Category: Australian

• Mark Ritson on the global stage at Cannes Lions: reinforces audio‘s role as the campaign catalyst.
• First time the audio industries of Australia, the UK, Ireland and the US have come together to demonstrate the power of audio.

The peak audio industry bodies of Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and Ireland have added their voices to a single global argument – and taken the evidence to Cannes Lions. For the first time, Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA), Radiocentre (UK), Radiocentre (IRE), and the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB US) have joined forces to make the case for audio advertising as one global industry. These leading audio industry bodies brought Professor Mark Ritson to Cannes Lions to present new global evidence for audio’s role in the modern media mix.

The session, titled ‘The Secret to Profit and Trust: Audio,’ was hosted at LBB & Friends Beach and drew on the Effie x System1 global Databank of 1,262 campaigns spanning 17 years to prove how commercial audio lifts campaign performance. It played to a standing-room-only crowd of marketers, agency leaders and audio networks.

Audio works across key commercial levers

Campaigns with audio outperform those without audio on profit (+75%), trust (+81%), price insensitivity (+81%) and customer acquisition (+19%). Audio’s profit contribution also scales with media spend. Across 14 measures, the average uplift for all campaigns with audio was +22%, in comparison to campaigns without audio.

Audio nearly doubles profit for emotionally driven advertising

The data also makes the creative case. Audio nearly doubles the profit generated by emotionally driven campaigns, and its effect compounds when it is paired with distinctive brand assets and run consistently over time.

Global collaboration to amplify audio’s effectiveness

The original study was commissioned in Australia, where CRA analysed the Advertising Council of Australia’s (ACA) Effie data with independent marketing consultant Rob Brittain and Mark Ritson, who called it “beautiful data”. That modelling has now been taken to the world stage, tested against a new global databank from the UK, US, Europe and Ireland, and presented to an international audience of advertisers, agencies and audio networks.

Lizzie Young, Chief Executive Officer at CRA, said: “In a competitive landscape where advertisers need their campaigns to work even harder, the evidence again points to the power of audio. For brands, the Effie and System1 data is clear: audio drives significantly stronger profit, deeper trust and the price resilience that protects margins. That a case first built on Australian Effie data now holds across the UK, US and Ireland only shows how universal audio’s advantage is as a catalyst in the media mix.”

Professor Mark Ritson, global marketing consultant and founder of MiniMBA, said: “This is yet more beautiful data. The case for audio’s effectiveness is unequivocal; in every market we’ve studied globally: audio is the catalyst that makes your whole campaign work harder. For a relatively modest investment, it’s an unfair advantage hiding in plain sight. It’s the kind of evidence you cannot unhear.”

The presentation was followed by a discussion between Little Black Book’s Managing Editor AU/NZ Brittney Rigby and System1 Chief Growth Officer, Andrew Tindall.

On the findings, Andrew Tindall said: “Across the globe, the data consistently proves emotional audio campaigns roughly double their profit. Pair that emotion with distinctive sonic brand assets and run it consistently, and the effect compounds again. It’s simple, yet sound advice.”

Source: The Secret to Profit and Trust: Audio, presented by Mark Ritson at Cannes Lions, 2026. Based on the Effie x System1 Databank (1,262 UK, Ireland, Europe and US campaigns, 2007 – 2023).

About System1

System1 is The Creative Effectiveness Platform that harnesses the power of emotion to drive growth for the world’s leading brands. Its Test Your Ad and Test Your Innovation solutions quickly predict the short- and long-term commercial potential of ads and ideas, giving marketers confidence that their creative concepts will resonate with consumers and drive profitable commercial growth. Complementing these solutions is Test Your Brand, which measures the impact of ads and ideas on brand health. With a database of over 100,000 ads, System1 allows brands to compare their ads against competitors, while System1’s expert guidance helps brands improve the effectiveness of ads and ideas. System1 tests and improves creative effectiveness in 81 markets globally and has operations in the UK, Europe, North America, Brazil, Singapore and Australia. For more information, visit system1group.com or follow System1 on LinkedIn.

