9Podcasts has launched In The Good Books with Luke Bateman, a compelling new podcast hosted by the former NRL athlete, reality TV personality, and viral BookTok star, Luke Bateman. This series is not merely a book club; it’s an intimate journey of reinvention exploring how literature has transformed a life – from the high-pressure world of professional sport to finding purpose and community in fantasy worlds.

Luke Bateman brings his surprising and candid perspective to the mic, reflecting on a personal evolution that saw him move from hiding his reading habit to becoming a leading voice in the online literary sphere. The podcast examines how books across all genres – from gripping fantasy to insightful self-improvement guides – provide courage, connection, and a blueprint for a new chapter.

Each week, Bateman shares the classics and bestsellers that shaped his world and sits down with bestselling authors and fellow passionate bookworms to explore their own literary journeys, creating a welcoming and honest space for anyone who loves getting lost in a good story.

Luke Bateman said: “I’m overjoyed to share my new podcast, ‘In The Good Books’ with the world. It’s such a fulfilling and meaningful project for me, and to finally share it with everyone is scary but incredibly exciting! Hearing how books, stories and magic have touched people’s lives is so invigorating and I can’t wait to bring that to a wider audience.” 

Nine’s Head of Podcasts, Richard Stansbury said: “We are very excited to welcome Luke Bateman to our growing slate of original podcasts with ‘In The Good Books’. Luke has built a huge and highly engaged community who share his passion for reading and quality books. We look forward to evolving that passion into a weekly podcast, packing listeners into Luke’s tractor and going on a ride from romance and fantasy to self improvement and thriller.” 

IN THE GOOD BOOKS LAUNCHES TODAY WITH NEW EPISODES DROPPING EVERY WEDNESDAY ON  & 

What if the fairy tales we grew up with weren’t as innocent as they seemed? Once Upon A Lie podcast explores the sinister origins of the world’s most beloved fairytales.  

Produced by Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting (GDRP) students at the Australian Film Television and Radio School, Once Upon A Lie takes listeners – across five episodes – on a voyage across centuries to uncover how these fairy tales evolved, why they still enchant us today and the dark truths that lie beneath ‘happily ever after’. From Cinderella to Hansel and Gretel, Sleeping Beauty, Little Red Riding Hood and Beauty and the Beast, the podcast reveals unknown cultural, historical and psychological threads behind the stories that have endured for generations. 

Audiences will step into the shadows of the stories we thought we knew; where love, loss and moral warning intertwine in ways far darker than we were ever told. 

AFTRS GDRP students Annabelle Moore and Mark Williamson (hosts) and Kelly Monisse (narrator), will bring the stories to life with rich sound design and voice acting providing a modern retelling of the fairy tale based on its original meaning.    

Jo Henwood, Co-founder, Public Officer and ‘Ring Maiden’ of The Australian Fairy Tale Society, will also help explain these fairy tale origins and the adaptations each tale has gone through over time to get to how we know them today.  The podcast kicks off with an exploration into our glass slipper heroine ‘Cinderella’.   

Industry mentors Jen Goggin (Lecturer at AFTRS and Founder of You’ll Never Believe Productions), Kate Pattison (Social Media Director, The Idea Cult), Chris Marsh (Senior Lead, Future State Sound Design and Audio Production at LiSTNR Original Podcasts, SCA) and Lindsey Green (Executive Producer, LiSTNR) have provided guidance and mentoring to the group of AFTRS students who have collaborated on the podcast.    

Jen Goggin said: “I laughed, I learned, and I questioned what we’ve been thinking telling children these horrific tales! The Once Upon a Lie podcast fed my curiosity, while giving me the best type of podcast escapism. With its mix of immersive storytelling, interwoven intriguing facts and comedic commentary, it made the oldest stories in the world feel fresh and fascinating. A real creative feat by the podcast production team behind it.”  

Sound Mentor Chris Marsh added: “From a sound design perspective … taking on the world of fairy tales retelling and reimagining them opens up so many opportunities for rich, immersive, layered sound … but is also no easy task. A challenge these students are attacking head on!”   

