Professor Jackie Huggins AM FAHA has launched her tenure as the ABC’s inaugural Elder-in-Residence with an interview on ABC News Breakfast this morning and in an online feature by senior reporter Miriam Corowa.
Professor Huggins is a Bidjara and Birri-Gubba Juru woman and an eminent Australian with a distinguished career working across the community, government and non-government sectors and as an author and historian. In 2001 she became a Member of the Order of Australia for her work on reconciliation, social justice, literacy and women’s issues.
She also has a long history with the ABC, starting when she worked at the Toowong, Brisbane headquarters when she was just 16.
The Elder-in-Residence role was created last year in response to the Listen Loudly, Act Strongly report and is for a two-year term, with an option to renew. Professor Huggins will support First Nations employees and provide cultural guidance to the management and leadership teams across the ABC during the implementation of the report’s recommendations.
Professor Huggins described becoming the ABC’s Elder-in-Residence as “one of my highest badges of honour” and said the Listen Loudly, Act Strongly report had become a blueprint for other organisations to follow.
“My new role is something that I never imagined I would do when I started my employment at the ABC when I was 16 years of age,” she said.
“I have been a long-time audience member and contributor to the ABC. I look forward to deepening that connection through taking up the position of the ABC’s inaugural Elder-in-Residence and to meeting and yarning with people across the divisions and offices of our national broadcaster.
“I am also looking forward to working with the Director First Nations Strategy, the Bonner Committee and the ABC Leadership team in setting the stepping stones for the work ahead.”
ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks welcomed Professor Huggins.
“With Professor Huggins, and under the leadership of Acting Director of First Nations Strategy Kelly Williams – and with so many other contributors around the ABC – we are well placed to act strongly,” he said.
“We must ensure our approach to addressing issues of racism and any form of inequity reaches into every part of the organisation. This is a priority for me in my new role as Managing Director.”
iHeart continues its unprecedented run as Australia’s #1 Podcast Publisher, achieving its 59th consecutive #1 ranking in the March Australian Podcast Ranker – and reaching a record 7.8 million listeners (+9%) and 24.7 million downloads (+10%).
This marks the biggest audience ever for ARN’s iHeart, as the network continues to scale both reach and engagement across its slate of premium content.
A standout performer this month is Stalked, the gripping true crime series from BBC Studios, which leapt 67 places to #8 overall, claiming the title of Australia’s #1 true crime podcast. Represented locally through iHeart’s partnership with BBC Studios, Stalked has resonated strongly with Australian listeners, driven by its urgent storytelling and real-life narrative.
The podcast follows 25-year-old Hannah Mossman Moore, who is digitally hunted by an anonymous predator weaponising her personal data. In a desperate bid for answers, she joins forces with investigative journalist – and former stepmother – Carole Cadwalladr to uncover the truth behind a campaign of psychological terror. Together, they unravel a global web of deception that law enforcement failed to stop.
Louise La Grange, BBC Studios’ SVP, BBC Audio, Digital News & Streaming, said: “We are delighted to see BBC Studios’ produced podcast Stalked connect so deeply with Australian audiences. It is an affecting example of how BBC Audio’s groundbreaking storytelling can start conversations and strongly engage listeners. It is a further example of our successful ongoing partnership with iHeart to bring these important stories to listeners in Australia.”
ARN’s Head of Digital Audio Corey Layton added: “With more Australians listening than ever before, iHeart’s record results reflect the power of combining world-class storytelling with unrivalled scale. From global hits like Stalked to the most loved local titles, we’re delivering premium audio experiences that cut through – creating enormous opportunity not just for brands looking to connect with engaged audiences, but for ARN as Australia’s podcasting powerhouse.”
iHeart dominated the March Ranker with 47 titles in the Top 200, showcasing the depth and breadth of its podcast slate. Standout performers included Life Uncut at #10 (Australia’s #1 Relationship Podcast), The Kyle & Jackie O Show at #14 (the #1 radio show podcast), and The Daily Aus at #20.
