52% of people report listening to or watching podcasts each month; Audio industry unifies around a single source of truth for podcasting
Podcasting has reached a significant step-change. New research reveals 52% of Australians are now reporting they are listening to or watching one or more podcasts every month. The sustained and consistent growth in podcasting has been exceptional with reported listening more than doubling in the past five years from 25% of Australians back in 2020.[i]
This milestone demonstrates that the medium has crossed from emerging to essential, firmly embedding itself in audience routines and reflects an evolving industry defined by unified measurement, consistent data standards, and unprecedented collaboration across publishers of all sizes.
“Podcasting has reached scale, and that requires measurement that’s fit for purpose. The industry has united behind a single source of truth because advertisers need consistency and clarity to invest with confidence,” said Lizzie Young, CEO, Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA).
A Unified Industry, A Verified System
That source of truth is the Australian Podcast Ranker, the country’s only official, third-party verified podcast measurement system. Governed by a cross-industry Steering Committee and supported by deep collaboration across commercial, independent, and non-commercial publishers, it sets the benchmark for podcast data in Australia.
Today, CRA confirmed the extension of its partnership with Triton Digital to continue delivering the Ranker, reinforcing the sector’s commitment to robust, transparent reporting.
“Australian podcasting now delivers the scale and depth of audience intelligence that advertisers require to make informed investment decisions,” added Young.
“The Ranker’s strength lies in the collective intent behind it, every participating publisher has chosen to collaborate, establishing a consistent, transparent standard that gives agencies the confidence to invest at scale.”
What the Australian Podcast Ranker Delivers
Granular title-level and publisher-level metrics
Demographic and behavioural insights via Triton’s Demos+
Standardised, transparent methodology trusted across the industry
Interactive dashboard showcasing the top 300 podcasts listened to by Australians, the top 300 Australian-produced podcasts, and genre-level analytics
Industry-Wide Publisher Participation
Participating publishers include the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), ARN/iHeart, Audioboom, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Guardian Media Group, Mamamia, New York Times, Nine, Nova Entertainment, Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), Schwartz Media, Shameless Media, Southern Cross Austereo (LiSTNR), Squiz Media, Wondery and others. Together, they represent a cross-section of the country’s most influential and innovative podcast creators, united in building a transparent, accountable and advertiser-ready sector.
June 2025 Australian Podcast Ranker: Who’s Listening, What’s Trending?
Our Demos+ data reveals that True Crime delivers active buyers, not browsers. Among True Crime monthly podcast listeners surveyed, 83% serve as primary grocery shoppers and 90% purchased groceries in the past week. The True Crime genre, with 19.2% reach of monthly podcast listeners and a premium female 25-54 skew (44.9% vs 31.3% average), True Crime delivers engaged consumers making active purchase decisions. These listeners represent quality buyers reaching for their wallets weekly.[ii]
Australian Podcast Ranker top five genres June 2025
Genre
Monthly Listeners
1
News
4,849,015
2
Society & Culture
4,602,861
3
Sports
3,431,907
4
True Crime
3,404,842
5
Comedy
2,939,544
Australian Podcast Ranker top five podcasts June 2025
Podcast
Producer
MonthlyListeners
1
ABC News Top Stories
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
781,067
2
Hamish & Andy
LiSTNR (SCA)
776,321
3
Mushroom Case Daily
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
670,856
4
Mamamia Out Loud
Mamamia
537,240
5
Shameless
Shameless Media
501,218
Sources:
[i] The Infinite Dial 2025, Edison Research. Data referring to Australians aged 10+ unless otherwise stated.
[ii] Triton Digital Demos+ Australian Survey Data (Q4’23 – Q2’25). 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.
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 the ACRA Awards and HEARD, the audio industry showcase. We also collaborate with the broader digital audio ecosystem to grow the total market and provide services to the public and part public audio broadcasting services.
Nine’s Podcast Network delivered impressive growth figures in June 2025, demonstrating continued strength in listener engagement and downloads.
Downloads saw a robust 3% year-on-year increase, hitting 4.12 million, complemented by a further 3% year-on-year rise in listener numbers, now at 1.63 million.