Students who collaborated on this podcast are: Lachlan A’Court, Aspen Beilharz-Smythe, Rachael Bourke, Molly Brookman, Lee Chan, Catarina Fraga Matos, Rebecca Graham, Leroy Jones, Dania Jordan, Micah Kickett, Cate McKenzie, Annabelle Moore, Kelly Monisse, Nathan Roach, Karl Svikis and Mark Williamson.  

Previous AFTRS students podcasts such as I’m at A Crossroad – 2023 (Best Factual Podcast for Radio Today) and Craze – 2022 (People’s Choice in the Indie Category for Radio Today’s Podcast of the year), so the bar is set high for the team. 

Listen to the podcast on Spotify, Acast, Amazon Music, Apple and all other major podcasting platforms.   

To keep up to date, follow: Instagram @onceuponaliepodcast and TikTok @onceuponaliepodcast   

 ARN today announced it will debut iHeartMedia’s branded content studio Ruby in Australia, dedicated to crafting meaningful, impactful, and culturally relevant storytelling with partners through branded podcasts. 

Now, through the debut of Ruby Australia, ARN will seamlessly be able to connect brands to audiences by translating brand messaging, products, and services into original and engaging stories that audiences love.

In the United States, Ruby has built the industry’s largest slate of branded podcasts, producing more than fifty original titles with partners and delivering proven results for the world’s biggest advertisers including Audible, HBO, IBM, Salesforce, and more.

Ruby allows advertisers to engage audiences with creative, long-form native content. Now, with ARN launching Ruby Australia, local advertisers have the capability to create holistic podcast concepts that resonate with their targeted audiences in a unique environment, with opportunities for storytelling that are not possible anywhere else in their media mix including social video. 

At the heart of Ruby is a simple promise: brands invest in the media, and Ruby covers all production, talent and distribution costs – delivering premium content and measurable ROI as added value to a hardworking media plan. Ruby Australia will aim to provide a complete end-to-end service, handling every step of the branded podcast journey: 

• Creative conception and production of premium, story-driven audio and video podcast content using ARN state-of-the-art facilities
• Development of all sales, marketing and social assets
• Promotion and amplification across ARN’s broadcast network and the iHeart digital ecosystem
• Management of all social amplification
• Measurement and reporting that prove ROI

From Food to Finance, Fashion to Football, Dating to Drama, Ruby Australia will provide the expertise, creative capability, and data-driven insights to bring any story to life.

“The average ad receives less than three seconds of attention,” said Corey Layton, ARN’s Head of Digital Audio. “What stories would you tell if you had 30 minutes with your audience? With unmatched audience recall, deeper emotional connections, and higher engagement when compared to other mediums, audio offers brands the opportunity to make a lasting impact in a crowded advertising landscape.”

Ben Campbell, ARN Chief Digital and Technology Officer, added: “Ruby has transformed the way brands in the U.S. connect with audiences, and we’re excited to bring that proven model to Australia. With Ruby, advertisers don’t just buy media – they get a full-service content partner that handles everything from ideation and production to promotion and measurement. By creating turnkey solutions, we’re making it easier than ever for brands to unlock the power of podcasts.”

With the arrival of Ruby Australia, ARN will now offer advertisers a full-service branded content solution that delivers impactful, long-form storytelling at scale – across audio, visual, social, and live experiences.

ARN and TikTok have announced the extension of their partnership for another year, continuing their collaboration to bring music, trends, and culture to Australian audiences through radio, streaming, social, and live events.

The partnership builds on the success of TikTok Trending – the world’s first TikTok radio station. Broadcasting 24/7 on iHeart, the station translates TikTok’s status as the #1 platform for music discovery into an audio-first format of music and trends, hosted by creators and powered by real-time data to reflect what’s hot on the platform.

TikTok Trending is Australia’s #1 DAB+ station for under-30s, reaching the next generation of music fans in a way no one else can – and giving brands bigger sponsorship opportunities and deeper integration with TikTok creators amplified across ARN’s broadcast and digital network.

“TikTok Trending is TikTok for your ears when your eyes are busy,” said Ollie Wards, Director of Music, TikTok AUNZ. “We’re proud of our partnership with ARN and are excited to see it grow even stronger in 2026 as TikTok’s powerful music discovery fuels this unique way to connect brands with artists, creators, and the audiences driving culture.”

