Category: Australian

TRIPLE M ROCKS THE 2024 AFL GRAND FINAL WITH MARK HOWARD, LUKE DARCY, JASON DUNSTALL AND NATHAN BROWN

The 2024 Toyota AFL Grand Final is set to be one of the most thrilling footy finales in recent history, and there’s no better place to experience the action than live on Triple M, Australia’s #1 AFL audio broadcaster*.

Triple M has announced its star-studded commentary line-up for the Grand Final showdown between the Sydney Swans and the Brisbane Lions, making sure footy fans won’t miss a moment of the excitement. Leading the call, from the roar of the opening bounce to the elation of the final siren, are expert commentators Mark Howard and Bulldogs great Luke Darcy. They will be joined by AFL legends Jason Dunstall and Nathan Brown for special comments and expert analysis throughout the day.

The Triple M Grand Final call, will mark the last for Darcy, who after more than 15 years and 400 footy calls, recently decided to hang up the microphone in 2025, making Saturday a must-listen on Triple M.

On the boundary, St Kilda’s Michael Roberts will deliver real-time insights, while veteran stats man Ash Chua will dig deep into the numbers to define the last Saturday in September.

It’s been a standout year for Triple M Footy, which has extended its dominance with 162 consecutive survey wins over all other commercial competitors*. With a history of calling some of the game’s most iconic moments, Triple M continues to be the home of the AFL’s most exciting on-air action. From Mark Howard’s unforgettable ANZAC Day call of Jamie Elliott’s gravity-defying mark; “You’ll see that all around the world! He flew, and he hung, and he hung! Unbelievable grab!”, to Luke Darcy’s immaculate call of Jack Higgins’ boundary-line miracle; “You can’t do that! You can’t do what he’s just done!”, Triple M has delivered signature footy commentary moments in 2024.

SCA Head of Sports Content, Ewan Giles, said: “The Grand Final is the pinnacle of the AFL season, and we’re excited to bring fans the best commentary team in the game. Triple M’s coverage will be second to none as Sydney and Brisbane battle for the premiership.”

Acknowledging Luke Darcy’s retirement from AFL commentary, Giles said: “With Luke Darcy making his final call, it’s a special moment for all of us at Triple M. His impact on footy broadcasting has been immense, and we’re honoured to have him finish this chapter of his iconic career with us.”

Triple M’s 2024 AFL Grand Final Commentary Team:

  • Callers: Mark Howard, Luke Darcy
  • Special Comments: Jason Dunstall, Nathan Brown
  • Boundary: Michael Roberts
  • Stats: Ash Chua

Triple M’s Grand Final Day coverage begins with Dead Set Legends from the live site at the AFL Footy Festival at 10am, followed by the Saturday Rub at midday.

Don’t miss any of the action — tune in to the Triple M Network from 2:30 pm for full coverage of the AFL Grand Final on Saturday, 28 September, or catch the game live and on-demand on LiSTNR.

Source: GfK Radio Ratings. Metro Survey 5, 2024. Melbourne – Thursday 1800-2230, Friday 1800-2230, Saturday 1200-2230, Sunday 1300-1930. Adelaide – Thursday 1800-2200, Friday 1730-2200, Saturday 1130-2200, Sunday 1230-1900. Perth – Thursday 1800-2030, Friday 1745-2030, Saturday 1000-2030, Sunday 1100-1730. P10+ / P 10-69 / P25-54P10+ / P 10-69 / P25-54. Cume / Market Share %.

About Triple M: 

For more than 40 years, Triple M continues to be one of Australia’s best-known radio entertainment brands and the only radio network that provides its listeners with a unique combination of Greatest Hits, Sport and Comedy. With 49 stations across Australia, including six digital stations, Triple M 80s, Triple M Classic Rock, Triple M 2000s, Triple M Country, and Triple M 90s, Triple M has become known for playing Rock’s Greatest Hits, and its iconic talent and shows that get people talking.

The iconic brand entertains more than 4.6 million radio and on demand listeners each week and is home to some of Australia’s biggest sporting heroes, comedians and music gurus including Mick Molloy, Marty Sheargold, Mark Geyer, Gus Worland, Margaux Parker, Ryan Girdler, Leisel Jones, James Brayshaw, Billy Brownless, Gorden Tallis, Greg Martin, Mark Ricciuto, Laura O’Callaghan, Chris Dittmar, Peter ‘Spida’ Everitt and Andrew Jarman to name just a few! All Triple M’s content is available live or on demand on the LiSTNR app.