Also featured in the Top 50: BBC’s Global News Podcast (#32), Stuff You Should Know (#33), On Purpose with Jay Shetty (#36), Smosh Reads Reddit Stories (debuting at #45), She’s On The Money (#47), and Dyl & Friends, which jumped 38 spots to round out the Top 50.
The Subscriber, Volunteer and Social Media Manager is responsible for facilitating engagement with listeners, subscribers and businesses – across all channels, including social media – to drive subscriptions and donations for major fundraising campaigns, in collaboration with the General Manager and RTRFM staff. They are also responsible for the administration, training and support of office volunteers.
Key Responsibilities:
Engaging previous subscribers to encourage them to renew via phone and email, and update their details, reminding them of benefits.
Collaborating on themes for subscriber drives.
Recruiting volunteers for Radiothon and other related subscriber drives.
Helping the sponsorship team source and secure prizes, including the management of the gift distribution.
Manage the publishing schedule for RTRFM’s social media channels and coordinate daily posts to ensure cohesive messaging.
Coordinate ‘listener-get-subscriber’ campaigns.
Serve as ambassador to subscribers who contributed more than $300.
Creating and executing a communications strategy to retain connection with subscribers all year round.
Creating subscriber ‘profiles’ through improved data collection and segmenting, allowing for more targeted fundraising as needed.
Recruiting office volunteers as needed, and responding to volunteer queries and requests/conducting interviews.
Training and supporting office volunteers.
Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
Establish/monitor procedures for record keeping (may include business tools); ensure filing systems are maintained and current.
Ensure security, integrity and confidentiality of data.
Participate in administrative tasks shared by all RTRFM staff (answering phones, welcoming guests, processing at POS).
Selection Criteria:
Essential
Excellent organisational and time management skills; ability to meet deadlines in fast-paced working environment.
Excellent writing, communication and interpersonal skills.
Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel and Google Suite, as well as Canva and Meta.
Ability to work in a team and independently.
Preferable
Extensive knowledge of community radio, and in particular RTRFM.
Experience working in a volunteer or community organisation, managing a team or related activities.
Please note: RTRFM is located on the first level of 642 Beaufort St in Mount Lawley. Successful applicants will need to get Working With Children checks completed (RTRFM will cover the expense). Also, there is an expectation that the successful applicant can work full-time hours (37.5 per week) during our major fundraising campaign, Radiothon (August to September).
Australia’s undisputed queen of pop, Kylie Minogue, will be honoured with the prestigious Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music at the 2025 APRA Music Awards on Wednesday 30 April.
Known around the world by her single moniker, Kylie, Minogue is one of Australia’s most prolific artists and greatest musical exports creating captivating songs and inspiring generations of songwriters for almost 40 years since the iconic “The Locomotion” back in 1987, which was the first of a string of hits that defined a generation including “I Should Be So Lucky”, “Confide in Me”, “Spinning Around”, “Love At First Sight” and “Slow”.
Throughout her career, Minogue has released a prolific 17studio albums, performed ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” at the closing ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympics and in 2001 her career-defining single, “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head”, reachednumber one in 40 countries.
With 2020’s album Disco she became the only female artist in the UK to have a No.1 album in five consecutive decades. In 2023 she released her No.1 album, Tension, which featured the international smash hit single “Padam Padam” and earned Minogue a second Grammy Award.
Today, she is one of the most successful Australian recording artists of all time, with sales in excess of 80 million albums, two Grammys, four Brit Awards, eighteen ARIA Music Awards, two MTV Music Video Awards, and both The Order of Australia and The Order of the British Empire.
Jenny Morris, Chair of APRA, explains: “As one of Australia’s biggest and brightest stars, Kylie was an obvious choice for this award. Her achievements over the past four decades are almost too many to count and we are absolutely honoured to add theTed Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music to her vast collection of accolades.
“Kylie’s huge body of work and stellar career have been a guiding light for so many Australian songwriters and artists who have looked up to her as a beacon of Australian music, and we look forward to seeing what the next chapter of musical greatness will bring!”