Original content continued to be a key driver of audience growth and engagement, with reaching #40 on the June Triton All Australian Podcast Ranker with over 148K
June 2025 Original Podcasts – Top 3 by Listeners:
Nine News: 166,000 listeners (a remarkable 98% increase year-on-year and 5% month-on-month growth)
The Mushroom Trial: Say Grace: 148,000 listeners
The Morning Edition: 101,000 listeners (up 8% year-on-year)
The network’s popular catch-up radio podcasts continued to resonate strongly with listeners, further cementing the enduring appeal of Nine’s audio content.
June 2025 Catch-up Podcasts – Top 3 by Listeners:
Ben Fordham Live: 147,000 listeners (up 3% year-on-year)
3AW Breakfast with Ross and Russel: 55,000 listeners (a robust 48% increase year-on-year)
3AW is Football: 50,000 listeners
Nine Audio’s Head of Digital Growth, Mia Stern, said: “We are incredibly pleased with the continued growth of our podcast network in June. These results underscore the strength of our diverse content offering, from compelling original series like ‘The Mushroom Trial’ to the trusted news and current affairs coverage provided by 9News and our popular radio catch-up programs.”
“The significant year-on-year growth, particularly in listener numbers and downloads, highlights our commitment to delivering high-quality audio experiences that resonate with a broad audience.”
Source: Triton Podcast Ranker, June 2025, downloads, listeners; Triton Podcast Metrics, network downloads, listeners, June 2025, unless otherwise specified
Lead 3ZZZ Melbourne, Australia’s largest ethnic community radio
Seeking candidates from commercial or community broadcasting or related sectors
Permanent role | Brunswick, Melbourne
The Organisation
The Ethnic Community Broadcasting Association of Victoria (ECBAV), operates 3ZZZ which has grown to be the largest ethnic community radio station in Australia, giving voice to ethnic communities broadcasting in their own languages. The FM signal is heard across the Melbourne metropolitan area, and around Australia and internationally through internet broadcasting.
Broadcasting 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 3ZZZ has an estimated 400,000 listeners. Program content is delivered in 60 languages providing a voice for more than 50 ethnic groups. Key to this is the active involvement of more than 400 volunteers working alongside a skilled staff of technical specialists. ECBAV is a non-profit member-owned organisation which is financially supported by a range of government grants, sponsorships, donations and special fundraising events.
The Role
Working closely with and reporting to the Council through the President, you will join 3ZZZ at a pivotal time of consolidation and growth. The Station Manager provides leadership and direction for the staff and ensures the efficient and smooth running of the station. A vital part of your role will be to create a supportive, collaborative and rewarding environment for staff and volunteers.
You will be responsible for leading a review of the organisational strategy, and for the development and achievement of operational plans derived from the strategy.
Role accountabilities are set in the areas of:
Strategic alignment, planning and execution
Staff and volunteer management and development
Financial management, compliance, policies and operations
Revenue generation and partnerships
Skills Required
You’re a proven leader and manager ideally with experience gained in commercial or community broadcasting or in a related multicultural sector. You demonstrate a high degree of emotional intelligence with collaboration, networking and relationship development abilities. In addition, you have the people skills to work with diverse ethnic groups, committed volunteers and technically capable staff for the benefit of all 3ZZZ’s stakeholders.
You will demonstrate:
A willingness to support multicultural, ethnically and linguistically diverse communities
Success in leadership, team management and people development
Excellent business acumen including an understanding of commercial realities and risk
Experience working with compliance and reporting frameworks
Exhibit strong teamwork and partnership development skills
If you’re committed to enabling ethnic groups to maintain a vital link to their language, culture, news, information, and entertainment, then apply by submitting your cover letter responding to the skills required above along with your resume quoting ref 1359557. Alternatively phone Mike Hurdle on 03 8080 8978 to have a candidate information pack emailed to you.
Please note there is no formal closing date for this role, if you are interested, we would encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
NGO Recruitment values equitable recruitment practices and is committed to representing candidates reflective of the diverse organisations and communities we work with. We welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds, ages, and identities, and are happy to adjust our recruitment process to support accessibility needs. If you are interested in this position and have most of the skills or experience we are looking for, please go ahead and apply.