Celebrating 50 Years of Community Broadcasting

Print 

Today, 23 September 2024, we are marking a significant milestone in Australian media history—the 50th anniversary of the Whitlam Government’s decision to establish community broadcasting. This landmark Cabinet decision in 1974 paved the way for a third broadcasting sector in Australia, alongside the national broadcaster (ABC) and commercial broadcasters, giving life to the sector we are proud to be a part of today.

PDF icon Read the decision and supporting documentation here.

Listen to a congratulatory message from the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP.

Stations that want to share this message with listeners can download it here.

 

A Landmark Moment

Before 1974, Australian media was dominated by two voices – public and commercial. The introduction of community broadcasting transformed this landscape, offering a platform where all Australians could be heard. It was a decision intended to amplify diverse voices and meet the interests of communities that had previously been underserved. Enabled by the introduction of FM radio technology, community broadcasting began as a bold experiment and has since become an essential pillar of Australia’s media landscape.

Among other groups community broadcasting was envisioned as being for:

“those who represent organisations that think they have something to say and want some better means of saying it”

“those who are associated with communities cut off from their rights and entitlements”

From 1974 Cabinet document.

2MBS Jazz presenter Kevin Jones with first station manager David James. 2MBS was Australia’s first stereo FM broadcaster. 2MBS will celebrate its 50th anniversary in February 2025.

 

The Growth of a Sector

Over the past 50 years, community broadcasting has grown substantially. Today, it boasts over 500 AM, FM, and DAB+ services across the country, alongside two dedicated television services. These services reach more than 5.19 million Australians every week – nearly a quarter of the population.

This reach speaks to the importance of community broadcasting as a medium that empowers local voices and celebrates cultural diversity. Community stations provide a platform for people from all walks of life, whether they’re sharing stories in their own language, championing local musicians, or keeping communities informed and connected.

 

A Shared Milestone

As we celebrate our own 50-year anniversary this year, we reflect not only on the journey of our organisation but also on the collective achievements of the sector. From the experimental licenses granted in 1974 to the diverse network of stations that serve communities today, none of this would have been possible without the Whitlam Government’s initiative to establish community broadcasting and the work of the subsequent Fraser Government to cement and extend the reforms. This bipartisan spirit exists through to today, with politicians across the political divide expressing their support for our sector.

This anniversary is also an opportunity for each community broadcaster to reflect on their own contributions to our media landscape. Each station’s journey is unique and embodies a sector dedicated to giving Australians a voice and serving their communities.

 

Looking to the Future

We remain committed to growing our sector’s capacity to serve diverse and underrepresented communities, providing essential services in times of need, and championing local music and arts. We look forward to the next 50 years and further innovation and inclusivity in Australian media, reinforcing the critical role of community broadcasting in ensuring that every voice is heard.

For a vision of the future to come for community broadcasting read Roadmap 2033: Community broadcasting’s plan for greater impact in every Australian community.

 

CBF and CBAA with the Hon Michelle Rowland MP at Roadmap 2033 Launch

CBF President Ian Hamm, CBF CEO Jo Curtin, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, CBAA CEO Jon Bisset and CBAA Vice President Peter Rohweder at Roadmap 2033 Launch

LUCY & NIKKI ARE RADIO GOLD AND EXPAND NATIONAL NIGHTS WEEKEND SHOW ON THE HIT NETWORK

The Hit Network today announced that Lucy Jackson and Nikki Westcott, hosts of the Hit Network’s Saturday Nights show Lucy & Nikki and LiSTNR podcast Happy Hour with Lucy & Nikki, are extending their national radio show to include Friday nights.

From Friday 27 September, Lucy & Nikki will be heard from 7pm-10pm on Friday and Saturday nights across the Hit Network. Real and unfiltered, the girls discuss everything usually locked up in your friends’ group chat. With plenty of banter, infectious fun and party vibes, the show will continue to bring a killer playlist and all the LOLs to weekend Nights.

