: ‘Alive and Kicking’ by Noah Dillon (@NoahDillonmusic)
As performed live at RTRFM’s In the Pines 2023
Audio: CCA Productions
Audio Engineering: Eddie Curtis

Featuring:
– Dancingwater
– Cuckoo Coco
– Ethan Enoch
– Dameeeela
– MC Chosen
– Genesis Owusu
– Angie McMahon
– Amyl and the Sniffers
– New Boys
– Nikodimos
– Melanesian Pride
– Riley Clemmons
– Dina Indrasafitri
– Midnight Rangers
– Don Glori

Featured stations:
– 4ZZZ
– Triple R 102.7 FM
– RTRFM Perth
– PAKAM Radio
– PBS1067FM
– 99.9 Live FM
– 8CCC Radio