Nine’s audio division has finalised its national commercial leadership team, marking a pivotal step as the sales function transitions to a new strategic model to bolster Nine Audio’s market presence and capitalise on growing audio consumption.
Following the recent announcement of Amanda Unwin as Sydney Sales Director, Nine Audio is pleased to confirm the appointment of several highly experienced sales and operational executives to lead its refreshed market approach:
Christine Lester will join as Melbourne Sales Director in mid-August. Christine brings extensive experience from SCA, where she led Independent and Direct teams since 2018, and previously held senior sales roles at ACP, demonstrating exceptional knowledge of the Melbourne client base.
Michael Graham will also join in mid-August as Brisbane Sales Director. Moving from his commercial leadership role at Car Expert, Michael previously held senior leadership positions at SCA, ARN, and Nova in the Brisbane market, positioning him to significantly enhance Nine Audio’s local team.
Noel Quick, currently a Group Business Director at Nine Perth, assumed the role of Sales Director for Nine Audio on July 1. A long-standing senior leader in the Perth market, Noel brings extensive experience from his time leading SCA in the region. He will continue his GBD responsibilities across the broader Nine group until September 30, when he transitions to full-time as Sales Director Nine Audio.
Jonathon Mandel has been appointed National Head of Digital Sales, joining from independent digital agency Bolster, where he served as Head of Media. Prior to Bolster, Mandel was Head of Digital Product and Operations for LiSTNR. He will be instrumental in driving revenue outcomes for Nine Audio’s digital audio product from September 29.
Rick Lenarcic, currently National Head of Direct Sales, will transition into the role of Head of Sales Operations. Over the past six months, Rick successfully refreshed the national direct sales approach and in his new capacity, he will oversee the Traffic, Commerce, Research, Engineering/Technology, and Syndication teams across the Radio business. Rick brings over 30 years of media experience, including roles as COO of Grant Broadcasters/ARN Regional and Head of Regional Media SCA.
Chris Gregson will lead the Powered Audio team, integrating with the existing creative assets of the Nine Radio business to form a formidable creative services group for the market.
Brian Gallagher, Nine Audio Commercial Director, said: “It is an absolute privilege to have attracted executives of this caliber to lead the commercial teams at Nine Radio. As the team progressively onboards over the next couple of months, we will see a new level of competitiveness emerging from our commercial teams across the country. With radio listening continuing to deliver great reach and digital audio audiences growing strongly, our integrated sales approach, led by the industry’s best, positions us to capture great growth in the year ahead.”
NOVA Secures Exclusive Content and Creator Partnership with Steven Barlett’s FlightStory
NOVA Entertainment announced today an exclusive Australian partnership with FlightStory, home to the fastest growing podcast brand in the world, The Diary of a CEO.
Founded by one of the world’s most influential voices, Steven Bartlett, FlightStory has selected NOVA Entertainment as its exclusive Australian brand partner, with all podcasts and presenters within the FlightStory portfolionow accessible to Australian advertisers through NOVA.
The Diary of a CEO is the world’s second-biggest interview podcast, with 25 million followers, over 11 million YouTube subscribers, and achieving over one billion streams and 60 million monthly listens globally. It is the flagship podcast of FlightStory, the media and investment company dedicated to elevating stories, building communities, and supporting creators that inspire a happier, healthier humanity.
Hosted by Bartlett, an entrepreneur, speaker, investor and best-selling author whose influence transcends genres, The Diary of a CEO features groundbreaking, unfiltered conversations with some of the world’s most influential people including Michelle Obama, Simon Cowell, Trevor Noah, and Jimmy Fallon. The podcast’s raw, long-form format meets the growing demand for meaningful content and has resonated with millions seeking depth.
In addition to The Diary of a CEO, FlightStory brings together a selection of podcast titles and creators identified via their proprietary data science platform, FlightRadar, including broadcaster Davina McCall, relationship expert Paul C. Brunson and human performance scientist Dr. Kristen Holmes, all of whom are now available to Australian advertisers exclusively through NOVA.