In 2026, ARN will also launch a series of TikTok Viral Chart Shows across KIIS, CADA, and regional stations. Powered by TikTok data, these programs will showcase what’s trending now, giving brands premium, culturally relevant, and commercially integrated opportunities to connect with audiences.

Brett “Nozz” Nossiter, ARN Head of Content – Digital Radio, said: “This partnership blends the cultural power of TikTok with a unique, award-winning music discovery format for busy Australians on the go. We’re incredibly passionate about the platform we’ve grown with TikTok and are evolving into 2026 for both audiences and advertisers alike.”

Together, ARN and TikTok are continuing to deliver a unique audio experience and brand platform, connecting audiences, artists, and advertisers across music, culture, and live events.

From premium podcasts to omni-channel campaigns, the partnership gives brands powerful new ways to engage millions of Australian women across both media networks.

Wednesday 29 October, 2025 – ARN’s iHeart, Australia’s podcast powerhouse, has partnered with Are Media, the country’s largest women’s lifestyle network, to distribute and represent a range of premium podcasts, alongside cross-platform commercial opportunities for some of Australia’s most iconic brands – including WHO, ELLE, marie claire, Belle, Home Beautiful, The Australian Women’s Weekly and Gourmet Traveller.  

Combining Are Media’s storytelling credibility with iHeart’s dominance in audio, the podcast partnership brings some of Australia’s most trusted women’s publishing brands to life on the iHeart platform. The collaboration kicks off with marie claire’s “You’re Gonna Want to Hear This” which debuts today, hosted by marie claire Editor Georgie McCourt and featuring intimate conversations with trailblazers including Jacinda Ardern, Brittany Higgins, Grace Tame, Asher Keddie, Cindy Crawford, and Celeste Barber.

The partnership also opens up integrated commercial opportunities, allowing brands to leverage the combined strength of Are Media and ARN, and provides a seamless solution for brands to engage Australian women with maximum impact in a single brief. 

“Are Media’s brands have been cultural institutions in Australian homes for generations and have now exponentially grown audiences through digital and social. That deep audience connection is what sets us apart,” said Jocelin Abbey, General Manager, Homes & Lifestyle, Are Media.

“We’ve already built strong momentum in video and audio, and this partnership with iHeart supercharges that growth. It amplifies the trust our audiences have in our storytelling across more platforms, giving them richer ways to connect with the brands they love, and giving advertisers confidence in premium, brand-safe environments.”

Abbey added: “Almost one in three Are Media consumers have listened to or watched a podcast in the past month. That insight continues to shape how we create, supported by our new, purpose-built studios in Sydney’s CBD, which give us the agility and scale to bring stories to life quickly and seamlessly.”

Corey Layton, ARN Head of Digital Audio, said, “ARN’s partnership with Are Media unites two of Australia’s most trusted voices in storytelling. Together, we’ll give audiences more ways to connect, advertisers more impactful ways to engage and creators a platform that reaches millions of listeners every month.”

For more than 90 years, Are Media has been at the heart of Australian storytelling, beginning with The Australian Women’s Weekly and growing to become today’s leading digital women’s lifestyle network that is trusted by over 10 million readers every month.

This partnership further strengthens iHeart’s leadership in premium podcasts, adding a range of new content to its diverse slate of entertainment, news, and lifestyle content, which delivers more than 25 million downloads and reaches over 7 million Australians each month.

ARN has launched the next-generation iHeartRadio app into Australia, bringing industry-first mobile features and access to content FREE to local listeners. 

The redesigned app – iHeart Australia’s most significant product update since its launch – blends the simplicity of the traditional car radio experience with the full capabilities of mobile streaming, reflecting the needs and preferences of today’s modern audio audience.