About Commercial Radio & Audio

Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) is the peak industry body representing the interests of commercial radio broadcasters across Australia. CRA promotes the effectiveness of radio and audio to advertisers, manages audio research and insights, the metropolitan and regional audience measurement surveys, the official Australian Podcast Ranker, revenue reporting, industry innovation, industry codes and standards, and regulatory and legislative matters. CRA hosts HEARD, the audio industry showcase. CRA also collaborates with the broader digital audio ecosystem to grow the total market and provide services to the public and part public audio broadcasting services.

About Radiocentre UK

Radiocentre is the industry body for commercial radio in the UK. We work on behalf of more than 50 stakeholders who represent over 90 per cent of commercial radio in terms of listening and revenue. Our remit also encompasses all kinds of broadcaster-owned and operated audio, including podcasts and on-demand streaming services provided by commercial radio. Our mission is to get industry influencers and decision-makers to See Radio Differently. www.radiocentre.org

About Radiocentre Ireland

Radiocentre Ireland was established by RTE and IBI. It is managed by a Board which comprises of 3 representatives of RTE and 3 representatives from Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, the organisation representing Ireland’s 34 independent radio stations operating at local, regional and national level. In addition to John Purcell who is Chairperson, the members of the Radiocentre Ireland Board are: Representing RTE: Patricia Monahan; Debbie Kennedy, Gavin Deans. Representing IBI: Sean Barry; Chris Doyle; Fionnuala Rabbitt.

About the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB US)

RAB is the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to advancing America’s radio broadcasters. In support of our members, RAB focuses on driving revenue by promoting radio in all its forms. RAB enhances professional skills with services, resources and continuous training opportunities while supporting programs to attract and retain talent across the industry.

Presented by Westpac

NOVA Entertainment has today announced that Australian born, global superstar Ruel will perform in Nova’s Red Room, presented by Westpac, on Thursday, 23 July at Melbourne’s Northcote Theatre.

This exclusive Nova’s Red Room will be a 13+ show, opening the doors to a new generation of music fans and giving younger audiences the chance to experience a live performance in the iconic, money-can’t-buy setting.

A natural fit for the inclusive event, Ruel has grown up alongside a dedicated fanbase, building a global following through honest songwriting, standout vocals and a catalogue of hits including ‘Painkiller’ and ‘Dazed & Confused’. Returning to Nova’s Red Room, his Melbourne show will give fans a rare opportunity to see one of Australia’s most influential young artists up close.

The event continues a standout year for Nova’s Red Room, following intimate live performances from Morgan Evans, Dasha, Jelly Roll and Keli Holiday, as well as the introduction of unique formats including Niall Horan’s Dinner Party, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for creating premium, artist-led experiences.

Nova Network’s Group Programming Director, Brendan Taylor, said: “Nova’s Red Room has built its reputation on putting fans closer to the artists they love, creating intimate, premium music moments with some of the world’s biggest names. Bringing Ruel back for a 13+ event feels like the perfect next chapter. He has grown up alongside so many of our listeners and opening the doors to younger fans for this show makes the moment even more special.”

Presented by Westpac, the event marks the brand’s first live music experience, extending its connection with young Australians into a new cultural space through one of the country’s most recognised live music platforms.

NOVA Entertainment’s Chief Commercial Officer, Nicole Bence, said: “Westpac are invested in meeting young Aussies where they are, and music is central to that. There are few deeper, more resonant connections than those made while seeing your favourite artist live for the first time. The investment of a blue-chip brand like Westpac into Nova’s Red Room is testament that, and we’re proud they trusted us for their first foray into music.”

Sydney-born singer-songwriter Ruel rose to global success from age 14, earning billion-plus streams, multiple platinum records and acclaim from artists including Elton John. With sold-out tours and a dedicated international fanbase, his latest album Kicking My Feet & Screaming showcases a confident new chapter, blending his signature vocals with honest, coming-of-age storytelling.

NOVA Entertainment today announced a major expansion of its content offering with the launch of Bush Deep, the network’s first-ever video-led series, created in collaboration with comedian Nikki Osborne and premiering on Tuesday, May 12.