This strategic partnership is the first of its kind for Bartlett, following a rigorous Australian pitch process in the search for a regional partner as FlightStory independently scales in remaining global advertising operations.
Said Bartlett, “We’ve chosen NOVA Entertainment as our exclusive representation in the Australian market because we feel deeply aligned. And I say that in many respects. We share a commitment to independent ownership, creative innovation, a collaborative mindset, and the belief that this partnership will make one plus one equal three.
“Over the next few decades, we’re building one of the most important media companies in the world. And to go far, we know we must go together with strategic partners like NOVA, who share our belief in the power of podcasting.
“We’re incredibly excited to work with Australia’s most impactful brands. At FlightStory, brand partnerships aren’t transactional, they’re about shared growth. NOVA uniquely shares that philosophy. This partnership creates an unparalleled opportunity for brands to deliver positive influence at scale – unlike anything that currently exists in the Australian market. So, let’s open the conversation.”
NOVA Entertainment’s Chief Executive Officer, Peter Charlton said, “This is a huge win for NOVA. Steven and the entire FlightStory team are truly world class, as is the content they create. I’m incredibly proud they’ve chosen us to help grow their presence in Australia and firmly believe they’re in the right hands.
“Our partnership reflects how we see podcasting evolving in this country across content, distribution, and how brands can meaningfully work with creators. The team is eager to get started, and as a long-time The Diary of a CEO listener myself, I’m excited for more Australians to be a part of these groundbreaking conversations that stay with you long after you listen.”
Christiana Brenton, Chief Revenue Officer at FlightStory said, “NOVA’s pitch stood out in every way, anchored in creative bravery, a commitment to innovation, and a deep empathy for the advertiser experience. This was particularly evident in their world class branded content division, CREATE. Their shared values of independence, 1% mindset and pursuit of excellence align seamlessly with our values at FlightStory. We’re especially excited to test a new model of strategic distribution, with our titles promoted across NOVA’s owned, earned, and paid ecosystem, maximising impact for both our audiences and Australian advertising partners.”
Kate Murphy, NOVA Entertainment’s National Commercial Strategy Director, CREATE said, “Our partnership with FlightStory exemplifies the very best of what NOVA are capable of unlocking for advertisers. Steven is undoubtedly one of the most discerning brand builders in the world. For that to be the calibre of partner we can attract is testament to the level of talent, creativity and ambition in our business. I’m very proud that we will be the ones to bring this incredible commercial opportunity to the Australian marketplace.”
FlightStory is led by Bartlett, alongside co-founders Georgie Holt as CEO and CRO Christiana Brenton, with a mission to inspire everyone, everywhere, to lead more fulfilling lives, one conversation at a time. Four original podcasts have so far been launched by FlightStory, with more signing in development, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to purposeful storytelling.
ARN announced today it has teamed up with Mi3 as its official audio partner. Under the agreement, ARN’s iHeart will produce, create, and distribute all Mi3’s podcasts, expanding the reach of Mi3’s trusted industry content through Australia’s leading audio platform.
The partnership marks the beginning of a deeper collaboration, bringing together Australia’s #1 podcast publisher and the country’s most influential industry trade media brand to connect with senior marketers, agency leaders and tech decision-makers at scale.
Mi3 is Australia’s go-to destination for in-depth journalism and insight across marketing, media, and technology. The Mi3 Audio Edition podcast – hosted weekly by expert industry journalist and Executive Editor Paul McIntyre – is a trusted source for business leaders, offering sharp analysis on the developments that matter most.
iHeart is Australia’s leading podcast publisher, with over three million registered users, 7.6 million monthly listeners and nearly 24 million downloads every month.
Using iHeart’s state-of-the-art production studios and its global distribution network, Mi3’s content will reach more listeners than ever. As part of the global iHeart global platform, Mi3’s growing international audience will now have greater access to its content – sharing business and marketing insights and advertising innovation from Australia with the world.
Michael Stephenson, ARN Chief Operating Officer, said, “Our partnership with Mi3 brings together two industry leaders with a shared vision: to deliver intelligent, thought provoking and engaging content to audiences at scale. Mi3 will have access to our world class production facilities, distribution through iHeart – our global platform, and the ability to reach audiences at scale in Australia and abroad. This is going to be massive.”