The updated iHeart Australia app combines the familiar features listeners love with innovative digital enhancements, including:

1. Presets – in an Australian first and drawing inspiration directly from the car dashboard, custom presets allow listeners to save up to 15 of their favourite radio stations, playlists, podcasts, and artist radio stations, making it easier than ever to return to the content they love most.
2. Scan Button – discover new stations by sampling live radio across the country, filtering by city or genre, and effortlessly finding new favourites.
3. Live Radio Dial – explore the best live stations across Australia, organised by genre and location, recreating the spontaneity and fun of tuning the car radio, now on your phone.
4. iHeart Trending and Rankers – see what’s trending right now among other listeners, together with Top Podcasts, Top Playlists, and Top Artist Radio stations, helping users stay connected to the most popular audio content.
5. Lyrics – the most requested listener feature is here: follow lyrics karaoke-style for tracks on artist radio and playlists, and see lyrics for songs playing on live radio – now exclusively on iHeart.

“The redesigned iHeart Australia app brings together even more features of live radio, artist radio, playlists, and podcasts in one place, making it easier than ever for listeners to discover, enjoy, and engage with the audio content they love,” said Ben Campbell, ARN Chief Digital and Technology Officer.

“Built on global expertise, local insights, and shaped by months of research and testing with thousands of listeners, this next-generation iHeart app combines the ease and familiarity of the car radio with the personalisation and on-demand capabilities of digital technology. It represents the future of audio entertainment in Australia, delivering the features audiences actually want and shaping the way they consume and interact with audio every day.”

The rollout of the new and FREE iHeart app for Australian listeners begins today on Android and iOS. Download the iHeart app from the App Store or Google Play to explore the next era of digital listening in Australia.

ARN has announced that Kent “Smallzy” Small, one of Australia’s most recognisable and influential entertainment broadcasters, has signed with ARN to launch a brand-new show across the KIIS Network in 2026.

Smallzy is renowned for his unmatched access to the world’s biggest stars and his unique ability to connect with audiences through music, celebrity, and pop culture. Over a career spanning more than 20 years, Smallzy has created one of the country’s most successful radio brands, earning multiple Best Music & Entertainment Presenter awards at the Australian Commercial Radio Awards and praise from global artists including Ed Sheeran for consistently broadcasting “at such a high level.”

Starting January, The Smallzy Show will air in two national timeslots on the KIIS Network and on demand via the iHeart app. In 3–4pm early drive, Smallzy will kick off the afternoon with a fresh, fast-paced show, bringing the day’s pop culture highlights to listeners. Featuring interviews with the world’s biggest stars, trending global stories, and once-in-a-lifetime prizes, the new show promises to supercharge the school-run timeslot with music, entertainment, and fun for the whole family. 

Later in the evening from 7-9pm, Smallzy returns with a night edition that keeps audiences plugged into what’s trending, from celebrity news and social media buzz to chart-topping and emerging artists. Listeners can expect unforgettable fan moments, high-profile interviews, and experiences money can’t buy.

Kent “Smallzy” Small said: “I’m excited the news is finally out… I’ve made the switch to KIIS from 2026! It was a big YES when I heard the company’s vision for the future and the part I get to play in it on the KIIS Network alongside Kyle & Jackie O. If the enthusiasm and support I’ve received before even starting is anything to go by, I know the switch to KIIS is the best career decision I’ve made. I can’t wait to get back on air, meet the loyal KIIS listeners, and make plenty of new ones.”

Lauren Joyce, ARN Chief Audience & Content Officer, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Smallzy to the KIIS Network. He brings the energy, celebrity access, and musical edge that will make both afternoons and evenings unmissable for audiences. Smallzy is the perfect talent to take these timeslots to the next level, delivering the mix of music, entertainment, and family-friendly fun that listeners and advertisers love.”

The Smallzy Show will launch on the KIIS Network nationally – KIIS 1065, KIIS 1011, KIIS 97.3, KIIS 102.3 and KIIS DAB+ Perth – in January 2026.

ARN today revealed its 2026 content strategy at its first-ever Upfront event, introducing two powerful national networks – KIIS and GOLD – unlocking unmatched opportunities for advertisers to reach audiences at scale.

With a fully integrated approach across audio, visual, social, and live experiences, ARN is redefining how brands connect with Australians through entertainment.

“In 2026, ARN will deliver true national scale across two of the most recognisable media brands in the country,” said Lauren Joyce, Chief Audience & Content Officer, ARN. “Through KIIS and GOLD, advertisers can access cohesive national campaigns, premium content, and storytelling that spans every platform – all built on the power of connection.”