The launch signals NOVA’s first step into video-first original storytelling, extending the network’s audio offering into a highly scalable, multi-platform format.

The new weekly comedy series is hosted by Osborne’s alter ego and social media sensation ‘Bushie’, with 30-minute episodes premiering on Osborne’s own YouTube channel, alongside the audio version available on all podcast platforms via the Nova Podcast Network.

Bushie is already a recognisable figure in her own right and, for many fans, even more familiar than Osborne herself. Wildly Australian, completely unfiltered and unapologetically bold, the character has even been compared to ‘Crocodile Dundee’.

Bush Deep follows Bushie as she travels across Australia in search of a good yarn, sitting down with celebrities and everyday legends alike. With equal parts chaos and charm, Bushie asks the questions no one else would dare to…and always with tongue planted firmly in cheek.

Boasting an online following of more than one million fans, Bushie brings her signature irreverence to a stellar lineup of guests throughout the series, including Larry Emdur, Manu Feildel, Steph Tolev, Colin Fassnidge, Osher Gunsberg and Colin Mochrie. No one is safe from her unique, hilarious brand of interrogation.

Said Osborne, “It’s my absolute dream to pick up where Dame Edna and Croc Dundee left off and now that I’ve got a powerful machine like NOVA behind me, well shoot, we might have a shot. Being the first video-led project with NOVA is a huge nod of respect and a responsibility I don’t take lightly. I’ve convinced a lot of execs that I know what I’m doing and now I have to prove it.”

Network Director of Nova Podcasts Rachel Corbett said, “Bush Deep is a really exciting step for us as we start to build out video-first originals alongside audio. Nikki has created a character people genuinely love, so we’re looking forward to expanding that across platforms. Bushie is loose, chaotic and very funny, but Nikki’s always in control and that balance is what makes it so watchable. We can’t wait to see where this show goes.”

Nikki Osborne is an Australian comedian, actor, producer, content creator, national columnist and ratings-winning Nova radio host. She studied acting at university, directing at AFTRS, advertising at AWARD School, and through her production company is often engaged by brands to create viral content.

Osborne’s credits include appearances on Dancing with the Stars, I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, Hughesy, We Have a Problem, Just for Laughs Uncut, Jim Jefferies and Friends, The Big Trip, Celebrity Name Game, Celebrity Mastermind, Quizmania, Kinne and Drunk History. Acting credits include Ned, The Mystery of Natalie Wood and Hoges.

The GetUp ‘Save Our SBS’ campaign is an independent initiative. SBS is not affiliated with the campaign and any donations go to GetUp, not SBS. Consistent with our commitment to impartiality, SBS does not endorse, advocate or participate in third-party campaigns.

Join industry leaders, government representatives, innovators and spectrum professionals at Australia’s leading spectrum management conference.

RadComms is your opportunity to hear the latest insights, explore emerging challenges and opportunities, and connect with the people shaping the future of radiocommunications.

Where: 25–26 August 2026
When: RACV City Club Hotel, Melbourne
Tickets: Group rate (5 or more attendees) – $700 (inc. GST) per person + booking fee; 
Standard rate – $760 (inc. GST) per person + booking fee

With EOFY approaching, now is the ideal time to secure your place.

Register now and be among the first to receive updates on the program, speakers and conference activities.

https://acma.cmail20.com/t/d-l-wlhulit-tlhiuitutu-y

On Monday, July 6, Triple M will switch off the mics across all 49 stations nationally, from 6am to 6pm, to observe its eighth annual No Talk Day.

This year, Triple M is strengthening the impact of No Talk Day by partnering with three grassroots organisations making a real difference in communities across Australia: Are You Bogged Mate?, Find Ya Feet and TIACS. Together, they share a common goal – encouraging Australian men to prioritise their mental wellbeing, check in with those around them and start conversations that could change, or even save lives.

All shows, news, traffic updates and advertising across Triple M will pause for one simple reason: to give Triple M listeners the space to check in with themselves and each other.

Every day, an average of nine Australians die by suicide, and seven of them are men.* While the statistics are confronting, the message remains clear: talking saves lives.