Hitting the APRA Music Awards stage on Wednesday 30 April will be an eclectic mix of songwriters and performers from across the musical spectrum. Super group DENNI, TAIJA and Zaya will bring their blend of hip-hop fire to the stage while Filipino Australian singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Dylan Atlantis, and fellow creator FRIDAY* will be getting everyone into a soulful groove.
Melbourne six-piece alt rockers, Gut Health, will get everyone on their feet with their queer rave culture inspired post-punk floor-fillers, while social media sensation and rising star, Jude York, will be bringing his own brand of captivating performance that has seen him skyrocket to popularity over the past year.
Crowd favourites Lior and Sarah Blasko will return to the awards stage and Arnhem Land’s first all-female rock group, Ripple Effect Band, and Sydney’s indie-pop darling, tiffi, will light up the room for their first-time APRA Awards performances.
Photo Top L-R: DENNI, Dylan Atlantis, Jude York, FRIDAY*, Sarah Blasko, Ripple Effect Band.
Bottom L-R: Taija, Zaya, Gut Health, tiffi, Lior.
Two awards are presented ahead of the night, the 2025 Licensee of the Year and Most Performed International Work.
The 2025 Licensee of the Year is Lazybones Lounge Restaurant & Bar. This award acknowledges and rewards the contribution of licensees to APRA members as good music citizens. As a strong supporter of live music, Sydney Inner West hot spot Lazybones goes beyond the basics by fostering a musician-friendly environment, emphasising their respect and support for live performers.
Tate McRae and co-writers Amy Allen, Jasper Harris and Ryan Tedder have taken out Most Performed International Work for “Greedy”, the smash hit lead single from her second studio album Think Later.
The APRA Music Awards celebrate excellence in contemporary music, honouring songwriters and publishers who have achieved artistic excellence and outstanding success in their fields.
The winners of all nominated categories, plus the International Recognition Award, Most Performed Australian Work Overseas and Songwriter of the Year will be announced at the awards ceremony at Melbourne Town Hall on Wednesday 30 April. Licensee of the Year
Lazybones Lounge Restaurant & Bar
Most Performed International Work
Title: Greedy
Artist: Tate McRae
Writers: Tate McRae / Amy Allen* / Jasper Harris^ / Ryan Tedder
Publishers: Sony Music Publishing / Warner Chappell Music* / Concord Music Publishing ANZ^ 2025 APRA Music Awards
Wednesday 30 April
Melbourne Town Hall
Host Zan Rowe and guest presenters Hau Lātūkefu and Ngaiire
Music Director Julian Hamilton
ARN is pleased to announce the appointment of Ben Campbell as Director – Digital Strategy, Data and Digital Ventures.
Ben is one of Australia’s most experienced digital leaders. He joins ARN Media with an outstanding record of delivering large-scale commercial transformation programs. With over 20 years of digital advertising experience in Australia and the UK he has a proven track record of leading specialist teams to create market-leading digital data and ad products for brands to drive growth.
In his role as Director – Digital Strategy, Data and Digital Ventures, Ben will have responsibility for the ARN digital strategy, data strategy and data partnerships, digital advertising product development, Ad. Tech, and the development of a digital centre of excellence.
Ben will also have responsibility for leading the newly created Digital Ventures team responsible for rapid acceleration into new and emerging markets including the accelerated implementation of the iHeartRadio commercial strategy.
Prior to joining ARN, Ben was the Director – Data and Digital Advertising Products at Nine Entertainment Co., where he developed and implemented the commercial data strategy, implemented a fully integrated Ad. Tech stack, and created a Centre of Digital Excellence which contributed to record digital revenues. He also launched 9Ad Manager, the first self-serve advertising platform for streaming video in partnership with leading international partners. Most recently, Ben was at oOH! Media where he was the Director of Data, Product and Technology, responsible for the development and implementation of their retail media platform.
Michael Stephenson, Chief Operating Officer of ARN, said, “Ben is in a league of his own. His deep understanding of the digital landscape and his experience in driving digital transformation in large media organisations is without peer. We have a massive opportunity in front of us. The digital audio market is growing at almost 40%, we reach ten million people every month, our long-term partnership with iHeart and our market-leading podcast network creates enormous opportunity for brands and for our company. Ben is the best in the business, we have the best assets, and we have big plans.”