Jackson and Westcott’s expanded presence on the Hit Network follows a hugely successful break-through year with their show taking the helm as Australia’s #1 FM metro Night show for All People 10+ on Saturday nights*. In addition, since joining LiSTNR, the pair’s podcast, Happy Hour with Lucy & Nikki, has consistently featured in the top twenty of the Australian Podcast Ranker Top 200 Australian Podcasts**, with an average monthly audience of more than 250,000 listeners.

“Surprise!” Lucy said. “We’re excited to announce an extra night for the Lucy & Nikki national radio show on the Hit Network!”

Nikki continued, “We are just so overwhelmed with all the love from our listeners, that it felt only right to give them more laughs, candid chats, and unforgettable moments. Tune in for a bonus dose of fun as we extend the show for one more night!”

Head of Hit Metro Content, Amanda Lee, said: “We are thrilled to have Lucy and Nikki expanding their presence on the Hit Network. From their very first show, it was obvious that the girls were a natural fit for the Hit Network and the perfect way for our listeners to fire up their weekend nights.

“The Lucy & Nikki show on Saturday nights has been such a huge success, with our listeners loving the girls’ fun fuelled approach, that we couldn’t resist expanding the show to a second night.”

Listen to Lucy & Nikki on the Hit Network from 7pm to 10pm on Friday and Saturday nights and on LiSTNR. New episodes of Happy Hour with Lucy & Nikki also drop weekly on LiSTNR.

Sources:

* GfK Radio 360 Metro Survey #5 2024, P10+, Sat 19.00-22.00, Market Share%.

** Australian Podcast Ranker, All Australian Top 200 Podcasts, Feb 2024 to date

About the Hit Network

The Hit Network is Australia’s biggest radio network broadcasting across metro and regional markets with a unique collection of 50 FM and DAB+ stations. The Hit Network targets people aged 25 – 54, skews female and features a mood focused, ‘feel great’ pop music format alongside the most entertaining local breakfast and national drive shows. It is home to popular personalities including Carrie Bickmore, Tommy Little, Fifi Box, Brendan Fevola, Nick Cody, Abby Coleman, Matty Acton, Stav Davidson and many more.

The Hit Network entertains more than 6 million Aussie radio listeners across B105, 2Day, The Fox, SAFM, Mix94.5, Sea FM, 41 Hit stations plus DAB+ stations including Oldskool 90s Hits, Buddha Hits, Oldskool 80s Hits, RnB Fridays Radio and Dance Hits. All Hit Network’s content is also available live or on demand on the LiSTNR app.

Tony Armstrong to leave ABC News Breakfast

Popular ABC presenter and Gold Logie nominee Tony Armstrong this morning told viewers he’s leaving ABC News Breakfast.

Armstrong, who has hosted a number of ABC series in recent years including Tony Armstrong’s Extraordinary Things, will host a new ABC show screening in 2025 that will be announced later this year.

A proud Gamilaroi man, Armstrong first charmed Australian audiences on News Breakfast as a fill-in sports presenter in 2020, before taking up the role full-time the following year. He quickly made a name for himself as a fresh and versatile television personality, winning the Graham Kennedy Award for most popular new talent at the 2022 Logie Awards. His meteoric rise continued when he won the 2023 Bert Newton Award for Most Popular Presenter and was shortlisted for the Gold Logie earlier this year.

Tony’s final day on the News Breakfast couch will be Friday 4 October.

Tony Armstrong: “I just want to thank Brekky and the broader ABC News team for welcoming me in with open arms and helping me grow over the past few years. I love live TV and those moments that are unplanned and unpredictable where anything can happen. I’ve been so lucky to be surrounded by an incredible team and it’s those friendships that I’m going to cherish the most.”

ABC Director, News Justin Stevens: “Tony Armstrong is a once in a generation talent and it has been fantastic watching him soar in his role at News Breakfast.  I can’t wait to see what he does into the future and see his career continue to go from strength to strength.”

ABC News Breakfast host Michael Rowland: “I am so sorry three years of talking sport and swapping gags with Tony is about to end. He is an engaging colleague and a good friend. In fact, there’s no one I would rather sit through an earthquake with. (We did. Google it.) All the best with what comes next, mate.”

ABC News Breakfast host Bridget Brennan: “How blessed we’ve been to have Tone on our screens every morning, bringing the sparkle, joy and heart that only Tony can! Tony is a wonderful friend and everyone at News Breakfast is going to miss his infectious and caring nature. I know it’s meant so much to me and to thousands upon thousands of First Nations viewers waking up to see Tony representing us on the daily. Can’t wait to see what you do next, Tone! Maybe sleep?!”