THE GOLD NETWORK: NOW TRULY NATIONAL

In 2026, GOLD will unite audiences across Australia under one iconic brand, creating a single destination for great songs, great chat, and real connection.

• Sydney and Melbourne remain home to market leaders GOLD101.7 and GOLD104.3.
• Perth’s 96FM becomes GOLD96FM, with Lisa Shaw and Russell Clarke live and local each morning.
• Adelaide’s Cruise1323 evolves into GOLD1323, with refreshed programming designed to attract a younger, highly engaged audience.  
• New GOLD DAB+ stations will launch in Brisbane and Adelaide, completing the network’s national footprint.

At its heart, the network will feature two marquee shows:

• The Christian O’Connell Show (Breakfast) – Finding humour and heart in everyday stories, now broadcasting across all five metro markets.
• Jonesy & Amanda (Drive) – Delivering the laughs, warmth, and companionship listeners love on the drive home.

Every market will continue to feature local news, sport, traffic, and weather, ensuring GOLD stays connected to the communities it serves.

“This is a landmark moment for GOLD,” said Lauren Joyce. “It’s about giving audiences a consistent listening experience wherever they are, while still keeping that local flavour they love.”

THE KIIS NETWORK: ENTERTAINMENT EAST TO WEST

In 2026, KIIS becomes a true five-city entertainment network, bringing its bold, fast-paced, and celebrity-driven brand from east to west.  Building on KIIS Sydney and KIIS Melbourne;

• Adelaide’s Mix102.3 will rebrand as KIIS 102.3, with Ben & Liam returning home for a breakfast show packed with humour and local flavour.
• Brisbane’s KIIS 97.3 welcomes Craig ‘Lowie’ Lowe from LA to lead breakfast, combining hit music with comedic takes on pop culture, politics, and everything in between.
• A brand-new KIIS DAB+ station launches in Perth, bringing Kyle & Jackie O’s unmissable show to a new audience.

Network highlights include:

• The Smallzy Show at 3pm and 7pm daily – live and on demand via iHeart
• Will & Woody returning for National Drive, bringing even more energy and chaos
• Kyle & Jackie O’s iconic “You Get A…” moments becoming monthly live spectacles with live audiences, massive giveaways and star guests.

Beyond broadcast, the KIIS experience expands visually, with purpose-built sets designed for video and social content, extending the network’s presence across every platform.

Sub-brands will continue to grow, including KIIS Dance, KIIS Australia, and the launch of KIIS X on DAB+ and digital – a high-energy channel where the hottest hits and rising artists collide.

“KIIS is pure entertainment,” said Lauren Joyce. “It’s fun, fast, and everywhere our audiences are – on air, online and in person.”

ARN: CONNECTING BRANDS AND AUDIENCES LIKE NEVER BEFORE

With KIIS and GOLD now fully national, ARN offers advertisers a powerful, unified platform to reach Australians at scale – underpinned by premium content, trusted talent, and measurable impact.

“Our 2026 strategy is about more than just radio. It’s about delivering entertainment through star talent and creative ideas that deliver unforgettable experiences for audiences and results for our commercial partners.”

The 2025 CBAA Conference in Nipaluna/Hobart has wrapped up and with it this year’s Community Broadcasting Awards. As always they were hotly contested and an exciting opportunity to experience and celebrate the best of what Australian community broadcasting has to offer.

This year was the second year of the Community Broadcasting Honour Roll, in which we acknowledge the hard work and dedication of long-serving broadcasters who have contributed  to a single station for over 15 years.

And it was the first year since we renamed our Outstanding Volunteer Contribution award in honour of Jane Brownrigg, a passionate volunteer who supported Melbourne stations including 3CR, 3MBS, PBS and Triple R. Jane passed away last year following a battle with illness but she leaves behind a legacy of advocacy for social justice, the arts and community media.

The Tony Staley Award for Excellence in Community Broadcasting went to Perth station RTRFM, acknowledging its hard work in a range of fields including music event production, support for Australian and local music, its award winning new web presence, work in supporting content makers with disability and more.