Ben Campbell said, “Digital audio is the fastest growing segment in media and ARN is the market leader. We have a large first-party database, a long-term partnership with iHeart and the leading podcast network in the country. There is opportunity for growth everywhere, I’m looking forward to working with Rich and Michael again and I can’t wait to get started.”
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.
Until 1 July 2025 your stations follow the current Codes, which can be found here.
From 1 July onward follow the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice (2025), which can be found here. Use the time from now until 1 July to familiarise yourself and your team with the Codes using the resources listed here.
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.
Each licensed community radio station will receive three printed copies of the Codes. If your station has not received copies by July or you require extras, email support@cbaa.org.au.
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.
By bringing the Nova Player, Smooth Player, FIVEAA Player and Star 104.5 Player apps to Google TV and Android TV, NOVA is giving listeners the opportunity to take their favourite station into their living rooms.
These new apps, available to download now from the Google Play Store, bring all of NOVA’s own and partner stations to households across Australia, allowing listeners to choose anything from Nova Throwbacks to Sky News Radio to Smooth Relax at the touch of a remote.
This latest announcement continues to strengthen NOVA’s commitment to innovation, with a focus on availability and best in class listener experiences. Key developments over the past 12 months include enhancements to Chromecast functionality and bringing the FIVEAA and Star 104.5 websites in-line with the upgraded Nova and Smooth websites. These new sites together deliver seamless navigation and access to content and have driven significant improvements in user engagement.
NOVA also integrated Coles Radio and Sky News Radio into its suite of websites as well as introduced an upgraded CarPlay experience, catering to the growing demand for integrated in-car listening.
NOVA Entertainment’s Head of Digital Product, Technology and Data, Tim Armstrong said, “At NOVA, innovation is at the heart of everything we do. Since the start of 2021 we’ve made significant advancements, becoming the most widely available radio network in the country when it comes to digital platforms. Making our brands available across new environments like Google TV reflects our commitment to delivering the best audio experiences for our listeners, wherever they need it.”
NOVA Entertainment is Australia’s leading independent audio entertainment business. NOVA Entertainment owns and operates the Nova Network, the Smooth FM Network, FIVEAA Adelaide, Star 104.5 NSW Central Coast and a suite of DAB+ stations including Smooth FM, Smooth Relax, Nova Throwbacks, Nova 90s and Coles Radio. The company’s broadcast offering is complemented by a range of on-demand assets across digital, social, mobile and podcasting, with a comprehensive local and international content slate of talent in the country. This network produces high-quality podcast content that connects audiences with brands in innovative ways.
From Monday, 14 April to Thursday, 24 April (excluding public holidays), the new show will be broadcast nationally across the Nova Network, delivering a daily dose of entertainment, major giveaways and a bright start to the day for listeners across Australia.
The show marks the return of Susie O’Neill, one of Australia’s most celebrated Olympians and a familiar voice to Nova audiences. After saying goodbye to Nova 106.9 Brisbane Breakfast last year, Susie has remained a much-loved part of the Nova Network family.
Susie O’Neill said, “It’s fantastic to be back on air with Nova. While I can’t say I’ve missed the early mornings, I’ve definitely missed connecting with listeners. I listened to Mel and Matty over summer and can’t wait to join the fun.”
Joining Susie are Mel Tracina from Nova Workday and Matty Baseley from Star 104.5, a duo familiar to listeners after previously co-hosting Nova’s recent Summer Breakfast show together.
The team will also be giving away tickets daily to Lady Gaga’s highly anticipated Australian tour, an exclusive opportunity for listeners to secure seats to one of the year’s biggest global pop events.
Also making a return is the much-loved quiz segment ‘Smarter Than Suse’. Originally a Brisbane favourite, the game is going national, giving Aussie listeners the opportunity to test their general knowledge against Susie for the chance to win five hundred dollars in cash every day.
Brendan Taylor, Group Programming Director of the Nova Network, said: “After only a few months away, we’re excited to welcome Susie back to Nova Breakfast, joining Mel and Matty across the national network. At Nova, we’re committed to providing live Breakfast shows throughout the year and can’t wait to hear this team together for the next two weeks.”