About Tony Armstrong

Tony grew up in rural NSW and is a former AFL player for Adelaide, Sydney Swans and Collingwood, where he played 35 matches from 2010-2015.

At the conclusion of his playing days he became an AFL commentator and also appeared on the Marngrook Footy Show. He later became the co-host of the Indigenous comedy football chat show ‘Yokayi Footy’ (2020) in a collaboration between NITV and the AFL.

In 2020 Tony joined the ABC as a sports producer and presenter and commentating for ABC Grandstand. He hosted the summer series of Offsiders and co-hosted ABC Radio in Melbourne with Sammy J. In 2021 he became ABC News Breakfast’s full-time sports presenter, replacing Paul Kennedy.

In 2022 he hosted ABC series A Dog’s World and Tony Armstrong’s Extraordinary Things. His other television credits include regular appearances on The Weekly with Charlie Pickering, The Yearly, The Project and Fox Footy. He has been a guest on numerous Play School specials and is the voice of Mr Flip on ABC Kids Reef School. 

ACMA remakes the high power open narrowcasting allocation determination

On 21 June 2024, we consulted on a proposal to remake the Radiocommunications (Allocation of Transmitter Licences – High Power Open Narrowcasting Licences) Determination 2014. The instrument was due to sunset in October.

On 19 September 2024, after considering submissions to the consultation, we made the Radiocommunications (Allocation of Transmitter Licences – High Power Open Narrowcasting Licences) Determination 2024. This replaces the previous determination.

You can now access the outcome and submissions on the consultation page. We thank all those involved in the consultation process.

 

KICPOD EXTENDS SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP WITH LISTNR

LiSTNR, Australia’s no. 1 podcast sales representation network*, is thrilled to announce that KICPOD, one of Australia’s most popular podcasts, has extended its partnership with LiSTNR.

Hosted by Laura Henshaw and Steph Claire Smith — two of Australia’s most successful entrepreneurs, authors, and healthy living advocates — KICPOD has become a standout in the podcasting world.

Launched five years ago, KICPOD regularly appears in Australia’s top 50 most listened-to podcasts**. Known for its deep and meaningful conversations on wellness, mental health, and life’s challenges, KICPOD offers listeners a relatable and engaging discussion on the topics that matter most.

Henshaw and Smith have built one of the world’s most holistic wellness empires with Kic, further establishing their influence in the wellness and lifestyle space. Their enthusiasm for continuing the partnership with LiSTNR highlights the platform’s role in amplifying their podcast’s reach and supporting their mission to deliver impactful content.

Henshaw and Smith said of the announcement: “We are thrilled to have signed on again with the incredible team at LiSTNR. What we have been able to achieve together over the last few years has been amazing, and we’re excited for what’s ahead!”

LiSTNR Original Podcasts Head of Entertainment and Culture, Sam Cavanagh, commented on the extension: “Steph and Laura are industry leaders in building community.  Their KICPOD podcast is a 2-way conversation with their audience and exemplifies the power and intimacy of podcasting.  We are excited to support their ongoing success and look forward to exploring new opportunities together for years to come.”

KICPOD, along with other popular LiSTNR podcasts, is available on the LiSTNR app. New KICPOD episodes are available every Monday and Wednesday morning.

Sources:

* Australian Podcast Ranker – Top Sales Representatives – August 2024

** All Australian Podcast Ranker – 2024

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

LiSTNR WINS TWO MAJOR PODCAST AWARDS AT THE 2024 AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL MEDIA AWARDS

LiSTNR has earned top honours at the 2024 Australian Football Media Association Awards (AFMA), with Footy Talk – Daily Australian Rules Podcast and the Ben and Harry Podcast both winning their respective categories.

LiSTNR’s Footy Talk was awarded Best Podcast – Football News/Issues/Analysis. Hosted by a rotating panel of AFL legends, including Nick Riewoldt, Abbey Holmes, Leigh Montagna, Heath Shaw, and Dale Thomas, Footy Talk has become the go-to source for AFL fans seeking daily news and expert analysis. Throughout the 2024 AFL season, key breaking news moments have included Nick Riewoldt’s ongoing advocacy for the Tasmanian Devils, Heath Shaw’s defence of Collingwood’s infamous ‘rat pack,’ and Abbey Holmes’ insider insights into the All-Australian selection process.