Meanwhile the Michael Law award went to James ‘Jim’ Radcliffe Parish OAM, a dedicated supported of community radio and a technical expert who has supported several Tasmanian stations while also contributing to the wider sector through his work with Technorama.

Our thanks go out as always to all awards entrants, sponsors and judges for their role in making the awards an celebration of the greatness within our sector.

Category	Recipient	Station	Sponsored by
Best Program Music	Fresh Off The Block	Fresh 92.7	APRA AMCOS
Best Program New	In Plain Sight	Vision Australia Radio	AFTRS
Best Program News & Current Affairs	3CR Breakfast	3CR	AVC
Best Program Talks	Pulse of Palestine	Koori Radio
Excellence in Australian Music	In The Scene on 107.3 HFM	Heritage FM	APRA AMCOS
Excellence in Community Engagement	2MFM	2MFM	CTV+
Excellence in Disability Content & Engagement	Anything Goes Show, Where Am I? Podcast	Radio Skid Row	scope
Excellence in Fundraising & Sponsorship	Fresh 92.7 Sales Team	Fresh 92.7
Excellence in Indigenous Content & Engagement	TEABBA	TEABBA
Excellence in Multicultural Content & Engagement	City Park Radio Multicultural Unit Team	City Park Radio
Excellence in Production	RTRFM’s Loveline	RTRFM
Excellence in Special Events & Outside Broadcasting	2025 Midsumma Carnival Day Broadcast	Vision Australia Radio	PPCA
Excellence in Station Resilience & Development	JOY Media	JOY Media	CMTO
Outstanding Fundraising & Sponsorship Contribution	Jason Gipps	Vision Australia Radio
Outstanding Presenter	Pam Boland	RTRFM	Alexa
Outstanding Presenter News & Current Affairs	Muswellbrook Fights For Earthquake Disaster Relief	2NURFM 103.7	Deutsche Welle
Outstanding Production Contribution	Water Watch	2DRY FM
Outstanding Station Leadership	Rachel Kirby	3CR
Outstanding Technical Contribution	Kyle Doevendans	TEABBA	Broadcast Components
Outstanding Youth Contribution	Shakeel Sahib	2MFM	Centre for Volunteering
The Jane Brownrigg Award – Outstanding Volunteer Contribution	Tilde Joy	3CR	Centre for Volunteering
The Troy Garner Award – Best Program Sports	Game On	JOY Media
Community Broadcasting Honour Roll	Don Baylis	TEABBA
	Keith Rogers	Radio Mansfield 99.7FM
	Peter Greco	Vision Australia Radio
	Ahmad El-Mazloum	2MFM
	Nola Green	Collie Community Radio
	John Worcester	3MBS
Michael Law Award	Jim Parish
Tony Staley Award for Excellence in Community Broadcasting	RTRFM	RTRFM	Community Broadcasting Foundation

The Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice (2025) took effect on 1 July 2025. Developed by the community broadcasting sector in consultation with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), the Codes reflect our collective commitment to high standards and strong community representation.

The Codes cover essential areas of practice such as governance, diversity, emergency broadcasting, sponsorship, news and journalistic content, and First Nations engagement. 

All stations, regardless of CBAA membership status or their governing principles, are obligated to understand and follow the Codes of Practice.

RESOURCES FOR STATIONS

Download the Codes 

Visit the Codes landing page to download the full document in both PDF and accessible Word Document formats. You can also access a summary video, supporting documents, and station guidance.

Online learning 

The CBAA has launched a free, self-paced course to support volunteers, presenters, board members and station managers in understanding their obligations under the Codes and how they apply to daily operations. It only takes 20-30 minutes to complete and there is a certificate upon completion. 

Start learning at: https://learning.cbaa.org.au/courses/codes-of-practice 

Printable poster template 

A poster is available to print for your station, to help inform your staff, volunteers and guests about where to find the Codes.

Stay updated 

To receive new resources and sector guidance as they become available, subscribe to CBAA updates here.  

For any queries, contact us at support@cbaa.org.au.

Watch the Overview Video

Begin your learning journey by viewing the overview video which features voices from across our sector to outline the Codes.