Whether listeners are enjoying the school holidays or simply looking for a fresh sound for their morning routine, Mel & Matty with Susie O’Neill are set to deliver.
National broadcaster SBS has had its carbon reduction trajectory, both near-term and long-term Net Zero targets, validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) assesses corporate modelling and targets aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. The SBTi is the world’s leading authority in this area, providing guidance and tools that help companies set targets that align with the latest climate science and the Paris Agreement.
“We are immensely proud that our near-term and Net Zero target has been validated by the SBTi,” said James Taylor, Managing Director of SBS. “As I have said before, this is an area SBS can and should lead in. We are an organisation that sits at the intersection of both public and commercial media and our commitment to more sustainable practices helps pave a way for others in the industry.”
“Climate science is clear: rapid and deep emissions cuts are essential if we are to achieve global Net Zero,” said Susan Jenny Ehr, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Science Based Targets initiative. “Today, the Special Broadcasting Service steps up, joining the growing list of companies cutting emissions across their entire value chain in line with science, and actively contributing to limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.”
In 2023, SBS took a clear leadership position within the Australian media and became the first broadcaster to set an ambitious pathway towards Net Zero on all its emissions – both direct emissions (Scope 1 and 2) and supplier emissions (Scope 3). It also became the first media organisation to begin carbon measurement using Sustainable Screens Australia’s albert Toolkit to measure and reduce emissions for production.
SBS Head of Sustainability Abigail Thomas noted SBTi’s Target Validation Team has classified SBS’s Scope 1, 2 and 3 near-term target of a 42 per cent reduction in emissions from the FY22 base year by 2030 as in line with the current science.
SBTi also evaluated SBS’s Scope 1, 2, and 3 long-term target of reaching Net Zero by 2045, and commended SBS for selecting the most ambitious designation available through the SBTi process, confirming that this target is aligned to the 1.5 degrees Celsius mitigation pathway.
“We are very pleased that SBTi, the leading global organisation in this space, has validated our modelling and confirmed that it is in line with the latest science,” said Thomas. “We have already taken substantial steps to reduce our carbon footprint – however the work on achieving Net Zero continues and will be a strategic priority for many years to come as we work towards our 2045 target.”
SBS Media also recently launched its inaugural Sustainability Challenge pushing brands and advertising agencies to do more to normalise sustainable behaviour and better environmental consumer practices in their advertising. The challenge has offered $500,000 in advertising inventory for the best TV creative idea.
Golf fans across Australia won’t miss a swing as Nine’s radio network brings The Masters live to listeners via dedicated pop-up streaming channels on the 2GB, 3AW, 4BC and 6PR apps.
Beginning this afternoon in Caboolture, his aim is to talk to as many constituents and candidates as possible this week, to see what voters and Nine Radio is offering comprehensive live audio coverage of one of golf’s most iconic tournaments, broadcasting directly from Augusta National. The exclusive Masters Radio stream will capture every drive, putt, and leaderboard twist, delivering the full atmosphere and drama of the tournament straight to mobile phones across the country.
Available through dedicated pop-up channels on each app, this special broadcast combines expert commentary, real-time insights, and the unmistakable sound of The Masters. Whether you’re at home, commuting, or winding down for the night, golf fans can stay connected to every moment of the four-day tournament. Drift off to the sound of late-night action, then pick up right where you left off on your morning drive, as the leaders make their way up the 18th.
Leading the coverage is acclaimed broadcaster Mike Tirico, returning as lead play-by-play voice across all four rounds. He’ll be joined by lead analyst Steve Melnyk, the 1971 Masters low amateur and five-time Masters competitor.
On-course commentary will be delivered by:
John Maginnes – Hole 2 and Amen Corner (11, 12, 13)
Brian Katrek – Holes 5, 15, and 16
Maureen Madill – Holes 8 and 17
Johnson Wagner – Holes 4, 13, and 14
To tune in, download the 2GB, 3AW, 4BC, or 6PR app and stream the dedicated Masters Radio channel.