LiSTNR’s Ben and Harry Podcast, hosted by Carlton forward Harry McKay and Essendon defender Ben McKay, and umpired by The Marty Sheargold Show’s Will Ralston, was named Best Podcast – Football Entertainment. The show’s unique take on footy life, mixed with brotherly banter, has made it a fan favourite. A standout moment of 2024 was the much-anticipated Ben VS Harry episode, where the brothers previewed their first-ever AFL game against each other.

Footy Talk host, Abbey Holmes, said: “The footy world moves fast, and it’s brilliant to keep up with all the action on Footy Talk. We balance hard-hitting analysis with plenty of fun, all led by some of the best minds in the game.”

Ben and Harry Podcast host, Ben McKay, said: “It’s been a massive year for the show, and the team is thrilled to win this award among such great competition. We have loved connecting with Bombers, Blues, and footy fans every week, and we’re excited to take the podcast to the next level next season.”

Footy Talk – Daily Australian Rules Podcast and the Ben and Harry Podcast are available via LiSTNR.

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

Karmic lessons and laughs with new SBS podcast ‘Comedy Karma’

Join the ever-curious stand-up comedian Aditya Gautam as he chuckles with the funniest South Asian comedians in Australia exchanging stories, gossip and life lessons.

What’s the difference between an ‘assisted’ and ‘arranged’ marriage? What do Jesus and Sachin Tendulkar have in common, and why is it so embarrassing ordering mild food at Indian restaurants?

Laugh with some of the most exciting South Asian comics in Australia as they talk about jokes, race, culture, accents and so much more in SBS Audio’s hot new podcast – Comedy Karma!

Podcast host Aditya Gautam– anauthor, screenwriter and stand-up comedianoriginally from Delhi and now a proud Melbournian – invites those who make a living from making others laugh to spill the chai on the challenges of being a South Asian comedian and finding a sense of identity in a diverse Australia.

Aditya talks candidly about his own experiences, including becoming an Australian citizen and acknowledging his own privilege as a straight, middle-class man while drawing out the experiences of guests who, for example, identify as a “minority within a minority” including LGBTIQ+ people from South Asia.

“These are the funniest South Asian comedians in Australia, taking you into the world of being a funny, brown person and everything about identity, culture and comedy they have learned along the way,” he said.

Packed with anecdotes many of the South Asian diaspora will recognise and relate to, Comedy Karma runs the gamut of South Asian diversity across Bangladeshi, Indian, Nepali, Pakistani and Sri Lankan cultures, exploring identity in a diverse Australia in 10 episodes.

Guests include:

  • Dr Ahmed Kazmi believes laughter is the best medicine. After being ‘a funny doctor’, he decided to try stand-up comedy using his love-life as a gay Pakistani doctor as material. With Aditya he talks about how comedy and media influences culture and how to make a real difference in peoples’ lives.
  • Sashi Perera is a comedian, writer and recovering lawyer. Now a rising star nominated for Best Newcomer at the Melbourne Comedy Festival in 2023, Sashi talks about her previous life as a refugee lawyer, being mistaken as Indian, and being DM’ed by American comedian Hasan Minhaj.
  • You might recognise the very funny Suraj Kolarkar from God’s Favourite Idiot on Netflix or the SBS Audio podcast My First Year in Australia. The stand-up comedian and actor talks about growing up playing cricket in India, the strict teachers from his childhood, and how being heckled on the street before a gig stopped him telling a joke about being an Uber driver.
  • Suren Jayemanne is a comedian, writer and actor known for his comedy on SBS and the ABC. In his conversation with Aditya, he talks about how a flight to Edinburgh helped him write his most told joke and how he gets around being embarrassed when ordering mild food at Indian restaurants.
  • Melbourne comedian, writer and actor Urvi Majumdar has performed to packed audiences at Australia’s biggest writing and comedy festivals. On the podcast, she talks about her dad who loves a fresh fruit bargain, and how both her dad and partner love Excel spreadsheets.

Comedy Karma is available to listen now on the SBS Audio app through the new destination channel SBS South Asian, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, LiSTNR and wherever else you stream podcasts.