Paul McIntyre, Executive Editor Mi3, added: “This new alliance with ARN and iHeart is bang-on broader media trends – audio consumption and podcasts, particularly, are on the rise. A light mea culpa though is in order: iHeart is a bigger and more prolific digital audio platform in Australia than I had properly clocked and its international reach is perfect for some of the content Mi3 produces. I’m looking forward to shaking our audio editions up a bit with ARN.”
This new commercial relationship also opens the door to greater innovation and collaboration between the two businesses – bringing together content, technology, and commercial opportunities as ARN continues to lead the way in shaping the future of audio.
3CR Community Radio provides a media space enabling progressive communities to voice ideas and build their power to create social change. 3CR acknowledges that we broadcast from the stolen lands stolen of the Kulin Nation, and sovereignty has never been ceded.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Station Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of the station, including the coordination of staff and ensuring access and equity for 3CR’s volunteer workers and affiliates. The Station Manager acts as the Executive Officer to the 3CR Committee of Management and to the Community Radio Federation.
The role involves a high degree of responsibility, the ideal candidate will have demonstrated leadership experience within a community organisation, managing staff and volunteers, finances and fundraising.
SELECTION CRITERIA
A commitment to 3CR’s mission, values, and objectives.
Proven experience leading staff and volunteers within a community organisation.
Strong financial management and fundraising skills, with budgeting and grant writing experience.
High-level organisational skills and the ability to manage priorities effectively.
Knowledge of nonprofit governance and compliance standards.
Excellent communication and people skills to collaborate across diverse communities.
Disability advocates and comedians Madeline Stewart and Alistair Baldwin are here to challenge tired narratives that define love, sex and disability as mutually exclusive. They pull back the curtain on the real-life experiences of dating and intimacy for disabled people in a new hilarious and heartful SBS Audio podcast – Love Without Limits.
This Disability Pride month no topic is off limits in this six-part podcast series featuring candid conversations with guests who share personal tales of love, sex, dating and relationships – from burgeoning romances and long-term partnerships to flings, friendships, self-love and everything in between. In light of this year’s Disability Pride theme ‘No Shame. No Apologies’, discussions spare no detail as the six-episode podcast examines the barriers to intimacy that people with disability can face. The series explores questions like ‘how does a person who has lost both their hands and feet adapt their sex life?’ and ‘why do we never see people with dwarfism having sex on our screens?’.
Hosts Madeline Stewart and Alistair Baldwin said: “We’re excited to be bringing Love Without Limits to life and to hold a space for conversations about the real-life reflections and experiences of dating and intimacy as a disabled person.”
“The series tackles the stereotypes of sex and disability that exist both on screen and off. The conversations we have are cheeky and heartfelt, and while they might sometimes be seen as risky, risqué or controversial, they’re necessary – because it’s important to hear from those who’ve been unfairly boxed-in by the same tired narratives.”
Creator and producer of the series Eliza Hull said: “Disabled people are so often desexualised, infantilised, or viewed through a medical lens that ignores our identities as sexual beings. I wanted to create a space where disabled people could share their own stories, in their own words, to challenge these stereotypes.”
Joining the series are: Carly Findlay OAM, renowned writer, speaker and appearance activist; Australia’s first actor with a cochlear implant, Nathan Borg, who played Curtis Perkins in Neighbours; Lisa Prowd, dancer, performance artist and life model, who has an incredible range of work exploring the normality and uniqueness of her own body; and Hannah Diviney, Australian actress, activist and author, who was part of the first Australian sex scene featuring a disabled actor (in Latecomers on SBS in 2022).
Love Without Limitsis an unapologetically funny, modern, and fearlesspodcast series that platforms the voices of disabled people and their experiences to challenge stereotypes and how we talk about love, sex and disability. Listen to all of SBS Audio’s podcasts on the SBS Audio App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, LiSTNR or wherever you stream podcasts. Episodes launching weekly.
Love Without Limits is the latest offering from SBS, recently named the Australian Podcaster of the Year for the third year in a row.