For the first time, the No Talk Day message will extend well beyond a single day. Throughout July, Triple M and LiSTNR will shine a spotlight on mental health through dedicated content, stories and conversations, ensuring the momentum created on No Talk Day continues long after the microphones switch back on.

No Talk Day will also be supported by a dedicated collection of podcasts on LiSTNR, featuring powerful stories, expert insights and real conversations with our grassroot organisations, designed to encourage Australians to check in on themselves, their mates and their loved ones.

Whether it’s picking up the phone and calling a friend, going for a walk together, or reaching out for professional support, No Talk Day encourages listeners to take action and start a conversation. Throughout the day (6am–6pm), carefully curated music will be featured alongside powerful messages and personal stories from our featured mental health organisations.

Jamie Angel, Head of Triple M Network, said: “For eight years, No Talk Day has been about creating space for Australians to pause, reflect and connect. What began as a single day has become a powerful reminder that checking in with the people around us can make a real difference.

“This year, we’re proud to be working alongside Are You Bogged Mate?, Find Ya Feet and TIACS – organisations that are doing incredible work where it matters most, in local communities and on the ground with Australians who need support.

“Mental health isn’t something we should only talk about once a year. If No Talk Day inspires someone to check in on a mate, ask for help, or start a conversation they’ve been putting off, then we’ve achieved what we set out to do.”

Triple M’s No Talk Day will be heard across all 49 stations nationwide and on the LiSTNR app from 6am to 6pm on Monday, July 6. 

Making mental health a priority is important at any time. For support, text or call TIACS on 0488 846 988 (Mon-Fri 8am to 10pm) or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Partner Organisations:

Are You Bogged Mate?

Find Ya Feet

TIACS

Desirable: Experience and skills in radio, audio, studios, electronics, information and data technology, RF and transmitters.

Where some of these skills are lacking you should enjoy exposure to and learning about them.

About us: Capital Community Radio broadcasts 24 hours a day through Capital 101.7FM, Capital Digital and live streams through our web site and third-party apps.

We chiefly broadcast music, mainly from the 1950s through to the 1980s, presented live by announcers from 6am to 11pm, with a playout system covering after-hours.

We are run entirely by volunteers. Our tech team will be happy to help you build up your skill set.

Apply in the first instance by email to info@capitalcommunityradio.com

If you have any enquiries please call Mark Edwards on 0481 060 975.

CTV Australia is seeking a passionate and community-focused Multicultural Engagement Officer to lead the delivery of a major Federal Government-funded multicultural media initiative.

Applicants must have a minimum of 1-2 years’ experience working with multicultural communities, or in a similar field.

Australian citizenship is preferred for this position.

Initially working closely with multicultural communities across Melbourne, Geelong and Victoria, this role will strengthen participation in community media by supporting the creation of new local content, assisting existing producers to expand their reach, and helping audiences transition to the new CTV+ platform. The role will ultimately include working across Greater Adelaide and other opportunities to engage multicultural groups across the nation.

The Multicultural Engagement Officer will build relationships with community organisations, cultural associations, faith groups, emerging community leaders and local media makers. They will identify opportunities for new content development, facilitate training and mentoring opportunities, coordinate production support, and promote greater participation in community television.

The role will also support the production of a 12-week multicultural discussion TV program, filmed in the C31 Melbourne studio, bringing together diverse voices to explore issues, stories and experiences relevant to multicultural communities across Victoria.

This position is central to CTV Australia’s commitment to ensuring multicultural communities continue to have access to independent, locally produced media and the skills, resources and platforms required to tell their own stories.

ABOUT CTV Australia:

CTV Australia is the national organisation established to support, grow and modernise Australia’s community television sector. Formed through a partnership between Melbourne’s community television station, C31 Melbourne, and Adelaide’s community television station, C44 Adelaide, CTV Australia provides a collaborative framework for the development of shared services, national initiatives and digital distribution platforms that strengthen community media across the country.

At the heart of this transformation is CTV+, Australia’s national community television streaming service. Developed and operated by CTV Australia, CTV+ makes community-produced content accessible on web, mobile and connected TV platforms, extending the reach of local stories, diverse voices and independent creators well beyond traditional broadcast boundaries.