KICPOD EXTENDS SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP WITH LISTNR

LiSTNR, Australia’s no. 1 podcast sales representation network*, is thrilled to announce that KICPOD, one of Australia’s most popular podcasts, has extended its partnership with LiSTNR.

Hosted by Laura Henshaw and Steph Claire Smith — two of Australia’s most successful entrepreneurs, authors, and healthy living advocates — KICPOD has become a standout in the podcasting world.

Launched five years ago, KICPOD regularly appears in Australia’s top 50 most listened-to podcasts**. Known for its deep and meaningful conversations on wellness, mental health, and life’s challenges, KICPOD offers listeners a relatable and engaging discussion on the topics that matter most.

Henshaw and Smith have built one of the world’s most holistic wellness empires with Kic, further establishing their influence in the wellness and lifestyle space. Their enthusiasm for continuing the partnership with LiSTNR highlights the platform’s role in amplifying their podcast’s reach and supporting their mission to deliver impactful content.

Henshaw and Smith said of the announcement: “We are thrilled to have signed on again with the incredible team at LiSTNR. What we have been able to achieve together over the last few years has been amazing, and we’re excited for what’s ahead!”

LiSTNR Original Podcasts Head of Entertainment and Culture, Sam Cavanagh, commented on the extension: “Steph and Laura are industry leaders in building community.  Their KICPOD podcast is a 2-way conversation with their audience and exemplifies the power and intimacy of podcasting.  We are excited to support their ongoing success and look forward to exploring new opportunities together for years to come.”

KICPOD, along with other popular LiSTNR podcasts, is available on the LiSTNR app. New KICPOD episodes are available every Monday and Wednesday morning.

Sources:

* Australian Podcast Ranker – Top Sales Representatives – August 2024

** All Australian Podcast Ranker – 2024

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

Fran Kelly to present the 2024 Andrew Olle Media Lecture

Respected radio presenter, journalist and political correspondent Fran Kelly will deliver the 2024 Andrew Olle Media Lecture at W Sydney on Friday 18 October.

Fran is currently the host of Saturday Extra on Radio National and previously hosted RN Breakfast for a remarkable 17 years between 2005 and 2021.

Of the opportunity, Fran said “I’m thrilled to have been asked to deliver the Andrew Olle lecture.

“As someone who’s spent most of my career in radio, its humbling to be associated with Andrew, a man who brought such warmth, intelligence, and journalistic integrity to the airwaves and had such a deep connection and affection with his audience. As a young radio journalist just starting out at the ABC, Andrew Olle represented a journalistic standard and style to strive for”.

ABC Head of Audio Ben Latimer said: “Fran exemplifies the ideals we honour in the Andrew Olle Media Lecture.

“For more than 20 years, Fran has been a pioneering presenter at the forefront of holding the powerful to account and her career is testament to her skill, determination and her ability to adapt.”

About Fran Kelly

Fran is a respected radio presenter, current affairs journalist and political correspondent.

She has held positions including chief political correspondent for the AM and PM programs, political editor of the 7.30 Report and ABC Europe correspondent based in London.

In 2005 she became host of Radio National’s agenda-setting Breakfast program, a seat she filled until 2021.

She then took on a new role hosting her own TV talk show Frankly talking to some of Australia’s biggest names and brains. Fran also created and co-presents political podcast The Party Room with Patricia Karvelas and presented a special six-episode podcast series Yours Queerly.

Since 2024 Fran has presented Saturday Extra on ABC Radio National.

About the Andrew Olle Media Lecture

The Andrew Olle Media Lecture is held in honour of one of the ABC’s iconic broadcasters, Andrew Olle and will raise funds for The Brain Cancer Collective. It will be delivered at a black-tie dinner at W Sydney, Darling Harbour on Friday 18 October. ABC Radio Sydney Drive presenter Richard Glover will host the evening.

The event also serves as an opportunity to announce the Andrew Olle Media Scholarship winner.

Previous speakers include Leigh Sales AM, Ita Buttrose AC OBE, Peter FitzSimons, Lisa Wilkinson, Caroline Wilson, Joseph Kahn, Waleed Aly, Helen McCabe, Kate McClymont, Mark Colvin, Laurie Oakes, Ray Martin AM, John Hartigan, John Doyle AM, Lachlan Murdoch, Kerry Stokes AC and Jana Wendt.

Tickets can be purchased here.