The creation of CTV Australia reflects a recognition that collaboration is essential to ensuring the long-term sustainability of community television. By combining resources, expertise and infrastructure, the organisation is building a stronger, more connected future for community media, while preserving the unique local identity and community focus that have defined the sector for more than three decades.

Apply

From music licensing and podcasting to broadcasting live events and reading content on air, copyright can be one of the most complex areas of community broadcasting.

To help stations, volunteers and staff better understand their responsibilities, the Australian Copyright Council, with assistance from the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA), has released the Copyright Guide for Community Radio Broadcasters. The guide provides practical information about common copyright questions and scenarios faced by community radio stations across Australia.

The guide tackles many of the questions regularly raised by community broadcasters, including:

• Can you broadcast music from Spotify or Apple Music on air?
• What permissions do you need when recording and broadcasting live music events?
• Can your station read newspaper articles, books, plays or other written content on air?
• Who owns a radio program when a presenter leaves a station?

Alongside detailed explanations, the guide includes practical case studies based on situations community broadcasters may encounter in their day-to-day operations.

Supporting stations to understand and manage copyright obligations helps strengthen the sector’s capability and ensures community broadcasters can continue creating trusted, independent content for their communities.

Download the guide

The Copyright Guide for Community Radio Broadcasters is now available through the CBAA Resource Library.

Visit the copyright resource page to learn more and download your copy:

https://www.cbaa.org.au/resources/resource-library/copyright

Please note that the guide is an educational resource and does not constitute legal advice. Stations requiring advice about their specific circumstances should seek independent legal assistance.

Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA), in partnership with Triton Digital, has released the May results for the Australian Podcast Ranker. The Ranker is the country’s only official, third-party verified podcast measurement system, governed by a cross-industry Steering Committee and backed by strong collaboration across commercial, independent, and non-commercial publishers. It sets the benchmark for podcast data in Australia.

Lizzie Young, CEO of CRA said: “With 55% of Australians now consuming podcasts each month – up from 52% in 2025 – the growth of this medium is undeniable.¹ The Ranker is the industry’s response to that scale: verified, independent measurement that gives publishers, agencies and advertisers a single source of truth to plan and invest with confidence.”

Who’s Listening, What’s Trending?

News dominates 2026 – and its listeners run the household budget. News has held Australia’s #1 podcast genre since the beginning of 2026. Nearly 80% of its listeners are the primary grocery shopper. On top of that, almost half are planning domestic travel this year, 41% international, and over a third have a new phone (37%) or home tech (35%) on the list. The news audience is commercially active and attractive to brands. Travel, tech, telco, home and FMCG advertisers have a direct line to high-intent household decision-makers inside the year’s most dominant podcast genre.²

Australian Podcast Ranker top five genres May 2026
Genre		Monthly Listeners
1	News	4,910,594
2	Society & Culture	4,060,927
3	Sports	3,399,645
4	Comedy	2,539,069
5	True Crime	2,445,457

Australian Podcast Ranker top five podcasts May 2026
Podcast		Producer	Monthly Listeners
1	Mamamia Out Loud	Mamamia	1,133,138
2	Hamish & Andy	LiSTNR (SCA)	864,800
3	Sky News Australia Update	News Corp Australia	493,026
4	Conversations	Australian Broadcasting Corporation	452,235
5	Life Uncut	LiSTNR (SCA)	428,354

Sources: 1. The Infinite Dial 2026, Edison Research. Data referring to Australians aged 10+ unless otherwise stated. 2. Triton Digital Demos+ Australian Survey Data (Q1’24 – Q4’25). All percentages represent composition of each genre’s monthly P18+ podcast audience.

About the Australian Podcast Ranker: The Australian Podcast Ranker is a monthly snapshot of the top 300 podcasts listened to by Australians, and the top 300 Australian podcasts. The Australian Podcast Ranker is an industry initiative commissioned by CRA and published by Triton Digital. Results comply with IAB Podcast Measurement Technical Guidelines.